The Five Books Angela Davis Recommends Everyone Should Read
Angela Davis is a towering figure in the fight for social justice. As a scholar, author, and activist, she has dedicated her life to challenging systems of oppression and inspiring others to do the same. Her deep commitment to justice is reflected not only in her activism but also in her reading list, which offers profound insights into race, class, gender, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Davis’ favorite books are more than just influential works—they’re calls to action. From revolutionary writings on anti-colonialism to groundbreaking explorations of systemic racism, these books provide essential perspectives for anyone committed to creating a more just and equitable world.
Blinkist, the app recommended by Apple for curious minds, has compiled this list of Angela Davis’ must-read books based on her public statements, interviews, and works. Let’s explore these powerful titles and the transformative lessons they hold.
5 Books From Angela Davis’ Reading List
1. Women, Race and Class by Angela Y. Davis
Women, Race & Class
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
In her own groundbreaking work, Davis examines the intersections of gender, race, and class in the history of feminist movements. This essential text challenges readers to consider how systems of oppression are interconnected and why true liberation must address them all. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 15 minutes.
2. Eve by Cat Bohannon
Eve
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
Eve is a sweeping exploration of the evolution of women’s bodies, biology, and roles throughout history. Davis has praised this work for its intersectional lens and thought-provoking approach to understanding the role of women in shaping human history. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 20 minutes.
3. The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon
The Wretched of the Earth
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
This classic anti-colonial text explores the psychological and political impacts of colonization. Fanon’s revolutionary ideas about liberation movements have been deeply influential on Davis’ own thinking and activism. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 24 minutes.
4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
The life story of Malcolm X is a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and activism. Angela Davis considers this book an essential read for understanding the fight for racial justice and the complexity of the human spirit. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 18 minutes.
5. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
The New Jim Crow
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow is a powerful examination of mass incarceration and systemic racism in the United States. Davis has often cited this work for its critical analysis of modern-day oppression and its challenge to the prison-industrial complex. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 22 minutes.
Angela Davis’ book recommendations are more than a reading list—they’re a roadmap for understanding and dismantling oppression in all its forms. Whether you’re an activist, an academic, or someone eager to learn, these books will deepen your understanding and inspire action. With Blinkist, you can engage with the key ideas in minutes, making these transformative works more accessible than ever.
Get Insights From the Smartest People in the World
Want to read all of these books but don’t have the time between your job, the gym, and your social life? Find the knowledge you need, faster and easier, with Blinkist. This award-winning app breaks down densely packed non-fiction books into their core ideas for quick comprehension – giving you all the information you need in 15 minutes or less!
Get inspired and stay ahead of the competition by starting with one of the 6,500 titles in the 27 available categories. Whether you are interested in finding out more about human psychology or understanding the best productivity methods: the app has got you covered.
With the app, you can not only unlock the world’s best non-fiction books but also the collective wisdom of some of our world’s most innovative thinkers. Collections curated by people like Arianna Huffington and Oprah are all available for you to gain insight into revolutionary ideas that will help shape and change your future.
The Learning Tool Made With On-The-Go Learners in Mind
Thanks to its audio function, it’s now easy for everyone to get in a few lessons wherever they may be. Listen to the explainers anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Blinkist made learning new information more accessible for you so you can listen to it, no matter if you’re commuting, at the gym, or cooking.
–Oula Farawati, Co-founder & CEO
Millions of People Read More Thanks to This App
With more than 31 million users, Blinkist is one of the most popular apps for professionals who are interested in learning more about the complexity of today’s world. It’s clear that users are satisfied as it currently has a 4.8-star rating. Just have a look at what some of the 90,000 5 star-reviews had to say:
–iOS 5 Star review
According to Apple, This Is One of the Best Apps for Lifelong Learning
In addition to being named one of the best apps in the world by Apple, Blinkist has also been ranked in the top 20 apps for lifelong learning. It was also featured as the “App of the Day” on the App Store more than 500 times.
Next to Apple, Blinkist has received some of the highest honors, including awards from the UN for its contribution to the education field, and from Google, for its unique design. The app has also been praised by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tim Cook who visited the employees in Berlin, as well as the New York Times.
Blinkist explainers already help 31 million users learn new information 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you get the most important points in the book via “Key Ideas”
- Cutting out the fluff: the expert curators of Blinkist have cut out all of the unnecessary details and information and only present you with the information most relevant to the topic.
- And by being quick: You can get most of the key ideas in about 15 minutes or less.
Start learning from Angela Davis’s recommended books and take Blinkist for a test drive today. Download it for free on the App or Google Play Store.
