My Favourite Feminist Books

I believe in equality for everyone regardless of all things. I believe we should read more feminist literature whether it is fiction, non fiction or poetry in order to contribute to this equality. Books can not change the world but it can change people. As Herbert Marcuse says in ‘The Aesthetic Dimension’  “Art can not change the world, but it can contribute to changing the consciousness and drive of the men and women who could change the world”. With no further ado here is my 10 favourite feminist books!

A side note: If you ever feel like reading a non fiction book about art/literature you should definitely consider reading ‘The Aesthetic Dimension’ by Herbert Mercuse. It is a difficult book to get through with very long and complex sentences but what Marcuse argues is really interesting and much worth reading! And it is only 108 pages so it should be able to overcome.

We Should All Be Feminist by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This is the only non fiction book on this list. I only read it last month but it has already inspired me a lot. ‘We Should All Be Feminist actually originated as a Ted Talk and is now a pretty famous(?) essay on feminism. If you should read one non fiction book on feminism read this!

Asking For It by Louise O’Neill

This is a contemporary book on feminism, rape culture and victim blaming. By all the books on the list this is definitely the most tough. It is not for the faint hearted. It follows Emma and the struggles she faces after being raped by some local boys. Read my review here!

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

This is as you may know a poetry collection. It tackles many themes as abuse, violence, love and femininity. But is still shows that there is light and hope if you are willing to look. Kaur’s prose is amazing! I haven’t read ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ yet but I will.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

This is another contemporary book and you probably know it is as well. I only read this small but powerfull book last year but it was worth the wait. I shows that even the smallest voice deserves to be heard.

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

This is primarily a classic book and is actually not marked as as feminist book on Goodreads but I decided to add to my list anyway. The protagonist Margaret Hale shows inspirational traits and is quite before her time. She does not want to be left on the side line but to have a say in what matters. Read my review here or read my post on why North & South still matters today!

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The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed

The girls in this book is utterly amazing! They are so different, flawed and real. This is another contemporary novel that tackles assault. But it also shows what girls and women are capable of if they work together in stead of against each other.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill

Another book by Louise O’Neill but this is a dystopian science fiction book. This book takes place in a futuristic nightmare world where girls are nothing and only scientifically engineered for the pleasure of men. Yup this is not a pleasent read either. But is still beautiful in its own horrible way. It is also about friendship and love. Read my review here.

Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne

This contemporary book deals with mental health as the main character Evie suffers from OCD. But is also explore feminism in a fun and easy way. Evie creates together with her friends Lottie and Amber, The Spinster Club as well as some rules for feminist dating. This is a thoughtful but also fun book. Read my post ‘Three reasons why you should read Am I Normal yet?’.

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

This is a fantasy book and is quite different from other feminist books. It is a classic fairytale turned up-side down. If you aren’t into “typical” feminist books you should read this one. It follows Ama who wakes up in the arms of a Prince. But things aren’t quite what they seem. This book is both bold and provoking.

The Exact Opposite Of Okay by Laura Steven

In this hilarious contemporary novel one follows Izzy who becomes a victim of revenge porn. A website is created solely to slut-shame Izzy and Izzy struggles to keep her head high. Izzy is foremost fun but she is also a unique and genuine character something rare. This book investigates women’s rights of their on body and sexuality. Read my review here.

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All these books deals with tough themes but are “easy” reading and mostly YA. They don’t demand much of you but they still forces you to think and hopefully they will continue to do so even after you have read them.

Best, Nicoline 🖤

What is a feminist book?

Roxane Gay author of ‘Bad Feminist’ argues among other things in ‘These on the Feminist Novel in Dissent Magazine that “A feminist novel, then, is one that not only deals explicitly with the stories and thereby the lives of women; it is also a novel that illuminates some aspect of the female condition and/or offers some kind of imperative for change and/or makes a bold or unapologetic political statement in the best interests of women.” 

Roxane also argues that “A feminist novel does not shy away from that which makes its protagonists or its readers uncomfortable. It can often be about what has been taken away from us—about the ways women often feel a sense of loss. A feminist novel is not afraid to make the reader hurt.” This is so true. (un)fortunately many of these books listed above will not be a pleasant read. But they should be read anyhow. 

Read Roxane Gay’s full theses in Dissent Magazine here!

What is your favourite feminist novel/book? Have you read any of these? Any feminist books fiction or non fiction you would recommend me?

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a new topic for bloggers to choose and list their top ten. This week’s theme is Genre Frebie. I decided to list my 10 favourite feminist books.