The best 87 Gender & Sexuality books

Unfinished Business (2015) offers a frank analysis of a pressing question. Is it really possible for men and women to “have it all” in our modern society? Can we hope to have a great family life and great career? As these blinks reveal, striking a balance between the personal and the professional isn’t only possible; it’s easier than you might think.

• Women who want to have a successful career and a happy family
• CEOs who want to provide a mother-friendly workplace
• Men hoping to learn more about what equal romantic partnership means

In The Professor in the Cage (2015), professor Jonathan Gottschall enters the world of mixed martial arts to discover the sources of our fascination with violence. Through the power of modern science and by applying the weight of human history, these blinks reveal how our love of fighting is grounded in our deepest human instincts.

• Anyone interested in the origins of violence
• People fascinated by martial arts
• Anyone hoping to learn more about humanity’s fascination with fighting

Asking for It (2015) is about rape culture, the social and cultural practices that normalize rape by diminishing the experiences of victims and vindicating perpetrators. These blinks outline the various manifestations and effects of rape culture, and the steps we can take to dismantle it.

• Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual violence
• Romantic partners looking to understand more about consensual sex
• Policy makers and sex educators

The Beauty Myth (1991) will help you understand the anxiety that surrounds women, and the cult of beauty that dominates our society today. It identifies the patriarchal and economic forces that shape the unfair expectations and norms that women face. Learn how we can be better equipped to build a less biased future.

• Anyone struggling with a negative body image
• Women who feel pressured into looking a certain way
• Feminists concerned about modern standards of beauty

Galileo’s Middle Finger (2015) tackles head on the controversial issue of transgender research, intersex issues, and the conflicts that have arisen between academics, scientists and activists. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at just how dangerous an idea can be when it challenges a familiar narrative or an established ideology and  reminds us that, in the face of harmful threats and accusations, it’s important to be open, honest and persevering—and that science and social justice need each other in order to work.

• Activists fighting for controversial causes
• Scholars studying ground-breaking subjects
• People who want to transcend identity politics

Engines of Liberty (2016) is an exploration into the influence citizens can have on government, and the changes that can be brought about through activism, the spreading of information and the mobilization of one’s peers. When it comes to the big issues of our time, like gay marriage, guns and human rights, it’s passionate citizens who are speaking up for what they believe in and bringing about change.

• Activists passionate about civil liberties
• Lawyers and politicians interested in the history of civil rights
• Concerned citizens who want to become more active

Moody Bitches (2015) is your guide to the female body and brain. These blinks explain some of the reasons behind the emotions and fluctuating moods that women can experience and how they can better tune into themselves, embrace their feelings and their bodies.

• Women who are frustrated by their mood swings
• Young girls who want to know more about their brains and bodies
• Women who want to have better sex

How Not To Be a Boy (2017) is writer and actor Robert Webb’s personal account of what it was like to grow up as a boy in rural England. In particular, what it was like to be the kind of boy who wasn’t all that into typically “manly” stuff. Webb’s tale is both a heartfelt autobiography and a humorously critical assessment of the pressures society can put on young men.

• Readers who love a funny story
• People opposed to gender stereotypes
• Fans of Robert Webb and Peep Show

Brotopia (2018) explores the male-dominated culture permeating the technology industry and looks at why and how women are excluded from it. Looking especially at Silicon Valley and the companies based there, the book argues that the tech world is anything but progressive.

• Those who work or want to work in the tech industry
• Female employees who believe they are unfairly mistreated in the workplace
• Tech company CEOs and managers 

Power Up (2017) aims to empower women in the workplace with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes from a Silicon Valley pioneer. Although primarily focused on the tech industry, it’s a guidebook that can be applied to breaking glass ceilings in all industries. From taking ownership of career choices to navigating sexist office politics, Magdalena Yesil offers a call to action for women who want appropriate credit for their hard work and a salary to match.

• Women in business
• Anyone working in the tech industry
• Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists

Girl, Wash Your Face (2018) is about one crucial truth – you, and you alone, are responsible for your life and happiness. It’s an empowering and sometimes challenging guide to living a joyful, productive and ambitious life.

• Moms and women who feel overwhelmed by life
• Anyone who needs a little inspiration to pursue their dreams

How Women Rise (2018) explores the surprising things that women say, do and think in the workplace that hold them back from progressing. Using real-world examples and practical advice, the blinks explain how professional women can meet their full potential and rise to the top of their chosen career ladder.

• Women wanting to climb the career ladder
• Employers who seek to make their workplace more female-friendly
• Social psychology enthusiasts looking for fresh insights

Flow (2009) explores the historical and cultural context of menstruation. By doing so, it seeks to debunk the myths that surround periods and address the misperceptions people have of the basic bodily process of menstruation.

• Those interested in the history and cultural significance of menstruation
• Women who are afraid to ask their friends and family about periods and sexual health
• Women experiencing puberty or menopause

Bad Feminist (2014) is a collection of often personal essays examining race, gender and feminism in the United States. The author, Roxane Gay, pays particular attention to the way media, politics and pop culture shape society’s views and champions her own brand of feminism – one that doesn’t always follow the rules.

• Anyone not sure if feminism is for them
• Anyone looking to gain insight into racial equality in America
• Students of politics, literature and creative writing

Ancient Egypt is a historical anomaly: the Egyptians called upon women to lead their country more frequently than any other culture. Tracing their rise to power within the authoritarian system of divine kingship, When Women Ruled the World (2018) tells the stories of Egypt’s six most important female leaders – Merneith, Neferusobek, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, Tawosret and Cleopatra – and explores what lessons they hold about female leadership for us today.

• Folks who are interested in the history of female leadership
• Women who want to be inspired by female trailblazers of the past
• History buffs who want to learn more about life and death in ancient Egypt

Dear Ijeawele (2017) is a series of suggestions for raising young girls to be strong, independent women. A few years ago, a childhood friend of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie asked her advice on a very important topic – how to raise her daughter to be a feminist. Her friend was called Ijeawele, and this book is the author’s response.

• Feminists
• Parents of daughters
• Men looking for insight into what it’s like to grow up as a girl

Fair Play (2019) explores gender inequality in the division of domestic labor and the impact of this inequality on mothers. Packed with practical advice, these blinks also offer couples a radical approach to reallocating domestic chores so that women married to men can get a fairer deal. 

• Busy working mothers
• Fathers seeking a better work-life balance
• Stay-at-home moms wanting to change their lives

In The Witches are Coming (2019) writer and feminist activist Lindy West applies her scalpel-sharp intellect to today’s political landscape. She uncovers the ideological agendas behind everything from Adam Sandler movies to the wellness movement, abortion rights to Louis C.K.’s comeback. This is feminism for the post #metoo era.

• Feminists who feel frustrated by the state of contemporary gender politics
• Men who want to be better allies to the women in their lives
• Anyone who’s oppressed by the patriarchy

Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism (2018) makes an argument that’s even more provocative than its title suggests. More than just better sex, it claims that women have better lives in general under socialism. To prove this claim, it compares and contrasts women’s lives under state socialism, democratic socialism, and neoliberal capitalism. 

• Socialists wanting ammunition for their next argument 
• Capitalists wanting food for thought 
• Women and men wanting a fresh take on gender equality

Narrated by Karen Cass

Vindication (2006) tells the inspiring, thrilling, and often tragic tale of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, known today as the founder of modern feminism. Drawing on significant moments in Wollstonecraft’s life, from her childhood in an abusive household to her experiences co-founding a school and living in Revolutionary France, it paints a picture of a woman who was as complex as she was brilliant. Throughout every stage of her life, Wollstonecraft was truly an original thinker, and her influence on feminist thought continues to ring out today.

• Feminists and people interested in the history of women
• Fans of stories about tragic heroes
• Anyone fascinated by the personal lives of famous historical figures

Beat Gender Bias (2020) explores the beliefs and behaviors that underpin the glass ceiling and that stop women and girls from reaching their full potential. It explores the persistence of workplace sexism and explains how leaders can tackle it.

• Sociology buffs looking for a different perspective 
• Feminists hoping to create change in their workplaces
• Leaders seeking insights into equality and diversity issues

You Are Your Best Thing (2021) is an anthology of original essays that explore Black experiences of living, loving, and parenting in America today. It examines concepts like vulnerability and shame, and shows that the key to personal healing lies in confronting white supremacy and the racist systems that make Black people feel unsafe in their communities. 

• Black people looking for tools to heal from trauma
• Psychology-lovers seeking new perspectives on how the personal and political intersect
• Those who want to deepen their understanding of the impact of racism in America

All In (2021) tells the remarkable life story of Billie Jean King, the woman who led a call for equality in women’s sports that soon reverberated around the world. King’s activism and refusal to back down led to real changes in the US legislature, with results that spread far beyond the realm of sports. All the while, King grappled with personal issues that would only find resolution later in life.

• Sports fans
• Activists and equal rights crusaders
• Anyone who loves a good inspirational story

Abortion and the Law in America (2020) offers a comprehensive legal history of abortion rights in the US. It highlights the social and cultural shifts that have contributed to the abortion debate and looks closely at the types of arguments invoked by both sides.

• People who want to learn more about the complexity of the American abortion debate
• Those interested in the relationship between cultural values and law
• Anyone following US politics

Find Your Unicorn Space (2021) opens the door to an important conversation about what makes us unique as individuals and offers a guide to discovering, claiming, and growing your creative interests.

• Women who give too much
• Creatives who don’t have time to create
• Recovering workaholics, martyrs, people pleasers, and moms

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

• Artists looking for inspiring words
• Women exploring the history of feminism 
• Those struggling to understand social injustice

The Female Brain (2006) is a classic of popular neuroscience which argues that hormone-driven neural development shapes many of women’s drives and behaviors. Just a few hormones chart a course through the cycle of changes that mark life with a female brain.

• Anyone with a female brain wondering how it all works
• Biology buffs curious about the intersections of nature and behavior
• Those who interact with female brains looking for insight

Women, Race and Class (1981) is a collection of essays that expose how racism, sexism, and classism intertwined in the struggle for women’s suffrage in the United States. With special emphasis on the historical missteps of the mainstream feminist movement, it charts a path for an anti-racist and anti-classist feminism. 

• Feminists looking to understand intersectionality more deeply
• History buffs
• Anyone invested in the ongoing struggle for justice

Financial Feminism (2022) debunks the money myths and exposes the systemic oppression that keeps many stuck in toxic jobs or cycles of debt. Offering practical solutions that everyone can start today to close the wage gap, ramp up financial fitness, and build the life of their dreams.

• Anyone feeling stuck living paycheck to paycheck
• Those who want to retire someday
• Anyone frustrated by the sexist wealth gap looking to build a more equal future

The Male Brain (2010) is a neuroscientist’s account of the interplay between hormones and brain development that shapes the formation and growth of male brains and behavior. Based on decades of research, it argues that the roots of many masculine stereotypes can be seen in neurobiology, and that hormones shape the male brain and outlook for a lifetime.

• Anyone with a male brain wondering about how it works
• Minds curious about biology’s effect on culture
• Those who interact with male brains looking for insights

Lessons in Chemistry (2022) is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who has the misfortune of being a woman in 1950s America. After a frustrating failed academic career, Zott finds success in an unlikely place: as the host of a television cooking show.

• Foodies interested in the science behind cooking
• Feminists looking for a window into the history of women in STEM
• Anyone who appreciates stories that are sharp and warm-hearted

Jane Eyre (1874) is an intense, intimate portrait of a young woman’s search to find her place in Victorian society without compromising her passionate ideals. It follows her as she navigates life’s obstacles – and her developing love for the mysterious Edward Rochester.

• Hopeless romantics who crave plot twists and turns
• History lovers keen to get a window into life as a nineteenth-century governess
• Fans of period dramas like Outlander and Bridgerton

The Rational Male (2013) implores men to adopt a pragmatic view of intersexual relationships founded on evolutionary and behavioral concepts. Waking up to the evidence, it argues, will set men on a course to prioritizing their needs over the survival instincts of women who currently (covertly) rule the roost.

• Members of the Manospehere and Red Pill movement
• Anyone trying to understand the key concepts of the Manosphere 
• People looking to understand today’s gender conflicts

Good for a Girl (2023) chronicles the career of pro runner Lauren Fleshman, and the issues with the sports system she encountered along the way. It’s both a memoir detailing her life and a manifesto crying for change.

• Aspiring female athletes and coaches
• Advocates of sports industry change
• Fans of Lauren Fleshman

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

• Fans of stories told from a female perspective
• Lovers of classic literature
• Anyone who likes a good young adult story

In Order to Live (2015) follows the survival story of Yeonmi Park, a North Korean woman who escaped from her home country. In this inspiring memoir, Yeonmi goes through her horrific journey from North Korea to China and finally to South Korea.

• Human rights activists
• Those curious about North Korea
• Anyone looking for an uplifting story

Real Self-Care (2023) exposes the dark side of the global self-care industry by connecting the systemic inequality faced by marginalized groups like women and people of color, and the stress, burnout and chronic illness faced by so many. It offers a science-based alternative and cognitive strategies for living with ease and purpose. 

• Frustrated self-carers who feel they’re somehow doing it wrong
• Tired life-optimizers who wonder why they still feel behind
• Those looking for kinder, gentler transformation from the inside-out

Wuthering Heights (1847) is a masterpiece of English literature. Set in Yorkshire, it tells the story of two families and their intense, often tumultuous relationships – in particular, the stormy romance between Heathcliff and Catherine.

• Fans of family sagas
• People drawn to unconventional love stories and antiheroes
• Anyone interested in classic novels of the nineteenth century

The Evolution of Desire (1994) drew on the largest study of human mating at the time to analyze the evolutionary foundations that lie behind our everyday desires and mating preferences. It was updated with new material in 2016.

• Psychology nerds
• Individuals looking to attract a mate
• Anyone curious about how our deepest desires work

Mad Honey (2022) tells the story of two women who have fled abusive pasts to make a new life in the small town of Adams, New Hampshire. When one is found dead, and the other finds her son accused of the murder, the tense courtroom drama that unfolds shines light on the true cost of secrets kept for love.

• Fiction lovers craving a well-told tale about timely issues
• Courtroom drama fans looking for a story with suspenseful, emotional twists 
• Anyone curious about a narrative of complex characters facing challenging times

The Ethical Slut (1997) has long been the trusted handbook for anyone exploring sex, romance, and intimacy outside the constraints of monogamy. An updated 2017 edition combines time-tested strategies for navigating polyamory with advice on how to embrace an even greater diversity of orientations and relationship configurations.

• Pleasure-seekers who’d like to explore a greater variety of sexual partners
• Seasoned polyamorists who want to make multiple partnerships really work
• Anyone who lives – or would like to live – outside the strictures of conventional monogamy

Unscripted (2023) is the outrageous true story of Sumner Redstone, the former chairman and controlling shareholder of ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). It focuses on the eventful final years of Redstone’s life, as well as the downfall of his successor at CBS, Les Moonves.

• Fans of TV dramas like Succession
• People who enjoy juicy nonfiction and true crime
• Anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of corporate America

A Little Life (2015) follows the lives of four friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, moody painter JB, quiet architect Malcolm, and the brilliant, mysterious litigator Jude. Over the years, the four friends grow together, drift apart, find love and success, and struggle with loss and addiction. As enigmatic Jude gradually moves into the center of the narrative, the full extent of his unbearable burden begins to reveal itself. 

• People who enjoy character-driven literature
• Fans of stories about complex relationships 
• Anyone in need of a good cry

Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.

• Theater enthusiasts interested in the history of drama
• Fans of classical literature and mythology
• Anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, family, and power

Myth America (2022) is a collection of essays that examine and dismantle some of the most pervasive myths about America: how it was founded, who’s allowed to be here, and how we define a ‘real’ American or American family.

• History buffs
• Students of American politics
• Activists and social justice warriors

A Radical Awakening (2021) shows you how to heal by connecting to your authentic self – the person you were meant to be before society’s lies and conditioning morphed you into something else. It speaks from a woman’s point of view, but it doesn’t exclude men. Instead, it seeks to lift everyone from the pain of their past and into a higher consciousness.

• Anyone who wants to heal from their past 
• Women who’d like to discover their inner power
• People who feel subjugated by society

The Bluest Eye (1970) is the debut novel of author Toni Morrison. It tells the story of Pecola Breedlove and her parents, and reflects upon the familial and societal circumstances that would lead a Black girl to wish she had blue eyes.

• Anyone interested in exploring themes of race and identity
• Fans of landmark works of modern literature
• Those seeking insight into African-American history and experience

The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) is a contemporary classic – the story of a patriarchal dystopia that inspired the hit television series of the same name and remains as relevant today as it did when it was first published.

• Literature lovers who want to brush up on a modern classic
• Feminists seeking an introduction to this iconic critique of the patriarchy
• Speculative fiction fans who want to learn more about a notable literary dystopia

Pageboy (2023) plunges you into the candid and compelling world of Elliot Page's life. Navigate through stories of self-discovery, transformation, and fortitude that shaped his remarkable journey.

• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• Allies, advocates, and identity explorers
• Fims buffs and cinemagoers

The Bell Jar (1963) follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who secures a coveted internship at a New York fashion magazine during the summer of 1953. But Esther feels trapped by the gender roles and societal expectations of the time, and soon spirals into a deep depression from which there seems to be no escape.

• Students of English literature
• People interested in the exploration of mental health and social norms
• Anyone who considers themselves a feminist

The Subjection of Women (1869) explores the unequal relationships between men and women, challenging ingrained societal norms. It argues for equal rights and opportunities, leading the way for feminist movement ideas.

• Feminist theory enthusiasts
• Students of political philosophy
• Advocates for equal rights

Gender Trouble (1990) is a touchstone work of theory in gender studies. Notably, it introduces the concept of gender performativity, which has had a profound impact on feminist and LGBTQ+ scholarship and activism, and shaped contemporary ideas around gender. 

• Students of gender theory 
• Feminists and LGBTQ+ activists 
• Those keen to inform themselves about gender fluidity and performativity

Sense and Sensibility (1811) explores the divergent paths of two sisters as they navigate through society’s challenges, drawn by differing temperaments of sound logic and emotional sensitivity.

• Fans of classic literature
• Students studying societal norms
• Lovers of strong female characters

All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020) is a memoir and a manifesto aimed at young people. The author shares their experiences of growing up Black and queer in the US, reflecting on family, identity, and sexuality.

• People who enjoy memoirs
• People who identify as LGBTQ+
• Anyone interested in race and identity

Quit Like a Woman (2019) encourages women to reconsider their relationship with alcohol, uncovering the misogynist underpinnings of how alcohol is packaged and marketed to women and proposing a new, feminist road map to sobriety. Through personal anecdotes, insights, and research, the narrative provides a road map for individuals seeking a path to sobriety that aligns more closely with their own experiences and identities.

• Women who feel increasingly dependent on alcohol to wind down and relax 
• Newly sober women eager for guidance on this exciting journey
• Women in recovery who are tired of patriarchal programme-speak

Pornland (2010) invites you to dive deep into the world of modern pornography and its implications. Discover how the industry's evolution has led to the commodification of women, reshaping societal norms and expectations. Embark on a thought-provoking journey that challenges perceptions of intimacy in our digital age.

• Students of gender studies
• Those worried about the media's portrayal of sexuality
• Advocates for healthier intimacy standards

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

• People who enjoy mysteries with surprising plot twists
• Anyone who likes a good crime thriller
• Fans of iconic female characters in fiction

The Argonauts (2015) invites you on a transformative journey through language, identity, and love. You’ll delve deep into a personal yet universal exploration of queer family-making, motherhood, and relationships. Part memoir and part theory, this powerful narrative challenges you to consider the fluidity of life and embrace the power of transformation.

• LGBTQ+ individuals exploring identity and relationships
• Feminists interested in examining gender roles and motherhood
• Curious minds looking to ponder language, love, and transformation

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory (2017) offers practical relationship advice for women seeking to break free from jealousy, possessiveness, and competition through discovering polyamory. Incorporating real-world experiences and practical exercises, it covers exploring your relationship style, conquering jealousy, and “coming out” as polyamorous – helping you craft unique connections tailored to your needs.

• People interested in exploring non-monogamy and alternative relationships
• Those curious about opening up a current monogamous relationship
• Anyone looking to gain confidence in communication skills

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (2017) is filled with practical guidance for today’s Christian on four seasons of romantic relationship. This thoughtful collection of stories and scriptural wisdom offers ways to transform relationships, from navigating modern dating to honoring divine design within marriage.

• Single Christians wondering if being alone is really part of God’s plan
• Dating Christians who want to know if their current partner is “the one”
• Engaged Christians about to embark on the adventure of marriage

The Scarlet Letter (1850) delves into the repercussions of sin, societal judgment, and the pathway to personal redemption, journeying through the life of Hester Prynne, an adulteress in a Puritan society.

• Fans of historical fiction
• Readers interested in morality tales
• Feminist literature enthusiasts

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations and pressures surrounding masculinity. Through candid anecdotes and introspective reflections, the book challenges traditional notions of manhood, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy as essential human qualities. It calls for men to break free from limiting gender roles and redefine masculinity on their own terms.

• Those who identify as men who feel confined by traditional gender roles and yearn for a more authentic way of living
• People who want to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships
• Anyone who wants to better understand and support the men in their lives

Who’s Afraid of Gender (2024) explores the complex and fluid nature of gender identity, examining the rich diversity of gender expressions across cultures and history while revealing how gender conformity is weaponized by conservative and authoritarian movements. It advocates for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to gender justice, challenging binary notions of gender and sex.

• Anyone curious about issues influencing the debate
• Those seeking to better understand gender diversity
• Curious minds interested in the complex intersections of nature and nurture in human society

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891) unfolds the heart-wrenching journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman ensnared by the rigid moral and social frameworks of Victorian England. It delves into her tumultuous life marked by manipulation, betrayal, and resilience against an unforgiving society's judgments. Through Tess's story, the novel explores the themes of purity, social hypocrisy, and the struggle between traditional values and societal change, highlighting the destructive impact of these forces on individual lives.

• Fans of classic literature
• Readers interested in social issues
• Students of Victorian England

Take Back Your Brain (2024) explores how patriarchal society programs women's thoughts with self-limiting beliefs, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame despite their accomplishments. It offers strategies based on cognitive psychology and feminist theory to help women rewire their thought patterns, overcome internalized misogyny, and unlock their true potential, ultimately transforming their lives and creating new possibilities for themselves and the world.

• Any woman who feels like she hasn’t reached her full professional potential
• Any woman who feels less-than because she’s single or childfree
• Any woman who’s scared to be demanding, unlikeable, or loud

Of Boys and Men (2022) explores the complex challenges that boys and men encounter in today’s society. Tackling these problems, Richard Reeves argues, requires a shift in our perspective on gender issues. Supporting males to overcome challenges doesn’t detract from the pursuit of gender equality – it complements it and helps foster a more equitable and inclusive world.

• Educators seeking strategies to support male students
• Parents of boys navigating modern challenges
• Policy makers focused on gender equality initiatives

Abortion (2024) exposes the relentless conservative efforts to restrict women’s freedom, especially through anti-abortion legislation, offering a clear view of both overt and covert attacks on reproductive rights. It serves as a vital resource for both new and seasoned abortion advocates.

• Activists seeking essential knowledge on the current reproductive-rights landscape
• Health-care providers learning how legislation affects patients’ reproductive choices
• Voters trying to stay informed on reproductive rights

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves (2021) is a practical, research-backed guide for parents aiming to nurture happy, confident daughters who can thrive in a world that often undermines their self-worth. By fostering key traits such as body confidence, independence, and resilience, it empowers girls to become self-assured, healthy, and secure.

• Parents who want to raise resilient, optimistic daughters
• Teachers who want to support girls mental health and self-esteem 
• Caregivers who want practical strategies for cultivating confidence in girls

Unwell Women (2021) traces the historical misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of women’s bodies throughout medical history. Drawing from historical research. it reveals how medical knowledge has been shaped by gender bias and chronicles the stories of women who have challenged and transformed medical orthodoxy.

• Medical professionals who want to understand historic and current biases
• Women with chronic illnesses struggling to be heard in clinical settings 
• Feminists ready to unravel the patriarchal history of medicine

Shame on You (2025) investigates how patriarchal systems weaponize shame against women, making them feel fundamentally unworthy while paradoxically punishing them for internalizing this unworthiness. Through investigative reporting, scientific research, and personal stories, it exposes shame's toxic impact on women's relationships, careers, and self-perception, while also offering a blueprint for becoming shame-resilient.

• Women struggling with perfectionism
• Feminst activists
• Parents of daughters

Bad Friend (2025) explores the fascinating and understudied subject of female friendship throughout history. This survey of friendships between women introduces the reader to Victorian schoolgirl attachments, Depression-era workplace confidantes, feminist consciousness-raising circles, and more. It also offers an incisive analysis of the way mainstream culture has alternately ignored, policed, and celebrated this specific bond.

• History lovers who want to uncover untold stories of female friendship
• Feminists ready to learn how female friendship has shaped resistance and revolution
• Anyone who is, or has, a female friend

Girl on Girl (2025) investigates how pop culture sold a generation of women a damaging lie: that their objectification was empowerment. It traces how 90s postfeminism, the rise of porno chic, and the explosion of the gossip industry created a culture of self-surveillance that still shapes how we understand female power, value, and ambition today.

• Millennials reassessing their formative pop culture
• Cultural critics interested in media and gender
• Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of postfeminism

Breadwinners (2025) explores how shifting income patterns and gender roles reshape power dynamics in modern relationships, especially when women earn more than their partners. It draws on interviews and research to show how money, unpaid labour and social expectations intersect, and offers ideas for recognising and redressing those imbalances at home and at work.

• Ambitious professionals navigating dual-career relationships and parenthood
• Overstretched primary earners seeking fairer domestic balance
• Anyone interested in gender, money and power dynamics

Alpha Girls (2019) tells the story of four pioneering women venture capitalists – Magdalena Yesil, Mary Jane Elmore, Theresia Gouw, and Sonja Hoel Perkins – who helped build foundational Silicon Valley companies like Salesforce, Facebook, and McAfee while navigating an industry culture defined by sexism, unequal treatment, and the challenge of being the only women in rooms full of men. These “alpha girls” not only survived but ultimately rewrote the rules of venture capital, creating networks and investment models that opened doors for the next generation of women in tech.

• Women in tech who want to see themselves reflected in success stories
• Aspiring VCs ready to glean strategic insights from top venture capitalists
• Anyone navigating workplace bias

The Ambition Penalty (2026) pulls back the curtain on why, despite all the progress narratives, women’s drive to achieve more keeps getting punished rather than rewarded. It challenges the comfortable excuses we’ve been fed about confidence gaps and negotiation skills, pointing instead to deeper structural forces working against women in the workplace and at home. Equal parts wake-up call and roadmap, it equips readers with the language and evidence to push back – and shows what real change could look like.

• Ambitious women who feel stuck despite doing “everything right”
• Working mothers navigating the double bind of professional ambition and caregiving expectations
• Managers and executives looking for research-backed evidence to support workplace equity

Feminism Is for Everybody by bell hooks is a powerful book that aims to demystify the concept of feminism and make it accessible to all. It provides a clear and concise overview of feminist theory and highlights the ways in which feminism benefits everyone, regardless of gender. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks challenges misconceptions and invites readers to join the fight for gender equality.

• Individuals who want to understand the core concepts of feminism
• People looking to challenge and deconstruct societal gender norms and stereotypes
• Readers seeking insightful and thought-provoking discussions on intersectionality and inclusivity within feminism

Reviving Ophelia explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in today's society and offers insights and advice for parents, educators, and mental health professionals on how to support and empower them. Drawing on real-life stories and research, Mary Pipher sheds light on the pressures and expectations that can negatively impact girls' self-esteem and well-being, and provides strategies for helping them navigate these difficult years. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and advocating for the well-being of young women.

• Parents of teenage girls
• Teachers and educators working with teenage girls
• Psychologists and therapists specializing in adolescent development

Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins is a groundbreaking book that explores the intersection of race, gender, and class in the lives of African American women. Collins examines the ways in which Black women have been marginalized in society and offers a powerful analysis of how they have resisted and challenged the dominant power structures. Drawing on a range of disciplines including sociology, history, and critical theory, this book unpacks the complexities of Black feminist thought and its significance in the fight for social justice.

• Readers who are interested in exploring intersectional feminism
• Those seeking to understand the unique experiences and perspectives of Black women
• Individuals who want to challenge their own assumptions and broaden their understanding of societal power dynamics

Caliban and the Witch by Silvia Federici is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of capitalism, patriarchy, and the witch hunts in Europe. Through detailed historical analysis, the book challenges traditional narratives and uncovers the links between the persecution of women as witches and the rise of capitalism. It offers a compelling argument for the importance of understanding this history in order to challenge and transform our current social and economic systems.

• Readers interested in the history of witch hunts and the persecution of women
• Those curious about the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy
• Feminist scholars and activists seeking a critical analysis of gender and labor under capitalism

Female Masculinity by J. Jack Halberstam explores the concept of masculinity as it pertains to female-bodied individuals. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, cultural analysis, and historical research, the book challenges traditional notions of gender and offers a thought-provoking examination of how masculinity can be expressed and embodied by people of all genders.

• Individuals who are interested in exploring and understanding non-conventional gender identities
• Readers who want to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity
• People who are curious about the intersections of gender, sexuality, and identity

Feminist Theory by bell hooks explores the intersection of race, class, and gender in the feminist movement. It challenges traditional feminist perspectives and offers a more inclusive and intersectional approach to understanding and addressing the oppression of women. Through insightful analysis and personal anecdotes, hooks invites readers to rethink their own beliefs and join the ongoing conversation about gender equality.

• Readers interested in understanding and challenging gender inequality
• Individuals seeking to broaden their knowledge of feminist perspectives
• Activists and advocates looking to empower themselves and others

Fervent is a powerful and inspiring book by Priscilla Shirer that challenges readers to take their prayer lives to the next level. With personal anecdotes and biblical wisdom, Shirer discusses the importance of strategic prayer and provides practical tips on how to fight spiritual battles through fervent and targeted prayers. This book will encourage and empower you to become more intentional in your prayer life.

• Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life and spiritual warfare strategies
• Individuals looking to overcome challenges and obstacles through the power of prayer
• Readers who want to be equipped with practical and effective prayer tactics

Gender Outlaw by S. Bear Bergman and Kate Bornstein challenges traditional notions of gender and identity. Through personal stories and insightful analysis, the book explores the complexities of living outside the binary gender system and advocates for greater acceptance and understanding of gender diversity.

• Individuals who are interested in exploring and understanding gender identity
• People who want to challenge and expand their perspectives on gender
• Those who are seeking personal stories and experiences related to gender nonconformity and transgender issues

Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent is a thought-provoking exploration of gender identity and societal expectations. Through her own experiences living as a man for 18 months, Vincent delves into the complexities of masculinity and the ways in which it shapes our lives. This eye-opening book challenges traditional notions of gender and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a man in today's world.

• Those interested in exploring gender identity and societal expectations
• Readers who enjoy personal narratives and investigative journalism
• Individuals looking to challenge their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of masculinity

Trans Liberation delves into the history, challenges, and triumphs of the transgender community. Through personal narratives and insightful analysis, Leslie Feinberg highlights the importance of understanding and supporting the fight for transgender rights. This book is a powerful call to action for a more inclusive and accepting society.

• Individuals seeking to better understand the experiences of transgender and non-binary people
• Activists and allies looking to educate themselves on transgender rights and advocacy
• People interested in learning about the intersection of gender, race, and class

Transgender History by Susan Stryker provides a comprehensive overview of the transgender experience, from ancient times to modern day. It delves into the social, political, and medical factors that have shaped the understanding and treatment of gender identity. Through in-depth research and personal accounts, Stryker sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of the transgender community.

• Anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the history of transgender individuals
• Individuals who want to educate themselves about gender diversity and inclusion
• Activists and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality

Undoing Gender by Judith Butler challenges traditional notions of gender and identity. Through thought-provoking analysis, Butler explores how societal expectations and norms shape our understanding of gender, and offers a compelling argument for the deconstruction of these constructs. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of gender and its impact on our lives.

• Individuals interested in exploring the complexities and fluidity of gender
• Anyone seeking to challenge and deconstruct traditional gender norms
• Activists and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality