Trending: Feminist Lit
BY Adelaide Zoller
It has been over 50 years since Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique was published and sparked the second-wave feminist movement. Since then, feminist literature has continued to evolve and present new theories and perspectives for those who want to educate themselves on women and the world. Modern feminist literature embraces different stylistic approaches and provides today’s feminists with multiple platforms for discussion on experiences and challenges faced by women all over the world.
Zipped has broken down some of the most popular and essential works written by feminists so you can decide which should be your next pick. Enjoy.
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay: Do not let the name fool you, this is full-on feminist literature. Gay’s collection of essays is honest and unapologetic about the flaws within feminism and herself. It is an unintimidating piece of literature that allows its reader to explore questions of sexuality, race, politics, and pop culture. You may notice that the book feels like several open-ended questions without clear answers, but that is what makes it genius. It allows readers to look introspectively about how they fit into various aspects of society as women and feminists.
Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham: Celebrity memoirs are having a moment in literature right now, especially by those who fall in the “funny-woman-feminist” archetype. Dunham’s memoir is hilarious, sexually empowering, and often infuriating. She touches on sexual assault, homosexuality, education, and her favorite, nudity. This is where Dunham got it right. But let’s be honest, her feminism is highly problematic. As you read it you get the “my body isn’t your business, but here I am expressing how I feel about literally EVERYONE I meet and their sexualities and choice of partners” vibe. So, is it the best feminist celebrity memoir? Of course not. Is it one of the most entertaining? Absolutely.
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem: Steinem’s life has been a series of remarkable events since she went undercover as a Playboy bunny at the start of her journalism career in the 1960s. In the first book she has written in over 20 years, the activist-journalist-feminist gives the reader insight into how her political beliefs were formed by travelling as well as how her feminism has developed into transnational spheres. Perhaps the most poignant part of Steinem’s book is its dedication to a late doctor who helped her receive an illegal abortion at 22. Steinem’s life has been undeniably interesting and successful as a journalist, feminist, and humanitarian. My Life on the Road is perfectly crafted to be equally smart, informative, and inspirational.