Women Writers

Find books written by women, largely about women and other underrepresented communities.

February 2025 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, I provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically excluded groups.

I take comfort, inspiration and ideas from books. From the 20 here, I’ve learned about Sámi boarding schools, Mexican feminisms and new strategies for having courageous conversations. I’m even more convinced of the urgent need for educational and political reform. I’ve read stories of exclusion and violence, as well as hope and triumph. I’ve seen truth decimate fear, light scare away the dark, comfort prevail over capitalistic greed.  That’s what books do: They comfort us, educate us, enrage us and inspire us. Whatever books you read this month, I hope you find what you’re looking for.

‘Money, Lies, and God’: The Rise of Christian Nationalism and the Battle for American Democracy

Katherine Stewart’s Money, Lies, and God exposes the alarming rise of Christian nationalism as a well-coordinated, anti-democratic movement seeking not just power, but the destruction of democracy itself. She describes this movement as “more political pathology than political program,” with its leaders intent on “burning down the house.” Stewart reveals how right-wing religious and political forces use disinformation, authoritarian alliances and targeted outreach—particularly through churches and media—to gain influence.

Despite internal contradictions, she warns that their strategy is effective: “A fractured and ill-informed public is easier to control than a well-informed one.”

However, she argues that a broad, pro-democracy coalition can push back, emphasizing the need to expose dark money, defend public education and strengthen the separation of church and state.

Loretta Ross on ‘Calling In’: 25 Lessons on Change, Compassion and Cancel Culture

In Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel, activist and scholar Loretta Ross challenges us to move beyond cancel culture and embrace a more humane approach to accountability. “A call in is a call out done with love,” she explains, emphasizing that true change requires “creating the conditions for differences of opinion to be heard” rather than relying on shame and ideological rigidity. With truth and history on our side, Ross urges us to build bridges, not burn them, leading a “revolution of moral renewal” that unites rather than divides.

January 2025 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, I provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically excluded groups.

As we tread uncertain waters, it’s nice to have something to depend on that provides a sense of grounding, respite and normalcy. For me, books are that something. So, while life is unpredictable and scary and precarious, I hope you can gain something from the books on this list.

Which one of these books will be the catalyst you’re looking for?  

From Playtime to Patriarchy: The Role of Toys in Gender Inequality

This “toy problem” doesn’t end in childhood—it grows up with kids and follows them into adulthood. When toys restrict a child’s imagination about their possibilities, it stifles development and creates a ripple effect. The path to gender equality must begin at the earliest stages of life—when children first engage with toys, books and screens.

Jodi Bondi Norgaard explores this in her new book More Than a Doll: How Creating a Sports Doll Turned into a Fight to End Gender Stereotypes.

Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2025

As we enter a new year and an uncertain future, it’s clear that some of us need to read more than others, but we all need to read for relaxation, inspiration and knowledge. 

I hope you’ll make it a goal to carve out some time to read, and I’m here to give you my top 100 books that I am excited about this year.  I scour catalogs and websites, search my favorite authors, keep up with socials and try to get through as much email as I can to find the gems that I know Ms. readers will love and learn from. I look for feminist, queer, anti-racist, anti-colonial, original, radical and reflective books. Subversive books. Books that’ll make you think and feel. It’s a lot of work, but as a librarian and Ms. Feminist Know-It-All, it’s what I do! And it’s labor I love. 

Rest in Power: Nikki Giovanni, the Angel of Black Poetry

Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr.—poet, writer, feminist and civil rights activist and educator—has died. Born June 7, 1943 , Giovanni was the author of more than 25 books and subject of the award-winning 2023 documentary Going to Mars.

A poem written in her honor:

“Nikki Giovanni,

Black poetic angel extraordinaire

who wrote to us

and for us;

gave us Black folk,

and the world,

a legacy of words

that exuded courage:

words of truthtelling

words of Black magic

words of inspiration

words of your life

words of your vision

words of love

for us,

your global Black community.”

December 2024 Reads for the Rest of Us

Each month, we provide Ms. readers with a list of new books being published by writers from historically excluded groups.

I don’t know where this year went, but it was a tough one on many fronts. For better or for worse, here we are. Enjoy these 12 titles—then keep your eyes peeled for my Best of the Rest for 2024. 

November 2024 Reads for the Rest of Us

I hope, I hope. Until then, I read. 

Reading makes me a better, kinder, more empathetic person. It helps me not to feel so alone and so discouraged. It counteracts the desperation and uncertainty I feel more often lately.

So, friends, here’s to reading. And here’s to hope. And here are the 20 soothing, motivating, educating, loving and ass-kicking books releasing this month that I recommend.