Top 5 Books for Female Empowerment

Emily
Jun 16, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Oct 3, 2022

Do you ever feel like the person you currently are is not yet the person you are meant to be? Like you have untapped potential that is just waiting to be given the time and attention it deserves? How often are you yearning to be inspired, motivated, or educated?

Personally, I feel as though I'm on this never-ending journey of learning and growth... and no matter how much I pour into myself, the more pouring I still have to do. As of late, my go-to resources for stimulation and getting my mind right have been books written by strong, impactful females. (We're all in this together, right?!)

Here's a quick round-up of my favorite female empowerment books that are a great starting point, regardless of where you are in your learning journey...

ONE // Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Untamed is a beautiful story about a woman finding the courage to throw all of society's preconceived ideals and start listening to the fire raging inside of her...

It's hilarious, heartfelt, and truly makes you evaluate the things you do in your own life because you feel like that's what you're expected to do... instead of doing what your soul craves.

Untamed inspired me to take a leap of faith with make HER rich. I feel as though I owe it to other women to share this read as an encouragement to take their own leap.

TWO // Becoming by Michelle Obama

Who doesn't love Michelle Obama... am I right?! Michelle's story is remarkable. It's honest. It's raw. It's inspiring. Michelle has a way of captivating an audience, regardless of if it's a speech in front of thousands or beautiful words on a page. I hope you can dive into Michelle's story (no matter what side of the aisle you find yourself on these days) and appreciate her journey in becoming the woman she is today... as her journey is not done and she is still very much becoming.

In 2020, Netflix launched an intimate documentary highlighting Michelle's life while following her on the Becoming book tour HERE.

THREE // 101 Essays by Brianna Wiest

Brianna Wiest's essays have helped me overcome many hardships I've faced in my life. She has this unique ability of connecting to every single reader, regardless of your age, race, or experiences. So much wisdom at such a young age that she really is the example of age ain't nothin' but a number.

101 Essays is a book that I constantly find myself going back to. I have highlighted and bookmarked so many wonderful insights that I continue re-reading to leverage in different seasons of my life. Brianna is informative and inspiring; ultimately, she wants to help you be your best self and I think that's something we all can resonate with and aspire to.

FOUR // Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur

Rupi's poems beautifully hit home on a deeper level... she pulls you in and may leave you in tears. She inspires you to own your worth, be proud of the skin you're in, and forge your own path... (to name a few). I pick up Rupi's books, especially Milk & Honey, when I feel a bit overwhelmed and lost in my own wants and desires... She helps to bring me back to reality with a clear mind and vision.

If you're looking for any inspiration while investing in your mind, body, and soul, Rupi's words will help you on your journey.

FIVE // Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

To not include Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In would be a crime! From a feminist point of view, she goes into great detail about the difficulties working women face... raising a family, gender wage gaps, finding good mentors, etc. While we have made siginificant progress as it relates to women in the workforce, we still have a long way to go. Sheryl's words are a stark wake-up call for everyone.

Sheryl was on the TED stage to discuss her book and the work that still needs to be done, you can view that HERE. More recently, she wrote multiple articles for the Wall Street Journal detailing how the progress for women has stalled HERE and how the gender wage gap is bad for business HERE.