Print is not dead, nor is feminism, as the two go hand in hand for International Women’s Day this month in the form of a pop-up bookstore which stocks books with women-only writers. The initiative, called “Like A Woman”, is organized by the Penguin Books United Kingdom to celebrate writings by women and feminists worldwide.
The “Like A Woman” bookshop can be found at 1-3 Rivington Street, Shoreditch in the East End of London, and bibliophiles need not worry as there is a book for every taste. Apart from fiction, books in other genres such as creative nonfiction, sports, graphic novels and children’s literature are also available.
Among the penwomen included in the “Like A Woman” bookstore are Zadie Smith, Mary Shelley, Svetlana Alexievich, Afua Hirsch and Anita Brookner, and there are lots more — a mixed bag of contemporary and classical authors, movers and shakers in manifold industries, as well as up-and-coming female writers to watch out for.
Apart from just selling books written by women, the bookstore will also be holding talks and seminars, as well as live podcasts from chosen authors and personalities around London, much to the delight of those who will be visiting “Like A Woman”.
All good things must eventually come to an end, however. While some would love for the “Like A Woman” bookstore to stay forever, its initiative will unfortunately only run until March 9, giving Londoners only 5 days to mark in their calendars and make the trip down to Shoreditch.
International readers who live outside the U.K., on the other hand, can live vicariously through social media, or take the plunge and buy the books online. JB
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