The world is a scary place right now. With right-wing parties rising all over the world, racism on our streets and women still not having to fight for basic rights is just the tip of the issues.
Everything seems a bit on the unpredictable side. We need social equality more than ever. For those of you who don't know, social equality, basically, feminism, is the belief that everyone should be equal in society regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, disability or religion.
Here are 13 books that will help you understand the world around you right now and leave you feeling woke:
Politics and Geography
Prisoners of Geography - Tim Marshall
If you don't understand the issues around migration and politics that you see all over the news then this might be the place to start.
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And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie
Christie's novel is set in a fancy home on an isolated island. Only the 'best' of British society have been invited to attend this exclusive party. It's one of the best murder mysteries of all time.
The Internet
Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous - Gabriella Coleman
Discover more about the genius hackers Anonymous and the role the internet has to play in social equality.
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Animal Farm - George Orwell
A farm that's run by animals will inform you more about the hierarchies society than any other book you'll read.
Intersectional Feminism
Women, Race & Class - Angela Y. Davis
Davis dissects the relationship between women, race, and class by looking at how all three infuse to create social inequalities.
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Bad Feminist - Roxane Gay
Gay creates an accessible collection of essays for you to enjoy and questions what it means to be a 'bad feminist'.
Gender
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Gender Troubles - Judith Butler
If you've ever struggled to understand the concept of gender then turn to Butler for advice. Butler decomposes what it means to be a 'man' or 'woman', fluid or androgenous.
Redefining Realness - Janet Mock
Trans activist and general hero, Mock's life story will inspire you to understand the fluidity of gender and yourself.
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Toxic Masculinity
Man Up - Jack Urwin
Urwin brilliantly decomposes the modern day notions of masculinity by analyzing popular texts Fight Club, our grandfather's relationship with war and men's relationship with their mental health. A must read if you're a man.
LGBTQIA Issues
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Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive - Julia Serano
Serano will help you understand how to make feminism and the queer movement more inclusive rather than focusing on 'white' issues.
Reproductive Rights for Women
Pro - Katha Pollitt
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From an American angle, Pollitt looks at the ways in which abortion is restricted in society and the factors that go against the movement.
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The now popular television series offers us an important look at how women's bodies and choices are controlled by society. With the continued 8th amendment struggle here in Ireland, the book is more relatable than ever.
Also Read: The 15 Books You Need To Read To Guide You Through Your Twenties
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