TML Book Club: Women on, for and about Women
I love a list, and I am nosey, so I love to browse other people’s bookshelves. Today I’m sharing mine. In honour of International Women’s Day I’m showcasing women writers, some who I’ve seen speak in person and have followed for awhile, others who are new on the scene, but all have offered something of substance. In no particular order, directly from my bookshelf, here is a list of just a few of the non-fiction titles and authors that have helped support my learning journey over the last few years.
1 | The Future is Feminist
A collection of essays by a diverse range of women voices, from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Audre Lorde to Caitlin Moran and Chelsea Handler and Mindy Kaling. “Radical, funny and inspiring writing by women” …and it’s true. It’s a vibrant collection of over 20 essays worth a look.
2 | Rad Women Worldwide
Artists and athletes, pirates and punks and other revolutionaries who shaped history by Kate Schatz and Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl. From 430 BCE to 2016, from Mesopotamia to Antarctica, Rad Women Worldwide tells the stories of women who have changed the rules, pushed boundaries and helped make a better future for us all.
3 | Belonging
Belonging, remembering our home by Toko-pa Turner is a beautiful exploration of belonging, touching on important themes such as estrangement, healing and more by drawing on myth, stories and dreams.
4 | Tomorrow Sex Will Be Good
A provocative exploration of, consent and sexuality in the age of ‘Me Too’ by Katherine Angel. It’s a short, accessible read and regardless of what anatomy is in your pants, it’s worth a read.
5 | Femina
A new history of the middle ages through the women written out of it by Janina Ramirez. From royalty and religion to fame and fury, see the medieval world - and the women erased from it - with fresh eyes.
6 | Abolish the Family
A manifesto for care and liberation by Sophie Lewis. Yes, the slogan used as the title does evoke some strong reactions, and that’s exactly why we need this book. Let’s expand our thinking…”if a world is to be remade utterly, then a person must be willing to be remade also” …and that is scary. But this little book is a quick read and will definitely challenge your thinking.
7 | Radical Intimacy
Exploring how care, connection and community can support our struggles for liberation by Sophie K Rosa. How has capitalism shaped our intimate relationships and is there a better way? Yes, there is, and this short book will help you envision it.
8 | Hormone Goddess
How to live in harmony with your cycle is a beautifully illustrated and accessible handbook providing insight and guidance by Samantha Hadidi and illustrated by Irina Chaikova. I stumbled upon this book by accident in a random book shop in London recently. It’s a gorgeous book and I’m really enjoying gathering more insight into this important topic.
9 | Invisible Women
Exposing data bias in a world designed for men by Caroline Criado Perez. From government policy and medical research to technology, workplaces, and the media, this book reveals how in a world largely built for and by men, we are systematically ignoring half of the population. Get ready to be enraged even more than you currently are, ladies.
10 | The Women Who Built Bristol 1184 - 2018
Contains 250 inspiring women, three sheroic dogs and one heartbroken barmaid from Easton by Jane Duffus. This book really is an incredible account of many incredible women who lived across generations, all contributing to a better way of life in one way or another for those who came after them.
Additional Honourable Mentions:
And of course, some of my favourite prolific authors that everyone needs to read - literally anything and everything written by…
Bell Hooks
Margaret Atwood
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Sourcing Books Ethically
If you’re also striving to be more ethical in your purchasing decisions, here are a few suggestions to consider:
I like to check World of Books which source new and used from independent book sellers across the UK.
The Oxfam Shop is also an excellent resource for used books.
Consider checking at your local library if owning the book isn’t a priority for you and to save money.
If audio is your thing, consider Libro FM as an alternative to …well, you know.
