In Progress, On Purpose
15 Life Changing Books Every Woman Must Read
Reading is like a opening a magical door that takes you to realms unknown. Books gives you perspective and inspires you to become more. Right book at the right time can make all the difference.
Women face immense scrutiny in society. A lot of women struggle to be confident or even dare to have a dream. This is a sad reality – even in this modern era.
Books written for women just hits differently. You will feel like someone is seeing you – finally. Someone is articulating what you want to express. Some books might be little nudge that will push you to try again. Some can make you realize that you’re not alone in your struggles.
I have compiled a collection of 15 books every woman must read. You will find something that will resonate with you. So, stick around and explore.
15 Books Every Women Must Read
1. Becoming – Michelle Obama
In this honest memoir, Michelle Obama takes us to her journey of becoming the First Lady of USA. She opens the door to her private world. The book deeply dives into her early years of marriage, struggles of juggling career and family.
This is an amazing book about hope, resilience and ambitions. Becoming does offer behind-the scenes of White House but this book is more than that. This memoir gives the usual Michelle Obama vibes – raw, packed with emotions, funny and above all inspiring.
2. Finding me – Viola Davis
Humble beginnings doesn’t mean you cannot achieve stellar success. Viola Davis proves this.
This powerful memoir sheds light on her experiences with trauma, racism and poverty. This a raw, honest and deeply moving memoir. How she rose from poverty to become an award winning actress. It will inspire you to become resilient. Its a reminder that you can rise above the standards imposed by society on women and achieve your dreams.
3. Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s moving diary which she wrote when she was in hiding to avoid Nazi persecution is a book of hope and optimism. She writes about her fears, hopes and thoughts. Her ability to find beauty in small things and hold onto hope is truly inspiring.
4. Educated – Tara Westover
Educated accounts about a woman who grew up in rural Idaho. She never received formal education until the age of 17. Still, she goes ahead to earn her Ph.D. from Cambridge University. An inspiring memoir about how Tara escapes from her family’s control and gets educated. Its truly a privilege to read how she rises like a phoenix and break free from her limitation
5. Untamed – Glennon Doyle
“When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.” This book is filled with many such eye-opening, powerful messages that every women needs to know. You will feel like getting a warm hug as you turn the pages.
Glennon Doyle encourages you to ditch the societal expectations and embrace your true self. This book explores the themes of self love, identity and so much more. It is raw and encourages women to write their own stories. You must not miss out on this one.
6. The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life – Sophia A. Nelson
A powerful guide to all women to seeking fulfillment and purpose in life. This book teaches women how to take care of their mind, body and soul. The author encourages women to break free from living by the code. This book explains about 20 powerful keys that will help women live a life of strength, balance and authenticity.
7. You are a Badass – Jen Sincero
Do you want to ditch self doubt and embrace confidence and live a life you have always imagined? Then this no-nonsense book is for you. Filled with inspiring stories and exercises to help you along the way, this book is a must read for every women.
8. Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals – Rachel Hollis
Girls – stop apologizing for having a dream, a desire. JUST GO FOR IT. This book will encourage you to chase your dreams and break free from the societies expectations of apologizing for having desires and dreams.
9. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Fiction also has the power to teach us important life lessons. One such book that every women should read is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
A timeless classic that explores the themes of love and societal expectations placed on women. The world often values status over substance, making things difficult for everyone especially women. It is amazing to see how the book is still relevant to women even in this century. This novel celebrates the power of women. A must read.
10. I Know Why The Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou
This is a very raw and deeply moving memoir. A story of resilience and identity. The writing is profound that it will leave a mark in your life. The author accounts in detail about the traumas of her childhood and how she rose above all to find her voice. This book celebrates the strength and unwavering spirit of a woman.
11. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Calire Shipman
Women often struggle to be confident. Almost every women have been belittled in their life. It might in the form of sarcastic comments or subtle jokes. But these words are sharper than a sword and destroys women’s confidence. She struggles to believe in herself.
This book is the result of research and examples from the authors life and other women. It gives practical advice on how to make confidence your best accessory. Get ready to discover how changing your mindset and adopting certain habits can make you confident and successful.
12. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Written by the former COO of Facebook, this book discusses about the challenges women face in workplace. This book explores the challenges women faces in the workplace and offers solutions to overcome these.
She discusses how it is possible for women to ‘sit at the table’. Supportive partnership and systemic changes are required to make this a reality.
13. We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
Sexism still prevails in the society. Sometimes it is direct and evident, just like broad day light. And sometimes, it present itself in such a subtle way that its almost impossible to identify. Chimamanda discusses about these and much more in this powerful essay based on her famous TED talk. This is a very short read but packed with loads of wisdom drawn from her personal experiences.
14. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
This is a book about how the world systematically ignores women. Its prevalent everywhere – city planning, healthcare, technology – you name it. It costs women their health, safety and success.
Every women should read this Sunday Times bestseller to identify the hidden biases. Only when you are armed with information can you be able to fight back against the status quo and build a world in which you are seen.
15. The Authority Gap: Why women are still taken less seriously than men, and what we can do about it by Mary Ann Seighart
Have you been interrupted by a male colleague in meetings? Have you felt that your ideas are overlooked or your expertise questioned? Unfortunately, these are still common scenarios in modern society, especially in workplace.
Backed by extensive research, the author exposes the hidden biases that women still has to face. She also gives many strategies to close the gender gap and how women can live a life of dignity that they truly deserve.
Final thoughts
Did you enjoy this collection of books every woman must read? Which one of these made it into your reading list? Share this list with your friends and family – you never know what will inspire a person.