This article showcases our top picks for the Best Feminist Non Fiction Books To Read. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).
We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.
Burnout by Emily Nagoski
This product was recommended by Holly Berrigan from MYSA Natural Wine
This book is technically for anyone feeling burnt out, but Emily specifically goes out of her way to note many areas where women are either biologically or socially more likely to end up burned out, why many of these areas are sexist, and actually offers solutions for dealing with stressors and feelings of burnout in practical terms that you can actually implement the same day. I find it refreshing because it debunks the myth that we have to do it all with the science behind why we can’t, why it’s wrongly skewed towards women, and physical things you can do to control the feelings of anxiety you may get.
STAND by Kathryn Bertine
This product was recommended by Leslie Barrett from PR by the Book
“It’s 2021, women are equal, right?” Nope. There are still many barriers, rules and loopholes that keep women from equity and equal opportunity. Kathryn believes we can fix these inequities. Step one is exposing them…in the most effective way. Next, if someone wants to fight for change, where do they begin? Kathryn discusses education, research, teamwork and organization being the first steps in creating change. And finally, activism isn’t relegated to the famous, wealthy, politicians, celebrities. Kathryn shares how anyone can create change and tips to create teams—and change—together.
No Modernism Without Lesbians by Diana Souhami
This product was recommended by Angela Melamud from Kaye Publicity
It’s an extraordinary story of how a singular group of women in a pivotal time and place – Paris, between the wars – fostered the birth of the Modernist movement. Sylvia Beach, Bryher, Natalie Barney, and Gertrude Stein. A trailblazing publisher; a patron of artists; a society hostess; a groundbreaking writer. They were all women who loved women. They rejected the patriarchy and made lives of their own – forming a community around them in Paris.
The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs
This product was recommended by Tomi Akitunde from mater mea
History often discounts the contributions of women and mothers. The Civil Rights Movements biggest icons—Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin—did not move our country forward alone; their politics and the lens through which they viewed the world and wanted better for it were all informed by the women who birthed and raised them. In this book, Alberta King, Louise Little, and Berdis Baldwin get their due recognition for the indelible mark they left on their sons. Tubbs shows the revolutionary love and radical politics of each woman and provides details about their lives that were once only family lore. These women faced discrimination and hurdles by a racist, patriarchal system and still found ways to support their families and build communities.
Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud by Anne Helen Petersen
This product was recommended by Matt Weidle from Buyer’s Guide
Women are expected to exude beauty and grace. However, in this Peterson’s book, she redefined what womanhood looks like today. Through the lives of eleven powerhouse celebrities, she gave a light of how these personalities have broken boundaries and defied the societal standards of being a woman. Peterson bravely unveiled the truth behind women who are too strong, too fat, too gross, too slutty, too old, too pregnant, too shrill, too queer, too loud, and too naked. Stigma is still present against these unruly women embracing and showing their indifference to the world. Through this book, it will teach you to see beyond cultural norms. Together with the stories of each woman in the book, Peterson’s words breathe transparency and genuineness. It will challenge your belief and reshape how you see women today. This book is a must-read for every individual who wants to see empowered, enabled, and strong women on the rise.
Men Explain This to Me by Rebecca Solnit
This product was recommended by Charli Burbidge from Petz
The book helped to cultivate the idea of ‘mansplaining’ and tuen first essay in the book shows us how some people do not believe that women can create anything that they may be able to. The entire book is so funny and aggravating at the same time, and will help to light a flame in you that you are powerful, and you can create and be who you want to be, and you do not need to be able to listen to men in order to be a success.
Milionairess Lifestyle by Dr. Jewel Tankard
This product was recommended by Taiisha Bradley from Jewel Tankard Foundation
I am suggesting this book because Dr. Tankard empowers and educates women, promotes confidence and financial literacy while offering support to single mothers and victims of domestic violence. She believes that women can be millionaires in their own right, giving them more options and freedoms in their lives.
Henry and June by Anais Nin
This product was recommended by Alice Queen from Vanilla is the New Kink
To say that author Anaïs Nin was a woman ahead of her times is an understatement. In the 1930s, she wrote extensively about sexuality, open marriage, same-sex attraction and abortion. Allegedly, she did not define herself as a feminist, but there’s no doubt in my mind that she stood up for women’s freedom and liberation and was away ahead of the crowd! For those not familiar with her work, I strongly recommend Henry and June: From A Journal of Love – The Unexpurgated Diary of Anaïs Nin (1931-1932), a memoir covering her affair with Henry Miller and her sexually charged friendship with Miller’s wife, June. The book is unapologetically erotic, smart and captivating.
Salt Slow by Julia Armfield
This product was recommended by Aaron Simmons from Test Prep Genie
This book focused on the experiences in society, sexuality, bodies, fears, relationships and lives of women. Characters of the story show different feelings such as love, obsession, revenge and isolation.
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
This product was recommended by Aaron Simmons from Test Prep Genie
This is a bestseller of “Sunday Times”. No wonder it attracts the readers’ attention because of the story full of challenges and life full of art and love. A book that tells gender stereotypes and battle for entitlement.
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
This product was recommended by Aaron Simmons from Test Prep Genie
An interesting nobel prize winning novel that touches the heart of every woman because of its story related to mental illness. An inspiring story that tells how a person struggles to live and to become strong even with mental health problems.
Live! Love! Reset! God’s Plan by Karen C. Baker
This product was recommended by Karen C. Baker from KC Baker and Associates
Black businesswoman, financial advisor and new author Karen C. Baker, started a company that focuses on financial literacy and wealth-building strategies and pursues a life of helping others find hope. In Baker’s new book, launched on January 2, she hopes to get people, especially women, to understand that now is the time to get your financial house in order. Through both her business and book, her goal is to offer hope, guidance and practical solutions for her community and people who feel lost in adversity. Having overcome adversity of her own after battling breast cancer, getting out of an abusive relationship, and gaining strength with a disability, Karen knows that it doesn’t matter where you are in life; a sound strategy can be designed to get you to your unique financial goals. At the end of the day, everyone just needs to start. You either start now so you can plan to succeed, or you do nothing and plan to fail due to no plan in place.
I Choose Love by A.G. Billig
This product was recommended by A.G. Billig from AGBILLIG
If you’d like to start a journey of self-study and need ideas on how to improve your self-worth and confidence, give her book a try. You will garner some great advice and walk away with a better feeling about yourself- The Naked Reviewers Have the current times made you feel disconnected, confused, fearful, but you long for an authentic life of integration, love, and joy? Well, it’s time you awaken your superpower, and this book will help you do it! Love is your superpower that lies dormant in your heart, waiting to be awakened and expressed. When you choose to manifest this superpower, when you choose love, your brain and heart work in sync, and your wishes become a reality fast, as by a miracle. You perceive the Universe as it really is, benevolent and supportive. You finally get to love and accept yourself and find the strength to pursue your dreams. Everything in your life– your relationships, your career and finances, your health–gets better. I Choose Love: A Journey from Fear to Love is a powerful and transformational handbook for awakening your heart, reaffirming your direction in life, and experiencing love every day. It gives you the best mindfulness tools for reclaiming your sensuality and feminine power, navigating change and uncertain time, loving yourself and others, boosting your self-confidence and self-worth, feeling more energetic healthier, and happier, grounding yourself and overcoming your fears. Inspired by her personal journey to becoming a loving human being, A.G.Billig—author, radio host, and Reiki practitioner interweaves real stories with ancient wisdom. The empowering messages and tools presented in the book are the result of her encounters with spiritual teachers and healers such as Neale Donald Walsch and John of God, the study of ancient wisdom and over the years of spiritual practice.
Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden
This product was recommended by Lara Briden from LaraBriden
I am suggesting this book because one of the many things feminists do is work to bring rightful power over women’s bodies back to women. This book helps navigate perimenopause and menopause, something that has not been regularly discussed in our culture.