excellent books to empower women
Today, let’s breathe. to learn. and keep moving in the right direction. Even if it’s the smallest step.
This list of women’s empowerment books will inspire you to do just that!
You are reading: Inspirational books for women
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First, I specifically chose books written by and for women. These uplifting books address the specific challenges we face.
Especially if you have children, the obstacles that mothers face are very different from those of most men. it’s important to recognize that and dig a little deeper to grow.
*if you’re in a hurry (or just curious), here are the 3 most popular books overall:
- becoming by michelle obama
- untamed by glennon doyle
- girl wash your face by Rachel Hollis
Now, let’s get to the full list of female empowerment!
is divided into:
the best self-help books for women in 2022
These inspiring books will help with anything from happiness, growth, self-esteem and confidence, to even depression.
1. untamed by glennon doyle
*best biographies & memories
“full of messages of hope. . . encouraging women to reject the status quo and follow their intuition. . . this testament to female empowerment and self-love, with an endearing intro story at its core, will delight readers.”—publishersweekly
see wild here >>
2. that’s what she said: wise words from influential women by kimothy joy
“A stunning book that celebrates a diverse group of inspiring women, from Maya Angelou to Malala Yousafzai. The book features insightful illustrations and biographical quotes to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds.” – hello sunshine
3. really needed this today: words to live by: hoda kotb
*new york times #1 instant best seller
in I really needed this today, hoda not only shares 365 sayings and quotes, but writes about the people and experiences that have pushed her to push boundaries, embrace change, and explore relationships to the max. .
Written with his trademark wit and warmth, this book is the ideal companion to keep by your bedside or take with you on the go to keep you motivated, recharged and inspired every day.” – amazon
4. the gifts of imperfection: let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and accept who you are by brene brown
oneone of the “five books that will really change the way you see life.” – forbes magazine
“This book is an invitation to join a revolution wholeheartedly.
a small, quiet, grassroots movement that begins when each of us says, “my story matters because I matter.” revolution may sound a bit dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and courage is an absolute act of resistance. ” – brown brene
see the gifts of imperfection here>>
5. the elevator moment by melinda gates
“the moment of uprising is an urgent call to courage. It changed the way I think about myself, my family, my job, and what is possible in the world.
melinda weaves together brave, vulnerable narratives and compelling facts to make this one of those rare books you carry in your heart and mind long after the last page.” – brené brown, doctorate
For ways to lift someone up, read: How to spread positivity in today’s world
6. sand by angela duckworth
“if you’ve recently come across that word, grit, duckworth is the reason…
in parenting and education circles, her research has provided a much-needed antipode to avoidance, whereby children are systematically deprived of the opportunity to experience setbacks, much less overcome them…” – the Atlantic
see grain here>>
To help build your resolve, check out quotes on overcoming adversity.
7. year of the yes: how to dance, be in the sun, and be your own person by shonda rhimes
*from the creator of grey’s anatomy & scandal, executive producer of how to get away with murder
“rhimes guides the reader through her transformative year-long experiment, each chapter dealing with a different personal challenge for her, and allowing us to delve into her brain, carefully laying out all her fears and doubts…
sincere and friendly, almost as if you two were catching up over drinks.” — blackboard.com
8. become by michelle obama
*100,000+: 5-star amazon review
“In her memoir, a work of deep thought and compelling storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, recounting the experiences that have shaped her—
From her childhood on Chicago’s South Side, to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.” – Amazon
check get to be here>>
“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. it is something to possess.”
9. daring greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, raise, and lead by brene brown
“brilliantly insightful brené brown draws on extensive research and personal experience to explore the paradoxes of courage:
we are stronger when we accept vulnerability, we are more daring when we recognize our fear. I can’t stop thinking about this book.” —gretchen rubin
10. you’re a badass: how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an amazing life by jen sincere
“if dainty self-help tomes make you feel, shall we say, less than inspired, this no-nonsense manifesto to awesomeness might be just what you’re looking for.
Filled with hard-hitting, edgy advice, DIY exercises for personal transformation, and loads of fun, You’re a Badass will silence your inner critic and help you build a life. worthy of the kind of facebook news feed that others envy…” – bustle.com
11. very good lives of j.k. paddle
*short and inspiring read!
“in 2008, j.k. Rowling delivered a deeply moving commencement address at Harvard University.
Now published for the first time in book form, very good lives features j.k. Rowling’s words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we accept failure? And how can we use our imagination to improve both ourselves and others? – Amazon
see very good lives here>>
12. Own Your Everyday – Overcome the pressure to show off and show off what you were built for by jordan lee doodley
*usa today best seller & ecpa best seller
“As a struggling perfectionist, I very much identified with the idea of internal pressure we put on ourselves to perform and achieve. owning her every day really encouraged me to be myself.”—lauren scruggs kennedy
13. tiffany haddish’s last black unicorn
“from stand-up comedian and actress tiffany haddish comes the last black unicorn, a hilarious, edgy and heartbreaking collection of autobiographical essays that will leave you laughing to tears.” – Amazon
check out the latest black unicorn here>>>
14. Just Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less, and Choose Love by Rachel Macy Stafford
“in these conversational essays, stafford (hands off, mom) urges readers to put aside the distractions of the world and put love at the top of their to-do lists…
in a voice that is both poetry and best friend over coffee, she draws on her own life as a special education teacher and mother to encourage women to seek a less stressful, more focussed way of life. people. …” -weekly publishers
see only love today here>>
15. girl, wash your face: stop believing the lies about who you are so you can become… rachel hollis
“There aren’t enough women in leadership positions telling other women to do it. we usually get the caretaker; we rarely have the instructor from boot camp.
rachel lovingly but firmly tells us that it’s time to stop letting the tail wag the dog and get on with living our wild and precious lives…” – jen hatmaker
You see girl, wash your face here >>
16. believe it: how to go from underrated to unstoppable by jamie kern lima
*wall street journal #1 bestseller • new york times bestseller • usa today bestseller
“Believe it, jamie kern lima, founder of it cosmetics, shares the wacky but true story of how a once-troubled waitress turned her counterintuitive idea into a bestseller internationally, eventually selling the company for over a billion dollars and becoming the first CEO of a brand in L’Oréal’s 100-plus year history.
He faced doubts about himself, doubts about his body, doubts about God, until his last dollars and they told him: “no one is going to buy makeup from someone who has your body”, reveals jamie. …
See Also: How to Raise a Reader – Books Guides – The New York Times
powerful lessons you too can use to go from underrated to unstoppable.” – amazon
related post: amazing books to learn the law of attraction
17. the magic of ordering that changes lives: the Japanese art of ordering and organizing
*great value!
“how could this paperback, which has already sold over 2 million copies and is firmly at the top of the new york times bestseller list, hold such promise?
Here’s the short answer: because it’s legit. . . . the kondo method can really change your life, if you let it.”—today
check out the life-changing magic here >>>
*Get these free printable bookmarks to color and use with your beautiful new books!
the best books on women’s mental health
These uplifting and inspiring books will inspire you to take care of yourself in new and profound ways.
18. a year of positive thinking by cyndie spiegel
*#1 Best Devotional Sellers
“A Year of Positive Thinking is a beautiful and accessible book on positive engineering. cyndie’s voice is powerful because of her honesty and earnestness: she walked where i walked, she stayed where i am.
Filled with inspiring wisdom and an encouraging call to action, this book is more than just comfort on a difficult day: it’s a way to completely change the way you think.” ―meera lee patel
Watch a year of positive thinking here>>
19. get out of your head: stopping the spiral of toxic thoughts by jennie allen
*the best option for women’s mental health
“I know from personal experience how easily our thoughts try to hijack our faith and throw us into a negative spiral.
get out of your head will give you practical biblical tools to take control of your thoughts so they don’t control you.”—christine caine
related publications:
- 43 powerful affirmations for women
- beginner meditation (to help with those thoughts!)
20. zen as f*ck by monica sweeney (a diary)
*a surprising favourite!
“the road to serenity lies ahead, and it’s paved with a ton of profanity. When quiet meditation and peaceful mantras aren’t enough to cut through the nonsense and brighten your day, close the pages of this journal.
On each and every page, you can give a warm hug to the good around you and kick the butt of the bad.
guide your way through positive affirmations and cathartic activities on your liberating journey to something very close to happiness.” -amazon
see zen as f*ck here>>
21. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less, Left Out, and Alone by Lysa Terkeurst
“terkeurst doesn’t just share empathetic anecdotes for struggling readers; she focuses on digging into the roots of anxiety and providing tools to overcome self-doubt and manage the pain of rejection.” – publisher’s weekly
22. It’s Not Meant to Be That Way: Finding Unexpected Strength by Lysa Terkeurst
*amazon high score
“Have you ever struggled with the fact that your life doesn’t look like you thought it would?
You may feel that circumstances, relationships, and finances should be better than they are. And underneath it all, you’re disappointed.
Yes, disappointment is a feeling we all have, but few of us know how to process it or find the goodness of God in the midst of it.” -lysa terkeurst
look, it’s not supposed to be like this here >>
23. the gretchen rubin happiness project
*new york times best seller
“Happiness is contagious. and so is the happiness project. Once you’ve read Gretchen Rubin’s story of a Year in Search of Fulfillment, you’ll want to start your own happiness project and get your friends and family to join you.
This is the rare book that will make you smile and think, often on the same page.” -Daniel H. Rosa
see the happiness project here>>
Related Post: 9 Easy Habits to Create More Happiness
24. do less: a revolutionary approach to time and energy management by kate northrup
“This is a book for working women and mothers who are ready to break free from the culturally inherited belief that their worth equals their productivity, and instead create a personal and professional life based on presence, meaning and joy. – Amazon
*this book is also included in practical gifts for busy moms.
25. women who think too much by susan nolen-hoeksema
“A must-read for any woman who has ever felt trapped in her life, and any man who has felt confused about why the women they love get so ‘stuck thinking they can’t enjoy life.
nolen-hoeksema offers practical methods for self-diagnosis and pathways to greater emotional freedom.” ―William S. haddock, doctorate
related post: how to do a mind dump (+ free printable!)
26. the recipe for self-care: powerful solutions to manage stress, reduce anxiety & increasing wellness by robyn gobin phd
“Although it focuses on personal care, the personal care prescription is really a complete guide to creating a full, vibrant and healthy life.
The book is structured so that each reader can create a personalized self-care plan, choosing the areas of life that matter most to them…”―Melissa Platt, Phd
publications related to personal care:
- epic books for mindfulness & meditation
- the free weekly self-care checklist
27. Present Not Perfect: A Journal to Slow Down, Let Go, and Love Who You Are by aimee chase
“Most women today are in a frenzy, lost in an endless cycle of hustle and bustle caused by constant pressure to meet unrealistic expectations of perfection, many of which are self-imposed.
this journal gets to the heart of the matter by showing women how to reconnect with their inner selves…” – amazon
see present, not perfect here >>
Reading is a way to expand my mind, open my eyes and fill my heart.”
great self love books for women
don’t forget these amazing books on amazon about self love and healing. Plus, they’re perfect if you want to work on accepting who you really are.
28. self love workbook for women: release doubts, develop self-compassion and accept who you are by megan logan
“In a world filled with personal and professional challenges, it’s not always easy to treat yourself with compassion. rediscover self-love and accept who you are with this engaging self-esteem workbook for women.” – Amazon
Related Post: Try the 1 Month Self Love Challenge (Free Printable)
29. forgiving what you can’t forget: discover how to move on, make peace with painful memories… by lysa terkeurst
*#1 Best Seller in Christian Family & relationships
“Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of unresolved pain, playing offenses over and over again in your mind? you know you can’t go on like this, but you don’t know what to do next.
In amazing ways, she (lysa) figured out how to let go of attached resentment and overcome resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to do things right.” – amazon
30. you do it for sarah knight
“funny, irreverent and sensible… you do it is about being yourself, putting your own happiness first, rejecting any social contract that doesn’t work for you, and living life from your own place of power. get it girl.”―hustle
see you here>>
31. shannon keiser’s self love experiment
“[A] profound book and a must-read for anyone who prioritizes happiness. . . . this is the playbook for making changes and small changes that will pay off big in your happiness.” — kristine carlson
watch the self-love experiment here>>>
32. Make No Apologies: A Guide to Self-Love for Women of Color by Adeline Bird
“Self-love is not something that just happens, it is a creative process in which you go deep to find your own soul. you have to put aside the comparisons that make you feel less and you have to see your supposed flaws as your gifts. – Amazon
look, don’t apologize here >>
33. bare: a 7-week program to transform your body, get more energy, feel amazing… by susan hyatt
See Also: How to Send Books to Inmates (2022 Guide) – Algrim.co
“bare flips the broken cultural norm on its head (we must starve to fit into a patriarchal norm of desirability) and instead focuses on strengthening love, power, and beauty we have within us.
susan will help you nurture and love the body you are in, choosing health on your terms and on your time.”—pamela slim
See: Easy Ways to Be Healthier This Year for a great health-related read.
best women’s books for business
This section is about business books every woman should read. the books are about empowering women to be confident and courageous about their dreams. And they’re great for female entrepreneurs, CEOs, and all women looking to thrive at work.
34. katty kay & claire shipman
*new york times bestseller
“kay and shipman shed an insightful light on the crucial role confidence plays in women’s ability to succeed. They offer women practical advice and the vision of a more hopeful future”. -sheryl sandberg
see the trust code here>>
related post: self love affirmations to build confidence
35. how women get promoted: break the 12 habits that are holding you back from your next raise, promotion, or job by sally helgesen
“a “how to” that debunks the myths for the next generation of women leaders and for those who want to see them succeed. these ideas will transform our workplaces, our careers, and our lives.”- rita mcgrath
36. ask for it by linda babcock & sara laschever
“By combining sophisticated strategy with down-to-earth action, ask for it offers women an innovative gift: the means to ask for what they’re worth.
women learn to exchange their fear of negotiating for the confidence that they will gain more if they ask for more: more pay, more status, more resources, more equitable treatment. required reading for working women.”—evelyn murphy
check order it here>>
37. secrets of six figure women: amazing strategies to increase your profits and change your life by barbara stanny
“Secrets of Six Figure Women will be a groundbreaking book for high earners who want to secure their wealth, enhance their success, and learn from others who are in the same boat. it will also offer inspiration, guidance and motivation to those who aspire to do more.” – Amazon
38. rude affirmations: the wit and wisdom of wild women (inspirational quotes and daily affirmations)
“read rude statements and:
- learn the habit of asserting yourself daily
- experience a life filled with love, joy, fulfillment and satisfaction
- take control of your destiny
- strengthens your self-esteem” – amazon
see rude statements here >>
If you love affirmations, check out the free affirmations ebook here!
39. radical candor: be an awesome boss without losing your humanity by kim scott
* new york times and wall street journal bestseller
“reading radical candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives.
Kim Scott’s insights, based on her experience, keen observational intelligence, and analysis, will help you be a better leader and create a more effective organization.” – Sheryl Sandberg
40. great magic by elizabeth gilbert (author of eat pray love)
*editor’s choice
“the great magic will resonate with writers and artists who find the process of producing works particularly painful…through anecdotes about their creative failures and ingenuity, as well as those Like other artists, Gilbert encourages readers to pursue a creative life ‘that is driven more strongly by curiosity than fear.’ —daily beast
see great magic here>>
Related Post: Simple Ways to Find Motivation on Hard Days or check out the “Enthusiasm” Checklist here>>>
41. Mind His Business: A Workbook for Turning His Creative Passion Into a Full-Time Gig by Ilana Griffo
“Take care of your business is the only book that teaches you everything you need to know about building a successful business from scratch.
From developing your brand to designing products and identifying your legal and tax needs, this comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process and help you create a unique and personalized roadmap for your business. business”. – horsewoman
42. the high life of ann shoket
*best business book for women in their 20s and 30s
“The High Life is a guide for women in their 20s and 30s who are hungry for a job they love, a supportive network of friends, the respect of their bosses, and partners who want all of those things for themselves as much as they do. they. do.” —the new york times
see the high life here>>
related post: how to get out of your comfort zone
43. girl on fire: how to choose yourself, burn the rulebook and carve your own path by cara alwill leyba
“As one of the earliest voices in the women-led movement, cara continues to be a leader in the space, freeing women to trust their intuition and create their own opportunities.
makes it possible for your readers to stop waiting for your big break and instead publish their own books, start their own podcasts, host their own panels, and design their own clothing lines; whatever your wishes.” – Amazon
44. unapologetically ambitious: take risks, break down barriers and create success on your own terms by shellye archambeu
*named best business book of 2020 by fortune and bloomberg
“through a compelling story about her own journey, shellye offers powerful advice on how to live life courageously and go after what you want.
From investing in your financial health to integrating work, marriage, parenting, and self-care—each chapter presents practical strategies to help you achieve your goals. a must read for anyone looking for ways to grow and live their best life.”―thasunda brown duckett, CEO
45. girl, stop apologizing: a shameless plan to embrace and achieve your goals by rachel hollis
*best seller!
“Have you ever felt stuck? Have you ever struggled to make time for your dreams, or even struggled to admit those dreams to yourself?
in girl stop apologizing, rachel hollis points out the pitfalls, challenges, and excuses that keep us from achieving our goals. She speaks with refreshing (and often hilarious) candor about her own experiences and mistakes, and offers concrete advice on how to create the lives we want.” —gretchen rubin
You see girl, stop apologizing here >>
46. drop the ball: achieving more by doing less by tiffany dufu
“drop the ball is a must read for all women and girls. tiffany dufu reminds us that we must focus on what really matters and leave rest aside. she provides us with specific tools and techniques to help us achieve our goals and live authentic lives free of guilt and regret.”-reshma saujani
watch it drop on amazon here >>
47. your next level of life: 7 rules of power, confidence, and opportunity for black women in america by karen arrington
“This book is a must read for all women, regardless of their age. the ins and outs of self-care, managing your money and living your best life is what karen covers and this book is very inspiring.” – question away
48. get over yourself: the blueprint for building a business that changes your life by romi neustadt
“In this book, she gives you the same straightforward, straightforward training she’s given to tens of thousands of others to help you gain the skills to build this sucker and teach your team to do the same.
and, just as importantly, it will work on your mindset so you stop complicating everything and stop letting the negative voices in your head win.” – Amazon
Check get over here>>>
49. girl code: revealing the secrets of success, sanity and happiness for the businesswoman: cara alwill leyba
*named one of the “9 books every businesswoman should read” by inc. magazine
girl code is a roadmap for women entrepreneurs, professional women, “secondary seekers” (those with a day job plus a small part-time business), and anyone in between…
This book will teach you how to build self-confidence, reconnect with your “why,” eradicate jealousy, and ultimately learn the power of connection. because at the end of the day, that’s what life and business are all about.” – Amazon
50. Lean On: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
“a rallying cry for both genders to continue the hard work of previous generations toward a more equal division of voice, power and leadership . . .
Frankly told and filled with a mix of anecdotes and noted facts, Lean In inspires women to find their passion, pursue it with enthusiasm, and ‘lean’ into leadership roles in the workplace. work and the world.” – cute stinky
see lean here >>
*read my favorite personal development books here for more ideas!
*and if you’re looking for a book on a topic not listed, please leave a comment below! I’ll find you some book options for your theme!
to consider with inspirational books for women
If you pick up just one of these motivational books over the next few months, you may find that your perception of the world is not what it seems. so give yourself the opportunity to grow and become a stronger, wiser and more determined woman.
Finally, I’ll be adding several of these books to my self-care kit! have you read any of these women’s empowerment books?
And are there any other inspirational books you love for women? let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
If you’re also looking for some amazing fiction books, check out this list.
See Also: Average Weight of a Book: Paperback, Hardcover (Storing Tips) – Chilkibo Publishing
other popular self-help articles to enjoy…
- beautiful quotes to develop an attitude of gratitude – and don’t miss out on free wall art!
- 11 things to do for the night during the day success: easy night actions to be more rested and more productive.
- how to get up early & triple your personal care: why getting up early will change your life.