I enjoy reading about all kinds of things, but for some reason books that are specifically targeted towards women (and typically also written by women) just hit different.
The female tone of voice just resonates with me and usually makes the message and where the writer is coming from more relatable to me personally.
These are a mix of books for women’s self esteem, must-read feminist literature, self reflection books, books about self-love and books about confidence.
Written by the best female writers, in my opinion! I listed my favorites down below, because I think these are a must-read for every girl and woman. Anyone who identifies as a girl or woman.
Must read empowering books for females
What are some uplifting books for women? What is the best book to build self-confidence? How do books deal with low self-esteem?
All of my recommendations below are non-fictional, by the way. I would classify them as a mixture of educational, self help and empowering reads.
They’re all books that don’t break the bank, yay! In fact I’m pretty sure all of the physical copies are below the $20 mark. Some of them are even less than $10 and of course they also come come in audiobook format.
The best books about feminine energy and how to navigate this world as a woman
These have all changed my opinion of myself as a woman for the better. I have gained more respect and gratitude towards my own body and mind. And I can proudly say that I’ve come to love myself for who I am. I am more in tune with the feminine, as they say.
So here’s my list of inspiring books every woman should read at least once in her lifetime, in no particular order:
1. Women Who Run With The Wolves
Author: Clarissa Pinkola Estés
I honestly think that Women Who Run With The Wolves is a book that every woman should read at least once in her lifetime, to understand the power that resonates within her. Even if you’re not into spirituality or mindfulness, this book will still leave you feeling empowered. And you’ll have new appreciation for yourself as a woman as well as your fellow sisters all around you!
2. The Insecure Girl’s Handbook
Author: Olivia Purvis
How do you gain self-confidence? I feel like every girl and woman goes through phases of feeling insecure or self conscious, and The Insecure Girl’s Handbook will give you an insight on how to deal with issues such as anxiety, impostor syndrome, body image issues, self doubt and so much more! I have genuinely recommended this one to all my girl friends. It’s the perfect ‘how do you love yourself and be confident’ book!
3. Dear Girl
Author: Aija Mayrock
If you are into light reading, this is the book for you. Dear Girl is a very light hearted book
The poems can be read individually, but when you read through them all at once you’ll find that they tell a bigger story. A story for girls to love and value themselves. I read through it twice and now it sits on my night stand permanently. Whenever I feel down I open a random page and let the words sink in and do their magic.
4. Taking Charge Of Your Fertility
Author: Toni Weschler
What an eye opener! This book was recommended to me by a friend and I want to pass along this awesome recommendation! I gotta tell you – this is a hefty one. If you’re not into educational books, you might struggle to get into it, but once you’ve read a few pages you’ll be hooked! I love learning new things and this book taught me things about my own body that I never knew before. It feels so empowering to understand your body and the things it does!
Taking Charge Of Your Fertility is a valuable read for any woman, whether you’re looking for natural birth control (like me!), trying to conceive or just eager to learn about your body and cycle.
5. The Body Keeps The Score
Author: Bessel Van der Kolk
I feel like this book is always highly praised by influential women on social media. And after repeatedly hearing about it, I obviously caved! As someone who struggles with anxiety, I was drawn to the fact that this book covers trauma. And it explains the way your body, mind and brain react to it (both short and long term).
I have to say The Body Keeps The Score is not an easy read. That might be an understatement – some parts are HEAVY, alright! So I wouldn’t recommend it when you’re in the middle of anxious period of your life. Save it for when you are feeling better and aren’t as easily triggered. When you have a good mindset, this book will learn you insanely much and you’ll be more appreciative of the times you feel great. And you’ll learn to cope with any trauma you have experienced.
This is the only book on this list that wasn’t written by a woman, but I think it deserves a spot because it’s very valuable knowledge for everyone.
6. Pussy: A Reclamation
Author: Regena Thomashauer
Ladies!! You NEED this book in your life! It helps you tap into your feminine energy. Because let’s be honest – we live in a very masculine world. This book helps you find confidence and success in a way that feels more natural to anyone who identifies as a woman.
Some people might find the title a bit provocative, but honestly I feel like it hits the nail right on the head. Don’t we all say that men think with their crotch? Let us do the same! Pussy: A Reclamation talks about feelings, intuition, trauma, pleasure, relationships, success and just life in general. Learn to tap into the divine feminine in every area of life!
7. Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office
Author: Lois P. Frankel
The book is divided into ‘mistakes’, rather than chapters. So basically every chapter highlights a mistake that is often made by women in their careers. And most of them felt very relatable to me and my overly empathetic people-pleaser mentality.
Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office teaches how to avoid these ‘mistakes’ and how to stand up for yourself and understand your own value or worth. Stop being the nice girl. Start being that bad-ass babe! Learn to navigate this masculine world, while staying true to your feminine, too.
8. A Little Bit Of Goddess
Author: Amy Leigh Mercree
In A Little Bit Of Goddess you learn about influential goddesses, both the well-known and the forgotten. What is their story and how can you draw inspiration from them? How do you tune into their energy and connect to their wisdom?
Whether or not you really believe in these things, this book will certainly leave you feeling inspired. I like to think of these goddesses as sources of inspiration. I love what they stand for and the symbolism of it. And if I can simply draw inspiration, motivation or creativity from just the thought of them, that means the magic is already working, isn’t it?
9. Untamed
Author: Glennon Doyle
Untamed by Glennon Doyle is such a powerhouse! It’s been out for a good while now and it’s still hitting the Amazon charts weekly. Judging by the reviews it’s one of those books that you either love or hate, there’s no in between.
My take on this book is to just read the stories and opinions and try to interpret the writer’s words in your own way and apply them to your own situation, rather than hers. She speaks from her own experience, so not everything is relatable. But with an open mind, you can draw so much inspiration and wisdom from these pages! So yes, I would really recommend this book to my fellow women!
10. The Comparison Cure
Author: Lucy Sheridan
As you can tell by the title, it covers the topic of unhealthy comparison. Women are GREAT at comparing themselves to others. ‘They’re more talented than I am’, ‘they’re prettier than I am’, ‘they’re more likeable than I am’.
The Comparison Cure helps you quiet that inner critic and use other people’s success as motivation to improve yourself, instead of putting yourself down. Or even better – learn to accept that you can’t be (and don’t have to be) the best at everything, and that is COMPLETELY fine! Healthy, even.
The book covers topics such as social media, friendships, relationships, career, personal growth, etc.
Women’s book recommendations
What do you think? Have you read any of these or are you planning to? And what book do YOU think every woman should read at least once in her life? Leave your recommendations in a comment down below, because I’d love to check them out!
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