This Week in Feminism — Week of June 22, 2026

Most Read Feminism Books This Week

Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer

Published: June 9, 2026

From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.

Doctor Liz has just been acquitted for performing the last abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult. Isolated and treated as a doctor, she knows what happened to the last obstetrician they took and must find a way to escape to help the other girls in captivity.

Stats: 900 → 1,010 (+110) — Strong debut, marking the highest ratings growth of the week and capturing the top spot in just its first week on the chart.

The Fallen: The Magdalene Laundries and Ireland's Legacy of Silence by Louise Brangan

Published: April 30, 2026

A haunting and brilliantly researched history that interrogates the culture of shame in Ireland.

This book delves into the atrocious history of the Magdalene Laundries and the systemic oppression faced by women in 20th century Ireland, highlighting their stories and the nation’s failures.

Stats: 156 → 180 (+24) — Solid debut with a 15% growth, highlighting its potential to resonate within the ongoing conversation surrounding women's rights and historical injustices.

Periodic Bitch by Emma Hardy

Published: April 28, 2026

A memoir of menstruation, madness and monsters.

Emma Hardy explores her experience with PMDD, pushing through societal taboos around menstruation while sharing the historical context of women's mental health challenges and institutionalization.

Stats: 124 → 135 (+11) — Introduction to the list reflects an engaging topic with a steady 8.9% growth, appealing to readers interested in personal narratives exploring feminine health issues.

Expectation by Anna Hope

Published: January 1, 2019

What happened to the women we were supposed to become?

This novel follows three friends in East London as they navigate shifting aspirations and regrets in their adult lives, posing critical questions about identity and fulfillment as women.

Stats: 31,243 → 31,246 (+3) — Minimal growth indicates strong backlist stamina; this title continues to be a consistent presence, likely retaining its readership through discussions on gender expectations.

Rising in Feminism

Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks, Ted Caplan

Published: September 10, 2019

Seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke faces an unintended pregnancy and a journey across the country to secure an abortion, exploring themes of autonomy, friendship, and societal pressures on young women.

Stats: 10,708 → 10,710 (0.02%, +2) — Despite slight increases, the book's established presence remains steady, reflecting its ongoing relevance in youth discussions about reproductive rights.

Fast Girls: A Novel of the 1936 Women's Olympic Team by Elise Hooper

Published: July 7, 2020

Exploring the journeys of female Olympians during a time of societal oppression.

The book explores the real-life challenges faced by women athletes amidst the backdrop of the 1936 Olympics, showcasing the powerful intersections of gender, race, and history.

Stats: 9,999 → 10,000 (0.01%, +1) — A steady performance solidifies its presence, sustaining relevance in both feminist literary circles and readers interested in historical narratives.

Feminism Pick of the Week

Obstetrix stands out this week not just for its impressive debut at 1,010 ratings, but for its immediate resonance with urgent contemporary issues around reproductive rights, achieving the highest growth of any title and claiming the top position right away. This compelling narrative filled with tension offers timely reflections on women's autonomy in troubling societal structures.