100 books like Not for Sale

By Christine Stark (editor), Rebecca Whisnant (editor),

Here are 100 books that Not for Sale fans have personally recommended if you like Not for Sale. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

Sara B. Franklin Author Of The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America

From my list on the stories we tell about women.

Why am I passionate about this?

Judith Jones became an important mentor and mother figure to me in my twenties, in the wake of my parents’ deaths. Her personal wisdom and guidance, which I received both in knowing her personally and from the incredible archive she left behind, have been invaluable to me during a particularly tumultuous and transformative decade in my own life. I wrote The Editor as I was coming into my full adulthood, and the books on this list helped shape my thinking along the way at times when I felt stagnant or stuck or needed to rethink both how to write Judith’s life and why her story is so vital to tell.

Sara's book list on the stories we tell about women

Sara B. Franklin Why did Sara love this book?

Lorde’s landmark collection of essays amplifies ways of living and knowing long familiar to women and other marginalized groups. Her exploration of eroticism—a fully vivacious, embodied experience of life—as a source of women’s knowledge, wisdom, and power is yet unmatched in American letters.

Essential reading for anyone who has felt unsatisfied or unseen by the narratives handed down by the white, heteronormative, patriarchal powers that continue to hold our imaginations in a vice grip. 


By Audre Lorde,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Sister Outsider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The woman's place of power within each of us is neither white nor surface; it is dark, it is ancient, and it is deep

The revolutionary writings of Audre Lorde gave voice to those 'outside the circle of this society's definition of acceptable women'. Uncompromising, angry and yet full of hope, this collection of her essential prose - essays, speeches, letters, interviews - explores race, sexuality, poetry, friendship, the erotic and the need for female solidarity, and includes her landmark piece 'The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House'.

'The truth of her writing is as necessary today as…


Book cover of The Politics of Reality: Essays in Feminist Theory

Robert Jensen Author Of It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics

From my list on feminism (“not the fun kind”).

Why am I passionate about this?

After bumping around newspaper journalism in my 20s, I wandered into a Ph.D. and then landed a great job at the University of Texas at Austin. Being a professor allowed me to explore any subject that seemed interesting, which resulted in books on environmental collapse, sexism and pornography, racism, foreign policy and militarism, religion, journalism and mass media, and critical thinking. Throughout this work, radical feminism has remained at the core of my philosophy. Andrea Dworkin captures this politics in a line from her novel Ice and Fire, “'I am a feminist, not the fun kind.” Such feminism may not always be fun, but it’s always important.

Robert's book list on feminism (“not the fun kind”)

Robert Jensen Why did Robert love this book?

When I first read this book on feminist philosophy in the late 1980s, I was nervous about both feminism (because I wasn’t sure what it meant for me) and philosophy (because I wasn’t sure I was smart enough to understand it).

Marilyn Frye’s book helped me realize that I had been raised in a male-dominated and deeply sexist culture without knowing much about it, making feminism essential to my education. She also demonstrated that philosophy written in plain language was for everyone rather than an esoteric endeavor for specialists.

Frye was a scholar-in-residence at the university where I did graduate studies, and she sat in on our reading group. It was a real treat to sit across the room and hear her think out loud.

By Marilyn Frye,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Politics of Reality as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Politics of Reality includes essays that examine sexism, the exploitation of women, the gay rights movement and other topics from a feminist perspective.

“This is radical feminist theory at its best: clear, careful and critical.”—SIGNS

“For anyone first coming to feminism, these essays serve as a backdrop . . . for understanding the basic, early and continuing perspectives of feminists. And for all of us they provide a theoretical framework in which to read the present as well as the past.”—Women’s Review of Books

“The style is both scholarly and direct without being ponderous. Frye makes a concerted effort to…


Book cover of Letters from a War Zone

Robert Jensen Author Of It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics

From my list on feminism (“not the fun kind”).

Why am I passionate about this?

After bumping around newspaper journalism in my 20s, I wandered into a Ph.D. and then landed a great job at the University of Texas at Austin. Being a professor allowed me to explore any subject that seemed interesting, which resulted in books on environmental collapse, sexism and pornography, racism, foreign policy and militarism, religion, journalism and mass media, and critical thinking. Throughout this work, radical feminism has remained at the core of my philosophy. Andrea Dworkin captures this politics in a line from her novel Ice and Fire, “'I am a feminist, not the fun kind.” Such feminism may not always be fun, but it’s always important.

Robert's book list on feminism (“not the fun kind”)

Robert Jensen Why did Robert love this book?

It’s a cliché, but the writing of Andrea Dworkin changed my life (often through painful internal struggle, but always for the better).

This is not her most well-known book, but this collection of essays and speeches was, for me, the most influential. Her speech “I Want a Twenty-Four-Hour Truce During Which There Is No Rape,” delivered to a men’s group in 1983, helped me understand that radical feminism was not a threat to men but a gift.

A few years before she died (far too young, at age 58, in 2005), I had a chance to meet her, and in the few hours of a shared car trip, I felt the loving spirit that motivated her work. 

By Andrea Dworkin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Letters from a War Zone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The nonconformist and social commentator discusses her experiences as a woman and a battered wife, her life of demonstrating, organizing, and addressing other women and the government, and the current state of the women's movement


Book cover of Feminism for Women: The Real Route to Liberation

Robert Jensen Author Of It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics

From my list on feminism (“not the fun kind”).

Why am I passionate about this?

After bumping around newspaper journalism in my 20s, I wandered into a Ph.D. and then landed a great job at the University of Texas at Austin. Being a professor allowed me to explore any subject that seemed interesting, which resulted in books on environmental collapse, sexism and pornography, racism, foreign policy and militarism, religion, journalism and mass media, and critical thinking. Throughout this work, radical feminism has remained at the core of my philosophy. Andrea Dworkin captures this politics in a line from her novel Ice and Fire, “'I am a feminist, not the fun kind.” Such feminism may not always be fun, but it’s always important.

Robert's book list on feminism (“not the fun kind”)

Robert Jensen Why did Robert love this book?

Many women continue to embrace a radical feminist perspective, and one of the important feminist writers today is the UK journalist and organizer Julie Bindel. Her reporting on sex trafficking has been essential to understanding the worldwide exploitation of women and girls.

She published this book in 2021 to restate the liberatory goals of feminism and critique the impediments created not only by conservatives but also by liberals. Bindel pulls no punches and takes no prisoners—she’s never afraid to confront the powerful and respond to her critics. One of the great experiences of the past year was being interviewed by Bindel for her podcast on men and feminism. Finally, Bindel reminds us that one of the biggest lies about feminists is that they have no sense of humor. 

By Julie Bindel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Feminism for Women as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Timely, necessary and important' J.K. Rowling

'[This book is] guaranteed to remind us what we have still to fight for. I can't think of a single person who wouldn't benefit from reading it' Observer

'Bindel is a rock star of second-wave feminism . . . an important, courageous book' The Times

'Bindel delivers a robust call to arms in every chapter . . . this book could not be timelier . . . As a young feminist who has finally seen the light, I consider it essential reading' The Critic

Feminism is a quest for the liberation of women from…


Book cover of Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace

Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal Author Of Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart: Discovering the Beauty and Freedom of God-Defined Sexuality

From my list on Christian books on marriage and sexuality.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are sisters and the co-founders of Girl Defined Ministries, where our goal is to help modern girls understand and live out God’s timeless truth for womanhood. Through Girl Defined we talk about such topics as biblical womanhood, relationships, love, marriage, sexuality, identity, and much more.

Kristen's book list on Christian books on marriage and sexuality

Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal Why did Kristen love this book?

In Finally Free, Heath Lambert details a Biblical process for fighting and overcoming pornography and sexual sin. No matter how long or hard the battle, there is so much hope in Christ! Whether you’ve struggled with this, or know someone who has, read this book! It’s transformative! It’s not about porn; it’s about Christ and the hope of the gospel. He can lead you to finally find freedom.

By Heath Lambert,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Finally Free as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eight gospel-centered strategies for overcoming the lure of pornography and finally breaking free.

This book is not about pornography. You won't find graphic depictions about the porn industry, the catastrophic effects it has on individuals and relationships, or how to think differently about porn. If you're reading this book, you probably have some understanding of those things already-the last thing you need is to be subjected to that kind of detail...again.

Finally Free is about hope. It's about discovering the freeing power available to those who trust in Jesus Christ, who can, will, and does set people free from the…


Book cover of Quit Porn and Get Rich: The Unspoken Rule of Successful People

Havard Mela Author Of How to Thrive in the 21st Century: By Avoiding Porn and Other Distractions

From my list on porn addiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

As someone who has felt the consequences of spending too much time online on distractions, I am compelled to share how much better life can be when we are conscious of the time we spend online. In my early twenties, I experienced digital addiction. I managed to turn things around by cultivating discipline and finding purpose in life. In the process, I developed a deep interest in neuroscience and psychology. My book explains how you can take conscious control of your life in a practical way based on my experience backed up by research.

Havard's book list on porn addiction

Havard Mela Why did Havard love this book?

This is a good book where the author shares his experiences with overcoming porn addiction and how it improved his life. It is an inspirational read that will help motivate you for this journey.

The book also explains addiction and what happens to the brain if you watch too much porn. I recommend this book as I found it inspiring and relatable.

By Martin Prescott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Quit Porn and Get Rich as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Many situations we face require a particular predisposition and specific behavior. We often can’t behave properly, not only because of a lack of awareness, but also because of limitations posed by our bodies. It is very interesting how much depends on the well-being and physical fitness of your body. Unfortunately, many people don’t know much about the processes that drive it. I will do my best to make sure that in this book you learn about important issues related to your physical well-being and how to use them in practice.

Authorities on the subject:

"Any failure to appreciate the impact…


Book cover of Robinson

Tom Bolton Author Of Vanished City: London's Lost Neighbourhoods

From my list on revisiting lost London.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of five books, including the New Angles Prize shortlisted, Low Country, London’s Lost Rivers and Camden Town: Dreams of Another London. I write about forgotten history, lost places, and strange landscapes in London and on the coast. I have appeared on television (including PBS) and radio and have written for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, among others. I also write about music and theatre.

Tom's book list on revisiting lost London

Tom Bolton Why did Tom love this book?

In the early 1990s Soho, Robinson is a charming, possibly Satanic character who leads film editor Christo into a world of sleazy bars, drink, drugs, and general depravity.

It is the last gasp of Soho that died with the old century—the mysterious, legendary neighbourhood that London somehow revolved around. Petit makes it gleam darkly. 

By Christopher Petit,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Robinson as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Getting Off: One Woman's Journey Through Sex and Porn Addiction

K. E. Garland Author Of In Search of a Salve: Memoir of a Sex Addict

From my list on understanding female sex addiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is K. E. Garland, and I am a recovering female sex addict. I didn’t know it until I was 42. In 2014, I had a rock-bottom moment that forced me to confront my compulsions. I self-therapized through writing. As a blogger, I described ways I’d buried interrelated traumas. During the nine years it took for me to research and write my memoir, there were few books about female sex addiction. Now, there are several! The books I’ve recommended not only provide a well-rounded understanding of a little-known phenomenon, but they also help to demarginalize stories of how women live with behavioral addictions. I hope you’ll find them useful.

K.'s book list on understanding female sex addiction

K. E. Garland Why did K. love this book?

I loved this book because it was the first memoir I’d read about a Mexican-American woman who struggled with sex and porn addiction. I liked that Garza didn’t experience a lot of trauma in her life, yet she still found herself addicted to watching porn.

A lot of times, we only hear about porn addiction as a young man’s problem, but Garza’s memoir illustrates how women can also live with this issue. Because of Garza’s memoir, I knew I wasn’t alone in my sexual experiences.

By Erica Garza,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Getting Off as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Erica Garza has written a riveting, can't-look-away memoir of a life lived hardcore...In an era when predatory male sexual behavior has finally become a topic of urgent national discourse...Getting Off makes for a wild, timely read" (Elle).

A fixation on porn and orgasm, strings of failed relationships and serial hook-ups with strangers, inevitable blackouts to blunt the shame-these are not things we often hear women share publicly, and not with the candor, eloquence, and introspection Erica Garza brings to Getting Off.

What sets this courageous and riveting account apart from your typical misery memoir is the absence of any precipitating…


Book cover of Portrait of Our Marriage

Stevie Turner Author Of A Rather Unusual Romance

From my list on indie faction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am, have always been, and always will be a realist. Therefore I find ‘Faction’ books, biographies, and memoirs more interesting, as I can learn from them and know that some or all of the events are true. They say ‘write what you know’ and so when it came to writing A Rather Unusual Romance I did just that. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 thyroid cancer back in 2005, and decided to weave the 15-year journey back to health I undertook into the pages of a fictional romance, with Alan and Erin similarly affected by thyroid cancer. Every procedure they had to endure was true because I had to go through it as well (without the romance)!

Stevie's book list on indie faction

Stevie Turner Why did Stevie love this book?

Because it is another ‘Faction’ novel. Martha found the inspiration to write this book from dreams, from watching a TV show featuring Oprah Winfrey interviewing various men suffering from an addiction to pornography, and from information given to her by 8 wives whose marriages were affected by their husbands’ addictions. Addiction to porn is a very real problem in these modern times.

By Martha Emms,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Portrait of Our Marriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Inspired by an episode on Oprah from years ago that dealt with men addicted to porn, a dream, and 8 women's lives, Portrait of Our Marriage, a fictional memoir, is one woman's story you don't want to miss. Nicky, embarks on a journey to find herself and become her own person despite the legacy of a domineering father and an emotionally—and often physically—distant husband. Reminiscing events from her life, she looks at pictures and remembers the romance, falling in love, marriage, and her family. When her husbands interest in pornography becomes an obsession. She wonders how she will compete? Some…


Book cover of Your Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction

Havard Mela Author Of How to Thrive in the 21st Century: By Avoiding Porn and Other Distractions

From my list on porn addiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

As someone who has felt the consequences of spending too much time online on distractions, I am compelled to share how much better life can be when we are conscious of the time we spend online. In my early twenties, I experienced digital addiction. I managed to turn things around by cultivating discipline and finding purpose in life. In the process, I developed a deep interest in neuroscience and psychology. My book explains how you can take conscious control of your life in a practical way based on my experience backed up by research.

Havard's book list on porn addiction

Havard Mela Why did Havard love this book?

This book is kind of like the bible of porn addiction. It clearly shows the negative effects you can experience by showing both science and anecdotes.

This book was eye-opening for me as I saw many reports of similar side effects as I had experienced myself grappling with this problem. This book is a must-read book about this topic.

By Gary Wilson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Your Brain on Porn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Over 100,000 copies sold!

When Your Brain on Porn was first published the porn industry and its lobbyists reacted with outrage. How could a commodity so popular - and so profitable - be a problem? But evidence of porn's addictiveness has been accumulating ever since. In February 2022 the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine published a large-scale, longitudinal study that confirmed what many users and former users of digital pornography had figured out for themselves: 'porn - a male-dominated industry that targets a male-dominated audience - is associated with the erosion of the quality of men's sex lives.'


In the same…


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