8 Feminist Books for Women's History Month
March is the month of women's history - celebrating the contributions of women all over the world in both historical and contemporary society.
Take a few moments to immerse yourself in the spirit with Amilu's pick of 8 feminist books.
1 | The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Originally published more than 30 years ago and now brought to the screen as an award-winning television series this dystopian near-future novel is told via Offred - a member of a fertile servant class whose role is to reproduce on behalf of the ruling classes. This seminal work remains uber-relevant in the modern day.
2 | Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Follow the intrepid March sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg on their voyage into womanhood told through their loves and losses. Although penned in the 1860’s this novel remains an influential work which holds a dear place in many women's literary hearts.
3 | The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
A quintessential feminist coming of age novel this semi-autobiographical work follows the downward spiral of the author into the depths of mental illness. Crafted with evocative prose The Bell Jar distills moments of womanhood through female eyes; the weight of societal expectation coupled with one's own desire and disenchantment.
4 | In Search Of Our Mother's Garden's by Alice Walker
From the pen of the author that brought us The Colour Purple comes this compendium of works spanning over 20 years. A personal account of Walker’s life as an activist in the civil rights and anti-nuclear movements alongside her poignant life-reflection as a black woman and feminist. A refreshing and stirring vista into the life of one of the most inspiring writers of the late 20th century.
5 | I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The first work of a body of 7 novels this coming of age autobiography explores the early life-defining moments of writer and poet Maya Angelou - overcoming tremendous adversity which includes rape and racism, through her love of books, to blossom into a resilient and inspiring woman.
6 | Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur
This originally self published collective of illustrated poetry began life as a series of posts on Instagram, now a best seller in the US this body of work is divided into 4 chapters and takes readers on a journey of life moments - with the aim of showing us there is sweetness in even the most bitter of moments if we are willing to look for it.
7 | The Second Sex by Simone De Beauvoir
Released in 1949 this groundbreaking study of the treatment of women through history by French existentialist Simone de Beauvoir is one of the most enduring feminist books and is regarded as one of major works of feminist philosophy.
8 | Why We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adapted from her TEDx Talk - with no less than one and a half million YouTube views, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 49-page essay has been heralded as so important that it is now given to every 16 year old in Sweden as a part of a new government initiative. A deeply personal and immensely powerful piece which examines the question “What does feminism mean today?”
If sitting down with a book isn't on your agenda this month then listen on the hop - we're enjoying The Guilty Feminist Podcast here at the Amilu office.
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