There’s no underestimating the power of a good book to inspire and educate which is why our lists of books women should read keeps growing. An absorbing read can be just the thing to indulge in during those quiet few days between Christmas and New Year. There’s a comfort in feeling like you are not alone when reading a book, and a pleasure to be found in losing yourself in the lives of other people – especially when they are real life women. These three books shine a light on the lives of women.
#girlgaze: How Girls See The World
#girlgaze is on a mission to close the gender gap by creating visibility and jobs for girls behind the lens. This book combines images submitted to Girlgaze (both and Instagram account and a Los Angeles based digital media company), a collaboration between photographer and media entrepreneur Amanda de Cadenet, Lynsey Addario a Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist, Inez van Lamsweerde a fashion and art photographer, Sam Taylor-Johnson OBE an English filmmaker. A beautiful and powerful collection of images capturing how young women perceive the world.
This uplifting book captures significant moments of women living their lives at home and on the streets, in remote countrysides to war-torn countries. The diverse collection of Gen Z female photographers mixes both candid and formal photos for a spirited portrayal of the female gaze.
Under My Thumb: Songs That Hate Women and the Women That Love Them
Under My Thumb: Songs that Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them brings together stories from female music writers and fans about the artists and songs we love despite their questionable or troubling gender politics, and looks at how these issues interact with race, class and sexuality.
The collection of stories and essays offers an in depth look at the misogyny that exists in the music industry through the eyes of women. From the movies we watch to the music we listen to, female fans have always been portrayed from the point of view of men. Our own experiences and thoughts about the music we love were misrepresented, if represented at all. However, in a classic case of unrequited love, this never stopped generations of women from listening to and spending money on the music. This book explores the joys of enjoying music and the conflicts it can involve.
Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls
This just happens to be the most funded book in crowdfunding history. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children’s book (but us adults will love it, too) packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present. Each woman’s story is written in the style of a fairy tale and has a full page, full colour portrait that captures the spirit of the portrayed hero. The book features illustrations by 100 different female artists from every corner of the globe. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is not only an opportunity to be inspired and to inspire young girls through the adventures of these unconventional women, it is also a collection of portraits created by some of the most talented female artists of our time.
READ MORE: 9 FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
