7 Stunningly Gorgeous Feminist Coffee Table Books

Look, I'm a cover snob. I have no problem admitting it. I will straight up buy way too many copies of beautiful books that I may not even love that much because of the pretty. I have also eschewed buying books I loved because I really hate their cover aesthetic. What can I say? I'm judgy. At least when it comes to the items that adorn my shelves. I don't want my books to be merely pleasing to the eye, I want them to matter to me, to say something about me. I want people to come over to my home and see the enticing pile of books on my coffee table (and side tables, and bookshelves, and teetering near the couch on the floor) and really get me. I want to impress people with my brain and my taste by the simple expedient of proudly displaying the books I want to share with the world. So feminist coffee table books are definitely up my alley. Seriously, my "Books" list on Amazon is really skewed towards gorgeous feminist coffee table books (and children's picture books...). Gorgeous and feminist. Have I said that enough? Okay, good. Now that y'all are on board let's explore your options from bringing a few feminist jewels to your own home!

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen Illustrator Ann Shen's first book is stunning. This book profiles famous and infamous women who rocked the history books. We've got Josephine Baker, Lilith, Abigail Adams, Ching Shih, and Dolly Parton just to name a handful of the 100 bodaciously radical babes inside. Check out her website for even more of her gorgeous art.

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz and illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl A follow-up to their Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!, Schatz and Klein Stahl have once again compiled a beautiful and informative book accessible to all ages. The subjects range from the ancient Sumerian princess Enheduanna to Colombian street artist Bastardilla and from Beyoncé-approved Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to 16th Century Irish Chieftain Gráinne Mhaol (aka Grace O'Malley). Check out Stahl's website for more fantastic art.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky Women in STEM fields! One of the prettiest books I've held in my hands in ages! Ignotosky's drool-worthy illustrations accompany pages on Hypatia, Ada Lovelace, Patricia Bath, Katherine Johnson, Marie Curie and 45 other brilliant dames. Head to Ignotosky's website for more artwork (and a downloadable screensaver!)

i am enough: An Adult Coloring Book for the Feminist in All of Us by Melissa Dojcsak of Penwomanship How about an inspiring, beautiful, feminist book you can color as you please? With a cover this gorgeous and illustrations to make your colored-pencil loving heart sore, I can't think of any reason why this doesn't belong on your coffee table. Check out Penwomanship for even more fantastic art from Dojcsak.

Feminist Ryan Gosling: Feminist Theory (as Imagined) from Your Favorite Sensitive Movie Dude by Danielle Henderson Maybe you prefer a touch of humor for your company to peruse as they perch on your sofa? Or maybe just some good old fashioned eye candy? Henderson doesn't disappoint with this book spun off from her insanely popular (now mostly defunct) tumblr. Take it from me, on a bad day "Hey girl"s from the maybe Mr. Eva Mendes will brighten your day.

In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney Slated for release in early October 2016, this one is already on my holiday list. Beautiful photographs accompany interviews with, like the title says, over 100 women. Women who have forged their own paths in the entrepreneurial world. Chefs, designers, writers, restauranteurs, and artists fill the pages of Bonney's book. As lovely as it is inspiring; add it to your lists now.

The Book of Jezebel: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lady Things by Anna Holmes Jezebel's founding ladyship has created the perfect hybrid between reference and coffee table book here. Covering the ABCs of womanhood - Abortions, Barbarella, and Casting Couches, that is - this book is full of tidbits about everything that affects the "fairer" sex. Honestly, this one really made me stop and consider how many, seemingly disconnected, objects, trends, and people affect how women are perceived by society.

Book Style: How To Be A Woman

I don't know why it took me so long to actually read How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran. I kept looking at it and going "Me. This book was written for me," but it never quite made it to the top of my reading pile. Honestly, this is the funniest, most honest, and personally resonating book I've read in ages. It's quite literally laugh-out-loud funny. I had to stop reading it in public because my poker face is nonexistent and when I'm amused my face apparently looks like an oasis of happiness to complete strangers who never let me get back to my reading once they inquire about it... sorry, personal rant. Not that I'm opposed to discussing the glory that is Ms. Moran's book. In fact, we can discuss it for ages. We can discuss all the books written by kickass women all the time. And if by some modern miracle Caitlin - it's cool if I call you "Caitlin" right? -  is reading this right now, please know I will gladly and proudly call myself a strident feminist anytime, anywhere, anywhen.

I really just wanted to recreate Caitlin's cover look: Red and white polka dot dress, black cardigan, black tights, brown boots, and a black belt. Of course, I did add some of my own touches, mostly inspired by the book and the subject material. I had to include some wicked eyeliner since that is a staple of Caitlin's makeup repertoire and mine as well. The hat is a whimsical touch, one I deemed necessary because I love hats, and, let's face it, we don't all have hair as fab as Caitlin's. A simple yet sweet "Feminist" pin that I really want to adorn all my bags (yes plural, I might have a tote bag addiction, so what? back off!) "Rock n' Roll" guitar pick earrings, "Rock n' Roll Nugget" bracelet, and a microphone necklace are a nod to Caitlin's career as a music journalist and television presenter.  I think the phone case should be pretty self-explanatory. "Bad Romance" nail lacquer (look at the sparkle!) is a bit of an homage to one of Caitlin's and my feminist idols - Lady Gaga. Finally, although they should go on first, is this bra and panty set. It's from Lonely Lingerie which advocates women wearing pretty knickers for themselves and they are high-waisted, architectural wonders that even Ms. Moran would approve of for their bum-coverage and practicality.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Book Style: Sexy Feminism

Sexy Feminism by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and Heather Wood Rudúlph has been my go-to recommendation for women (and men) trying to dip their toes into women's studies and feminist reading since I first skimmed it a little over a year ago. This time I sat myself down and read it cover to cover, taking time to reflect on the end of chapter questions and action points, and digging my teeth into some of the referred web sites and literature. This time reading Sexy Feminism was a breath of fresh air for my psyche and a warm hug for my soul. I tend to be quiet about my values and beliefs because I grew up surrounded by voices that differed from mine. It's taken me most of my adult life so far to even really come to understand what my own beliefs are on several points. But I do know I believe in the radical idea that women are people who deserve the exact same rights as men. And if you believe women aren't property and shouldn't be denied basic rights because of their gender, then you too are a feminist. Saying it loud and proud is a freeing experience that I recommend to everyone. If even Taylor Swift can learn that feminism does not equal being a misandrist or being unfeminine (although it's totally cool if you want to dress, act, look more masculine) then everyone can get over the media-imposed implication of the word and start embracing it for what it actually is. Read this book. If you still have questions, send them my way. Talking openly about feminism is something I'm embracing.

This Book Style is a bit different, it's not really an outfit just a bunch of awesome lady-power oriented swag. From pro-feminism messages to clothing and jewelry from lady-run and women-friendly companies to products inspired by some of my own personal feminist icons - Lady Gaga, Wonder Woman, Frida Kahlo, the trio behind the Blogcademy (Shauna Haider, Kat Williams, and Gala Darling). Check out my own choices. Find your own. Research companies manufacturing and advertising practices to ensure they are kind to women. Throw your money at small businesses run by women. Read feminist literature. Read books by women. Buy the children in your life books by women and about women. Dress how you want because you want to. Pick a feminist hero; and yeah, they'll probably all have a flaw or two, we're all human after all.