It’s summer, which means most people have more time on their hands than they do the rest of the year. If you’re one of those people, you’re probably wondering what you should do with your extra time. You’ve come to the right place if that is the case. If it isn’t, then you’ve still come to the right place because you are about to discover five ways to educate yourself on the matter of feminism. Whether you have extra time on your hands or not, it’s never a bad time to read and learn more about the world of feminism. Here are five diverse books that empower women and will increase your feminist knowledge this summer:
- We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi is an essay form of Adichi’s TED Talk on feminism. The essay is from Adichi’s point of view and illustrates not only her life experience as a woman but as a Nigerian woman. Adichi highlights events in her life which she felt were turning points in her experience with feminism. If you’re looking for a book that says exactly what you’re thinking and teaches you a little along the way, this one’s for you.
- Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit is a book of essays. The first essay is titled “Men Explain Things to Me” and explains the power struggles between men and women during conversations. Other essay topics include Virginia Woolf’s work, domestic abuse, and further work that needs to be done in the fight for gender equality. If you’re looking for insightful commentary on many different topics of feminism, this is your book.
- Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay is a collection of essays. In them, Gay explores her relationship with feminism and critiques the culture of feminism. She explains how she openly embraces the “bad feminist” label and is a feminist while enjoying things that are seen as “unfeminist”, such as the color pink and Vogue magazine. If you’re looking for a book that explores and critiques feminism, while still being a feminist book, look no further.
- Redefining Realness by Janet Mock is a memoir of Mock’s life as a transgender woman. It chronicles her childhood, self-acceptance, transition and the odds she had to overcome to be one of the most well-known trans women in America. Her story provides insight into the challenges of trans women and the trans community as a whole. If you’re looking for a book that encompasses the experiences of a trans woman, this one is for you.
- This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa is an anthology of works by women of color. It features essays, art, poems, and other writings and was originally published in 1981. It is now in its fourth edition and covers intersectionality within the identities of the women and challenges white feminists who called for solidarity based on sisterhood. This book is perfect if you are looking for a book that challenges mainstream feminism and its ideologies.
Whichever of these titles you choose to pick up, each provides the reader with a unique insight into the world of feminism. Happy reading!
