Books matching: systemic misogyny
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- #1
Unflinching and essential, this novel is a punch-in-the-gut account of sexism’s toll - short, impactful, and sure to spark important conversations.
'Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982' by Cho Nam-Joo is a novella that follows the life of Kim Jiyoung, a fictional South Korean everywoman, as she navigates systemic misogyny, gender roles, and women's trauma. The book explores the struggles faced by Jiyoung from childhood to adulthood, shedding light on the habitual sexism prevalent in Korean society. Through a clinical and detached narrative style, the author presents a powerful and harrowing account of Jiyoung's experiences, highlighting the relationships between female characters and the impact of patriarchy on women's lives in South Korea and beyond.
A few days later, Jiyoung said that she was Cha Seungyeon, a college friend who had died a year before. Seungyeon and Daehyun started college the same year and Jiyoung had been their junior by three y...2019•176 pages - #2
A passionate, well-argued call to address the root causes of misogyny by changing the systems, not blaming women - a challenging but essential read for those ready to confront uncomfortable truths.
Fix the System, Not the Women by Laura Bates delves into the deeply entrenched misogyny and systemic failures affecting women in society. Through rigorous discussion and actionable suggestions, Bates highlights how gender inequality manifests across various sectors such as education, policing, and media. She emphasizes the need to shift the blame from women to the structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination, using shocking statistics and personal accounts to illustrate the scale of the problem.
Bates' writing is both passionate and accessible, making the harsh realities of sexism relatable to all readers. She weaves together personal stories and larger societal critiques, urging everyone—especially men, boys, and leaders—to engage with the content and work toward better systems of support and justice for women. While the book exposes painful truths, its call for awareness and reform also empowers readers to be part of the solution.
My list, like most, starts before I’m even conscious of it. It starts with the ugly, heavy piece of gold jewellery my mum finds on the passenger seat of the car as she and my dad leave my grandparents...2022•224 pages - #3
A powerful, accessible whistle-stop tour of misogyny’s deep roots and stubborn resilience - far from a comprehensive deep dive, but essential reading for anyone wanting to understand gender bias through the ages.
"A Brief History of Misogyny" by Jack Holland is a comprehensive exploration of misogyny across time, geography, and cultures. The book delves into the prejudices and mistreatment faced by women throughout history, shedding light on how misogyny has manifested itself in various forms, from ancient civilizations to modern societies. The author's writing style is described as informative, engaging, and eye-opening, providing readers with a deep understanding of the roots and impact of misogyny.
It is hard to be precise about the origins of a prejudice. But if misogyny has a birthday, it falls sometime in the eighth century BC. If it has a cradle, it lies somewhere in the eastern Mediterranea...2006•323 pages - #4
'Tryst In The Dark' by Grace McGinty is a non-shifter omegaverse book that follows the story of Tryst, an Omega, and her interactions with a group of Alphas and Betas who won the lottery to form a pack. The book delves into the complexities of the characters' backgrounds and motivations, as well as the injustices faced by the characters in a world post-world war.
The plot of the book is driven by angst, both within the pack and as part of the world-building. The characters are well-developed, with a mix of sassy and feisty personalities, engaging banter, and complex relationships. The writing style is described as engaging, with short, sharp chapters that lead the reader straight into the plot without any unnecessary delays.
I hadn’t felt this much rage since Topher Johnstone told me my boobs were small and he’d rather eat sand than be my boyfriend when we were in the second grade. Granted, I’d caught him eating sand more...July 2022•410 pages - #5
A fierce, brilliant, and poignant collection that challenges mainstream narratives and unpacks power and pain with honesty and wit - absolutely worth a read if you’re ready for a smart, unflinching take on being Black and female in America.
'Thick: And Other Essays' by Tressie McMillan Cottom is a collection of essays that delve into various topics such as race, beauty, money, whiteness, and feminism. The author combines humor, personal experiences, and sharp critiques to challenge societal norms and shed light on the struggles faced by black women in America. Through a mix of wit and deep analysis, McMillan Cottom navigates complex issues with clarity and thought-provoking insights. Her writing style effortlessly weaves together personal anecdotes with well-researched content, making the essays accessible yet impactful.
The essays in this collection offer a unique perspective on black feminist theory and experiences, tackling issues of racism, misogyny, misogynoir, and more. McMillan Cottom's writing is described as brilliant, insightful, and clear, providing a level of depth that is often lacking in intellectual publications. Through her essays, she challenges societal norms and encourages readers to rethink their preconceived notions about race, beauty, and success, making a powerful statement on the intersectionality of identity and social structures.
I was pregnant at thirty. Divorced at thirty-one. Lost at thirty-two. How else would I have ended up in a place called Rudean’s? Rudean’s was an institution. It sat in a strip mall on a street, Beatti...January 2018•250 pages - #6
A beautifully written, devastating portrait of life under the Taliban - gripping, affecting, and unforgettable, but not for the faint of heart.
In "The Swallows of Kabul" by Yasmina Khadra, the story is set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, portraying a society disintegrating under the horrors of war and fundamentalism. The novel follows two couples, Atiq and Musarrat, and Mohsen and Zunaira, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, leading to heartbreaking consequences. The book offers a searing description of life under the Taliban, highlighting the struggles and choices of its characters amidst a bleak and beautifully depicted parable.
The writing style in the book is described as spare and eloquent, with vivid descriptions of Kabul under Taliban rule. The characters are portrayed realistically in their suffering and desires, as they navigate a society where despair and gloom abound, and where tragedy is commonplace. The novel captures the unrelenting whirlwind of Islamic fundamentalism that haunts the swallows of Kabul, conveying a powerful and harrowing narrative of life under oppressive circumstances.
ATIQ SHAUKAT flails about him with his whip, trying to force a passage through the ragged crowd swirling around the stalls in the market like a swarm of dead leaves. He’s late, but he finds it impossi...2002•209 pages A darkly inventive, female-led fantasy adventure with one of the coolest takes on necromancy out there. A must for fans of original magic, strong heroines, and rich worldbuilding - just expect to work for some of your answers. Worth the hype!
Sabriel follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her father's title as Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer, and embarks on a quest that takes her across the wall into another world. The book delves into a dark and magical Old Kingdom where Sabriel must rescue her father from the Land of the Dead while battling against evil forces trying to destroy the balance of the realm. The narrative weaves intricate world-building, necromancy, and a band of loyal companions, creating a suspenseful and engaging story filled with vivid descriptions of the magical realm and its inhabitants.
The writing style of Sabriel is praised for its dark and cold atmosphere, with the protagonist navigating through desperate situations in the Old Kingdom and Death itself. The book introduces a unique magical system involving bells and a necromancer's duty to lay the dead to rest, all while exploring themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and the struggle between good and evil in a fantasy setting that captivates readers with its originality and depth.
THE RABBIT HAD been run over minutes before. Its pink eyes were glazed and blood stained its clean white fur. Unnaturally clean fur, for it had just escaped from a bath. It still smelt faintly of lave...1995•463 pages- #8
A challenging but insightful read that reframes misogyny as more than just personal hatred - it's about social enforcement. Best for those ready to engage deeply and think critically about gender, power, and society.
'Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny' by Kate Manne delves into the concept of misogyny, examining how it manifests in everyday scenarios and affects women. The writing style is academic yet thought-provoking, challenging readers to reflect on societal norms and gender biases. Through real-world examples and detailed insights, the author explores the roots of misogyny and its impact on women's lives, urging readers to reconsider their perceptions of gender roles and power dynamics.
October 2017•362 pages - #9
A fun, nostalgic rewind for series fans and a decent entry point for newcomers, but it may feel predictable or repetitive to anyone hoping for big surprises.
'The Spider' in the 'Elemental Assassin' series by Jennifer Estep takes readers back to the beginning of Gin's career as an assassin known as The Spider. The story is set 10 years before the first book in the series, providing insights into Gin's origins, her training with Fletcher Lane, and her first solo mission. Readers get to see a different side of Gin as a young, naive assassin navigating her first job, making mistakes, and learning valuable lessons. The plot is suspenseful, with elements of action, danger, and emotional depth woven into the storyline. Estep's writing style keeps the readers engaged with a mix of humor, intricate character development, and a world of magic that is not just black and white.
I opened up the Pork Pit, the barbecue restaurant that I ran in downtown Ashland, right on schedule. Turned on the appliances, tied a blue work apron on over my clothes, and flipped the sign on the fr...2013•400 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elemental Assassin ) - #10
Unflinching, grisly, and important - "Butcher" is an unsettling tour de force best suited for readers who can handle its horrors and want to reflect on the real horrors of history.
Butcher by Joyce Carol Oates is a historical horror novel set in the mid-19th century that follows Dr. Silas Weir, a surgeon at a women's asylum. He brutally experiments on female patients, believing he can cure their supposed mental illnesses linked to reproductive health. The story is narrated primarily from Dr. Weir's point of view, revealing his delusions of grandeur as he seeks fame by utilizing inhumane surgical methods without anesthesia. The narrative explores themes of misogyny and the oppression of women during a time when they had no agency over their own bodies and medical treatment, reflecting on the dark history of medical practices.
THOUGH FATHER regarded the female vagina as a “hell-hole of filth & corruption” & the female genitals as “loathsome in design, function, & aesthetics,” yet somehow it happened by God’s interdiction th...May 2024•353 pages










