The best 100 Gender & Sexuality books

Half the Sky is about unlocking the greatest untapped resource on Earth: women. It outlines some of the most serious problems facing women throughout the world, such as human trafficking and gender-based violence, and why it’s so difficult for the world to overcome them, and what we stand to gain if we do.

• Women and men everywhere
• Anyone interested in feminism and gender equality
• Anyone who wants to make the world a better place

Getting to 50/50 (2009) exposes the myths surrounding traditional male and female parental roles and provides actionable techniques that allow both mothers and fathers to be independent earners, enjoy quality time with their children and share responsibilities in the household.

• Parents who want to share their responsibilities but don’t know how
• Pregnant women or mothers who want to continue working throughout motherhood

Unfinished Business (2015) offers a frank analysis of a pressing question. Is it really possible for men and women to “have it all” in our modern society? Can we hope to have a great family life and great career? As these blinks reveal, striking a balance between the personal and the professional isn’t only possible; it’s easier than you might think.

• Women who want to have a successful career and a happy family
• CEOs who want to provide a mother-friendly workplace
• Men hoping to learn more about what equal romantic partnership means

In The Professor in the Cage (2015), professor Jonathan Gottschall enters the world of mixed martial arts to discover the sources of our fascination with violence. Through the power of modern science and by applying the weight of human history, these blinks reveal how our love of fighting is grounded in our deepest human instincts.

• Anyone interested in the origins of violence
• People fascinated by martial arts
• Anyone hoping to learn more about humanity’s fascination with fighting

The Second Sex (1949), an 800-page feminist classic, explains how woman has been shaped into the “Other,” second sex – the negative counterpart to man. By examining history, myths, biology and life experience, de Beauvoir paints a clear picture of why woman is subjugated to man, and how womankind should respond.

• Feminists
• People interested in philosophy
• Anyone who loves classics

In We Should All Be Feminists (2014), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie expands on her much admired TEDx talk to address our deepest misconceptions about feminism. By masterfully interweaving personal anecdotes, philosophy and her talent for prose, she explains how men and women are far from being equal, how women are systematically discriminated against and what we can do about it.

• Anyone who doesn’t see the need for feminism
• Feminists looking for more arguments and reasoning to strengthen their positions
• Anyone on the fence about the role feminism can play in modern-day society

Men Explain Things To Me (2014) is a collection of essays that examine the range of misogyny in our culture, from everyday microaggressions to legal systems that fail to punish rape. Solnit explains how sexism perpetuates itself, and what we can all do to eliminate it.

• Women who are tired of men talking down to them
• Men who want to be allies in the fight against misogyny
• Anyone curious about feminism or how deep-rooted sexism is in our society

Asking for It (2015) is about rape culture, the social and cultural practices that normalize rape by diminishing the experiences of victims and vindicating perpetrators. These blinks outline the various manifestations and effects of rape culture, and the steps we can take to dismantle it.

• Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual violence
• Romantic partners looking to understand more about consensual sex
• Policy makers and sex educators

Fast Forward (2015) is about one of the most underappreciated resources on earth: women. These blinks, which argue that women will be the key to this century’s greatest achievements, outline many of the myriad problems that women face, as well as the steps we can take to solve them.

• Feminists and human rights activists
• Anyone interested in global power politics
• People who want to make the world a better place

Sex and the Citadel (2013) offers a revealing look at the sex lives of people in Muslim countries, especially Egypt, which, about 200 years ago, was a hotbed of sensual and sexual activity, but has since become a conservative and sexually repressed society. These blinks take you through the taboos, censorship and gender discrimination that many Muslims continue to resist.

• Non-Muslims hoping to learn more about the diversity of Muslim society
• Muslims interested in their culture’s sexuality
• Feminists who want a better understanding of the struggles Muslim women face

Why Love Hurts (2012) is about the history of love, romance and relationships. These blinks detail the gender differences, cultural expectations and social structures that shape our conception of love and make it one of the more difficult emotions to experience.

• Men who are fed up with being called unemotional
• Women who are tired of being considered clingy
• Singles who struggle to maintain relationships

The Beauty Myth (1991) will help you understand the anxiety that surrounds women, and the cult of beauty that dominates our society today. It identifies the patriarchal and economic forces that shape the unfair expectations and norms that women face. Learn how we can be better equipped to build a less biased future.

• Anyone struggling with a negative body image
• Women who feel pressured into looking a certain way
• Feminists concerned about modern standards of beauty

Galileo’s Middle Finger (2015) tackles head on the controversial issue of transgender research, intersex issues, and the conflicts that have arisen between academics, scientists and activists. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at just how dangerous an idea can be when it challenges a familiar narrative or an established ideology and  reminds us that, in the face of harmful threats and accusations, it’s important to be open, honest and persevering—and that science and social justice need each other in order to work.

• Activists fighting for controversial causes
• Scholars studying ground-breaking subjects
• People who want to transcend identity politics

Engines of Liberty (2016) is an exploration into the influence citizens can have on government, and the changes that can be brought about through activism, the spreading of information and the mobilization of one’s peers. When it comes to the big issues of our time, like gay marriage, guns and human rights, it’s passionate citizens who are speaking up for what they believe in and bringing about change.

• Activists passionate about civil liberties
• Lawyers and politicians interested in the history of civil rights
• Concerned citizens who want to become more active

The Managed Heart (1983) is the seminal sociological text that introduced the concept of emotional labor. These blinks reveal how we adjust our emotions to our advantage in social and professional contexts, and shed light on the risks and consequences of this form of self-management.

• Readers working customer-facing jobs
• Students interested in gender issues in the workplace
• Working mothers frustrated with the expectations they face

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) is a historical text that details the gender disparities of the eighteenth century. These blinks explain the ways in which women were subservient to men at this time, why the author wanted a fairer world to take shape and how she suggested it could be done.

• Feminists everywhere
• History and sociology students
• Men who want a historical look at women’s rights issues

Moody Bitches (2015) is your guide to the female body and brain. These blinks explain some of the reasons behind the emotions and fluctuating moods that women can experience and how they can better tune into themselves, embrace their feelings and their bodies.

• Women who are frustrated by their mood swings
• Young girls who want to know more about their brains and bodies
• Women who want to have better sex

The Female Eunuch (1970) is an explosive feminist classic that confronts the societal expectations holding women back. These blinks argue that it’s womankind’s responsibility to create new definitions of femininity and take ownership of their bodies, sex and lives.

• Sociology students looking for an introduction to second-wave feminism
• Budding feminists seeking an empowering read
• Men who’d like to learn about the forces shaping patriarchal society

Unscrewed (2017) looks at the numerous obstacles that women face every day on their path to equality and respect. Author Jaclyn Friedman shows the way forward. She shines a light on those who are already hard at work dismantling these barriers and explains why even though the current system may be imbalanced, but we can build a new one.

• Women and men interested in sexual politics
• Sociology students
• Readers who want to be better sex educators

In Women and Power (2017), Mary Beard brings her considerable expertise and wry wit to bear on history's treatment of powerful women. Britain's best-known classicist retells stories from the ancient world and brings her analytical insight to the modern day. Beard explores the cultural roots of misogyny, the vilification of women’s voices, and asks whether it’s time for power to be redefined.

• History buffs
• People interested in feminism
• People looking for context to current discussions about sexual harassment, abuse of power and the #MeToo movement

How Not To Be a Boy (2017) is writer and actor Robert Webb’s personal account of what it was like to grow up as a boy in rural England. In particular, what it was like to be the kind of boy who wasn’t all that into typically “manly” stuff. Webb’s tale is both a heartfelt autobiography and a humorously critical assessment of the pressures society can put on young men.

• Readers who love a funny story
• People opposed to gender stereotypes
• Fans of Robert Webb and Peep Show

Brotopia (2018) explores the male-dominated culture permeating the technology industry and looks at why and how women are excluded from it. Looking especially at Silicon Valley and the companies based there, the book argues that the tech world is anything but progressive.

• Those who work or want to work in the tech industry
• Female employees who believe they are unfairly mistreated in the workplace
• Tech company CEOs and managers 

Power Up (2017) aims to empower women in the workplace with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes from a Silicon Valley pioneer. Although primarily focused on the tech industry, it’s a guidebook that can be applied to breaking glass ceilings in all industries. From taking ownership of career choices to navigating sexist office politics, Magdalena Yesil offers a call to action for women who want appropriate credit for their hard work and a salary to match.

• Women in business
• Anyone working in the tech industry
• Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists

Girl, Wash Your Face (2018) is about one crucial truth – you, and you alone, are responsible for your life and happiness. It’s an empowering and sometimes challenging guide to living a joyful, productive and ambitious life.

• Moms and women who feel overwhelmed by life
• Anyone who needs a little inspiration to pursue their dreams

How Women Rise (2018) explores the surprising things that women say, do and think in the workplace that hold them back from progressing. Using real-world examples and practical advice, the blinks explain how professional women can meet their full potential and rise to the top of their chosen career ladder.

• Women wanting to climb the career ladder
• Employers who seek to make their workplace more female-friendly
• Social psychology enthusiasts looking for fresh insights

Flow (2009) explores the historical and cultural context of menstruation. By doing so, it seeks to debunk the myths that surround periods and address the misperceptions people have of the basic bodily process of menstruation.

• Those interested in the history and cultural significance of menstruation
• Women who are afraid to ask their friends and family about periods and sexual health
• Women experiencing puberty or menopause

Girl, Stop Apologizing (2019) is a helpful and empowering guide for any woman who’s felt the need to apologize for pursuing their dreams and wanting more out of life. Author Rachel Hollis shares tips and advice that have helped her reach her personal goals – and that might help others realize their own dreams too.

• Women eager to be more productive
• Moms tired of being made to feel guilty for being ambitious
• Anyone interested in being more driven

Bad Feminist (2014) is a collection of often personal essays examining race, gender and feminism in the United States. The author, Roxane Gay, pays particular attention to the way media, politics and pop culture shape society’s views and champions her own brand of feminism – one that doesn’t always follow the rules.

• Anyone not sure if feminism is for them
• Anyone looking to gain insight into racial equality in America
• Students of politics, literature and creative writing

Bloody Brilliant Women (2018) shines a light on some of British history’s most remarkable women, who, for years, were conveniently left out of history books mainly written by men. Newman rights this wrong, providing an exhaustive history of the multitude of women responsible for shaping Britain from the 1880s to the present day.

• History buffs
• Feminists
• Anglophiles

Ancient Egypt is a historical anomaly: the Egyptians called upon women to lead their country more frequently than any other culture. Tracing their rise to power within the authoritarian system of divine kingship, When Women Ruled the World (2018) tells the stories of Egypt’s six most important female leaders – Merneith, Neferusobek, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, Tawosret and Cleopatra – and explores what lessons they hold about female leadership for us today.

• Folks who are interested in the history of female leadership
• Women who want to be inspired by female trailblazers of the past
• History buffs who want to learn more about life and death in ancient Egypt

The Moment of Lift (2019) relates the journey that Melinda Gates embarked upon to help empower women all around the world. Whether through stories of people she met via her charitable work or from experiences recounted by others, this part-memoir, part-call-to-action explores the myriad social and economic issues women and girls face on a daily basis. But while many of these hurdles seem insurmountable, only by overcoming them can humanity as a whole move forward to a more egalitarian and just future.

• Women who want to learn more about gender issues
• Men looking to understand the hardships faced by women
• Curious minds interested in the links between poverty, gender and inequality

Dear Ijeawele (2017) is a series of suggestions for raising young girls to be strong, independent women. A few years ago, a childhood friend of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie asked her advice on a very important topic – how to raise her daughter to be a feminist. Her friend was called Ijeawele, and this book is the author’s response.

• Feminists
• Parents of daughters
• Men looking for insight into what it’s like to grow up as a girl

In Invisible Women (2019), Caroline Criado Perez argues that there is a “gender data gap” – that the bulk of the world’s data is based on male bodies and male behaviors. The result is a world that not only caters to men but often actively disadvantages women. Perez shows how the data underpinning everything from medicine and AI to the size of our smartphones fails to account for women’s needs. She explores the myriad problems this data gap causes and suggests how it might best be addressed.

• Feminists of all genders
• People interested in design, public policy, urban planning, AI and tech
• Data scientists and analysts

She/He/They/Me (2019) provides readers with a unique opportunity to explore the many concepts and phenomena of gender. Weaving anthropology, global history and gender studies into a fascinating blend of empirical information and theoretical speculation, author Robyn Ryle opens our eyes to the sheer vastness of the possible forms that gender can take.

• People interested in fighting for a society that has more gender equality 
• Those seeking a deeper understanding of masculinity and femininity 
• Individuals interested in doing away with such dualities altogether

Fair Play (2019) explores gender inequality in the division of domestic labor and the impact of this inequality on mothers. Packed with practical advice, these blinks also offer couples a radical approach to reallocating domestic chores so that women married to men can get a fairer deal. 

• Busy working mothers
• Fathers seeking a better work-life balance
• Stay-at-home moms wanting to change their lives

In The Witches are Coming (2019) writer and feminist activist Lindy West applies her scalpel-sharp intellect to today’s political landscape. She uncovers the ideological agendas behind everything from Adam Sandler movies to the wellness movement, abortion rights to Louis C.K.’s comeback. This is feminism for the post #metoo era.

• Feminists who feel frustrated by the state of contemporary gender politics
• Men who want to be better allies to the women in their lives
• Anyone who’s oppressed by the patriarchy

In Know My Name (2019), Chanel Miller presents her side of what happened when she was sexually assaulted by Stanford student Brock Turner and forced to endure a long and traumatizing trial in the public eye. Drawing parallels between her own experience and the structural mistreatment of women in the court system, she explains what made her determined to share her story and empower other survivors.

• People who want to learn more about the experience of sexual assault survivors in the US court system
• Memoir-lovers who want to be inspired by the story of a remarkable woman 
• Activists who want inspiration for effecting political change

Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism (2018) makes an argument that’s even more provocative than its title suggests. More than just better sex, it claims that women have better lives in general under socialism. To prove this claim, it compares and contrasts women’s lives under state socialism, democratic socialism, and neoliberal capitalism. 

• Socialists wanting ammunition for their next argument 
• Capitalists wanting food for thought 
• Women and men wanting a fresh take on gender equality

The Soul of a Woman (2021) is an honest and personal meditation on life, feminism, and what it means to be a woman. Drawing on experiences from the author’s life, it explores issues around women’s oppression, love, ambition, aging, and abuse. It is at once the story of one woman and the story of all women.

• Anyone who has experienced misogyny
• Men who want to understand what life is like for women
• Fans of biographies and memoirs

Narrated by Karen Cass

Vindication (2006) tells the inspiring, thrilling, and often tragic tale of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, known today as the founder of modern feminism. Drawing on significant moments in Wollstonecraft’s life, from her childhood in an abusive household to her experiences co-founding a school and living in Revolutionary France, it paints a picture of a woman who was as complex as she was brilliant. Throughout every stage of her life, Wollstonecraft was truly an original thinker, and her influence on feminist thought continues to ring out today.

• Feminists and people interested in the history of women
• Fans of stories about tragic heroes
• Anyone fascinated by the personal lives of famous historical figures

Beat Gender Bias (2020) explores the beliefs and behaviors that underpin the glass ceiling and that stop women and girls from reaching their full potential. It explores the persistence of workplace sexism and explains how leaders can tackle it.

• Sociology buffs looking for a different perspective 
• Feminists hoping to create change in their workplaces
• Leaders seeking insights into equality and diversity issues

You Are Your Best Thing (2021) is an anthology of original essays that explore Black experiences of living, loving, and parenting in America today. It examines concepts like vulnerability and shame, and shows that the key to personal healing lies in confronting white supremacy and the racist systems that make Black people feel unsafe in their communities. 

• Black people looking for tools to heal from trauma
• Psychology-lovers seeking new perspectives on how the personal and political intersect
• Those who want to deepen their understanding of the impact of racism in America

All In (2021) tells the remarkable life story of Billie Jean King, the woman who led a call for equality in women’s sports that soon reverberated around the world. King’s activism and refusal to back down led to real changes in the US legislature, with results that spread far beyond the realm of sports. All the while, King grappled with personal issues that would only find resolution later in life.

• Sports fans
• Activists and equal rights crusaders
• Anyone who loves a good inspirational story

Find Your Unicorn Space (2021) opens the door to an important conversation about what makes us unique as individuals and offers a guide to discovering, claiming, and growing your creative interests.

• Women who give too much
• Creatives who don’t have time to create
• Recovering workaholics, martyrs, people pleasers, and moms

We Should All Be Millionaires (2021) shows how women can attain financial success by casting off impostor syndrome and demanding that they be paid what they’re really worth. Here, you’ll learn how the ability to earn, save, and manage money has been denied to women – and why that’s a bad thing for the world as a whole.

• Women looking to empower themselves with wealth
• Those looking to found companies of their own
• Any woman who has been underpaid and overworked

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

• Artists looking for inspiring words
• Women exploring the history of feminism 
• Those struggling to understand social injustice

Unbound (2021) is a powerful memoir by Tarana Burke, the founder of the Me Too movement. Survivors of sexual abuse stay silent because of shame and victim-blaming around the abuse. The Me Too movement has created a remarkable community of survivors who support each other in challenging stigma and holding perpetrators to account. 

• Followers of #MeToo who want to find out where it all began 
• Survivors of sexual assault looking for an inspiring story about how to heal in spite of obstacles
• Activists who want to learn more about Burke’s unique approach to fighting for social justice

The Female Brain (2006) is a classic of popular neuroscience which argues that hormone-driven neural development shapes many of women’s drives and behaviors. Just a few hormones chart a course through the cycle of changes that mark life with a female brain.

• Anyone with a female brain wondering how it all works
• Biology buffs curious about the intersections of nature and behavior
• Those who interact with female brains looking for insight

Women, Race and Class (1981) is a collection of essays that expose how racism, sexism, and classism intertwined in the struggle for women’s suffrage in the United States. With special emphasis on the historical missteps of the mainstream feminist movement, it charts a path for an anti-racist and anti-classist feminism. 

• Feminists looking to understand intersectionality more deeply
• History buffs
• Anyone invested in the ongoing struggle for justice

Financial Feminism (2022) debunks the money myths and exposes the systemic oppression that keeps many stuck in toxic jobs or cycles of debt. Offering practical solutions that everyone can start today to close the wage gap, ramp up financial fitness, and build the life of their dreams.

• Anyone feeling stuck living paycheck to paycheck
• Those who want to retire someday
• Anyone frustrated by the sexist wealth gap looking to build a more equal future

The Male Brain (2010) is a neuroscientist’s account of the interplay between hormones and brain development that shapes the formation and growth of male brains and behavior. Based on decades of research, it argues that the roots of many masculine stereotypes can be seen in neurobiology, and that hormones shape the male brain and outlook for a lifetime.

• Anyone with a male brain wondering about how it works
• Minds curious about biology’s effect on culture
• Those who interact with male brains looking for insights

Lessons in Chemistry (2022) is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who has the misfortune of being a woman in 1950s America. After a frustrating failed academic career, Zott finds success in an unlikely place: as the host of a television cooking show.

• Foodies interested in the science behind cooking
• Feminists looking for a window into the history of women in STEM
• Anyone who appreciates stories that are sharp and warm-hearted

Jane Eyre (1874) is an intense, intimate portrait of a young woman’s search to find her place in Victorian society without compromising her passionate ideals. It follows her as she navigates life’s obstacles – and her developing love for the mysterious Edward Rochester.

• Hopeless romantics who crave plot twists and turns
• History lovers keen to get a window into life as a nineteenth-century governess
• Fans of period dramas like Outlander and Bridgerton

The Rational Male (2013) implores men to adopt a pragmatic view of intersexual relationships founded on evolutionary and behavioral concepts. Waking up to the evidence, it argues, will set men on a course to prioritizing their needs over the survival instincts of women who currently (covertly) rule the roost.

• Members of the Manospehere and Red Pill movement
• Anyone trying to understand the key concepts of the Manosphere 
• People looking to understand today’s gender conflicts

Good for a Girl (2023) chronicles the career of pro runner Lauren Fleshman, and the issues with the sports system she encountered along the way. It’s both a memoir detailing her life and a manifesto crying for change.

• Aspiring female athletes and coaches
• Advocates of sports industry change
• Fans of Lauren Fleshman

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

• Fans of stories told from a female perspective
• Lovers of classic literature
• Anyone who likes a good young adult story

In Order to Live (2015) follows the survival story of Yeonmi Park, a North Korean woman who escaped from her home country. In this inspiring memoir, Yeonmi goes through her horrific journey from North Korea to China and finally to South Korea.

• Human rights activists
• Those curious about North Korea
• Anyone looking for an uplifting story

Real Self-Care (2023) exposes the dark side of the global self-care industry by connecting the systemic inequality faced by marginalized groups like women and people of color, and the stress, burnout and chronic illness faced by so many. It offers a science-based alternative and cognitive strategies for living with ease and purpose. 

• Frustrated self-carers who feel they’re somehow doing it wrong
• Tired life-optimizers who wonder why they still feel behind
• Those looking for kinder, gentler transformation from the inside-out

Wuthering Heights (1847) is a masterpiece of English literature. Set in Yorkshire, it tells the story of two families and their intense, often tumultuous relationships – in particular, the stormy romance between Heathcliff and Catherine.

• Fans of family sagas
• People drawn to unconventional love stories and antiheroes
• Anyone interested in classic novels of the nineteenth century

The Evolution of Desire (1994) drew on the largest study of human mating at the time to analyze the evolutionary foundations that lie behind our everyday desires and mating preferences. It was updated with new material in 2016.

• Psychology nerds
• Individuals looking to attract a mate
• Anyone curious about how our deepest desires work

Mad Honey (2022) tells the story of two women who have fled abusive pasts to make a new life in the small town of Adams, New Hampshire. When one is found dead, and the other finds her son accused of the murder, the tense courtroom drama that unfolds shines light on the true cost of secrets kept for love.

• Fiction lovers craving a well-told tale about timely issues
• Courtroom drama fans looking for a story with suspenseful, emotional twists 
• Anyone curious about a narrative of complex characters facing challenging times

The Ethical Slut (1997) has long been the trusted handbook for anyone exploring sex, romance, and intimacy outside the constraints of monogamy. An updated 2017 edition combines time-tested strategies for navigating polyamory with advice on how to embrace an even greater diversity of orientations and relationship configurations.

• Pleasure-seekers who’d like to explore a greater variety of sexual partners
• Seasoned polyamorists who want to make multiple partnerships really work
• Anyone who lives – or would like to live – outside the strictures of conventional monogamy

Unscripted (2023) is the outrageous true story of Sumner Redstone, the former chairman and controlling shareholder of ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). It focuses on the eventful final years of Redstone’s life, as well as the downfall of his successor at CBS, Les Moonves.

• Fans of TV dramas like Succession
• People who enjoy juicy nonfiction and true crime
• Anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of corporate America

A Little Life (2015) follows the lives of four friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, moody painter JB, quiet architect Malcolm, and the brilliant, mysterious litigator Jude. Over the years, the four friends grow together, drift apart, find love and success, and struggle with loss and addiction. As enigmatic Jude gradually moves into the center of the narrative, the full extent of his unbearable burden begins to reveal itself. 

• People who enjoy character-driven literature
• Fans of stories about complex relationships 
• Anyone in need of a good cry

Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.

• Theater enthusiasts interested in the history of drama
• Fans of classical literature and mythology
• Anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, family, and power

Myth America (2022) is a collection of essays that examine and dismantle some of the most pervasive myths about America: how it was founded, who’s allowed to be here, and how we define a ‘real’ American or American family.

• History buffs
• Students of American politics
• Activists and social justice warriors

A Radical Awakening (2021) shows you how to heal by connecting to your authentic self – the person you were meant to be before society’s lies and conditioning morphed you into something else. It speaks from a woman’s point of view, but it doesn’t exclude men. Instead, it seeks to lift everyone from the pain of their past and into a higher consciousness.

• Anyone who wants to heal from their past 
• Women who’d like to discover their inner power
• People who feel subjugated by society

The Bluest Eye (1970) is the debut novel of author Toni Morrison. It tells the story of Pecola Breedlove and her parents, and reflects upon the familial and societal circumstances that would lead a Black girl to wish she had blue eyes.

• Anyone interested in exploring themes of race and identity
• Fans of landmark works of modern literature
• Those seeking insight into African-American history and experience

The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) is a contemporary classic – the story of a patriarchal dystopia that inspired the hit television series of the same name and remains as relevant today as it did when it was first published.

• Literature lovers who want to brush up on a modern classic
• Feminists seeking an introduction to this iconic critique of the patriarchy
• Speculative fiction fans who want to learn more about a notable literary dystopia

Pageboy (2023) plunges you into the candid and compelling world of Elliot Page's life. Navigate through stories of self-discovery, transformation, and fortitude that shaped his remarkable journey.

• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• Allies, advocates, and identity explorers
• Fims buffs and cinemagoers

The Bell Jar (1963) follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who secures a coveted internship at a New York fashion magazine during the summer of 1953. But Esther feels trapped by the gender roles and societal expectations of the time, and soon spirals into a deep depression from which there seems to be no escape.

• Students of English literature
• People interested in the exploration of mental health and social norms
• Anyone who considers themselves a feminist

The Subjection of Women (1869) explores the unequal relationships between men and women, challenging ingrained societal norms. It argues for equal rights and opportunities, leading the way for feminist movement ideas.

• Feminist theory enthusiasts
• Students of political philosophy
• Advocates for equal rights

Gender Trouble (1990) is a touchstone work of theory in gender studies. Notably, it introduces the concept of gender performativity, which has had a profound impact on feminist and LGBTQ+ scholarship and activism, and shaped contemporary ideas around gender. 

• Students of gender theory 
• Feminists and LGBTQ+ activists 
• Those keen to inform themselves about gender fluidity and performativity

Sense and Sensibility (1811) explores the divergent paths of two sisters as they navigate through society’s challenges, drawn by differing temperaments of sound logic and emotional sensitivity.

• Fans of classic literature
• Students studying societal norms
• Lovers of strong female characters

All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020) is a memoir and a manifesto aimed at young people. The author shares their experiences of growing up Black and queer in the US, reflecting on family, identity, and sexuality.

• People who enjoy memoirs
• People who identify as LGBTQ+
• Anyone interested in race and identity

Quit Like a Woman (2019) encourages women to reconsider their relationship with alcohol, uncovering the misogynist underpinnings of how alcohol is packaged and marketed to women and proposing a new, feminist road map to sobriety. Through personal anecdotes, insights, and research, the narrative provides a road map for individuals seeking a path to sobriety that aligns more closely with their own experiences and identities.

• Women who feel increasingly dependent on alcohol to wind down and relax 
• Newly sober women eager for guidance on this exciting journey
• Women in recovery who are tired of patriarchal programme-speak

Pornland (2010) invites you to dive deep into the world of modern pornography and its implications. Discover how the industry's evolution has led to the commodification of women, reshaping societal norms and expectations. Embark on a thought-provoking journey that challenges perceptions of intimacy in our digital age.

• Students of gender studies
• Those worried about the media's portrayal of sexuality
• Advocates for healthier intimacy standards

Women Who Run with the Wolves (1989) is a profoundly influential work of Jungian psychology that has shown countless women how to connect with the wise, abiding, and untameable presence of the Wild Woman archetype in their own psyches.

• Women who want to awaken their innate connection to wildness and instinct
• Women who crave deeper experiences and relationships 
• Women who yearn to rekindle their intuition

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

• People who enjoy mysteries with surprising plot twists
• Anyone who likes a good crime thriller
• Fans of iconic female characters in fiction

The Argonauts (2015) invites you on a transformative journey through language, identity, and love. You’ll delve deep into a personal yet universal exploration of queer family-making, motherhood, and relationships. Part memoir and part theory, this powerful narrative challenges you to consider the fluidity of life and embrace the power of transformation.

• LGBTQ+ individuals exploring identity and relationships
• Feminists interested in examining gender roles and motherhood
• Curious minds looking to ponder language, love, and transformation

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory (2017) offers practical relationship advice for women seeking to break free from jealousy, possessiveness, and competition through discovering polyamory. Incorporating real-world experiences and practical exercises, it covers exploring your relationship style, conquering jealousy, and “coming out” as polyamorous – helping you craft unique connections tailored to your needs.

• People interested in exploring non-monogamy and alternative relationships
• Those curious about opening up a current monogamous relationship
• Anyone looking to gain confidence in communication skills

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (2017) is filled with practical guidance for today’s Christian on four seasons of romantic relationship. This thoughtful collection of stories and scriptural wisdom offers ways to transform relationships, from navigating modern dating to honoring divine design within marriage.

• Single Christians wondering if being alone is really part of God’s plan
• Dating Christians who want to know if their current partner is “the one”
• Engaged Christians about to embark on the adventure of marriage

The Scarlet Letter (1850) delves into the repercussions of sin, societal judgment, and the pathway to personal redemption, journeying through the life of Hester Prynne, an adulteress in a Puritan society.

• Fans of historical fiction
• Readers interested in morality tales
• Feminist literature enthusiasts

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations and pressures surrounding masculinity. Through candid anecdotes and introspective reflections, the book challenges traditional notions of manhood, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy as essential human qualities. It calls for men to break free from limiting gender roles and redefine masculinity on their own terms.

• Those who identify as men who feel confined by traditional gender roles and yearn for a more authentic way of living
• People who want to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships
• Anyone who wants to better understand and support the men in their lives

Who’s Afraid of Gender (2024) explores the complex and fluid nature of gender identity, examining the rich diversity of gender expressions across cultures and history while revealing how gender conformity is weaponized by conservative and authoritarian movements. It advocates for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to gender justice, challenging binary notions of gender and sex.

• Anyone curious about issues influencing the debate
• Those seeking to better understand gender diversity
• Curious minds interested in the complex intersections of nature and nurture in human society

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891) unfolds the heart-wrenching journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman ensnared by the rigid moral and social frameworks of Victorian England. It delves into her tumultuous life marked by manipulation, betrayal, and resilience against an unforgiving society's judgments. Through Tess's story, the novel explores the themes of purity, social hypocrisy, and the struggle between traditional values and societal change, highlighting the destructive impact of these forces on individual lives.

• Fans of classic literature
• Readers interested in social issues
• Students of Victorian England

Take Back Your Brain (2024) explores how patriarchal society programs women's thoughts with self-limiting beliefs, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame despite their accomplishments. It offers strategies based on cognitive psychology and feminist theory to help women rewire their thought patterns, overcome internalized misogyny, and unlock their true potential, ultimately transforming their lives and creating new possibilities for themselves and the world.

• Any woman who feels like she hasn’t reached her full professional potential
• Any woman who feels less-than because she’s single or childfree
• Any woman who’s scared to be demanding, unlikeable, or loud

Of Boys and Men (2022) explores the complex challenges that boys and men encounter in today’s society. Tackling these problems, Richard Reeves argues, requires a shift in our perspective on gender issues. Supporting males to overcome challenges doesn’t detract from the pursuit of gender equality – it complements it and helps foster a more equitable and inclusive world.

• Educators seeking strategies to support male students
• Parents of boys navigating modern challenges
• Policy makers focused on gender equality initiatives

Abortion (2024) exposes the relentless conservative efforts to restrict women’s freedom, especially through anti-abortion legislation, offering a clear view of both overt and covert attacks on reproductive rights. It serves as a vital resource for both new and seasoned abortion advocates.

• Activists seeking essential knowledge on the current reproductive-rights landscape
• Health-care providers learning how legislation affects patients’ reproductive choices
• Voters trying to stay informed on reproductive rights

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves (2021) is a practical, research-backed guide for parents aiming to nurture happy, confident daughters who can thrive in a world that often undermines their self-worth. By fostering key traits such as body confidence, independence, and resilience, it empowers girls to become self-assured, healthy, and secure.

• Parents who want to raise resilient, optimistic daughters
• Teachers who want to support girls mental health and self-esteem 
• Caregivers who want practical strategies for cultivating confidence in girls

Unwell Women (2021) traces the historical misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of women’s bodies throughout medical history. Drawing from historical research. it reveals how medical knowledge has been shaped by gender bias and chronicles the stories of women who have challenged and transformed medical orthodoxy.

• Medical professionals who want to understand historic and current biases
• Women with chronic illnesses struggling to be heard in clinical settings 
• Feminists ready to unravel the patriarchal history of medicine

Shame on You (2025) investigates how patriarchal systems weaponize shame against women, making them feel fundamentally unworthy while paradoxically punishing them for internalizing this unworthiness. Through investigative reporting, scientific research, and personal stories, it exposes shame's toxic impact on women's relationships, careers, and self-perception, while also offering a blueprint for becoming shame-resilient.

• Women struggling with perfectionism
• Feminst activists
• Parents of daughters

Bad Friend (2025) explores the fascinating and understudied subject of female friendship throughout history. This survey of friendships between women introduces the reader to Victorian schoolgirl attachments, Depression-era workplace confidantes, feminist consciousness-raising circles, and more. It also offers an incisive analysis of the way mainstream culture has alternately ignored, policed, and celebrated this specific bond.

• History lovers who want to uncover untold stories of female friendship
• Feminists ready to learn how female friendship has shaped resistance and revolution
• Anyone who is, or has, a female friend

Girl on Girl (2025) investigates how pop culture sold a generation of women a damaging lie: that their objectification was empowerment. It traces how 90s postfeminism, the rise of porno chic, and the explosion of the gossip industry created a culture of self-surveillance that still shapes how we understand female power, value, and ambition today.

• Millennials reassessing their formative pop culture
• Cultural critics interested in media and gender
• Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of postfeminism

Breadwinners (2025) explores how shifting income patterns and gender roles reshape power dynamics in modern relationships, especially when women earn more than their partners. It draws on interviews and research to show how money, unpaid labour and social expectations intersect, and offers ideas for recognising and redressing those imbalances at home and at work.

• Ambitious professionals navigating dual-career relationships and parenthood
• Overstretched primary earners seeking fairer domestic balance
• Anyone interested in gender, money and power dynamics

Alpha Girls (2019) tells the story of four pioneering women venture capitalists – Magdalena Yesil, Mary Jane Elmore, Theresia Gouw, and Sonja Hoel Perkins – who helped build foundational Silicon Valley companies like Salesforce, Facebook, and McAfee while navigating an industry culture defined by sexism, unequal treatment, and the challenge of being the only women in rooms full of men. These “alpha girls” not only survived but ultimately rewrote the rules of venture capital, creating networks and investment models that opened doors for the next generation of women in tech.

• Women in tech who want to see themselves reflected in success stories
• Aspiring VCs ready to glean strategic insights from top venture capitalists
• Anyone navigating workplace bias

The Ambition Penalty (2026) pulls back the curtain on why, despite all the progress narratives, women’s drive to achieve more keeps getting punished rather than rewarded. It challenges the comfortable excuses we’ve been fed about confidence gaps and negotiation skills, pointing instead to deeper structural forces working against women in the workplace and at home. Equal parts wake-up call and roadmap, it equips readers with the language and evidence to push back – and shows what real change could look like.

• Ambitious women who feel stuck despite doing “everything right”
• Working mothers navigating the double bind of professional ambition and caregiving expectations
• Managers and executives looking for research-backed evidence to support workplace equity

Feminism Is for Everybody by bell hooks is a powerful book that aims to demystify the concept of feminism and make it accessible to all. It provides a clear and concise overview of feminist theory and highlights the ways in which feminism benefits everyone, regardless of gender. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks challenges misconceptions and invites readers to join the fight for gender equality.

• Individuals who want to understand the core concepts of feminism
• People looking to challenge and deconstruct societal gender norms and stereotypes
• Readers seeking insightful and thought-provoking discussions on intersectionality and inclusivity within feminism

Reviving Ophelia explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in today's society and offers insights and advice for parents, educators, and mental health professionals on how to support and empower them. Drawing on real-life stories and research, Mary Pipher sheds light on the pressures and expectations that can negatively impact girls' self-esteem and well-being, and provides strategies for helping them navigate these difficult years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and advocating for the well-being of young women.

• Parents of teenage girls
• Teachers and educators working with teenage girls
• Psychologists and therapists specializing in adolescent development

Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins is a groundbreaking book that explores the intersection of race, gender, and class in the lives of African American women. Collins examines the ways in which Black women have been marginalized in society and offers a powerful analysis of how they have resisted and challenged the dominant power structures. Drawing on a range of disciplines including sociology, history, and critical theory, this book unpacks the complexities of Black feminist thought and its significance in the fight for social justice.

• Readers who are interested in exploring intersectional feminism
• Those seeking to understand the unique experiences and perspectives of Black women
• Individuals who want to challenge their own assumptions and broaden their understanding of societal power dynamics