Little Feminist Books to Read in 2021

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf: Woolf changed the way literature was created and read thanks to her 1929 essay. It was meant as a critique of that time’s literary critique that followed inherent biases such as considering women lesser writers for no other reason than their gender. Woolf further dug down into how systematic educational and economic structures paved the way for this and how critics enabled it. It is considered one of the founding pieces of modern feminist literature, and it’s no mean feat to say that her words lead to an insurrection within the literary world with women demanding to get an equal opportunity to shine.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: Plath’s 1950 semi-autobiography was meant to be a take on a woman’s descent into mental illness. However, it has retained its potency and relevance over the years. Today, it is a landmark cultural achievement as a coming-of-age story for young feminists and how our experiences can both uplift and demotivate us. It’s main themes revolve around desire, disillusionment, fear, hope, and most importantly, societal pressure. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s felt fed-up of the role they feel has been pushed on to them by society without their own say.

Women, Culture, and Politics by Angela Davis: Angel Davis’ life is a living example of what determination and courage looks like. It is for this reason that when she writes, her words have a certain magnetism. This collection of her essays and speeches revolve around the subject of the changes that are constantly shaping our society and the role women have to play in it. It deals with the challenges women face, both politically and economically. What elevates this book further is her plethora of anecdotes that prove her point even further. A powerfully written polemic that has lost none of its zest since its release.

I admired the great Ruth Bader Ginsburg throughout her career, much of which was spent advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. Famously known as the ‘Notorious RBG’ this little pocket contains many of her inspirational quotes. Just the right size to carry in my pocket and a great reminder of one of the fiercest feminists of our times.

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.

I own a copy of this little book and enjoy reading Frida’s words every so often as she is the iconic Latinx symbol of bisexuality and feminism. Frida has been gone for many years, but what she left behind–her words and art–still resonate with many young women today.

I was lucky enough to see an advance copy of this book and I can’t recommend it enough. Many books claim to be intersectional, but this one actually is. The book gives us tools to be to live the life of our choosing, bravely and unapologetically. Women of all races and backgrounds can benefit from this book. It will help each of us to claim space but also to raise up our sisters.

ILOVE MYSELF; Affirmations for a happy life is a little feminist book full of empowering affirmations inside! There are no body shaming affirmations. It is a body positive feminist book. These feminist affirmations will uplift and inspire you. This book is geared towards self-love and self-care for all. It is under $10.