by The Feminist Bookshop Team, December 2022
We had such a wonderful response to the launch of the Christmas Gift Guide that we thought we'd bring in part 2! Here we focus on a range of genres that are currently topping the bestseller lists, suggesting our favourite authors in these categories who are writing incredible books that otherwise often get overlooked. We've also included some specially requested genres including 'witchy historical fiction' and 'decolonial feminism' so do read on to see our top recommendations.
A time honoured gifting tradition, celebrity memoirs are a staple of the festive season. This year has seen the release of some amazing titles. Here are some of our highlights and for the full list check out our memoir section here.
One of our absolute favourite memoirs of 2022. Viola Davis' memoir is in equal parts jaw-dropping, inspiring and moving.
A love letter to books, Malorie Blackman's memoir tells her story from her youth as a bookworm in South London to her global success in writing. The perfect bookish memoir.
An unflinchingly honest memoir, Juno Roche has an incredible story to tell. Taking you from 1960s London on a journey of violence, addiction, survival and sex work, Juno expertly balances the tragic with the inspiring.
As the winter nights draw in nothing beats curling up with a spy thriller that takes you on adventures around the world. These books are also great gifts for fans of bestselling authors like Lee Childs, Robert Ludlum or John le Carré.
Both an exciting coming of age story and a page-turning spy thriller, Who Is Vera Kelly? turns the genre on its head with its wry and whip-smart title character.
A novel of ideas which reads like a thriller, Transcription explores the world of espionage, betrayal and past reckonings in unique and often hilarious ways.
A tale of sacrifice, forbidden romance, betrayal, and morality; Will Yolanda betray the cause of her community, or invoke the wrath of the powerful?
The festive season is all about romance. We've seen so many adult romance novels topping the charts these past few weeks (Colleen Hoover in particular) and we wanted to share some of our favourite lesser known titles that we think deserve all the love.
Akwaeke Emezi's debut adult romance is a steamy bisexual romp. This will transport you into summer with its tropical island setting and sizzling hot turn of events.
A queer romance with a therapist protagonist. Expect messy friendships, elongated breakups, personal epiphanies, and an overall joyous read.
Our 37 year old protagonist is ready to try her hand at dating again. Symona reflects on her past dating experiences; the hilarious, frustrating, and sexy, and ultimately souths out to answer "What does it mean to be a Black woman trying to exist, date and find love?"
Looking for something to give the friend or family member who is an avid Agatha Christie fan or reads every Richard Osman as soon as it comes out? We have you covered with our cosy crime collection.
A jazz musician arrives in London fresh off the Empire Windrush - the air is alive with music and romance. Until a horrific discovery shakes and divides the community.
Inspired by Agatha Christie's work, 12 writers - both established and emerging - come together in this new anthology of short stories. There is something for everyone in these pages.
A good old fashioned murder mystery - this book is THE perfect cosy crime companion. A London based inspector must unravel a series of clues, taking him to the Austrian Alps, to solve a murder, but not without encountering an ensemble of colourful potential suspects.
Or, for something a little grittier, check out our favourite murder mysteries that have you on the edge of your seat right up until the final reveal.
A new kind of murder mystery. Told with dark humour and visceral prose, Death in Her Hands is a mystery about obsession and the stories we tell ourselves, through the eyes of another one of Moshfegh's complex and unstable female protagonists.
A Parisian lawyer and her husband find the perfect nanny for their children. But soon their idyllic domesticity is shattered, and paranoia, suspicion and jealousy take centre stage.
Dorothy Koomson is called the The Queen of the Big Reveal for a reason! This book will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat til the very end in this thriller of love, obsession and control.
Want to spread the joy this Christmas? Here are some of our funny favourites, great alternatives for those that love series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
A hilarious and warm pre-teen novel about friendship, family, school, and being a young eco-warrior.
Best friend adventures. A pet goose sidekick. Quirky islanders. A treasure hunt. This will have you laughing out loud!
A hilarious and heartfelt debut from multi-award winning, hearing aid wearing, comedian, actor and author Samantha Baines. The perfect gift for your pre-teen loved one.
There so many incredible children's books about excitement and adventure out there, showcasing a wonderful variety of friendships and ways of being. Here are just a few of our faves.
Akissi is a treat. A little adventurer, full of silliness and mischeif, follow her as she deals with thieving cats, pestering her brother, and so much more.
Join loveable Rocket as she sets off on an adventure to save her Carribbean Island from plastic pollution! An exciting, empowering and heartwarming way of engaging your children in climate activism.
Ada Twist must join forces with her best friends to solve a mystery. One question leads to another and before you know it they're off on an adventure of a lifetime!
Alison Bechdel published a strip of this lesbian-centred soap opera comic almost every week from 1983-2000. This edition collates them all into a readable, cohesive narrative. (Fun fact: this is where the Bechdel Test came from!)
A mix of history, memoir and satire, this comic encapsulates the many variations of the queer experience.
Biscuits consists of a series of vignettes into the lives of London women. You will fall in love with this colourful cast of characters as we're granted a window into their daily lives through gorgeous illustrations.
This is THE festive romance we've been waiting for. Love blossoms in the walls of a black bookshop. A loveletter to bookshops, an enemies-to-lovers feast, you will fall in love with these characters.
Flirty, festive and romantic, A Royal Holiday ticks all the boxes. When Vivian visits England with her daughter, she finds herself falling for the Royal Family's private secretary. Will she return to the U.S. or decide to continue the romance?
This isn't explicitly a 'seasonal' book, but does take place monstly during the winter month's of 1950s San Francisco, so certainly feels like one! A sapphic coming of age romance following the studious daughter of Chinese immigrants during the height of the red scare.
Entering a non-monogamous relationship can be daunting, but Lola Phoenix is here to hold your hand through it! Both a non-monogomy how-to guide and a manual for great communication and self-love.
Looking towards a more waste-free lifestyle? Your home is a great place to start. Let Bea Johnson guide you as she offers both tips and tricks, but also reflects on how her life has changed for the better by adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.
A life affirming and joyful memoir about running... but also not. This is about liberation, mental health and self-acceptance, and from a fellow Brightonian!
A vicious storm kills all the islands' men. Left behind, the women of Vardo take charge. Little by little independence builds, community is formed, a forbidden sapphic romance blooms. Until the accusations begin.
'England, 1643. Puritanical fervour has gripped the nation.' The Manningtree Witches is meticulously researched, addictive, and home to the most dazzling prose you'll ever read.
A lighthouse sits in the Scottish Highlands, abandoned after a gruesome history of witchtrials. Centuries later, people of the island are vanishing, and all roads lead to the mysteries of the lighthouse. THE witchy ghost story of the year.
In this gut-wrenching collection, Warsan Shire explores themes of migration, womanhood, trauma, and healing. You will not be the same person when you close this book.
Meet Paro. A girl with a strong will, a full heart and much to learn. Born into a family reeling from the ruptures of Partition, follow her as she crosses the precarious lines between childhood, teenage discovery and realising her adult self. Lyrical, full of Hindu Mythology and intimate. A must read.
This poetry collection explores coming of age: Charly Cox captures the formative experiences of today's young women from the poignant to the prosaic in writing that is at once witty, wry and heartfelt.
This is our go-to 'Intro to Feminism' recommendation at the bookshop. Olufemi guides you through the key challenges facing intersectional feminism today - in a way that is both thorough and incredibly accessible.
Looking for an overview of the history of feminism? Or just want to know more about feminism outside of whiteness and the Western world? Look no further.
A must read for any feminist - this is a collection of funny and insightful essays tracking Gay's experiences of being a 'Bad Feminist'. Tackling culture, identity, race, and ultimately asking how we can always strive for a better future.
Feminism meeting all the intersections: an urgent read if you seek to dismantle capitalism, colonialism, and decentre the white and euro-centric narratives.
Indigenous scholars, activists, artists and community organizers come together to discuss the politics of feminism within indigenous culture. A must read!
Rafia Zakaria expertly explains what exactly white feminism is, why it's important and why we must end it. Personal, provocative, and most of all, very persuasive.
If your bookish loved one likes to write as well as read, why not get them a journal? We have a bunch of different journals and notepads on offer - but this Feminist notebook is sweet and simple.
Grab a personalised gift box and our booksellers will curate a tailored box based on the short description you leave for us :)
Prints, tote bags and tshirts- why not treat your book-loving loved one to some of our gorgeous merch!
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