One of the fundamental and easiest ways to better understand the ideals of the feminist movement is by reading. What’s more, it’s also the easiest way to contribute to this important revolution: grab a book and sit back and read and find out why feminism (and not equality… or humanism ...or any of those jargons) is essential. And to make it easier, we have selected a list of books that can help you better understand the essence of feminism. happy reading!
1. a brief history of feminism by antje schrupp and illustrated by patu, translated by sophie lewis
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schrupp and patu published a graphic novel in 2017 that traces the development of feminism from ancient times to the third wave of the feminist movement. While the book is mostly limited to providing an account of the evolution of European and Western feminist movements, it is a fun, accessible, and educational read that will give readers a thirst for more.
2. Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
perez analyzes how gender policies are affected and enhanced by gaps in big data and forcefully argues that human history is made up of a pervasive gender data gap that effectively ‘silences’ and erases achievements, experiences, needs and daily life of women.
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3. the second sex by simone de beauvoir, 1949
combines existential philosophy with an astonishingly broad analysis of the condition of women: from fashion to sex to mysticism. de beauvoir satirises myths that keep women in a passive position, such as the fairy tale of romantic love, which promises a man’s salvation. she warns about “the harsh punishment inflicted on the woman who has not taken her fate into her own hands.”
4. feminism is for everyone by bell hooks
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suffice it to say that feminist theory can be a bit dense for some. That’s why feminist author and cultural critic Bell Hooks set out in 2000 to create an educational text for those whose understanding of feminism stems from television references and outdated ideas about “feminazis.” hooks, an impassioned treatise for secular feminists, explains and examines inclusive feminism and its practical application in a way that is both entertaining and informative.
Also read: 15 books by Indian writers that you loved in 2018
5. men explain rebecca solnit’s things to me
Best known for popularizing the term “mansplaining,” solnit’s collection of personal but decidedly uncloying essays delves into major themes of the modern feminist experience with clarity and humor. From being told about your own interests and the #yesallwomen movement to marriage equality, solnit’s pieces are a relatable, and often anger-inducing, look at gender in the 2010s.
Best known for popularizing the term “mansplaining,” solnit’s collection of personal but decidedly uncloying essays delves into big themes of the modern feminist experience with clarity and humor.
6. we should all be feminists by chimamanda ngozi adichie
Here, the award-winning author of Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the 21st century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and deep understanding of the often-masked realities of sexual politics, this is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now, and a rallying cry for why we all should be feminists. Published in 2014, this critically acclaimed and provocative New York Times bestseller is adapted from the much-admired 2012 Tedx talk of the same name.
7. the high caste hindu woman by pandita ramabai
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The book covers every stage of a high caste woman’s life, beginning with childhood, stating the place of women in religion and society so that Ramabai’s comments can have a clear context, and ending with a call to improve the lives of women through the creation of an institution where high caste widows could be educated and cared for and taught to be independent; this, she points out in an earlier chapter, goes against the laws of manu, as women are ‘never fit for independence’.
8. amrita pritam pinjar
pinjar(a), which means cage in hindi, is the story of a woman from punjab during the partition of india and pakistan. In Punjabi, pinjar means skeleton. tumultuous times, difficult situations, unbearable heartaches, demanding social norms and yet pure, the female protagonist of the story, she does the best she can.
tumultuous times, difficult situations, unbearable anguish, exacting and yet pure social norms, the female protagonist of the story does the best she can.
9. looking like a feminist by nivedita menon
The book studies the sexual division of labor, the rise in incidents of sexism and violence in the workplace, in the courts and in politics. the book explains our anxieties behind prostitution, abortion, commercial surrogacy, etc. while trying to convince us to look beyond them. What I found most central to the book was the understanding that society’s accepted biased practices classify something or someone without objective understanding, to trap us in their narrative.
Also read: book review: seeing as a feminist by nivedita menon
10. women & power by mary barba
Classicist Mary Beard traces women in history, from explaining man to jellyfish, and examines the current gender agenda by uncovering the relationship between women and power. With personal anecdotes and plenty of cultural awareness, she unravels the meaning behind “power” as we perceive it today.
This list is not exhaustive and suggestions to add to this list are welcome in the comments section.
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