I could write every day for the rest of my life about empowering books for women and STILL not touch on everything out there on the market. However, I have read a handful of books that have inspired me and motivated me to make changes in my own life, and I’m here to share them with you today!
Here are 17 books with serious girl power that will give you all the feels!
17 Books with Serious Girl Power
Why Not Me?
Mindy Kaling
Mindy’s just a girl who loves eating McDonald’s and is just trying to figure it all out like the rest of us. In the sequel to her first best-selling book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy explores the challenges of her adult life as only she can…with literal laugh-out-loud humor and wit that makes her our #1 BFF.
Yes Please
Amy Poehler
Get to know the woman behind some of our favorite SNL characters and my personal soul mate, Leslie Knope, in this scrapbook-style autobiography filled with hilarious stories and full-color photos and illustrations.
How to be a Bawse
Lilly Singh
Get the lowdown on how YouTube star Lilly Singh conquers it all, from exuding confidence to kicking out the haters.
I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai
If you read only one book on this list, make it this one. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for pursuing an education, tells her story and discusses her dreams for making the world a better place. This woman…she’s everything.
Wildflower
Drew Barrymore
Get to know Drew on a personal level with this collection of stories told by the woman herself. From her unbelievable childhood to her challenges growing up in Hollywood, this book is sure to shock and inspire.
A woman tries to come to grips with her abusive past in a collection of illustrations that will break your heart.
Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress
Susan Jane Gilman
This is the collection of short stories you’ve been looking for…a coming of age tale that, for once, isn’t about finding the perfect man.
It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War
Lynsey Addario
How has photographing war shaped Lynsey Addario’s life? In this visual essay of her time spent overseas, Addario explores what it takes to find courage and passion amidst a war-torn country.
The Opposite of Loneliness
Marina Keegan
Published after her tragic death five days after graduating from Yale, The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan is a collection of short stories that showcase a talent lost too soon.
Unbearable Lightness
Portia De Rossi
Actress Portia De Rossi talks about her years of struggling with weight loss and gain, and how simple life changes ended up changing her life completely. This one’s a tear-jerker.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s brilliant autobiography will certainly make you thankful for all the good things in your life. Through all of her struggles and hardships, Angelou somehow still finds the magic within, and this book is a true testament to her inspiration.
Bossypants
Tina Fey
With an iron fist and a great sense of humor, Tina Fey has conquered the small screen, the big screen, and every theater in between. Her struggles were real and her challenges were real, but she’s no stranger to strapping up those big girl pants and getting shit done.
Solar Storms
Linda Hogan
This coming-of-age story about a Native American family of strong and powerful women is on my list of books that changed my life. It is filled with such brilliant and underrated wisdom.
The Nazi Officer’s Wife
Edith Hahn Beer
A Jewish woman hides her religion from her husband, who happens to be a Nazi officer. A true story of utter heroism and survival, The Nazi Officer’s Wife is up there as one of the best Holocaust books I’ve ever read.
How to Make Love Like a Porn Star
Jenna Jameson
You certainly know Jenna Jameson, but chances are you don’t know the strong woman behind the star. In her candid autobiography, Jameson talks about her quick rise to fame and how she maintains her image and reputation in a world constantly trying to bring her down.
My Life in France
Julia Child
Learn about Julia Child’s travels and excursions in France in her adorable tell-all book, My Life in France. A love letter to France and the art of French cooking, this book is best read with a big cup of coffee and a delicious croissant.
A Little Bit Wicked
Kristin Chenoweth
The little star with the huge voice dishes about life on Broadway and her rise to fame as one of the most powerful singers of our generation. Talking about everything from her start in opera to her somewhat recent run as Glinda in Wicked: The Musical, Chenoweth talks about her life in stages.
Looking for a new book to read? Check in every Friday for a “Bee Happy” post, where I share reviews of books I’ve read or other book-themed lists.
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