8 Books Every Feminist Should Read In Her 20s

8 Books Every Feminist Should Read In Her 20s

With #MeToo and #TimesUp doing the rounds on the Internet, we saw it fitting to tell you guys about some books, written by inspiring and bold female writers, and why you need to read them. Apart from helping you understand the difficulties of being a woman in today’s world, I am sure you will relate to most of the things these books have to say.

Get ready to add these books to your ‘to-be-read’ list now!

the color purple (1)

1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

‘It is the tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls ‘father’, she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage.’

With magnificent story-telling and horrifying, graphic scenes, your heart will rip apart reading the trials and tribulations of this young girl. It’s a classic and I can’t see a reason why you shouldn’t read it!

We Should All Be Feminists (1)

2. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

‘With humor and levity, here Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century—one rooted in inclusion and awareness.’

If you have ever wonder, “What does feminism mean today?”, then maybe you should get your hands on this book. It is a well-argued essay, adapted from her TEDx Talk of the same name. Read this book and gain knowledge about the current scenario of feminism in the world.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

3. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares

‘Over a few bags of cheese puffs, they decide to form a sisterhood and take the vow of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . the next morning, they say good-bye. And then the journey of the pants—and the most memorable summer of their lives—begins.’

This book will move your more than you think it has the power to. The pants become more than just ‘pants’ as it signifies friendship, courage, and love. This book is a breath of fresh air that every woman or girl in her teens should read at least once.

The Book of She (1)

4. The Book of She: Your Heroine’s Journey into the Heart of Feminine Power

‘Women face many challenging transitions on the pilgrimage from girlhood through womanhood: menses, love and heartbreak, motherhood, menopause. Devoid of a central narrative, these rites of passage too often happen in shame and secrecy, leaving women doubting their personal power and self-worth.’

This book celebrates all that it means to be a woman. You will be able to resonate with so many parts of this book, which makes it a must-read.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1)

5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

‘At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime.’

We’ve read her quotes, and we have quoted her numerous times in our lives. So, why not read her poetic and powerful autobiography? This book addresses issues of molestation, rape, and racism. But within the context of the trials and tribulations of growing up as well.

The Handmaid's Tale (1)

6. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

‘She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant because, in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable.’

The way this book takes us to Dystopian times, with so many connecting factors to the present, will give you the chills!

Bad Feminist (1)

7. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

‘Roxane Gay takes us through the journey of her evolution as a woman of color while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years and commenting on the state of feminism today.’

This book deals with misogyny, sexism that consistently places women at a disadvantage, differences in pay, the cult of beauty and thinness. Caution: You may weep in public while reading this book.

Feminism is for Everybody by Bell Hooks (1)

8. Feminism is for Everybody by Bell Hooks

‘Bell Hooks offers an open-hearted and welcoming vision of gender, sexuality, and society in this inspiring and accessible volume.’

An incredibly well-written book with a taste of why feminism is for everybody. Believe me, everything around you will make a LOT of sense once you read this book.

Sonali Pawar

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