Some recent threads have made me realise that I am shamefully ignorant about some of the issues, arguments and current discussion around the issue of feminism.

If I was to only read one (or a couple) of books on the subject what would be the 'required reading'?

Nothing too intellectuuuual, I'm not that clever and a bit sleep deprived.

Thanks

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

Second the Beauty Myth.

For some pretty easy reading there's Ariel Levy's Female Chauvinist Pigs. Or Jessica Valenti's Full Frontal Feminism.

Both aimed at younger women, not sure where you fit. Easy, interesting reads though.

(ETA typo. Grr!)

Thanks!

I've just reserved The Beauty Myth at the library so I will start with that one.

Backlash by Susan Faludi (I read this when it first came out and found it really interesting. She has since written something on the war on terror which I have yet to read)

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan (historical interest these days but still worth reading and quite an easy read from memory)

I have also heard that the Women's Room is a must read from a historical perspective - have not read this myself though. Nor have I read the Female Eunuch (I think I tried once but found it too hard going - I was probably about 18yo at the time though).