The Feminist Killjoy Handbook: The Radical Potential of Getting in the Way

Independent scholar Ahmed’s (Living a Feminist Life) latest book combines her signature humor—bitingly funny, in this case—with accessible language and theoretical discourse, making this title as appropriate for university courses as it is for self-identified “feminist killjoys,” people who point out sexist comments or don’t laugh at offensive jokes. This book explores the historical origins of the killjoy through truths about perceptions; for example, if someone has to shout to be heard, that person is heard as shouting. Readers will gain a clearer sense of why their activism is consistently treated as a problem, rather than a solution, and it will demonstrate what it means to show up—even when society may view that as getting in the way. The book includes details about the author’s own experiences as a queer feminist scholar and activist of color. Ahmed also incorporates recommended readings and the work of activists like Audre Lorde without ever becoming too esoteric.