Feminist Book List: Summer Edition
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Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead
In the past year as I've been expanding my feminist knowledge, I've gotten to know who some of the current feminist icons are and why. One of them I came to learn about was Cecile Richards, an activist who served as the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America starting in 2006 and stepped down this year after 12 years in the role. She came out with Make Trouble to share her lifelong journey of activism and resistance. Getting to see her and Lauren Peterson during their book tour was an amazing experience. Reading the book was equally amazing, if not more.
Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Mind, Body, and Spirit
I mentioned Kinstugi Wellness by Candice Kumai in a recent post so I had to list her latest book here. It reads like a memoir of Candice's Japanese culture in combination with comprehensive wellness. It's filled with recipes and paired with the written passages throughout the pages. The pictures were all designed and taken by Candice and you can tell she poured her entire heart and soul into this work of art.
Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture
Not That Bad is a collection of essays that tackle rape, assault, and harassment, edited and with an introduction by Roxane Gay. I've read two of her other books (with many more to catch up on), including Bad Feminist and Hunger. Both were incredibly moving and were true showcases of her craft. If you want to listen to honest and revealing truths, Not That Bad will not disappoint.
Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women's Pain
I'm a health care professional and have seen firsthand the value of resources that support women's health. From a cultural and activist perspective, I've also learned about the consequences of not believing women's pain and the effect of this from an individual and societal level. Ask Me About My Uterus by Abby Norman describes her experience of having her pain dismissed and puts them in a sociocultural and political context.
A Girl's Guide to Joining the Resistance: A Feminist Handbook on Fighting for Good
I've spoken a lot about the International Women's Day event where Emma Gray promoted her book and organized a panel of other feminist icons to join her in a conversation. That book is Girl's Guide to Joining the Resistance: A Feminist Handbook on Fighting for Good and it is filled with actionable steps of getting involved to make change in the world. Inspired by the results of the 2016 presidential election, this book is intersectional, empowering, and focuses on the importance of your story.
DIY Rules for a WTF World: How to Speak Up, Get Creative, and Change the World
When I participated in my first Women's March this year, my mom knitted me a pussy hat. When I came to learn that the creator of the design and movement was an Asian woman I was so excited to hear about her story. Crafting for me during residency was my mindfulness activity and mental health survival. To see how it could be used to create social change with the Pussyhat Project was absolutely inspiring.
Want more? Check out Bitch Media's list of feminist books that came out (or are coming out) this month. It's full of recommendations that I can't wait to check out!
What are you reading this summer? I'd love to know! Share in the comments below and let's have a conversation.
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