Gloria Steinem books: 8 essential reads to understand her feminist legacy

There are authors whose words will echo across time—and Gloria Steinem was one of those writers.

The writer, journalist and activist, who is arguably the most famous figure in the feminist movement, died on September 3 at age 92. She may no longer be with us physically, but her words and activism will certainly live on. She advocated for gender equality across the board—employment, education, politics and reproductive rights—co-founded Ms. magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus, and strongly supported the Equal Rights Amendment. She did all of this while writing provocative memoirs and essay collections aimed at exposing women's struggles and pushing for change.

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Her influence is so massive that the New York Public Library in NYC is providing instant access to a selection of her work in e-book and audiobook forms for NYPL library card owners now through September 19.

Even if you don't live in New York and you want to read her work in honor of her life and work, we've rounded up eight books—essays, memoirs and non-fiction books—that'll showcase her activism and give you wise words to live by and work toward.

Gloria Steinem books: 8 essential reads to understand her feminist legacy

For those who want a timely read packed with wisdom: The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off! (2019)

This is the definitive collection of Steinem’s words on what matters most, according to McNally Jackson Books. In it, Steinem covers relationships, the patriarchy and activism. She throws in quotes from other luminaries like bell hooks, Michelle Obama and Flo Kennedy. “This book will make you want to laugh, march, and create some quotes of your own. In fact, at the end of the book, there’s a special space for readers to add their own quotes and others they’ve found inspiring,” the bookseller says.

For those who want to know more about Gloria and what launched her advocacy: My Life on the Road (2016)

This book tells the story of her first moment of social activism among women in India, her work as a journalist in the 1960s, her political campaigns, her founding of Ms. magazine, the historic 1977 National Women's Conference and more. The story was the inspiration for Julie Taymor’s movie, The Glorias, starring Julianne Moore as Steinem.

For those who are looking inward: Revolution from Within (1992, updated 2020)

In this book, Steinem aims to help restore self-confidence beaten back by injustice by telling stories from her own life and the lives of others. She connects the personal to the political and advises how to make equality more possible both inside and out.

“This book has stayed in print longer than anything I’ve ever written,” she writes in its preface. “I think this is because the idea of self-esteem is so basic. Words may change, from self-esteem and self-respect to Gay Pride and Black Lives Matter, but the principle remains the same. Valuing the unique self within each of us is the source of democracy and rebelling against injustice.” 

For those who need to laugh and cry about the female condition: Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions (1983, updated 2019)

This book contains the now-famous exposé, "I Was a Playboy Bunny," the tribute to her mother "Ruth's Song (Because She Could Not Sing It), her essays on female genital mutilation and the difference between erotica and pornography and the satire piece, "If Men Could Menstruate.” 

Emma Watson wrote in the book’s foreword “She makes what otherwise can be arduous and depressing reading into something not only relatable, but also enjoyable.”

For those who want a nuanced biography about an icon: Marilyn (1986)

Steinem’s essay goes deep, exposing and celebrating Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe’s charisma, intelligence and complexity.

For those who care about the treatment of women worldwide: As If Women Matter: The Essential Gloria Steinem Reader (2014)

This is a collection of provocative, scholarly essays on feminism and women’s issues across the world, including human trafficking, violence and other social injustice.

For the young feminist: Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All (2026) 

For those aged 4 to 8 years old, this picture book follows the story of Gloria Steinem and Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee on their parallel journeys as activists. “Two friends come together to tell one uplifting story of girls and women strengthening one another and changing the world.”

For those who want the latest: An Unexpected Life (2026)

Penguin Random House will publish Steinem’s newest book, An Unexpected Life, posthumously on September 22. It’s her final memoir detailing her life from childhood to the feminist icon she became and all the work in between.