Click on a cover to read the review.

Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat | KKV / Kirkelig Kulturverksted, 2007 | Norway

Resonating with lush instrumentation and the sacred, lyrical richness of Persian poetry, this album represents a very important milestone in contemporary Iranian history. On May 22^nd, 2007 the Italian and Norwegian embassies helped Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat plan a musical performance in Tehran, where women are banned from singing solo in public. Taking the stage without veils, the sisters stood together before that audience, bravely wielding the weapon of music against the continued oppression of women. The duo is now performing internationally and continuing to campaign against censorship. Check here for news and future concert dates.—Maria Jett

The Philani Mothers | Rasa Music, 2007 | USA

Originally composed to empower families and communities by promoting proper health and nutrition, the ten songs included on Township Sessions have been remixed for Western listeners. Musical purists may find themselves searching underneath studio-made beats and slick production for the power of the original voices; nonetheless, the CD is highly recommended for those who want to help raise awareness about global community-based initiatives. To learn more, watch Rasa's ten-minute video showcasing the work of this amazing group.—Maria Jett

Kitka | Diaphonica, 2007 | USA

The Rusalka Cycle will not suit everyone's tastes; yet those with an ear for the exotic can look to this vocal ensemble for an exhilarating, evocative listening experience. Blending the fire and fantasy of the Slavic folk tale with the dramatic sounds of traditional Slavic music, composer Mariana Sadovska crafts a unique and vivid homage to the rusalka, or mermaid, who is said to possess the siren-like spirit of a woman who has died an unjust death. Her great power and influence earned her an honored role in the tales told by ancient orators, and now Kitka is proud to continue this tradition. Visit the group's website for more information, including their "wishlist" and a schedule of live "vocal theater" events.—Maria Jett

Edwidge Danticat | Knopf, 2007 | USA

It will come as no surprise to Danticat's current legion of fans that her latest memoir qualifies as a must-read for anyone interested in Haitian culture, the politics of asylum-seeking and the true meaning of family. In a story that is part family history, part cultural study and part political commentary, Danticat poignantly weaves together the tales of her beloved uncle and her stoic father as she traces her early childhood in Haiti to her uncle's eventual search for refuge in the United States. What happens in between is gripping—not just for its graceful look at the meaning of family, but also for its unflinching examination of the injustices that sometimes accompany those who cross borders.—Rebecca Norman

Phil Borges | Rizzoli, 2007 | USA

Photojournalist Phil Borges takes readers to villages and cities throughout the world to meet women who are changing their communities and altering the very beliefs that once crippled local female voices. Borges' photographs are captivating, stunningly rich in color and texture—but they truly come alive when you read the story of each empowered woman. Large or small, these women's actions are changing lives, and what make this book truly unique are the testimonials from those who feel the direct impact of their deeds. Often we hear stories about inspirational leaders, but rarely do we see beyond the island of their activities into the context and true power of their work. Borges does this beautifully and in a way that does not intimidate, but rather encourages readers themselves to stand up for what they believe in.—Jessie Burke

Riane Eisler | Berrett-Koehler, 2007 | USA

Riane Eisler's latest delivers a characteristically pointed and timely critique of Western standards for measuring wealth and well-being. With a gender-sensitive framework for her arguments, she identifies historically unpaid work like caregiving as a long overlooked source of social capital. Drawing from alternative definitions of wealth and health, and from a growing body of feminist economic literature, Eisler locates enormous potential benefit in measurement that combines employment numbers and stock market reports with a thorough assessment of the time and energy individuals invest in caring for one another. A must-read for progressive policymakers, social scientists, feminists and students of the global economy alike.—Cynthia Casas

Hafia Zangana | Seven Stories Press, 2007 | USA

Ms. Zangana, who endured decades of hardship in Iraq and six months of torture in Abu Ghraib, now lives in exile and contributes to The Guardian in London. Her brand-new book gives a fierce, clear-eyed account of events in Iraq from early last century through the 2003 invasion and present occupation, focusing specifically on the change in women's status and their techniques for organizing and mobilizing in the face of severe oppression and terror. Addressing the stark realities of Iraq under occupation, Zangana reveals Baghdad as a "city of widows," where more than 300,000 women have been left to head households. Finally, she predicts that Iraqi women will be left to pick up the pieces of their country after yet another senseless imperial endeavor.—Maria Jett

Anna Politkovskaya | Random House, 2007 | USA

A Russian Diary is the last complete set of writings from investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, finished not long before her murder. A grim but important view of current trends in Russian politics and society, it is an insider's portrait of the backward slide inaugurated with the orchestration of Putin's 2003 election. Here, Anna's undaunted courage and staunch commitment to truth resound from each page, leaving us with a bleak but incomparable exposé on the dirty business of Russian politics. While it is impossible not to feel the weight of Anna's sacrifice when reading this book, in doing so we also honor her words—currently unavailable to the Russian public—and the honesty and fearless determination that led her down her chosen path.—Maria Jett

Marlo Poras | Marlo Poras Productions, 2007 | USA

Only the most extraordinary politician would welcome a film crew to eavesdrop on her most intimate campaign strategy sessions, or kneel down to say a heartfelt bedside prayer on the eve of a televised debate with a microphone pinned to her pajamas. Ninety-four year-old Doris Haddock, better known as Granny D, does just that. Chronicling her unlikely candidacy for a seat in the US Senate, Run Granny Run follows along as Haddock foregoes familial obligations, financial concerns and fear of public scrutiny to show the people of New Hampshire exactly what it takes to realize the vision of participatory democracy. This elder heroine's quest to push for campaign finance reform and unseat a two-time Republican incumbent also explores the current state of partisan politics in the US, as well as the striking range of attitudes with which the people of her country regard their elders.—Alissa Bohling

Lisa F. Jackson | Women Make Movies, 2008 | Democratic Republic of Congo

In this unflinching documentary, filmmaker Lisa Jackson travels through the Democratic Republic of Congo, exposing the grotesque realities of gendered violence. With harrowing detail, Jackson portrays the resilience and courage of the women at the center of a humanitarian crisis that has led to the death of four million people and the rape and kidnapping of tens of thousands of women and girls. Piecing together intimate and chilling footage of survivors, activists, peacekeepers, and even the rapists who are part of the Congolese army, Jackson reveals the grace and resilience of those who are living this modern horror. The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo will be broadcast on HBO on April 8.—Corine Milano

Somaly Mam | Virago Press, January 2008 | USA

The inspiring story of Somaly Mam's work helping young girls caught in the illegal sex trade of Cambodia.

Shari MacDonald Strong, Editor | Seal Press, June 2008 | USA

A collection of literary essays by women striving to make positive change for their children and families.

Xiaoli Zhou | Women Make Movies, 2008 | China

Zhou's latest film spotlights an extraordinary community of rural Chinese women struggling to maintain their culture.

Marjane Satrapi | Sony Pictures Classics, 2008 | USA

Popular writer Marjane Satrapi co-directs the animated film version of her graphic-novel memoirs, which tell the poignant story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.

Lizz Wright | Verve Forecast, February 2008 | USA

Wright mines her own experience to create an unmistakably personal album, marked with the characteristic warmth and resonance of her gospel-trained voice and impressive interpretative skills.

Sia | Hear Music, January 2008 | UK

Australian-born Sia leaves her folksy, instrumental roots behind, delivering a bluesy, intense solo album with wide appeal.