Book to introduce 20yo DD to feminism?

[lawn]

20yo DD1 has just got out of a toxic, controlling relationship and it's time for her to wake up to feminism. We have a great relationship but the messages I've been trying to convey all through her childhood need some reinforcement, and she's a great reader. I feel like the books that opened my eyes in the 80s and 90s won't cut it for a 20yo in 2024. What should I recommend to her?

If she follows in the footsteps of some of the 'feminists' on here she'll never have to worry about another relationship!

Not a novel but tell her to look at the women's aid freedom programme

Thanks will do

Caitlin Moran is good, and accessible. No Offence, But, by Gina Martin is very good too.

Not helpful

Fantastic thanks

Is it definitely feminism she needs? It sounds like she would benefit more from something that would help her recognise red flags and to have the confidence and assertiveness to either put a stop to minor incidences of slightly rubbish behaviour or to end relationships in the case of nasty or abusive behaviour.

Just having a (very tired) think - can you be any more specific about exactly what kind of conversations you want to open up? For example, do you want to get her thinking about the plight of women in a global sense? Or are you particularly keen to encourage her to reflect on how women in current western society can be more empowered in their relationships/the workplace maybe?

Currently I am drawing a mental blank which is ridiculous, because I am an ardent feminist and teach literature and am forever recommending books about women and the patriarchy to people. But I am sure someone else will be along shortly who isn't as tired as I am....

I just keep thinking of The Female Eunuch, which my mom gave me ay about 16 I think. But it's not really what you are looking for.....

Oh hang on - Box, by Dalcher. Dystopian novel in which women are silenced. Quite a modern text, and a good read.

Not Box, Vox.

The Handmaid's Tale?
I study early 20th century fiction mostly and enjoyed Lolly Willowes recently, it's a classic on fighting against society's belittling of women at the time.

The Women's Room by Marilyn French. Or anything by Marge Piercy.

Yes thanks anything on that subject would also be good, we are obviously talking about those things and she is having therapy.

Had forgotten Caitlin Moran, good call. The Gina Martin book looks good too

Invisible Women! Caroline criado perez

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have all the classics on our shelves, really looking for something more recent and accessible - the equivalents for her generation I guess, which I think she’d be more open to. And just to be clear, this isn’t all I’m doing! This is just to supplement all the other support she’s getting. Thanks again

Not a book but I was talking to a group of young women a few days ago who were raving about what a feminist icon Taylor Swift is. I’m not that in touch with her but they were saying I need to read up about her because she’s a great feminist role model.
She certainly seems to have captured their hearts, anyway.

Caitlin Moran a great suggestion too.

I’ve not read it but Women Don’t Owe You Pretty maybe?

Agree - she and DH have tickets to see Taylor Swift so that’s something!

This is exactly what I was looking for - thank you!!!

I've always found Roxanne Gay (Bad Feminist) and Rebecca Solnit (Men Explain Things To Me) very accessible. I follow both of them on social media. Around the time of the Johnny Depp / Amber Heard case Solnit was on fire with some of her posts and, for me, put a completely different perspective on the case.

Great book, love her

Laura Bates, Everyday Sexism is good too. More political that Caitlin Moran, but still accessible.

Perfect, thanks!

I read the Caitlin Moran book about that age and it was an eye opener for me. I still remember her line that said something like "if you're not sure if something is sexist then ask yourself if the men are expected to do it, if not then there's your answer". Then once she's done the basics get her some Greer 😉

I think the typical opener is The Handmaid's Tale

The go from there