There is just something about reading a good book that speaks to the heart of women, especially when those words are penned by other women whom we can see parts of ourselves in. When you curl up in a thick blanket with some delicious tea, a good book, and a pad for reflection, it’s like the whole world momentarily stops while you get a moment experience the world through someone else’s eyes. It definitely should be done on a monthly basis, if not weekly.
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Please note that this is list is not conclusive. Those listed below are just a few books by women authors that you should read now:
In #GirlBoss, Sophia Amoruso tells about her life a college drop out and her rise in online retail, which started by reselling items she found. While this is not the typical memoir or self-help book that you’d expect, we’re reminded that the path to success is not always a straight one. There will be ups, downs, and major life-changing mistakes that we make before we find what it is we are meant to do. Further, that what you thought you should do in life (based upon others perceptions of what is right for you) may not be what you do in the end.
A House of My Own: Stories from My Life by Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros is a prolific writer. She writes the truth in both her own stories as well as the stories of other women over generations. In her works, she encourages women and girls to seek out their own spaces and own them.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Although this is an essay, it certainly reads like a book in the way that it tells the story of Orlando. Virginia Woolf, in A Room of One’s Own, encourages women to carve out space for themselves in a world run by men. With an income of her own, a woman is able to make choices for herself in how her life is lived. Of course, it has been nearly one hundred years since it was originally published, the concepts still rang true.
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
Michelle Obama is one of the world’s most beloved women. She’s poised, confident, educated, and humble. Not to mention beautiful. So when she wrote and published Becoming, it was not surprising that it, too, would become a favorite. If you are looking for a book about Barack Obama, this is not it. Becoming is a memoir in which Michelle chronicles her own life journey to a place of happiness which evolved by living up to her own expectations rather than those of others.
Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Grit is about showing to be both present and counted by presenting your best self and doing the work. There is nothing new in this book, nothing that you’ve not heard before. But, the way in which Angela Duckworth weaves everything together into one cohesive tale that includes her own life’s anecdotes that makes the book a page-turner.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Lean In is written in the conversational form and discusses women’s issues in the workplace. I know it sounds a little sterile, but it’s definitely a conversation that must be continuously had until equality is reached. Sheryl provides cold hard facts about discrepancies between the sexes in both work and life, as well as tips to make your environment work better for you.
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Divakaruni
Chitra Divakaruni is an amazing storyteller who is known for her written stories in women’s studies and Asian culture. This particular story, One Amazing Thing, interweaves the lives of nine people from a variety of backgrounds who become stuck together during a natural disaster. Occurrences such as this have a way of showing us exactly who people are, the good and the bad. Divakaruni was not out to vilify anyone, but rather show just how human we all are, no matter where we come from. I highly recommend that you read each of her novels.
Remembering Shanghai: A Memoir of Socialites, Scholars, and Scoundrels by Claire Chao
Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit by Queen Afua
Queen Afua has been one of my top inspirations and examples of womanhood and healing. Queen Afua has inspired over 1,000,000 women, men, and children throughout the United States and the Virgin Islands, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe with her workshops, books, products, and presentations. She also encourages every woman that has healed themselves from trauma or disease to pay it forward and encourage another. This book, in particular, is about reaching various sacred levels (like a rite of passage) of womanhood and becoming your best self, both in health and in knowledge.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Despite the misconception, this book is not simply about cleaning out your closet. It is a guide for cleaning out your entire life. Marie encourages us to remove all things that no longer suit us and make space for only things that “spark joy.” This includes people, jobs, living situations, and also the things you’ve collected in your closet. There is no area of life that her wisdom cannot be applied.
Often viewed as a cult classic, The Secret is a book about using manifestation and the law of attraction to get what you want in life. These are definitely not new concepts, however, this book has been the first introduction of these concepts to many people. I highly recommend taking notes as you read.
The Source of Self Regard by Toni Morrison
This was the very last book written by Toni Morrison before her unexpected and painful passing. The Source of Self Regard is a collection of meaningful essays and speeches. If I were to sum this up, I’d say that it’s a Toni Morrison Reader, meaning within the pages of these essays, she gives insight into how she’s been able to draw on the human condition within her books. Race, injustice, big business, exploitation, and more. She provides a lot of background into events that have come to pass. If you’ve read any of her previous books, you’ll find that this book provides some aha moments. And if you’re a writer, I think that there is some inspiration here to find your own words and write your own truth. This piece definitely makes you want to continue carrying the torch.
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Shonda Rhimes is one of the most coveted women in the United States and the creative mind behind most of your favorite TV shows. She’s recognized for showing up in her work each and every day. However, Shonda noticed that she was not showing up in her personal life. She was too busy making others happy, live for her written word. Her little ones and family didn’t get as much of her as the viewers of her show. The book is sort of a memoir about how she decided to change that. For a full year, she said yes to the things that would bring her joy. She spent more time with her children and tried new things. It’s both inspiring and relatable.
You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass series is really good. In the first book, You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, Sincero dives in about creating a life that you love. It’s an easy read about manifesting the things you’d like to see in life. Plus, she includes her own life story too.
Recommended Tools:
- Passion Planner or Journal
- Gel Pens
- Post It Notes (to jot down your declarations or reminders)
- Relaxing music such as the Tibetan Bowls or Putumayo
- Incense or Sage
With love and light,
The Womb Love Box is a curated cruelty-free box of handmade items that support womb wellness and foster a deeper spiritual connection and loving relationship with one’s self. Each product selected from a variety of womanpreneurs who are dedicated to the service of helping other women feel beautiful and inspired within themselves. Each monthly box includes 4-6 full-size items which can including handmade soap, aromatherapy, apothecary beauty products, superfood snacks, herbal teas, books, handmade jewelry, and more.