Required reading for feminists, according to Gloria Steinem

In 1969, Gloria Steinem published “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation,” an essay that sought to explore and promote the rise of the feminist movement. The piece immediately turned her into a feminist icon — and she hasn’t stopped fighting for women’s equality since. In 1971, Steinem co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus; and later that year, Ms. magazine, which remains one of the most prominent feminist publications to this day. So it should go without saying that when one of the most renown feminists of all time tells you to look into something, you listen — and lucky for us, Steinem has just provided us with the ultimate reading list.

In an interview with The New York Times‘ Sunday Book Review last weekend, Steinem delved deep into the books that make her laugh and cry and throw her fists in the air. Most notably, the legendary activist listed off what she thinks are the six best-written books on feminism of all time.

As if that weren’t enough to get you excited, Steinem also offered an extremely in-depth list of modern feminist writers who she thinks are absolutely killing it. Her choices included some of our favorites — Roxane Gay, Margaret Atwood, bell hooks, Anne Lamott — and so many more who we can’t wait to check out.

If it isn’t already obvious, there’s a reason Gloria Steinem is one of the most well-known political and social activists of all time: She’s a total badass. Even now, Steinem remains incredibly active in the fight for women’s equality — and we’d trust a reading recommendation from her any day.

For more of Steinem’s must-read books, head over to The New York Times for the rest of the interview.

(Image via Flickr Creative Commons/ Ms Foundation For Women.)

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