The Greatest "Nonfiction, Women's Studies" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Women's Studies

Women's Studies is a category of books that focuses on the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of women in society. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including gender roles, feminism, women's history, sexuality, and reproductive rights. The goal of Women's Studies is to promote a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political issues that affect women, and to empower women to challenge and change the status quo. Books in this category often offer critical analysis and insights into the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 26. Sisterhood Is Powerful by Robin Morgan

    "Sisterhood Is Powerful" is a collection of essays that provide an in-depth exploration of the women's liberation movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The book features writings from various feminists, addressing a wide range of topics such as women's rights, sexism, racism, and reproductive rights. It examines the intersectionality of gender, race, and class, and calls for unity and collective action among women to challenge and dismantle patriarchal systems.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Woman Suffrage and Politics: The Inner Story of the Suffrage Movement by Carrie Chapman Catt

    This book provides an in-depth look at the women's suffrage movement, detailing the political strategies, key players, and significant events that led to women gaining the right to vote in the United States. It offers a comprehensive history of the movement from its early beginnings to its ultimate victory, highlighting the tireless efforts of the women who fought for equality. The book also examines the political landscape of the time, revealing the challenges and opposition the suffragettes faced.

    The 3464th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Personal History by Katharine Graham

    "Personal History" is an autobiography of a woman who inherited a media empire, The Washington Post, following her husband's suicide. The book explores her journey from a privileged yet sheltered upbringing to leading one of the most influential newspapers in the United States. It provides an intimate look into her personal life, including her struggles with self-confidence and her role in the coverage of significant historical events such as the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal.

    The 3640th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Neel

    This book is a fascinating travel memoir documenting the author's daring and perilous journey to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in 1923. Disguised as a beggar and accompanied by a young Tibetan monk, she traversed harsh terrains, braved extreme weather conditions, and evaded authorities who forbade foreigners from entering the city. Throughout her journey, she encountered various aspects of Tibetan culture, religion, and way of life, offering an insightful and vivid portrayal of a land and people largely unknown to the outside world at that time.

    The 4075th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

    The book is a memoir that takes place in Iran from 1979 to 1997, during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story focuses on a professor who secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western literature in her home. As they read and discuss works by authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, and Vladimir Nabokov, they explore their personal dreams and the losses they suffered due to the political, social, and cultural climate of the time.

    The 4114th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill

    "The Subjection of Women" is a seminal work that advocates for gender equality and women's rights. The book argues against the social and legal subordination of women to men, challenging the widely held belief that it's natural, inevitable, and beneficial. The author posits that women should be given the same rights as men, including voting rights and the opportunity to pursue any profession. He further argues that society would greatly benefit from the intellectual contributions of women if they were allowed to participate fully in all areas of public life.

    The 4157th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

    The book is a groundbreaking work that explores how images of beauty are used against women, impacting them psychologically and socially. It critically examines the beauty industry and the societal pressures on women to conform to certain standards of appearance. The author argues that the obsession with physical perfection traps the modern woman in an endless cycle of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society's impossible definition of the flawless beauty.

    The 4363rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Crazy Salad: Some Things about Women by Nora Ephron

    This book is a collection of essays that provide a humorous and insightful commentary on women's issues during the 1970s. The author discusses a variety of topics, from the feminist movement and the pill, to the influence of media on women's body image, to her own personal experiences and observations. The book offers a unique and witty perspective on the complexities of being a woman in modern society.

    The 4411th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Unwomanly Face Of War by Svetlana Alexievich

    "The Unwomanly Face Of War" is a powerful and poignant collection of interviews with Soviet women who fought in World War II. Through their testimonies, the author sheds light on the often overlooked and untold stories of these brave women who served as snipers, pilots, nurses, and soldiers on the front lines. The book explores their experiences, sacrifices, and the lasting impact of war on their lives, providing a unique and intimate perspective on the realities of war from a female point of view.

    The 4445th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live: Collected Nonfiction by Joan Didion

    This book is a compilation of seven works of nonfiction that explore the themes of American culture, politics, and landscape. The author's sharp observational skills and distinctive narrative voice provide insightful commentary on a range of topics, from the counterculture of the 1960s to the breakdown of the nuclear family. Her essays are deeply personal, often reflecting on her own experiences and emotions, while also offering a broader critique of society. The collection is a testament to the power of storytelling, both in shaping our understanding of the world and in helping us navigate through life.

    The 4531st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

    This memoir tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl's survival during the Holocaust. The narrative follows her life from her quiet existence in Hungary through the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and finally to her liberation and the struggle to rebuild her life in the aftermath of such trauma. The memoir is a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

    The 4780th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

    "Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

    The 4785th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson

    "The Argonauts" is a genre-bending memoir that chronicles the author's romantic relationship with her fluidly gendered partner, their journey to become parents, and their experiences with queer family-making. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with critical theories on gender, sexuality, and identity, challenging traditional notions of family, motherhood, and love. It offers a powerful exploration of desire, limitations, and the possibilities of language, pushing the boundaries of what memoirs can do and be.

    The 4897th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung

    This memoir recounts the author's experiences as a young girl in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. She is forced from her home in Phnom Penh to a labor camp in the countryside along with her family, where they face starvation, disease, and brutality. The book details her survival through the genocide, her eventual escape to Thailand, and finally her immigration to the United States. It is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and the human spirit's ability to overcome overwhelming adversity.

    The 5040th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Male Daughters, Female Husbands by Ifi Amadiume

    "Male Daughters, Female Husbands" is an anthropological exploration of gender roles and power dynamics within the Igbo society of Nigeria. The book challenges traditional Western notions of gender and sexuality, focusing on the concept of "female husbands" - women who assume the roles and responsibilities typically associated with men. Through extensive research and personal narratives, the author examines the historical and cultural context of these gender roles, shedding light on the complex intersections of gender, power, and identity in Igbo society.

    The 5101st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Desert Flower by Waris Dirie, Cathleen Miller

    "Desert Flower" is a powerful autobiography that tells the story of a girl born into a nomadic tribe in the Somali desert. The girl, subjected to the brutal tradition of female genital mutilation at a young age, escapes an arranged marriage at 13 and ends up in London, where she works various jobs before being discovered as a model. Her rise to fame in the fashion industry is juxtaposed with her personal journey to raise awareness about the harmful cultural practice she endured and advocate for its eradication.

    The 5146th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Just Kids by Patti Smith

    "Just Kids" is a poignant memoir that explores the journey of two friends in New York City during the late 1960s and 70s. The book delves into their dreams, struggles, and successes as they navigate their way through the city's vibrant art and music scene. It's a tale of love, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic inspiration, providing a raw and intimate look into their lives as they strive to make a name for themselves in the world of art and music.

    The 5378th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas

    This memoir tells the story of an Iranian family who migrated to America in the 1970s, offering a humorous take on their experiences. The narrative focuses on the author's childhood and adolescence, exploring themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience in America. It highlights the family's journey of navigating a new country and culture, while still holding on to their Iranian roots. The book showcases the author's ability to find humor in the most challenging situations, making it a heartwarming and amusing read.

    The 5457th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Beyond The Mask, Race, Gender And Identity by Amina Mama

    In this thought-provoking book, the author delves into the complex intersections of race, gender, and identity. Through a combination of personal narratives, historical analysis, and social theory, Mama explores how these constructs shape and influence our lives. She challenges conventional ideas and offers a critical examination of power dynamics, highlighting the ways in which race and gender intersect to create unique experiences and oppressions. With a focus on African women's experiences, Mama calls for a reimagining of identity that goes beyond simplistic categorizations, and instead embraces the complexity and fluidity of human existence.

    The 5855th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Educated by Tara Westover

    In this memoir, a young woman recounts her journey from a sheltered and abusive childhood in a strict and isolated Idaho family to her pursuit of knowledge and education. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including her family's distrust of formal education, Tara Westover manages to escape her oppressive upbringing and eventually earns a PhD from Cambridge University. Through her compelling and thought-provoking narrative, she explores themes of identity, family, and the transformative power of education.

    The 6107th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

    "The Yellow House" is a memoir that tells the story of a hundred years of the author's family and their relationship to home in a neglected area of one of America's most mythologized cities, New Orleans. The narrative follows the author's journey from growing up in the titular house in New Orleans East, a largely ignored part of the city, to her pursuit of education and a career as a journalist, and her eventual return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and inequity in America, while also being a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and place.

    The 6142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

    This book is a collection of humorous and candid essays reflecting on the struggles and joys of being a woman in the modern world. The author uses wit and honesty to discuss topics such as aging, beauty, marriage, parenting, and feminism. The book is a celebration of womanhood and a contemplation of the inevitable challenges of getting older, offering both laughter and wisdom.

    The 6219th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The book explores the importance of feminism in today's society and argues that gender equality is not just a women's issue, but a concern for everyone. Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, the author highlights the various ways in which gender inequality manifests itself and offers insightful perspectives on how we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

    The 6418th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens: Prose by Alice Walker

    This book is a compilation of essays that explores the struggle of African American women throughout history, as well as the author's personal journey as a writer. The author uses the metaphor of a garden to represent the creative spirit of African American women, which was often suppressed or ignored due to racial and gender discrimination. The essays discuss a wide range of topics, including civil rights, literature, and the author's own experiences, providing a powerful examination of African American women's history and culture.

    The 6436th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Whoredom in Kimmage by Rosemary Mahoney

    "Whoredom in Kimmage" is a nuanced exploration of the lives of contemporary Irish women. The author, through her personal experiences and interactions, presents an intimate portrayal of Irish society, focusing on the women she encounters in Dublin and in the small town of Kimmage. The narrative provides an in-depth understanding of the changing roles of women in Ireland, their struggles, aspirations, and the societal expectations they navigate. It also delves into the world of women's Gaelic sports, offering a unique perspective on gender dynamics in Ireland.

    The 7830th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download