Author: Karla Strand

Karla J. Strand is the gender and women’s studies librarian for the University of Wisconsin. She completed her doctorate in information science via University of Pretoria in South Africa with a background in history and library science, and her research centers on the role of libraries and knowledge in empowering women and girls worldwide. Tweet her @karlajstrand.
Reads for the Rest of Us: Best of the Rest 2020

Reads for the Rest of Us: Best of the Rest 2020

Overall, 2020 can suck it. But we’ve almost made it through and if nothing else, there were some amazing books released this year. I’ve reviewed my Reads for the Rest of Us monthly lists and chosen the 35 best feminist books below as my very favorite reads of the year (in alphabetical order). It was almost impossible to choose but I think there’s something here for everyone.

*And also: We heard you! Thanks to readers who suggested we link out to indie booksellers instead of, ahem, the other guys. Thanks for supporting us and your local booksellers this holiday season!

December 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us

December 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us

We’re almost there. We almost made it through 2020! If you’re in need of gift ideas or perhaps some diversions for yourself, these 20 titles will give you a place to start. Fiction and nonfiction, history and futurism, tears of joy or empathy—there’s something here for everyone.

Civil Rights Hero JoAnne Bland: "This Time, We’re Going to Go All the Way"

Civil Rights Hero JoAnne Bland: “This Time, We’re Going to Go All the Way”

JoAnne Bland, founder of Journeys for the Soul tour company, was 11 years old when she crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965—a day that would come to be known as Bloody Sunday.

“To look at those kids out there trying to do what’s right and saying they’re not gonna take it anymore, brought back the memories of the ‘60s. And when police attacked, it really took me straight back to that bridge, straight back to that bridge. How could this happen? To still be happening 55 years later, how can it? … But [I pray that] those children don’t stop. Don’t stop ‘til they get it right. … I encourage them and I pray every day: Please don’t stop. Change will come if you keep their feet to the fire. Change will come.”

July 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us books

July 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, I provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically underrepresented groups. Now more than ever, we need to read and buy books by women of color, and let’s continue to buy books by Black women writers. This month, all 24 of the books on the list are written by BIWOC writers, so get to it.