6 Essential Feminist Books for International Women’s Day

Lea Plörer
all feminist books covered in blogpost

Navigating the complexities of the modern world can be a challenging experience, especially if you’re a woman. Societal expectations, ingrained biases, and a historical lack of representation create an environment where women’s needs and experiences are often overlooked or misunderstood. This curated list of books aims to address these issues by offering diverse perspectives from various female authors. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, historical context, or a different perspective, these books expose all the subtle and not-so-subtle ways women’s needs are often overlooked in our world.

 

cover of "invisible women" by Caroline Perez“Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias In A World Designed For Men” by Caroline Perez

This book shows that we live in a world designed for men that systemically discriminates against women. With overwhelming statistics, Perez exposes the prevalent gender-data gap in countless fields, including medicine, technology, and urban planning. From smaller inconveniences, such as a phone that is too big for your hand, to severe consequences, such as being prescribed a drug that’s wrong for your body or being 47% more likely to be injured in a car accident. The staggering evidence will blow your mind and make you rethink everything you thought you knew.

 

 

“Difficult Women: A History Of Feminism In 11 Fights” by Helen Lewis"Difficult women" y Helen Lewis

Well-behaved women don’t make history: difficult women do. Taking the story up to the present with the twenty-first-century campaign for abortion services, Lewis reveals the unvarnished history of women’s rights. Drawing on archival research and interviews, this book is a funny and shocking history that shows why the feminist movement has succeeded – and what it should do next.

 

 

 

bookcover of Emily Nagoski's "Come as you are" about female sexuality“Come As You Are” by Emily Nagoski

This book presents a new way of thinking about sex and desire that challenges the traditional male-centric narrative. Based on rigorous scientific research, Nagoski challenges societal myths and delivers a fresh perspective on women’s sexual well-being. Every woman has her unique sexuality, shaped by biology, personal experiences, and culture. An empowering must-read for every woman.

 

 

 

“More Than A Body: Your Body Is An Instrument, Not An Ornament” by Lindsay Kite & Lexie Kite book cover of "More than a body" by the Kite-Sisters

From media consumption to health and fitness to self-reflection and self-compassion, the Kite twin sisters share powerful and practical advice that goes beyond “body positivity”. They help you develop body image resilience. All while cutting through the empty promises sold by media, advertisers, and the beauty and weight-loss industries.

 

 

 

Cover of "Ain't i a woman" by bell hooks“Ain’t I A Woman” by Bell Hooks

A groundbreaking work of feminist history and theory analyzing the complex relations between various forms of oppression. In this book African-American author Bell Hooks examines the impact of sexism on black women during slavery, the historic devaluation of black womanhood, black male sexism, racism within the recent women’s movement, and black women’s involvement with feminism.

 

 

 

“Uncanny Valley” by Anna WienerCover of Anna Wiener's Memoir "Uncanny Valley"

Part coming-age-story, part portrait of an already-bygone era, Anna Wiener’s memoir is a rare first-person glimpse into reckless startup culture at a time of unchecked ambition, unregulated surveillance, wild fortune, and accelerating political power. Uncanny Valley is a cautionary tale of a world reckoning with consequences its designers are only beginning to understand.

 

 

Imagine a world where the products we use, the research we rely on, and the stories we hear all reflect the diverse experiences of women. This curated list of books is a step towards that world. By offering a platform for female voices, we open doors to understanding, empathy, and, ultimately, a future where women can thrive. Ready to learn more? Discover them all on Faircado! Connecting you with the best secondhand offers to find these books in seconds is a personal matter to us, not just on International Women’s Day!