Books matching: understanding women
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A fiery, important, and often witty collection that spotlights the ongoing struggles (and victories) of women. Injustices are named, truths are spoken, and hope glimmers. Essential reading for anyone curious about feminism or hungry for change - just be ready for some truly sobering truths.
"Men Explain Things to Me: And Other Essays" by Rebecca Solnit is a collection of feminist essays that delve into societal issues such as mansplaining, toxic masculinity, violence against women, and the silencing of women. Solnit's writing style is described as articulate, passionate, and insightful, covering a wide range of topics from Virginia Woolf's writings to the importance of marriage equality. The essays are thought-provoking, eye-opening, and provide a deep exploration of gender inequality and feminist perspectives.
I still don’t know why Sallie and I bothered to go to that party in the forest slope above Aspen. The people were all older than us and dull in a distinguished way, old enough that we, at forty-ish, p...April 2014•167 pages- #2
A searing, beautifully written memoir that should be required reading - eye-opening, gutting, and ultimately empowering. Know My Name is not easy, but it’s essential.
'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller is a powerful memoir that chronicles her journey as a sexual assault survivor, her experience with the legal system, and her fight for justice. Through raw and sincere storytelling, Miller sheds light on the emotional distress and pain she endured, while also highlighting the flaws within society, the court system, and the treatment of victims of sexual assault. Her writing style is described as luminous, crystalline, and deeply impactful, providing readers with a gripping narrative that exposes the harsh realities of assault and the challenges faced by survivors.
I AM SHY. In elementary school for a play about a safari, everyone else was an animal. I was grass. I’ve never asked a question in a large lecture hall. You can find me hidden in the corner of any exe...September 2019•380 pages - #3
A challenging but insightful read that reframes misogyny as more than just personal hatred - it's about social enforcement. Best for those ready to engage deeply and think critically about gender, power, and society.
'Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny' by Kate Manne delves into the concept of misogyny, examining how it manifests in everyday scenarios and affects women. The writing style is academic yet thought-provoking, challenging readers to reflect on societal norms and gender biases. Through real-world examples and detailed insights, the author explores the roots of misogyny and its impact on women's lives, urging readers to reconsider their perceptions of gender roles and power dynamics.
October 2017•362 pages A compassionate, eye-opening must-read for anyone curious about men, masculinity, and love - more theory and reflection than checklist, but full of heart and wisdom.
In "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love" by bell hooks, the author delves into the impact of patriarchy on men, exploring how it shapes their identities, behaviors, and relationships. She discusses the various masks and roles that men adopt within patriarchal systems, emphasizing the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity on both men and women. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks challenges traditional notions of masculinity and advocates for a more compassionate, emotionally healthy approach to manhood.
When Phyllis Chesler’s book About Men was first published more than ten years ago, I was excited. At last, I thought then, a feminist thinker will explain this mystery—men. Back then I had never share...2003•209 pagesA thoughtful, eye-opening read that explains why men and women often misunderstand each other, packed with relatable insights - even if it sometimes overgeneralizes. Great for anyone curious about the hidden rules behind everyday conversations.
"You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation" by Deborah Tannen delves into the language and customs of the opposite gender, offering insights into the differences in communication styles between men and women. Through numerous real-life examples and case studies, the author explores the reasons behind the misunderstandings that often occur between genders, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how men and women communicate differently. Tannen's writing style is described as more of a storytelling approach rather than a linguistic analysis, making the book engaging and relatable for readers.
Tannen's book serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their communication skills, particularly in relationships with the opposite sex. By shedding light on the nuances of gender communication, the book offers practical insights that can be applied immediately to enhance understanding and connection between men and women. The content is not only informative but also thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own conversational experiences and providing a fresh perspective on the dynamics of communication between genders.
Many years ago I was married to a man who shouted at me, “I do not give you the right to raise your voice to me, because you are a woman and I am a man.” This was frustrating, because I knew it was un...January 1972•352 pages- #6
A mega-popular relationship classic that’s relatable and clear, but also heavily reliant on stereotypes and pretty basic. Grab it for quick communication hacks, but cherry-pick the parts that work for you.
"Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" by John Gray explores the differences between men and women in relationships, providing insights on how to understand and communicate effectively with the opposite gender. The writing style of the book presents common sense ideas and tactics to use when communicating in a relationship, offering practical strategies for improving understanding and intimacy between partners.
suppress their honest feelings in order to avoid conflict and not argue. As a result of suppressing their true feelings they lose touch with their loving feelings as well. One couple is having a war w...1992•372 pages A must-read, data-packed wake-up call about how society is designed with men as the default. Sometimes repetitive or narrowly focused, but essential for understanding - and challenging - systemic gender bias. Bring your highlighter (and possibly a stress ball).
'Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men' by Caroline Criado Perez delves into the various ways in which women are overlooked and underrepresented in different aspects of society, from public infrastructure to medical research. The book uncovers the gender data gap, highlighting how this lack of comprehensive information on women leads to dangerous situations and perpetuates inequality. Criado Perez presents a compelling argument on how the world is designed with men as the default human, ultimately making women invisible in decision-making processes and everyday life.
The writing style of 'Invisible Women' is described as academic yet engaging, with the author presenting a thorough analysis of studies from around the world to showcase the impact of unexamined biases on women's lives. Through statistics and anecdotes, Criado Perez builds a compelling narrative that not only educates readers on the disparities faced by women but also advocates for tools like Gender Bias Analysis Plus to address these deficiencies and promote equality.
It all started with a joke. It was 2011 and officials in the town of Karlskoga, in Sweden, were being hit with a gender-equality initiative that meant they had to re-evaluate all their policies throug...March 2019•430 pages- #8
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a devastating, fast-paced, and unforgettable novel celebrating the strength of women amid adversity - perfect if you want a poignant, eye-opening, and ultimately hopeful read (just keep the tissues close).
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.
Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.
It happened on a Thursday. It must have, because Mariam remembered that she had been restless and preoccupied that day, the way she was only on Thursdays, the day when Jalil visited her at the kolba....January 2007•435 pages - #9
A beautifully written, haunting dive into mental health, gender expectations, and 1950s America - it’s not an easy read, but it’s a powerful and enduring one.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a...1961•261 pages - #10
A bold, funny, and often moving collection that embraces feminist imperfection - sometimes messy, sometimes brilliant, always worth exploring, especially if you like your social commentary served with a hefty dose of pop culture.
'Bad Feminist' by Roxane Gay is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics including race, gender, sexuality, feminism, pop culture, politics, and personal experiences. The author shares her opinions on various issues and presents a thought-provoking exploration of societal expectations, politics, and feminist literary criticism. Gay's writing style is described as erudite, smart, insightful, and thought-provoking, with a mix of personal anecdotes and critical reflections on current events and trends in entertainment.
Niche dating sites are interesting. You can go to JDate or Christian Mingle or Black People Meet or any number of dating websites expressly designed for birds of a feather to flock together. If you ha...August 2014•355 pages










