The world would be considerably worse off without the knowledge, truth, and love contained within the pages of non-fiction books written by women.
And yet, new research shows that these books are simply not being recognised when it comes to press coverage and shortlists – as well as women authors being more likely to receive lower book advances than their male counterparts.
With this in mind, the Women’s Prize Trust has announced its intention to create a new annual book prize, the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction (subject to corporate sponsorship).
Kate Mosse, the Women’s Prize for Fiction Founder Director, novelist, non-fiction author and playwright, described the announcement as “an extremely exciting moment in the history of the Women’s Prize.
“Since we launched twenty-eight years ago, we have celebrated and amplified the voices of hundreds of amazing novelists, pressing their books into the hands of millions of readers. We are confident that our new non-fiction sister prize will do the same for those extraordinary non-fiction authors, many of whom do not receive the attention they deserve.”
By setting up the new award, the Women’s Prize Trust hopes to galvanise consumer interest in non-fiction written by women, advocate for fair remuneration for authors of all genders, and build the profiles of women authors.
To celebrate, here are 10 of GLAMOUR Editors’ favourite non-fiction books released in 2023:
1. Rebel Bodies: A Guide to the Gender Health Gap Revolution by Sarah Graham
Rebel Bodies takes a piercing look at the gender health gap, highlighting the relentless sexism that women face when navigating the healthcare system. Read Rachel Charlton-Dailey’s interview with Sarah Graham here.
2. It’s Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies by Jessica Wilson
Jessica Wilson, an eating disorder specialist, recentres Black women’s experiences within the contemporary (often racist) discourse surrounding body image. Applying a critical lens to the wellness industry, Wilson further envisions a world where Black women can truly connect with their bodies, as well as the multitudes of vulnerability and joy contained within.
3. Motherland: What I’ve Learnt about Parenthood, Race and Identity by Priya Joi
Priya Joi’s exploration of identity and motherhood is a vital cultural document, full of feeling and a unique insight into how mothers are often othered due to their identity – and how this impacts their children.
4. Me Vs Brain: An Overthinker’s Guide to Life by Hayley Morris
If you’ve ever been too preoccupied with the laundry – Has the washing machine finished? Will my clothes start to smell if I leave them any longer? – to feel present during sex, boy, do we have the book for you. Hayley Morris, a comedian who rose to fame on TikTok, shares a user’s guide for navigating intrusive thoughts. Read an extract here.
5. Strong Female Character by Fern Brady
Fern Brady’s memoir/call-to-arms begins with her breaking the news of her autism diagnosis to her father, who she suspects also has autism. As is typical of her writing style, the interaction is brimming with humour while tackling serious topics, including neurodiversity and sexism. Read an extract here.
6. Pat in the City: My Life of Fashion, Style, and Breaking All The Rules by Patricia Field
In her vivid memoir, Patricia Field reexamines her early career in the fashion industry before landing the illustrious role of costume designer on Sex And The City and, later, Emily in Paris. Here is an extract from her new book – where she recounts how Sarah Jessica Parker helped her land her job on SATC.
7. Life, Almost: Miscarriage, misconceptions and a search for answers from the brink of motherhood by Jennie Agg
Described as a “part memoir, part scientific investigation,” Jennie Agg’s Life, Almost movingly recalls her traumatic path to motherhood, analysing the myths we all hold about fertility, miscarriage, and grief.
8. What Women Want: Conversations on desire, power, love, and growth by Maxine Mei-Fung Chung
In What Women Want, renowned psychotherapist Maxine Mei-Fung Chung compassionately tells the stories of seven different women – all of whom were once her patients – to answer the elusive question: what do women want? Read an extract here.
9. Transitional by Munroe Bergdorf
In her debut book, model and advocate Munroe Bergdorf (who also happened to win GLAMOUR and UOMA’s ‘Beauty Changemaker’ of the Year at the Women of the Year Awards in 2022) unravels the true power of self-love. You can read an extract here.
10. Ugly: Giving us back our beauty standards by Anita Bhagwandas
In her highly-anticipated first book, acclaimed beauty director Anita Bhagwandas unpacks the toxic beauty standards that made her feel othered as a dark-skinned, plus-size woman. Read Fiona Embleton’s interview with Anita here.
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
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