The Most Important Feminist Books – Must Read Feminist Books

The Neapolitan tetralogy by one of the most influential female writers in the world of contemporary fiction Elena Ferrante, is a book collection I feel so thankful for reading early in my life. It focuses on the life and fate of two women, their families and their children. The author digs deep into what it means to be a woman in a world of men and how difficult the road to success can be for an ambitious woman. The issues of motherhood and career development are two of the most important topics in the novels which cover a period of over forty years in post-WW2 Italy. Both protagonists are strong women who wish to be well educated and independent but face the harsh reality of male dominance early in their lives. This collection changed the way I see feminism in the 21st century and helped me realise how the world has changed for women in the recent decades. A must-read!

Challenges how we think about assigned gender norms and behavior in society. Especially the whole blue for boys and pink for girls debate.

Fascinating book on how brutal criminal women are juxtaposed to male criminals

While non-binary may be a relatively new term to mainstream readers, non-binary people and writers have been discussing the complexities of gender fluidity for decades. Originally published in 1994 and recently revised and updated, self-described “nonbinary transfeminine diesel femme dyke” Bornstein explores the layers of cultural, political, and social factors that inform and shape gender performance, calling out the rigid expectations of a gender binary as harmful to people of all presentations.

This book brings in an important intersectional lens that is left out of so much of the writings on feminism.

I was touched and inspired by this brave young woman’s autobiographical account of her fight for girls to receive education in Pakistan. Malala describes her experiences which include an attempt on her life by the Taliban. She does not dwell on being a victim and her strength and courage at such a young age should be an inspiration to all men and women of all ages.

The Female Eunuch, introduced to me by one of my University professors was the first feminist book I ever read. Germaine Greer introduces her ideas that the traditional nuclear family set-up is oppressive to women and that change can only come through a women’s sexual revolution. Feminism has come a long way since this book was originally published in 1970 but highly recommended to anyone interested in the history of contemporary feminism.

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.