Five Books All Women Need To Read Before Turning 30

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Here at Femmine, we’ve compiled a list of five books we believe every woman should read before turning 30.

With summer fast approaching, everyone is on the lookout for their next read. If you’re seeking something new or thought-provoking, why not try one of these? Spend time with the feelings they evoke—about your personal experiences, your identity, and society at large.

1. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

"Pink is my favourite colour. I used to say it was black to be cool, but it’s pink – all shades of pink. If I have an accessory, it’s probably pink. I read Vogue, and I’m not doing it ironically. I once live-tweeted the September issue."

Bad Feminist is a collection of essays by American writer Roxane Gay, chronicling her experiences and journey as a feminist who doesn’t always align with traditional ideals. Her writing is deeply relatable and creates a sense of solidarity through shared experiences. Gay admits she enjoys male attention and shaves her legs—yet still fiercely pursues professional success. These admissions don’t disqualify her from feminism. Instead, she redefines it, validating the coexistence of femininity and strength.

She brands herself a "bad feminist" because she doesn’t fit the stereotypical mould, yet remains committed to the fight for equality. As Gay puts it: “I would rather be a bad feminist than no feminist at all.”

This book is a must-read for every woman who wants to unpack the complexity of feminist expectations—and return to its simple core: equality.

2. My Body by Emily Ratajkowski

"In my early twenties, it had never occurred to me that the women who gained their power from beauty were indebted to the men whose desire granted them that power in the first place. Those men were the ones in control, not the women the world fawned over."

Emily Ratajkowski’s debut essay collection was highly anticipated, offering insight into the life of one of the world’s most recognisable models. But My Body is much more than a celebrity memoir. It dismantles an industry built on exploitation and reframes the way we view it. Ratajkowski writes about her experience on the set of Robin Thicke’s Blurred Linesvideo and explores how her body has been commodified, controlled, and claimed by others.

She exposes what it means to be both a woman and an object, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences and societal expectations.

My Body is a sharp, powerful examination of the ownership and monopolisation of women’s bodies.

3. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

"Nearly everything I know about love, I've learnt from my long-term friendships with women."

Dolly Alderton’s bestselling memoir explores one of life’s greatest love stories: female friendship. In a world where we’re often pressured to find “the one”, Alderton reminds us of the profound love and fulfilment that comes from our friendships.

But this isn’t just a light-hearted memoir. Alderton also shares the darker sides of her twenties—struggles with alcohol, therapy, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Through disastrous dates, fleeting romances, and enduring friendships, her unfiltered honesty speaks to women everywhere.

A love letter to female friendship, Everything I Know About Love is a must-read for understanding the strength and beauty in the relationships we often take for granted.

4. Why We Get the Wrong Politicians by Isabel Hardman

"A representative parliament isn’t just something to boast about. It could also save lives."

Isabel Hardman’s award-winning book tackles a question many of us have asked: why do we keep electing the wrong politicians?

With clarity and precision, Hardman unpacks how Parliament functions—and often fails. She reveals how careerism, poor incentives, and party politics result in broken promises and public disillusionment. This is a clear-eyed look at the very people entrusted to represent us, and how their decisions shape our everyday lives.

In a time of global political unrest, Why We Get the Wrong Politicians is essential reading. It equips us with the knowledge to better understand our democracy—and the importance of using our vote wisely.

5. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

"Yes, Ma’am, I said again, forgetting. They used to have dolls, for little girls, that would talk if you pulled a string at the back; I thought I was sounding like that, voice of a monotone, voice of a doll. She probably longed to slap my face. They can hit us, there’s Scriptural precedent. But not with any implement. Only with their hands."

Margaret Atwood’s modern classic The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian novel that feels chillingly relevant today. In the Republic of Gilead, formerly the United States, women’s rights have been completely stripped away under a theocratic regime.

Narrated by Offred, a handmaid forced into reproductive servitude, we witness the brutality of life under authoritarian rule. This powerful story forces us to reflect on the fragility of rights and freedoms—and the critical importance of fighting for them.

Despite repeated attempts to ban it, The Handmaid’s Tale remains a vital, haunting read. It is just as powerful now as it was at the time of its publication—if not more so.