The Must Read Feminist Books of 2021

With the daily life of its two female main characters one can understand much better about women and -even if they both were not specifically feminist- about feminism.

N.K. Jemisin the author is a black female science fiction writer who won the HUGO award for her series The Broken Earth. The series is classified in the science fiction genre but anyone who has read agrees that it is a dystopian – end of the world type of story. I am not a science fiction reader and if you are not either do not let that classification scare you away. This book will pull any type of reader in and not let you out until you finish. The Broken Earth Trilogy is an epic, heart-rending, entrancingly written, unexpected, arresting, and most importantly, unforgettable. The series also explores the many levels of dysfunctional relationships, which easily draws you into the characters lives.

Simone de Beauvoir’s essential masterwork is a powerful analysis of the Western notion of “woman” and a revolutionary exploration of inequality and otherness. Unabridged in English for the first time, this long-awaited edition reinstates significant portions of the original French text cut in the first English translation. Vital and groundbreaking, Beauvoir’s pioneering and impressive text remains as pertinent today as when it was first published and will continue to provoke and inspire generations of men and women to come.

There is a subdued power in women that can be seen in this dystopian tale of a country under the tight control of a patriarchal cult. Women are the solutions to save the plummeting population by becoming handmaids to men of power. They become vessels to families that are unable to reproduce. They are kept as prisoners, no freedom to do as they please. And it is at the heart of the tale that the women realize what power they hold and what they can do to save themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this challenging revisioning of American History through the lives of black women that have shaped, prodded and endured America as it is today. The stories related by Professors Berry and Gross provide an overview of incredible paradigms of black women throughout American history, while at the same time providing the depth of narrative to stoke further curiosity and study into the brave, amazing women depicted and others within their orbit. The context, details and layers of community throughout the book lay plain the incredible contributions and sacrifices black women have made to and for this country. I was left inspired and disturbed, and of the resolute view that this book should be required reading for all of us.

A fantastic book!! Not just for showing the youngest ones in the family excellent core values, but for the adults to discover female icons that I had never heard about until I read this book. I have also learned more about other famous women that I had just a glimpse of knowledge of their powerful influence. And what can I say about the illustrations next to each biography? Outstanding drawings as impressive as the women they represent. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

Loved this book. Although it may be small, it’s full of knowledge. I have used it to do research and enlighten myself on the feminism movement. Very informative and also easy to read, while providing the correct and relevant information. Loved how it explains the different waves of feminism, includes relevant legislation to each year, and past and present feminist activists. Highly recommended.