20 Feminist Books That Need to Be Added to Your Reading List Right Away

Being a feminist means believing in and advocating for equal rights for both men and women. It's a label that one should wear with a badge of honor, which the books in the list below make crystal clear.

Especially right now, we all could use a book or two to help us feel inspired and passionate about the causes we care about. Of course, with so many new books coming out every day, it can be difficult to know which ones deserve a place on our immediate "need to read" list. To help you pick out the very best feminist books, we rounded up a list of our favorites from authors such as Mikki Kendall, Gloria Steinem, Roxane Gay, Audre Lorde, and so many more. We sincerely hope the below reads will make you feel hopeful about the progress we can all create when we stand together and fight for a more equal world.

Crossing Press

amazon.com

$12.99

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In this collection of fifteen essays and speeches, Audre Lorde discusses her own experiences of what it's like to be a Black lesbian living in the United States. This book is an excellent eye opener for exploring the complexities of identity, sexism, and racism, while also offering profound messages of hope.

State University of New York Press

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$33.20

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This book of essays, reviews, poetry, and testimonials gives readers a closer look at the intersections of race, class, and sexuality for women of color. While reading the book, you're invited to reflect on your own definition of feminism and equality in the United States.

Viking

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$15.62

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This book serves as a wakeup call for all. Mikki Kendall explains that feminism has largely overlooked issues such as the lack of food security, a living wage, medical care, safety in neighborhoods, and access to education in mainstream conversations. She addresses all these needs by sharing her personal experiences to support her claim, while also posing an important question to readers: How can we all come together when it's likely that some women are oppressing others?

Puffin Books

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$11.99

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There's a reason this book has been adapted time and time again on the big screen (including its most recent movie adaptation in 2019 starring Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson). The inspiring story of the headstrong March sisters is one for the ages, as each sibling rebels and forges her own path forward while dealing with 19th-century gender norms.

Harper Perennial

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$10.00

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Roxane Gay gets how tough it can be when you label yourself a feminist in today's society. Through her collection of funny and powerful essays, she explores her journey navigating her imperfect feminism, what she's learned throughout her lifetime about womanhood, and what we could all do to be better.

Andrews McMeel Publishing

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$9.00

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Following the release of her last feminist book of poetry Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur's latest collection reminds us of our power as we all journey through the seasons of life. She breaks her book down into five sections —wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming— to share relatable moments of trials, healing, and growth.

amazon.com

$7.50

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In My Life on the Road, the iconic feminist reflects on her travels and how they correlate to her activism we know today. From her times on the campaign trails for Bobby Kennedy and Hillary Clinton to advocating in India, Gloria Steinem's stories are full of interesting turns and thought-provoking lessons.

amazon.com

$116.99

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Through a collection of speeches and writings, iconic scholar and civil rights activist Angela Davis reflects on some of our latest and biggest political and social changes and how they have impacted racism, feminism, education, and health.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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$25.22

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This book tells the tale of a young Black woman named Celie, who grows up in Georgia in the early 1900s. Though she is faced with abuse and hardship, she keeps hope alive that she will one day see her sister in Africa again. The book was later adapted into the Steven Spielberg 1985 film that earned Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg Oscar nominations.

Anchor Books

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$7.99

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Before the Emmy-winning television series on Hulu came along, Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel was published in 1985. It follows the story of a handmaid named Offred, who lives in a totalitarian society where she and other handmaids are used to conceive children for the ruling class. Fueled by past memories of a much better life with her family, she risks it all trying to gain back her independence and fight against the oppressive patriarchal regime currently occupying the United States government.

imusti

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$14.77

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When it comes to body insecurity issues, Susie Orbach isn't afraid to go there. She discusses the relationship we have with our bodies and offers many tips and ways to escape beauty standards, challenge the idea of dieting, and re-establish our confidence.

Dial Press

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$16.80

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If you loved Glennon Doyle's first book Carry On, Warrior, these persuasive essays will also be a major page turner for you. In this powerful memoir, the activist gives readers incredible insight into what it means to be a woman and offers strong messages of support in the quest towards finding one's true self.

Andrews McMeel Publishing

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$13.42

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Amanda Lovelace's series of poems about resilience and being bold will inspire you to own your truth and story. While the haters may try to take away your power, Amanda reminds us who really is in control of our destiny.

Viking

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$12.98

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People say we're not good enough, but Elaine Welteroth makes sure that we realize we're more than enough. In this memoir, she breaks down barriers in her journey and unpacks many lessons on race, identity, and success.

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$11.99

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The first novel from the late Toni Morrison follows the story of a young Black girl named Pecola, who prays every day to wake up pretty. It's a story about the struggles to conform and the adversity Black women face in a world obsessed with a skewed notion of what it means to be beautiful.

Haymarket Books

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$6.39

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The title speaks for itself. In this book of essays, Rebecca Solnit talks about what goes on in conversations between men and women, especially when men think they know more. She also sprinkles in a few of her own encounters with men, but ends the piece on a serious note.

Routledge

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$32.95

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This historical work explores Black women in the era of slavery, the impact of sexism and racism among feminists, and the sacrifices Black women have had to make over time.

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$15.79

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Want to know what feminism means to your favorite celebrities? Here is the book for you! This collection of essays features amazing women in pop culture who share their experiences and what advice they have for future female leaders when it comes to finding one's voice.

TURNAROUND PUBLISHER SERVICES

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$11.81

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Another one for pop-culture fans. Buzzfeed culture writer Anne Helen Petersen explores powerhouse women like Serena Williams, Hillary Clinton, Nicki Minaj, and Kim Kardashian and dives deep into why people have a love-hate relationship with them.

Atria Books

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$11.29

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Janet Mock breaks down barriers for all trans women. Her autobiography follows her growth from being a poor multiracial transwoman to being one of the most respected advocates in the LGBTQ+ community. It offers a more in-depth look into the search for self and womanhood.