Books Like...
'Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman' by Lindy West is a collection of autobiographical essays that touch on topics such as feminism, fat acceptance, online trolling, rape culture, and societal issues. Lindy West's writing style blends humor and seriousness, offering a fresh and honest perspective on personal experiences and social activism. Through her essays, West shares her journey of self-acceptance, advocacy, and challenging societal norms, making the reader reflect on important issues in a relatable and engaging manner.
If you liked Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'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... "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...- #3
"The Witches Are Coming" by Lindy West is a collection of essays that delves into contemporary issues such as society, sexism, hypocrisy, fat shaming, politics, and pop culture. West's writing style is a mix of humor and anger, with a sharp wit that addresses topics like sexual violence, internet trolling, and the complexities of being a feminist in today's world. Through her essays, West challenges societal norms, explores the concept of witch hunts, and advocates for progressive movements while acknowledging the messy nature of feminism.
Not long ago, my husband was at a bar in Chicago. A friend had told him to check out this particular bar because it’s a cool dive run by queer people of color, with dancing and cheap drinks and a good... 'We Should All Be Feminists' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a short and powerful essay that serves as a call to action for gender equality. Adichie eloquently argues for the importance of feminism, drawing from her personal experiences in Nigeria to highlight the need for both men and women to embrace feminist ideals. The book is a modified version of Adichie's TEDxEuston talk, covering topics such as the impact of patriarchy, the necessity of redefining culture to achieve equality, and the universal relevance of feminism.
Adichie's writing style is clear, concise, and thought-provoking, making the complex topic of feminism accessible to a wide audience. Through anecdotes and examples, she challenges societal norms and encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and actions regarding gender equality. The book serves as a reminder that feminism is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue that requires everyone's participation for meaningful change to occur.
Okoloma was one of my greatest childhood friends. He lived on my street and looked after me like a big brother: If I liked a boy, I would ask Okoloma’s opinion. Okoloma was funny and intelligent and w...- #5
'Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body' by Roxane Gay is a raw and honest memoir that delves into the author's experiences with trauma, weight, self-image, and the impact of sexual assault. Gay bravely opens up about her struggles, from being gang raped at a young age to using her body as a shield against the world, exploring themes of control, trauma, and societal perceptions of body image. Through her candid narrative, she invites readers to empathize with her journey and challenges them to reconsider their own biases and privileges.
The story of my body is not a story of triumph. This is not a weight-loss memoir. There will be no picture of a thin version of me, my slender body emblazoned across this book’s cover, with me standin... - #6
Alicia 'Plum' Kettle, a morbidly obese woman, lives a secluded life while working as an anonymous advice columnist to save up for weight reduction surgery. However, her life takes a turn when she encounters a feminist collective, Calliope House, and becomes entangled in their fight against societal expectations. As Plum learns to love herself, a guerrilla group named Jennifer starts targeting misogynists, leading Plum to question conformity versus self-acceptance. The book transitions from a story about weight loss struggles to an underground revolution against sexism, showcasing a mix of real issues and political satire.
Plum's journey in 'Dietland' navigates themes of body image, fat shaming, feminism, and self-acceptance. The narrative unfolds as Plum connects with women challenging societal norms, leading her to question her desire for thinness and embrace her true self. The book delves into the complexities of modern society's treatment of women, blending humor, outrage, and introspection to provoke thought and spark conversations about gender expectations and liberation.
IT WAS LATE IN THE SPRING when I noticed that a girl was following me, nearly the end of May, a month that means perhaps or might be. She crept into the edges of my consciousness like something blurry... 'Shit, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema' by Lindy West is a collection of humorous and snarky reviews on popular movies from the last 30 years. West brings her wit and humor to critiquing films, offering a lighthearted and entertaining take on various movies. The book covers a range of films, providing commentary on their cultural impact, entertainment value, and how well they hold up over time.
Objectively, there’s only one good movie, and it’s The Fugitive. The Fugitive is the only good movie. Now, if you think I’m being capricious, know that I have had this feeling before about other thing...- #8
Mindy Kaling's book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?", offers a glimpse into her life through a series of comedic essays. Readers found the book to be light-hearted and entertaining, with humorous anecdotes about her experiences growing up and working in the entertainment industry. Kaling's writing style is described as conversational, relatable, and filled with funny observations that reflect her quirky personality.
As you can see, from then on, however, it was full-speed-ahead food paradise! In grade school, I would vacillate along the spectrum from chubby to full-on fat until I was about fourteen. Being overwei... - #9
'Rising Strong' by Brene Brown is a book that delves into the processes of getting back up after being knocked down. Brown's vulnerable approach and relatable stories unpack the journey of facing struggles and rising again towards a wholehearted life. The book emphasizes the importance of challenging initial reactions, believing in the best intentions of others, and integrating key learnings into various aspects of life such as love, leadership, and parenting.
Brown's writing style is described as conversational, practical, and humorous, making complex concepts accessible and relatable to readers. Through personal stories, solid research, and a mix of factual and anecdotal narratives, Brown guides readers through the process of identifying triggers, managing emotions, and ultimately becoming stronger individuals who can navigate life's challenges with courage and self-understanding.
When it comes to human behavior, emotions, and thinking, the adage “The more I learn, the less I know” is right on. I’ve learned to give up my pursuit of netting certainty and pinning it to the wall. ... 'The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love' by Sonya Renee Taylor is a powerful manifesto that encourages readers to embrace radical self-love and kindness towards oneself and others. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and practical strategies, Taylor addresses issues of body terrorism, body positivity, and self-acceptance. Readers are taken on a journey towards self-awareness, unpacking societal norms, and learning to love their bodies unapologetically. also explores the impact of racism, oppression, and homophobia on body image, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity.
The writing style of the book is described as eloquent, poetic, logical, and engaging. Taylor's approach is both informative and inspiring, providing readers with tools to challenge societal standards of beauty and promote a culture of self-love and acceptance. encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences, address trauma, and embark on a path towards healing and empowerment.
Let me answer a couple of questions right away before you dig too deeply into this book and are left feeling bamboozled and hoodwinked. First, “Will this book fix my self-esteem, Sonya?” Nope. Second,...