Why does he do that? by Lundy Bancroft

Review: I love this book because it explores and debunks the myths that are commonly associated with interpersonal violence. It provides several examples not only from the words/language of the abusers themselves but also provides the input from the survivor. In a world where the wrong questions are being posed to the person experiencing the abuse, this book asks the questions of the abusers. Although this book contains language that isn't as inclusive as I'd like it to be (the author works with only heterosexual couples in which the male partner is the abuser), I still think it provides a wealth of information and helpful scenarios and case studies as examples. It's great for people just getting into the world of intimate partner violence, great for those who need a refresher and also can be very validating for someone who is experiencing this themselves. 

Additional information on the book can be found here

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Written by renown psychiatrist and neuroscientist Bessel Van Der Kolk this book examines the impact, side effects and expression that can be associated with someone who has experienced trauma. It doesn't solely focus on those who experience interpersonal violence, but all types of trauma. It explores and explains the physical and mental expressions of someone who has experienced trauma, as well as the ways to best support them. Great for those in the medical field.

To check out a click youtube synopsis, click here and also more info here.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Find additional information on this book here

Shame is An Ocean I Swim Across by Mary Lambert

I Would Leave Me If I Could by Halsey

Nevada by Imogen Binnie

Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae

All of the Rupi Kaur books

Everything Below the Waist: Why Healthcare Needs a Feminist Revolution by Jennifer Block

Footnotes (Books and Papers Scattered About the Floor) by Katherine McKittrick

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi

Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by Adrienne Marie Brown

A Collection of Poems by Audre Lorde