Bad Feminist is a collection of essays by inspiring novelist and professor, Roxanne Gay. In the book, she tells her story of how she evolved as a woman and comments on the issues facing feminism in today's world - everything from abortion to Chris Brown. Gay has a fabulous writing style and offers a great insight into feminism for those who perhaps feel pressured to act a certain way. She admits to being messy and flawed yet open to learning. She reminds us that being 'bad' feminists is all part of the experience and also opens the eyes of me, a white women, to the privilege I have compared to women of colour.

I Call Myself A Feminist: The View from Twenty-Five Women Under Thirty by Victoria Pepe,‎ Rachel Holmes,‎ Amy Annette,‎ Martha Mosse and Alice Stride Stride

 In this book, 25 young women talk about what feminism means to them. To me, bettering myself as a feminist and educating myself all comes from listening to other feminists and using their thoughts and experiences to shape my own beliefs, therefore, reading the views of these women opened my heart and eyes. They discuss whether feminism is a 'dirty word,' whether feminism is 'anit-men' and much more. These outspoken, funny and focused women offer new perspectives on the movement.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This is an eloquent essay adapted from a TEDx talk given by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It is one of my favourite pieces of feminist writing I have ever had the pleasure of reading. She speaks of the importance of intersectionality in feminism whilst drawing heavily on her own experiences as a Nigerian woman, talking about how they shaped her as a feminist. Her words on sexuality and masculinity are inspiring and, after reading this, any feminist is bound to feel a new fire of passion and determination within their heart.

Why We March: Signs of Protest and Hope -Voices from the Women's March

 They say a picture speaks a thousand words and, in this case, it certainly does. This photo book is bursting with images from the 2017 Women's March, an event which inspired millions across the world to take to the streets and protest. These photos remind us why feminism exists and the importance of resistance. These provide us with hope that passion for change is alive in the world and that this movement we have created is showing no signs of ceasing. It is a brilliant documentation of important political action and, whenever you're feeling despondent or angry at the world, simply looking at these images and the oceans of women standing in solidarity with one another, will soon restore your faith in humanity.

I Am a Feminist: Quotes That Empower

Everyone needs a book of feminist quotes on their shelves, something to reach for when in need of a little motivation. This one in particular is jam packed with inspiring, empowering quotes from feminist icons and powerful women from all industries. Women from music, politics, sport, media and history share their thoughts on what feminism means to them. Women from way back when and those whose names we see every day on social media, they celebrate the past, present and future of the feminist movement. 

100 Nasty Women of History: Brilliant, badass and completely fearless women everyone should know by Hannah Jewell

Jang-Geum, the first woman doctor in Korean history. Murasaki Shikibu, the inventor of the novel. Jean Batten, a record holder for multiple solo flights around the world... these are just a few of the women who have shaped our world yet whose names we do not know. In this bible for feminists, Jewell tells the stories of women who made the world what it is today, women who showed bravery and determination which terrified their male counterparts. women who were politically outspoken, game changers in the world of science and mathematics and creators of wonderful pieces of art yet were often unpaid and unrecognised and, sometimes, not even allowed to live. These women inspire me to do great things and to be fearless in the face of adversity so I'm sure they will do the same for you.

What feminist books do you recommend? <3

Love, Emily :) xx