Here are 100 books that Demented fans have personally recommended if you like Demented. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Trouble with Women

Walburga Appleseed Author Of The Princess and the Prick

From my list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I gobbled up Grimm’s fairytales, but I always wondered: Why do the princesses get such a terrible deal? This question gnawed at me. So, when I grew up and became an author, I wrote The Princess and the Prick to set the world right. Feminism can be such a terribly serious topic, but sexism is ridiculous! So, let's laugh at it! The books I've recommended are all short and brilliantly funny. They make fantastic gifts and will have everyone laughing at the patriarchy in no time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Walburga's book list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends

Walburga Appleseed Why Walburga loves this book

I could not stop laughing! This is one of the cleverest, funniest books I have ever read. I buy it in batches and gift it to all my friends.

It is a *very sarcastic*, highly illustrated book about women’s history, explaining exactly why women’s brains are quite so tiny and why men with beards are all geniuses.

By Jacky Fleming ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Trouble with Women as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Perfect for fans of Kate Beaton, Lena Dunham, and Caitlin Moran, The Trouble with Women is a feminist's brilliant, tongue-in-cheek, hysterical look at women's "issues," "frailties," and "failures" in our not-so-distant history.

Ever noticed that women don't feature much in history books, and wondered why? Then this is the book for you. In The Trouble with Women, feminist artist Jacky Fleming illustrates how the opinions of supposed male geniuses, such as Charles Darwin (who believed that women have smaller brains than men) and John Ruskin (who believed that women's main function was to praise men), have shaped the fate of…


If you love Demented...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of Men to Avoid in Art and Life

Walburga Appleseed Author Of The Princess and the Prick

From my list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I gobbled up Grimm’s fairytales, but I always wondered: Why do the princesses get such a terrible deal? This question gnawed at me. So, when I grew up and became an author, I wrote The Princess and the Prick to set the world right. Feminism can be such a terribly serious topic, but sexism is ridiculous! So, let's laugh at it! The books I've recommended are all short and brilliantly funny. They make fantastic gifts and will have everyone laughing at the patriarchy in no time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Walburga's book list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends

Walburga Appleseed Why Walburga loves this book

Mansplaining is as old as the world, and we have the paintings to prove it! I loved discovering this great gift book in which the authors pair famous paintings with speech bubbles to drive home their point of modern-day sexism.

It has made me look at old paintings in a different way and wonder what the people in there are REALLY thinking.

By Nicole Tersigni ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Men to Avoid in Art and Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Men to Avoid in Art and Life pairs classical fine art with modern captions that epitomize the spirit of mansplaining.

This hilarious book perfectly captures those relatable moments when a man explains to a woman a subject about which he knows considerably less than she does.

Situations include men sharing keen insight on the female anatomy, an eloquent defense of catcalling, or offering sage advice about horseback riding to the woman who owns the horse.

* These less qualified men of antiquity dish out mediocrity as if it's pure genius
* For the women who have endured overbearing men over…


Book cover of 100 Nasty Women of History: Brilliant, badass and completely fearless women everyone should know

Walburga Appleseed Author Of The Princess and the Prick

From my list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I gobbled up Grimm’s fairytales, but I always wondered: Why do the princesses get such a terrible deal? This question gnawed at me. So, when I grew up and became an author, I wrote The Princess and the Prick to set the world right. Feminism can be such a terribly serious topic, but sexism is ridiculous! So, let's laugh at it! The books I've recommended are all short and brilliantly funny. They make fantastic gifts and will have everyone laughing at the patriarchy in no time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Walburga's book list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends

Walburga Appleseed Why Walburga loves this book

Where are all the women in history? Here they are! In her hilarious book, Hannah Jewell sets the world to right by introducing us to 100 incredible women from all over the world and all time periods.

I thought I knew a fair amount about historical women, but turns out I didn’t! I knew hardly any of the women featured in this book, which really tells us all we need to know about the state of the world (and male historians).

I found Hannah’s writing so entertaining it felt more like listening to a really fun, knowledgeable friend than reading biographies. A great gift for anyone who ever wonders: "But-where have all the women gone?"

By Hannah Jewell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 100 Nasty Women of History as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Vital reading' STYLIST

'...hooting with laughter - what a swashbuckler that Hannah Jewell is' MARINA HYDE

'Because 100 Nasty Women is so easy to read and witty, I didn't expect it to be the life changing, important book that I'm discovering it to be' PHILIPPA PERRY

'A fantastic addition to your feminist library and historical knowledge.' ANN SHEN, author of Bad Girls Throughout History

* * * * * *

100 fascinating and brilliantly written stories about history's bravest, baddest but little known 'nasty' women from across the world.

These are the women who were deemed too nasty for their…


If you love Jacky Fleming...

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

Book cover of Zeus Is A Dick

Walburga Appleseed Author Of The Princess and the Prick

From my list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I gobbled up Grimm’s fairytales, but I always wondered: Why do the princesses get such a terrible deal? This question gnawed at me. So, when I grew up and became an author, I wrote The Princess and the Prick to set the world right. Feminism can be such a terribly serious topic, but sexism is ridiculous! So, let's laugh at it! The books I've recommended are all short and brilliantly funny. They make fantastic gifts and will have everyone laughing at the patriarchy in no time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Walburga's book list on funny feminist books you'll want to gift to all your friends

Walburga Appleseed Why Walburga loves this book

This is a deep dive into the mad world of the Greek myths but FUN. Who knew that Zeus was the proud inventor of the first golden shower? (Is anyone surprised?)

This book made me laugh a lot and taught me much about the sexist madness that are the Greek myths in general, and poor old Zeus in particular.

By Susie Donkin ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Zeus Is A Dick as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the beginning, everything was fine.* And then along came Zeus.

*more or less

Ahh Greek myths. Those glorious tales of heroism, honour and... petty squabbles, soap-opera drama and more weird sex than Fifty Shades of Grey could shake a stick at!

It's about time we stopped respecting myths and started laughing at them. Did you know Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, was born of some discarded genitals? Or that Hera threw her own son off a mountain because he was ugly? Or that Apollo once kidnapped a boat full of people while pretending to be a dolphin?

And…


Book cover of Penguin Problems

Tom Lichtenheld Author Of Louis

From my list on pictures about crabby characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author and illustrator who makes books for children and people who used to be children. I have worked as a sign painter, set designer, printer, and art director. After a long career in advertising, I stumbled into the job I was always meant to do, creating children’s books. Seven of my books have been New York Times bestsellers and all are noted for their humor, expressive characters, and rich – sometimes hidden – detail. In my spare time I enjoy riding my bike, eating chocolate, and getting other peoples’ kids all wound up then sending them home.

Tom's book list on pictures about crabby characters

Tom Lichtenheld Why Tom loves this book

We presume all animals love their habitat and their lot in life; birds love the sky, snakes love the grass, and bears, of course, love the woods. But not so much for the star of this book; a petulant little penguin who seems to have gotten up on the wrong side of the ice floe. He’s crabby about the too-white snow, the too-cold temperature, the too-salty sea, and his too-lookalike colony of penguin pals. Basically, everything makes him crabby, but in a way that’s amusing. After a day of carping, a wise walrus gives him a lecture about appreciating the beauty of his world and the love of his companions. This improves his attitude…for about two pages.

By the end of the book, the little grump is back to his old self, griping about the weather and the early darkness. It’s refreshing to see a character who doesn’t completely transform…

By Jory John , Lane Smith (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Penguin Problems as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Have you ever thought: I have so many problems and nobody even cares? Well, penguins have problems too! Discover them in this hilarious collaboration from Jory John (All my friends are dead. and Quit Calling Me a Monster!) and Lane Smith (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales).

This penguin has come to tell you that life in Antarctica is no paradise. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you.

It…


Book cover of Get It All Done and Still Be Human: A Personal Time-Management Workshop

Jeff Davidson Author Of Simpler Living: A Back to Basics Guide to Cleaning, Furnishing, Storing, Decluttering, Streamlining, Organizing, and More

From my list on making your life simpler and healthier.

Why am I passionate about this?

I hold the registered trademark as "The Work-Life Balance Expert®," and work with organizations that seek to enhance their productivity by improving the effectiveness of their people. I've spoken to Fortune 50 companies such as IBM, Cardinal Health Group, Lockheed, American Express, the IRS, Wells Fargo, and Westinghouse. My books have been published in 19 languages and have been featured in 68 of the top 75 American newspapers, as well as Time Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. At heart, I'm a simpler living advocate. I believe in giving back to his community and am an active volunteer for Art Space in downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Arts, and numerous other civic, social, and charitable groups.

Jeff's book list on making your life simpler and healthier

Jeff Davidson Why Jeff loves this book

The authors ask, "Why is it that a decent person like you, someone you would invite home for dinner, is plagued by the feeling that you will never get it all done? Do you think you invented the word frantic? Your life," they say, "is not a series of little boxes to be checked off as you complete tasks. Life is rough, sweet, sticky, hot and cold, even messy, and enjoyable."

To rearrange your life and get what you want done, they contend that you need a clear picture of your life as it actually is today. Diagramming helps; start with yourself in the middle and add spokes and branches in all directions that define and illustrate your inter-connectedness. Then, when you stand back and look at the pattern, you are viewing your life as it is today, with all of its important facets. All, that is, except for some…

By Tony Fanning , Robbie Fanning ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Get It All Done and Still Be Human as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Presents a program for assessing present utilization of time, evaluating the activities and responsibilities that make demands on your time, formulating priorities, and effectively managing time to increase success and personal fulfillment


If you love Demented...

Book cover of Temple of Dreams: A Novel of Now and Then

Temple of Dreams by Carolyn Mathews,

Homeless following the death of his adoptive parents in a car crash and the subsequent loss of their farm tenancy, Seb decides to enrol as a residential student at the Asklepios Foundation, a College of Natural Medicine, boasting a sanctuary modelled on an ancient Greek healing temple. Spending a night…

Book cover of The Unbreakable Student: 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University

James Withey Author Of How to Tell Anxiety to Sod Off: 40 Ways to Get Your Life Back

From my list on manage bloody anxiety.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have lived with anxiety all my life – it’s a real bugger. At school, I would worry about wearing the wrong shoes or forgetting my shorts for football. Anxiety can be paralyzing and often coupled with its BFF depression, which I have too. Nice eh? I also know that when you face up to anxiety and start swearing at it, not letting it rule you, understand what it is and how useless it is, things start to get easier. It’s not about getting rid of anxiety, it’s about managing it, not letting it rule you. That’s what my book does, with a large dollop of humour thrown in to help things. 

James' book list on manage bloody anxiety

James Withey Why James loves this book

Young people’s mental health is so important to tackle; it’s so prevalent at the moment. Going to university or leaving home is one of the most stressful times in our lives and therefore crucial that we have tools and understanding to help us get through. This book has some great practical advice about how to manage. The author knows his psychology and has obviously worked with students with anxiety before, you feel like you are in trusted hands. It’s an easy to read book and you get to know the author too who writes with a light heartedness which really helps. 

By Nic Hooper ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Unbreakable Student as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Equal parts practical, funny and illuminating - belongs on the required reading list for life' - Sarah Knight, internationally bestselling author of Get Your Sh!t Together

Accessible and inspirational, The Unbreakable Student is the self-care guide that every university student needs.

So, you're starting university - you've learnt what to pack, where to socialise, how to cook (sort of)... but what about how to look after your mental health?

University is a whirlwind of exciting, fresh experiences. But it can also be overwhelming. You're in a strange new environment and faced with the pressure to make friends, complete difficult assignments,…


Book cover of Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change

Barbara C. Crosby Author Of Leadership for the Common Good: Tackling Public Problems in a Shared-Power World

From my list on leadership for our times.

Why am I passionate about this?

For decades, I have sought to understand how and why people stay committed to social justice over the long haul. During the 1960s and ‘70s, I was a journalist covering education, anti-poverty efforts, and public affairs mainly in Georgia and Maryland. I had a stint in government as a gubernatorial press secretary and speechwriter in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In the mid 1980s, I joined the Reflective Leadership Center at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, and have taught and written about leadership ever since. I have helped groups in the US, Britain, Poland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Australia develop their own leadership in a variety of fields.

Barbara's book list on leadership for our times

Barbara C. Crosby Why Barbara loves this book

For decades, Ron Heifetz’s “adaptive leadership” framework has helped organizational and community leaders guide their groups through turbulent waters. I especially appreciate his advising leaders to alternate between “the balcony” and “the dance floor” so they can both engage with their group’s efforts to understand and respond to their challenges and gain a wider perspective on where change efforts are and should be going. 

This book reminds us that leaders need to care for their groups but also for themselves. I find particular value in their reminder to take care of one’s own issues so they do not interfere with the work of helping group members “take the heat” when dealing with tough issues. Ron and Marty’s emphasis on adaptability is more vital than ever in this era of climate change, threats of pandemics, and burgeoning human migration within countries and across national borders.

By Ronald A. Heifetz , Marty Linsky ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Leadership on the Line as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The dangerous work of leading change--somebody has to do it. Will you put yourself on the line?

To lead is to live dangerously. It's romantic and exciting to think of leadership as all inspiration, decisive action, and rich rewards, but leading requires taking risks that can jeopardize your career and your personal life. It requires putting yourself on the line, disrupting the status quo, and surfacing hidden conflict. And when people resist and push back, there's a strong temptation to play it safe. Those who choose to lead plunge in, take the risks, and sometimes get burned. But it doesn't…


Book cover of The New Rules of Divorce: Twelve Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness

Jen Lawrence Author Of The Designed Divorce: How to preserve your wealth and peace of mind in divorce

From my list on getting through divorce successfully.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Certified Divorce Coach and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, I work with clients during one of the most difficult stages of their lives. Clients often feel regretful about the past and fearful for the future, and the right book recommendation can really help them move forward. I often give clients reading assignments between coaching sessions that help them process their grief, figure out their goals, educate themselves about finances, feel less alone in the divorce process, and become more confident in making major decisions. I’m never not reading on this subject.

Jen's book list on getting through divorce successfully

Jen Lawrence Why Jen loves this book

New York Divorce attorney Jacqueline Newman’s The New Rules of Divorce: Twelve Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health and Happiness is a great divorce primer, tackling everything from contemplating divorce to dating after divorce. The book is charming and funny as well as deeply practical. While the book will probably appeal the most to wealthy women, it offers useful advice for anyone contemplating or going through a divorce.

By Jacqueline Newman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The New Rules of Divorce as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"You can waste vast amounts of money by hiring the wrong lawyer while engaging in a high conflict divorce. Newman shows people the playbook and provides real tactics for breaking up in a more humane fashion." -Alec Baldwin, actor, producer, New York Times bestselling author

The definitive guide to navigating divorce in today's world from one of America's top matrimonial lawyers.

Marriage as we know it in America has changed-and so, too, has divorce. Women are outearning men. Fathers are winning custody battles. Same-sex marriage is law. In this remarkably insightful and clear guide, elite New York City divorce…


If you love Jacky Fleming...

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS by Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Book cover of Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life as It Should Be

Dawna Pitts Author Of Entertaining Is My Love Language

From my list on for inspiration when entertaining at home.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Dawna Pitts. I am passionate about entertaining and always have been. I realized I actually have much to share from my experiences of entertaining for many years and living on different continents which made me write my book Entertaining is My Love Language. I wanted to inspire people to have more get-togethers in our homes build sweet, delicious memories, and understand home entertaining doesn’t always have to be proper and perfect and no need to be intimidated by foreign exotic food ingredients.

Dawna's book list on for inspiration when entertaining at home

Dawna Pitts Why Dawna loves this book

I have been a fan of Colin Cowie for years and this book totally lived up to my expectations.

He wrote how he did things and why in the most chic way possible. I have adapted several things into my life from this book. For example, I organize my dried spice rack alphabetically and have host/hostess gifts ready at all times so I am always ready for any invitation. I felt my life was more organized when I finished this book!

By Colin Cowie ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Colin Cowie Chic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A handbook for living well in the twenty-first century

From legendary lifestyle expert Colin Cowie comes the last word in living a gracious, sensuous life on any budget. Colin draws back the curtain on his own chic, passionate, 120-miles-per-hour life, revealing how to create and entertain in an inviting home, garner respect in the workplace, and travel with ease and comfort. No matter how or where you live, or whatever your personal style may be, Colin Cowie Chic will place you on the fast track to experiencing life to the fullest.

This immensely practical handbook offers step-by-step instructions on everything…


Book cover of The Trouble with Women
Book cover of Men to Avoid in Art and Life
Book cover of 100 Nasty Women of History: Brilliant, badass and completely fearless women everyone should know

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