The writer and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project chooses her favourite feminist books. She will speak about her new book, "The New Age of Sexism", at the Hay Festival on 26 May.
Noughts and Crosses
A love story set against the backdrop of a racially segregated world, with light-skinned "noughts" systemically oppressed by the ruling, dark-skinned "crosses". Stirring and inspiring, it remains one of the most powerful examples of how children's literature can convey the devastating impact of prejudice and inequality.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Asking For It
Louise O’Neill, 2015
A fictional but all-too-familiar story about the aftermath of the rape of a young woman in a small town. This searing YA novel explores themes of complicity, victim-blaming and the devastating legacy of sexual violence, and portrays how both the media and our communities can play a role in the miscarriage of justice.
Circe
Madeline Miller, 2018
A brilliant retelling of Greek mythology through a feminist lens. Not just a delicious novel, but also a comforting reminder that it is never too late to correct the erasure of women from the narrative.
My Life on the Road
Gloria Steinem, 2015
This memoir from the legendary campaigner is a vital primer for any feminist activist. Steinem powerfully conveys the importance of collective voice, intersectionality and solidarity in the quest for a better world.
It’s Not About the Burqa
Edited by Mariam Khan, 2019
A moving, eye-opening and often hilarious collection of essays by Muslim women, covering everything from misogyny to Islamophobia.
Nesting
Roisín O’Donnell, 2025
Fleeing with her children from the coercive control of her abusive husband, Ciara must navigate an inhumane and broken housing system. This debut novel reads like a thriller, but for thousands of women the story it spotlights is all too real.
Titles in print are available from The Week Bookshop
-
A little-visited Indian Ocean archipelagoThe Week Recommends The paradise of the Union of the Comoros features beautiful beaches, colourful coral reefs and lush forests
-
Diane Keaton: the Oscar-winning star of Annie HallIn the Spotlight Something’s Gotta Give actor dies from pneumonia at the age of 79
-
Heirs and Graces: an ‘enthralling’ deep dive into the decline of nobilityThe Week Recommends Eleanor Doughty explores the ‘bizarre fascination’ with the British aristocracy
-
6 sporty homes with tennis courtsFeature Featuring a clay tennis court in New York and a viewing deck in California
-
Critics’ choice: Seafood in the spotlightFeature An experimental chef, a newspaper-worthy newcomer, and a dining titan’s fresh spin-off
-
Taylor Swift’s Showgirl: Much glitter, little goldFeature Swift’s new album has broken records, but critics say she may have gotten herself creatively stuck
-
Theater review: Masquerade218 W. 57th St., New York City 218 W. 57th St., New York City
-
Film reviews: Roofman and Kiss of the Spider WomanFeature An escaped felon’s heart threatens to give him away and a prisoner escapes into daydreams of J.Lo.
