Kate Manne’s “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny” takes a hard look at how misogyny manifests itself in today’s society. While misogyny is somewhat of a buzzword nowadays, it is often misunderstood.

Manne explores how misogyny inserts itself into everyday life, both personal and political, through an academic yet approachable writing style. It’s the perfect way to tackle this huge topic if it’s something you’re not well-versed in. And even if you consider yourself fully versed in the issue, the well-organized structure of Manne’s arguments are sure to clarify your perspective, if not add another layer to your understanding of misogyny. Her recognition of misogyny as a social status issue, rather than an individual psychological syndrome so to say, is eye-opening and allows for a deeper understanding of the systemic structures at work that are keeping women down, and lifting men up.

This is the type of book that should be required reading for everyone. It uses historical and statistical evidence to prove that misogyny has woven its way into the very thread of society. The book illustrates how it’s so ingrained in our culture that people of both genders rarely seem aware of it, much less critical of it. Often, it becomes such a norm in our society, that we fail to recognize its extensive effects on our everyday lives. Which is exactly why this book is so needed.

So if you’re looking for a book to start off your year with, “Down Girl” is an awesome choice. It’s informative, eye-opening, and necessary. Leave 2017 behind. Take on 2018 head first with a real knowledge of how our world is currently working, and a better understanding of what you can do to change that.