Women Are Angry: The Times Self-Help Book of the Year 2024

by Jennifer Cox

Our chronic ill health is evidence that history has not emancipated us. Women still cannot recognise or permit their own rage. Micro and macro injustices are woven through our personal narratives, and we wear their imprint on our bodies and minds. This book is an urgent call to arms to identify these feelings and channel them for good. Before they destroy us.

What if you aren't depressed?
What if you don't have chronic fatigue?
What if you are just... angry?

What if a lifetime of being told to repress anger, hide it away and fear it, has shown up in your body in a myriad of ways you can't control? As a woman, when was the last time you were allowed to be truly angry? Have you ever?

The answer to this, argues Jennifer Cox, is never. Women are never allowed to really express their anger, and it is making us all mad. From toddlerdom when girls are conditioned to be 'good' and not make a fuss, to the sandwich years of midlife when the burden of myriad responsibilities is overwhelming, women's anger is hidden, repressed and toxic.

This book will show you where it is hiding and how to let it out.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Audiobook, Psychology

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah im angry and this book made me realise that we all are and not talking about it is how patriarchy wins. so girls, do your part, and compain/ listen to someone today. xoxo

[Rhiannon Fyfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I feel increasingly angry and I can’t really pinpoint why. Might be the changing world where women’s rights feel like they’re going backwards. I’ve had a few experiences recently where men have said I need to smile more or stop nagging (at work) or being bossy, and I wonder if there is something wrong with me.

This book made my anger feel validated. I love therapy for this in that you can learn that your feelings aren’t uncommon across others. This does the same thing.

So many of the examples are kind of no brainers for women. We’ve all had countless experiences the same or similar to those in the book. They’re not a surprise but they still invoke anger, disgust and sadness that we are still dealing with these issues.

I think of all the women in my life when I read this, my friends, my mum, and want to pass it along to them and learn their takeaways. I’m curious to try some of the techniques in the book, I feel this section could have been longer.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rage” is something which in general has a negative connotation but here we are speaking about women having rage and how it impacts them in every possible way. They are angry for a positive change to happen and also how its eating them up from inside. It is also about identifying that we as a community have to channelise this energy in empowering ourselves rather than succumbing to it. Our rage is justified as whether your have experienced the suppression first hand or not, it (mysoginy) has happened to all of us. Its not about competing with men but making them our ally in combating the negativity of becoming angry.

The author has mentioned that the anger which we have, if not utilised can be detrimental to our health in so many different ways like inflammation, alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer , obesity, thyroid, gut issues, depression , anxiety, OCD, headaches, etc. sadly this is just the tip of the iceberg. The anger causes chemical reactions in our body that causes our system to collapse eventually. The pain in body is something even I experience myself. The author urges people to actually make this world a better place for all of us, we can definitely co-exist. We are not here to compete with each other but to support each other.

Also, the case studies are interesting to read which offers solutions as well. I am really satisfied as a reader after finishing reading this book.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES, we are angry! Jennifer Cox breaks down not only how angry women are but why and how we are defined from the moment our gender is discovered by our parents and society fits us into a box with specific definitions of what we should do, can do and the roles we play in life. Cox offers up examples of real people and how they overcame the various ways anger was playing a part in their lives. There are tools not only for women but also for men because it truly needs to be a team effort to ensure that women are not the sole caregivers, the ones who take on added responsibilities. In addition to this, Cox also brings up the great point of how women need to treat other women in order for us all to succeed.

[Conor Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vastly important book that guides all on how to be better and how to look out for the important women in our life from birth to death. Jennifer talks with such dedication and passion that you can feel the urgency for change through her words.

[Hollie Ennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook*
Empowering read overall but repetitive at times.
I enjoyed the section about the the medical / health connections to anger and anxiety. (Probably the nurse in me) and I enjoyed the sectioning of the book into different life stages.
Maybe just non fiction isn’t entirely my bag.

[Gerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Ellie Damodred]

Ova knjiga je dobar podsetnik zašto neki stari i tradicionalni načini odgoja zaista treba da izumru. Namenjena je pre svega ženama, jer se bavi korenima besa, i zašto nije dobro biti "dobra devojčica".

"Žene o kojima ću vam govoriti u ovoj knjizi nisu došle na terapiju i sipale reči kao što su mržnja, bes, i gađenje. Dolazile su govoreći da obožavaju svoju porodicu i da im je majka najbolja drugarica."

U današnje vreme, mnoge studije dokazuju da je procenat autoimunih bolesti mnogostruko veći kod žena nego kod muškaraca, i da u nastanku ovih bolesti nažalost dosta učestvuje i potisnuti bes.

Postoji jedna krilatica koja se pominje kroz ovu knjigu, a to je - 'Sin je sin dok za ženidbu ne stasa, a ćerka je ćerka do smrtnoga časa.' - čula sam je davno od bližnjih, i to kao jednu žalbu da eto, roditelji koji ovo posvećuju ćerki, nju više vole nego sina. Međutim, autorka ovaj citat stavlja u kontekst toga da je ćerka neko od koga se od malih nogu očekuje da bude staratelj - svojoj deci, a jednog dana i svojim roditeljima, kada postanu nemoćni. Dakle, do smrtnoga časa. Kako se u današnjem svetu izboriti da pored svih prava koje imamo, i obaveza koje uz njih dolaze, ne ponesemo u svoj život i sve one obaveze koje su se nekad smatrale samo ženskim?

Poglavlja su koncipirana tako da se bave problematikom potisnutog besa u različitim razdobljima žene - od bebe, devojćice... tinejdžerke, mlade, zrele, i starije žene. Kako nas patrijarhat oblikuje da zanemarimo svoj unutrašnji glas, i potiskujemo svoje emocije? U svakom poglavlju dat je primer iz realnog života, i način na koji je osoba uspešno rešila svoj problem. Dakle, rešenje postoji, ali treba prvo osvestiti i da problem postoji.

Preporuka za ovu knjigu ukoliko volite feminističku literaturu sa psihološkim osvrtom, ukoliko želite da naučite više o tome šta bes zapravo radi našem telu, šta mi možemo da uradimo povodom toga, i kako da izbacimo sve iz sebe.
Upozorenje - možda ćete biti pomalo besni nakon čitanja.

[Read With Her · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rage” is often perceived in a negative light, but in this context it refers to the anger women carry; anger that pushes them to demand change, yet also weighs heavily on them from within. This emotion is not about hostility or rivalry with men; rather, it reflects a collective frustration with misogyny, an experience that touches all women whether directly or indirectly. The real challenge lies in transforming this rage into a force for empowerment instead of letting it consume us. Men, too, should be seen as allies in dismantling oppressive systems rather than as adversaries.

The author highlights an important truth: if anger is left unchecked, it can take a severe toll on our physical and mental health. Scientific evidence shows that unresolved rage can manifest as inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, thyroid disorders, digestive issues, depression, anxiety, OCD, migraines, and more. These illnesses are only the surface of the damage. When anger lingers, it triggers harmful chemical responses in the body that can ultimately destabilize our entire system. Personally, I could relate to this as I have also felt physical pain linked to suppressed anger.

What makes this book even more engaging are the real-life case studies, which not only validate the struggles but also offer practical solutions. The author ends on a hopeful note, reminding us that the goal is not division but coexistence; building a world where mutual support replaces competition. Finishing the book left me feeling both understood and inspired.

[Hrittika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cox's Women Are Angry is a visceral and affirming read that doesn't merely discuss anger but actually reimagines it as something good and essential. Rather than shaming or belittling women's feelings, the book allows room for the outrage so many of us suppress, and it feels as though someone finally gets it. Cox combines research, real-life scenarios, and practical advice in a manner that has you look at your own habits, why you shut yourself down, where your anger lurks, and how it manifests in daily life. It's not about the anger, it's about finding your voice back!

What is unique about this book is how accessible and honest the writing is. It is not academic, it's personal, sometimes humorous, and often that much deeper because of it. It's a conversation with an honest friend who reveals the unpleasant truths but also reminds you of your resilience. At the end, you don't only better comprehend your rage, you are better prepared to articulate it without shame. It is a strong and timely reminder that women's wrath isn't an emotion to be suppressed, but one to be recognized, revered, and employed as fuel for revolution.
i highly recommend this one!

[Khushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Women Are Angry" is a powerful and eye-opening book that explores the suppressed anger many women carry due to societal expectations, family dynamics, and systemic inequalities. Jennifer Cox combines real-life case studies with therapeutic insights to show how unacknowledged emotions affect both mental and physical health. What I loved most is that the book doesn’t just explain the problem but also provides practical tools and reflections at the end of each chapter, making it actionable. It’s validating, insightful, and deeply relatable—I felt seen while reading it.

The book highlights how everyday experiences, from family pressures to workplace challenges, shape women’s emotional lives. Cox’s approach is empathetic yet firm, offering clarity and empowerment instead of just theory. It also encourages readers to channel their emotions constructively rather than repressing them. A must-read for anyone who wants to better understand women’s emotions and learn healthier ways to express them.

[Irshad Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Cox's book is a powerful exploration of how repressed anger quietly shapes women's lives, often leaves them drought, worried and physically unhealthy. She shows how social conditioning teaches us to suppress our anger to maintain harmony from an early age, but this silence comes to a huge cost - depression, headache, anxiety and even as serious diseases. I really praise that the book does not only indicate the problem, it also provides ways to fix.

Through a relayable case studies such as Patty, cox shows that small tasks of self-care and awareness can begin to turn our anger into strength. She underlines anger as not something disastrous, but as a force, when accepted, positive changes can be brought. With warmth and courage, Cox urges women to respect their feelings and recover their goodness. This book is enlightening, reliable and must read for every woman.

[Shubhadarshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a women struggling with unacknowledged anger or anyone wants to understand the complexities of female emotions in a better way, the this book is a valuable resource.

I appreciate the author for showing the courage for addressing this societal issue in women's life. She emphasizes the consequences of repressed emotions on physical and mental health.

The book has case studies of women which makes the book more engaging and relatable. I really liked the story of Patti about how anger and worry are connected & how simple self-care like walking an hour can help reduce them. This book is totally worth reading.

[Reema · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author says women are being gaslit by society. We are told we "have equality" But daily life still Carrie hidden sexism instead of noticing this unfairness, women blame themselves or think they are too sensitive. They repress anger because being angry seems wrong for women. This gaslighting makes them confused and ill. They live double live:smiling outside but suffering inside. The review point outside but suffering inside. The review point out the society's lies about equality keep women sick. Real healing begins when women accept their rage as valid and stop pretending everything is fine.

[Rose Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a revelation, exposing how anger accumulated over the years is silently making women sick, exhausted and disconnected. The author Jennifer Cox describes how societal conditioning forces us to repress our anger leading to anxiety, depression even physical ailments. This book doesn’t just name the problem it also demands action. A must-read for every woman who has ever wondered why she feels so drained and headaches are so persistent. It’s time to recognise this and heal ourselves. A must read for every women.

[Geovana Espinosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it made a lot of things more clear to me and helped me think about the correlation of anger with other emotions, and it's impact in the physical body. I have some issues with it though, and the biggest one, to me, is how some discussions are kinda shallow, and how it doesn't try to dive deeper in the misogyny system itself, I know it's more of a opening book to this discussion and it doesn't actually tried to be some kind of deep book on the system itself, but I still would have liked to have a more deep dive on some of the discussions.

[Arzoo Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Jennifer Cox, "Women Are Angry" is a powerful self-help book that explores the hidden anger in many women due to social expectations and systemic inequalities. The psychiatrist Cox combines real-life case studies, practical mental health tools, and personal insights to illustrate how suppressing anger can harm both physical and mental health. This book encourages readers to recognize, express, and direct their anger in a constructive way, making it an important resource for anyone seeking personal change or a better understanding of emotional well-being.

[Ajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author explains that women often carry unspoken anger which turn into illness. Instead of shouting or expressing, the rage hides in the body as migraines, stomach pain, skin issues, or depression. Society tells women to be "good girls", so they push feeling down. But the body cannot lie —it shows pain when the mind is silent. This review shows that anger is not just an emotion but a health issues. If women want to heal, they must first recognise their hidden anger and learn safe ways to release it. Suppressing rage only deepens the wounds.

[Nitika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin's story shows how childhood experiences shape adult pain. She grew up feeling unwanted because she was not a boy. Her anger was never expressed ,so it stayed inside her body.as a adult,sge suffered with migraines and low confidence. Therapy helped her see that the pain was not just random but connected to her early feelings of rejection. Robin's example teaches us that many women's health problems are linked to old anger. Recognising this connection can gives them strength to heal. Her story is not just personal—it represent many women hidden struggles.

[Prachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anger is not only a feeling but also a physical state. The book explains how hormones like adrenaline and cortisol rise when we feel angry. These chemicals are also found in strees, anxiety, and depression. That is why the symptoms look so similar:fast heartbeat, sweating, tension and panic. Scientists even showed that the same body reaction can feel like happiness or rage depending on how the brain explains it. This proves anger has many face . If ignored it leads to inflammation in the body, which damages health in the long run.

[Somiyaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A key idea is that expressing anger is healthier than repressing it. Anger has been a survival tool in humans for thousands of years, used to protect and defend. But modern women are not allowed to use it. Instead, they swallow it and get ill. The book suggests that talking, moving, and physical release are important ways to heal. Even shouting or using forceful energy in safe ways can help. Expression is the opposite of repression. This review reminds us that anger can be transformed into power if women learn to voice ot without fear.

[POORVA CHOPRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a revelation, exposing how anger accumulated over the years is silently making women sick, exhausted and disconnected. If you're a women struggling with unacknowledged anger or anyone wants to understand the complexities of female emotions in a better way, the this book is a valuable resource.
o matter how much I recommend it, it is less. I'm giving it to everyone now. In addition to this, Cox also brings up the great point of how women need to treat other women in order for us all to succeed.

[Pingyolla Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book? It hits deep. Women Are Angry isn’t just a title — it’s a mirror. Jennifer Cox takes something we’ve all felt but never fully voiced — the quiet frustration and the swallowed rage — and lays it bare.

What I loved most is how honest and unapologetic the writing is. Cox doesn’t just rant; she explains, explores, and empowers. She helps you understand why that anger exists and how to use it instead of hiding it.

It’s not a self-help book — it’s a wake-up call. A reminder that anger isn’t ugly; it’s powerful when you let it breathe. Every woman should read this one.

[Partha Sarathi Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Cox puts into words what so many of us have been holding inside — that simmering frustration we’re told to silence. Women Are Angry is bold, real, and unfiltered. It’s not about teaching women to “calm down,” it’s about reminding us that our anger is valid, and it deserves space.

The writing feels like a conversation with a friend who just gets it. Cox dives into the roots of female rage with empathy and truth, making you feel seen in every chapter.

It’s empowering, emotional, and honestly, long overdue. This book doesn’t just speak — it roars.

[Dasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book promises more than it delivers. While the topic is pertinent (hence my additional star), the research is superficial, and the tone of the book is cringe-adjacent. The insight, which could have been derived from women’s narratives, was squandered on broad generalizations and repetition of the same point - that women are conditioned to endure patriarchal oppression at the expense of their mental and physical health. That’s it. No further development. The book ends exactly where it starts.

[Sejal Warwatkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite chapter from this book is "Don't be afraid of feeling". It felt like my own story when author says "As women's we're conditioned to react and respond along certain lines of expectations." It made perfect sense to me as I have always experienced that feeling.

I will implement some of the advices offered by the author like go walking, take centre stage, claim your space. I got convinced that simple practices like these can have beneficial impact on you.

[Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and therapist Jennifer Cox shares her insightful perspectives on women's emotions. She has extensive experience of working on women's therapy.

I felt validated about my emotions after reading this book. I understood how important is it to express anger in a healthy way instead of repressing it. The book has "what we can do" sections at the end of chapters which offers us various options on how to address anger in our daily lives. This makes the book more actionable.

[Revolutionary Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that helps you understand and your surroundings and teaches you how to not get mad with anger. It was painful to read, but also liberating. I am not alone. I'm not crazy. No matter how much I recommend it, it is less. I'm giving it to everyone now. I also read it to my husband. Jennifer Cox talks about many issues that make women angry. Above all, there is the dominance of (known) patriarchy. Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend this book.

[Azka Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that helps you understand and your surroundings and teaches you how to not get mad with anger. It was painful to read, but also liberating. I am not alone. I'm not crazy. No matter how much I recommend it, it is less. I'm giving it to everyone now. I also read it to my husband. Jennifer Cox talks about many issues that make women angry. Above all, there is the dominance of (known) patriarchy. Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend this book.

[Maria Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would say that i don’t agree with everything she claims on the book, but still it makes so many relevant points. every chapter felt like an eye-opener and it got me reflecting about my life. definitely made me realize things i can do differently from now on. even discussed it in therapy :) super worth reading it!!!