Jess Zimmerman books

Jess Zimmerman is an American essayist and editor known for feminist cultural criticism, including Women and Other Monsters and Basic Witches.

Non-Fiction

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Basic Witches 2017 Buy
Women and Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology 2021 Buy

Jess Zimmerman is an American writer, essayist, and editor based in Philadelphia. Her work focuses on feminist cultural criticism and personal essays, and she has written for The Guardian, Slate, The New Republic, Vice, The Cut, and the Washington Post, among other publications. Her essays were recognized as notable in both Best American Essays 2016 and Best American Essays 2017.

Zimmerman served as editor-in-chief of Electric Literature from 2017 to 2021 and was a founding editor of the publication Archipelago. She has also worked as an editor at Quirk Books, a contributing editor at The Establishment and Atlas Obscura, an opinion columnist at The Guardian, and a rhetorical writing instructor.

Her book Women and Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology (2021) examines female monsters from Greek mythology and argues that anger, ambition, and desire are strengths rather than flaws. She co-authored Basic Witches (2017) with Jaya Saxena, a humorous guide that blends witchcraft practices with modern living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has Jess Zimmerman written?

Zimmerman is the author of Women and Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology (2021) and co-author of Basic Witches: How to Summon Success, Banish Drama, and Raise Hell with Your Coven (2017, with Jaya Saxena).

What is Women and Other Monsters about?

The book examines eleven female monsters from Greek mythology, including Medusa, the Harpies, and the Sphinx, arguing that traits traditionally labeled as dangerous in women actually represent untapped strengths.

What order should I read Jess Zimmerman's books?

The two books are independent of each other. Basic Witches (2017) is a humorous lifestyle guide co-written with Jaya Saxena, while Women and Other Monsters (2021) is a solo work of feminist cultural criticism. Either can be read first.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this site.

Privacy Policy