20 Must-Read Female Empowerment Books

Looking for great female empowerment books to read?

Over the last decade of my life, there have been many times when a book and a prayer helped me keep my sanity. Hell, there were times when the only leisure activity I could actually afford to do was to read a good book–and that alone was super empowering!

Needless to say, books have played such an integral part of my female empowerment story over the years. As I stepped into new roles as wife, mother, and finally entrepreneur, reading remained a way for me to find some balance and equilibrium amidst all the crazy changes that were happening in my life.

I’ve come a long way from the person I once was to the person I am today. Reading powerful books written by powerful females who are living their personal legends and kicking ass at life is a constant motivation for me. I want to share my love of reading with any woman looking–NEEDING–a little bit of inspiration.

Below you will find a curated list of some must-read female empowerment books. This list includes books by some of my favorite female comedians, motivational speakers, spiritual gurus, and business powerhouses. I even included one of my own books–because I like to believe that one of the things I do best is to empower the women in my circle to become the best version of themselves that they can be!

Simply click on the button that says preview and you will able to read the first few pages of the book right here within the blog post. If you like what you read, click the buy button and it will take you straight to the purchase page!

For those of you juggling full-time jobs and family life and possibly find it hard to find the time to actually read (trust me, I’ve been there and it sucks), I suggest giving audio books a try. Listening to audio books during my commute to work when I was working a 9-5 was a game-changer. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

20 Must-Read Women Empowerment Books

Below are some of my favorite books about women empowerment from some amazing authors whom I adore!

Remember, I’m not suggesting that you need to read every single one of these books (unless you’re just a power reader and that’s your thing). Instead, go for the books that peak your interest and seem to resonate with you. This way you’re much more likely to digest the information and put it to good use.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling’s book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me is a delightful collection of essays that fans of Mindy Kaling’s humor will enjoy. Beyond the witty candidness Mindy shares, this book also celebrates female empowerment. She speaks to women who are trying to navigate their everyday lives while not allowing themselves to be constrained by strictly held standards. Instead, Mindy encourages readers to blaze their own paths.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s book, Bossypants, is a refreshingly funny read that had me laughing out loud as I read it. Tina takes readers through her comedic journey growing up in Pennsylvania and breaking into the male-dominated world of television sketch comedy with Saturday Night Live. Not only will Tina make you laugh, she also offers valuable advice on self-empowerment and addressing gender inequality in the workplace. Tina exposes the true power of humor and how it can be used to speak out against unfairness.

Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler’s book Are You There Vodka offers a hilarious and honest insight into the hustle and bustle of modern life. Chelsea certainly doesn’t hold her tongue as she provides candid stories filled with female empowerment and having a good time despite the stresses of everyday life. Her witty writing style mixed with her highly entertaining anecdotes make for an enjoyable read for any woman looking for some laughs or inspiration to get up and get going.

Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know By The Time She’s 30

Glamour Magazine caused a stir in 1997 when they declared that every woman should have and should know thirty things by the time she is thirty. The article gained so much popularity, they turned it into a book – Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by 30. The empowerment blueprint outlines the life skills, career growth, and personal development women require to hit their stride on life’s journey.

Related Article: 4 Life Lessons to Be Happy in Your 30s

The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

The Confidence Code by Katty Kay is a book that has been empowering women across the world for years. The Confidence Code is filled with little-known facts, science, and research studies about why confidence matters, and how to get it. The book will take you on a journey of deep introspection as you discover the power of self-belief and take control of your life. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed by life’s demands, try reading The Confidence Code.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

Lean In, written by powerful tech executive Sheryl Sandberg, is an empowering book highlighting the importance of Lean In thinking and developing the mindset of women who can Lean In. The Lean In philosophy encourages a way of thinking that puts women at the helm of their own ambition. The book encourages women to focus on growing their professional network, improving confidence and winning mentorship opportunities–without sacrificing your personal life.

#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso is an empowering read for women everywhere. In the book,Sophia chronicles her incredible career journey and takes readers with her every step of the way. She provides invaluable insights into becoming your own GirlBoss from gaining confidence to getting out of your comfort zone and more. Whether it’s mastering a small task or completing a larger goal, this book will help inspire you to reach your maximum potential.

A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

A Year of Yes is the perfect read for any woman looking to maximize her potential and make her vision a reality. Written by Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse producer behind TV shows like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, this empowering book gives practical advice on how to shift perspective and develop a powerful, YES-focused mindset.  A Year of Yes is a must-read that will help you achieve your goals by giving you the push when all you want to do is say NO!

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Written by Jen Sincero, You Are a Badass is full of practical advice, hilarious anecdotes and powerful stories to help you develop the skillsets needed to embark on the journey to becoming your best self.  The book covers a wide-range of topics from handling self-doubt  to taking risks to how to stay true to yourself. You Are a Badass provides relatable guidance while also motivating you throughout your personal growth journey.

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight

The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck, written by Sarah Knight, is a must-read book that empowers you to adopt the right mindset towards life. The book is filled with witty and practical reminders on how to differentiate between what we “should” do and allocating ourselves to things that actually matters. The author offers a humorous yet firm approach to help save time and energy on what makes you genuinely happy and fulfilled. The book offers plenty of tools, tips and tricks to make your life simpler but meaningful.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is a female empowering, no-holds-barred look at modern day female experiences. The book encapsulates the joy and difficulties inherent in discovering and owning one’s self during today’s complicated social environment. Through comedic jabs, and personal reflections, Issa Rae challenges readers to reflect on growing up in the era of technology by introducing characters in uncomfortable situations that show readers– particularly black women – how to remain true to themselves despite society’s expectations.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert, is the perfect book for anyone on the search for self-improvement and internal transformation. The guidance of Big Magic offers a unique perspective that shifts your mindset away from big questions and towards smaller magic possibilities in life. By inspiring readers to go all in with their creative passion, Big Magic helps to ignite courage, generate more joy and encourage meaningful connection.

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

The Universe Has Your Back encourages personal growth and provides spiritual guidance to its readers. The premise of the book is that the universe is conspiring in our favor, helping us to achieve our biggest goals and dreams–if only we have faith, courage, and resilience in our abilities.

The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson

The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson is truly a modern classic. With strong, empowering messages and an optimistic outlook it provides hope to women everywhere in these uncertain times. The book focuses on the idea that money often serves as a direct reflection of our spiritual progress and is directed from a divine source that desires nothing less than our illumination. It has helped thousands of women open up their minds to more possibilities and the opportunity become their highest selves.

Thank and Grow Rich by Pam Grout

Thank and Grow Rich by Pam Grout is an empowering read for any woman looking to boost her financial success. The book outlines nine principles which you can use as practical tools to help unlock the power of gratitude and money in your life. According to the author, each of these principles will bring about positive changes towards your financial future. Thank and Grow Rich is not just an advice-filled guide on how to become a wealthier person, it’s also a lesson in appreciating what one already has before attaining more wealth.

Have You Seen My Sexy? By Kari Sayers

I know I’m biased as the author but Have You Seen My Sexy is a book that is sure to put a smile on your face. I wrote the book as an empowering journey of self-discovery for women during a time in my life when I was just coming out of a dark place and starting to find myself again. In the book, I encourage you to reconnect with your own beauty and inner sensuality in an effort to inspire you to feel confident in your own skin.

Abundance Now by Lisa Nichols

Abundance Now by Lisa Nichols is an empowering book with the goal of transforming your mindset to create abundance in your life. The ideas introduced in Abundance Now will help you wake up every morning and approach life believing that what you want, you can have. Life becomes easier when we release our attachments to limits and tap into a feeling of abundance.

She Means Business by Carrie Green

She Means Business by Carrie Green is a must-read for creative entrepreneurs who want to take their business goals to the next level! Carrie demystifies the process of starting a business and provides readers with powerful tools for increasing motivation and gaining confidence. She Means Business not only offers insights on developing a business mindset, but also teaches practical steps for taking action and growing from each experience.

Get Rich Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas

Get Rich Lucky Bitch not only talks about reaching financial freedom, but about creating an abundant and successful mindset in order to achieve it. The author will make you laugh, evaluate your own financial habits, and give you the tools to plan for a successful future. With her no-nonsense attitude and her down-to-earth tips, Denise Duffield-Thomas gives you the opportunity to take control of your own financial well-being–inspiring you to become the badass money goddess you deserve to be!

Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer

Regena Thomashauer’s Pussy: A Reclamation offers a candid insight into the intersection of female liberation, empowerment and pleasure. Written from the perspective of an experienced Pussy Priestess, the book teaches women how to heed their own intuition when it comes to reclaiming the life-giving power of the goddess within. Reading this book is like entering a temple dedicated to feminine strength and grace, as Regena’s passionate and witty prose encourages readers to embrace their beautiful bodies and immerse themselves in spiritual self-discovery.

Related Post: 38 Bad Bitch Quotes to Embrace Your Bad Bitch Energy

Do you like this list of female empowerment books?

I know it’s so cliché to say, but knowledge really is power.

There are so many amazing books on the market filled with inspirational stories and lessons that help you on your journey. To have such easy access to what sometimes seems like an unlimited amount of literature is not something that everyone is privy to.

Take advantage of the knowledge that is right at your fingertips. We should always be willing to learn from those who have paved the path ahead of us. Take what you learn and become a more empowered maker, mover, and shaker!

I also highly encourage you to start using affirmations and journaling as a part of your daily or weekly routine for personal growth. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? Using these resources helps to fill that cup!

Have you read any of the books on this list? If so, what are your thoughts?

How did the book make you feel?

Any other female empowerment books you can suggestion?

Hit reply and share your thoughts!

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