A Feminist is an individual who believes that men and women are of the same value and deserve the same rights. Feminism has existed for decades, empowering women and affording them rights that they did not have access to in the past. More than a cultural phenomenon, Feminism has paved the way for women to be perceived as strong, successful, and capable of leading their own lives.

Anyone can be a feminist. Male, female, or non-binary, young or old, what makes a feminist is a firm belief and support in the values of feminism. However, not everyone has access to this information. Some people may even have a hard time figuring out where to begin. If that is the case, expanding your knowledge is easier than it ever has been. Looking for creative essays on literature to read is a good way to start as well. They're free, accessible, and provide numerous examples and topics that can help you have a deeper understanding of feminism.

However, another great way to learn is to check the published literature. Feminist literature has grown in popularity and prominence over the years, with more and more people respecting and appreciating their existence. Literature written by a feminist novelist creates waves of impact that affect everyone in society. By reading up on these books, you're allowing yourself to have access to decades of empowerment. This ultimately allows you to have a better understanding of the movement itself. Here are 7 of the best feminist fiction and nonfiction books that you need to add to your bookshelves.

Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This nonfiction book is probably the best place to start for those who are just getting into feminist worldviews. This book discusses how important the genuine experiences of women are, all while packed in an easy to understand format. This is a great alternative to essays on literature that you may have a hard time understanding.

Feminists Don't Wear Pink: and other lies by Scarlett Curtis

Speaking of essays, this book is a great way to see multiple perceptions and forms of feminism. This book is a compilation of the best literature essays that tackle multiple facets of feminism. The literature essays examples presented in the book provide an easy way to digest decades of feminist history and values.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

You've probably heard of this book, and there's a good reason for that. Out of all the feminist fiction books that exist, this book tackles issues ingeniously and truly puts everything into perspective. Set in a dystopia where women's rights and values have been compromised in the name of religion, this book puts readers in a place of reflection and forces them to ask themselves questions about society that truly matter.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a poetic genius, and the first part of her 7-book autobiography truly exposes that. This book discusses Angelou's journey as a young woman in the industry of art, constantly being victimized by oppressive and racist structures. It is truly a masterpiece that every intelligent and independent woman needs to read.

Women & Power by Mary Beard

Go on a journey through time and discover multiple manifestations of feminism in literature with this book. Mary Beard takes readers on a trip to assess the feminist and social notions of events within history, supplementing it with current social trends and integrating them into the views of feminism.

She Must Be Mad by Charly Cox

If you are a fan of poetry, this book is a must-read for you. Charly Cox takes the stories and narratives of multiple young women and weaves them into poetic genius. This book is filled with poetry and prose that discuss the experiences of women all over the world.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In a brave tell-all novel, Malala brings to light the experiences of women who do not have the privilege of living in a progressive world. This book is a great way to take a deeper look into the plights of women that belong in an oppressive society. Malala's narrative is a story that many women share.

These books may not tackle everything you need to know about feminism, but they sure are a great place to start.


WRITTEN BY

Clara Rose