In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado: Wow, this book! In short snippets, the author vividly illustrates her experience of being in an abusive relationship with a woman, while also reflecting on the lack of societal understanding of abusive lesbian relationships. It is an extremely visceral read, especially if you have experience with any sort of emotional manipulation, abuse, or gaslighting in a relationship (so be forewarned!). Very innovative and emotionally powerful.
Know by Name by Chanel Miller: I think everyone should read this book, especially anyone out there who has ever wondered why someone would not report a sexual assault. You are probably already familiar with Chanel Miller, although not by name, from her devastating victim impact statement that went viral during the trial of the man who assaulted her at Stanford University. Here she reclaims her story and describes the nightmare of navigating the criminal justice system as an assault victim, and the lengths that our society goes to to try to defend sexual predators.
Honorable mentions:
Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
Rogue Readers' Advisory 