BOOK CLUB: Women are Angry - Jennifer Cox

Book Review: Women Are Angry by Jennifer Cox

Jennifer Cox’s Women Are Angry: Why Your Rage is Hiding and How to Let It Out is a powerful and insightful exploration of repressed anger in women and the societal structures that perpetuate it. Drawing from her experience as a psychotherapist, Cox examines how women are socialised to suppress their emotions, particularly anger, and how this silence affects their mental and physical well-being.

It was recommended to me by one of the guests on the Autumn 2024 Sewing Retreat and within the first 15 mins of listening on Audible while drive back from the retreat house I felt like the scales had fallen from my eyes.  It is an extraordinary book which I firmly believe that all women, AND men, should read.

The book delves into the multifaceted ways in which anger manifests across different stages of a woman’s life. Cox addresses workplace inequalities, ageism, and personal loss, showing how these challenges contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness. Her approach is both analytical and empathetic, offering readers tools to process their emotions constructively. From art therapy to cognitive-behavioural techniques, she emphasises the value of self-awareness and the transformative potential of embracing one’s anger as a force for personal and societal change.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its balance of practical advice and cultural critique. Cox doesn’t merely diagnose the problem; she equips readers with actionable strategies to confront it, including building supportive networks, seeking professional help, and challenging stereotypes. Her perspective is empowering, advocating for anger as a legitimate and necessary response to injustice rather than a flaw to be hidden.

Overall, Women Are Angry is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of gender, mental health, and societal expectations. It’s a call to action for women to reclaim their voices and use their anger to inspire meaningful change.

This book is both a guide and a manifesto, urging us to see anger not as an enemy but as a pathway to empowerment and equity.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and empowering take on a deeply human emotion, Cox’s work is a must-read. It’s a resource not just for women, but for anyone seeking to understand the broader implications of suppressed emotions in a patriarchal society. These repressed emotions play a huge part in our relationships to our bodies, and it is for this reason that it is included as a must read in the Secret Sewing Club book list for this month! 

ISBN: 1785124463