12 Best Female Empowerment Books
After watching Reese Witherspoon hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and Julia Roberts eating pasta and gelato in Italy, it’s hard not to feel empowered to do just the same. Two films that already had a devoted fanbase due to highly popular books. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, in particular, has resonated with women around the world because of its variety of themes.
For one, the biography follows Strayed’s hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, which she embarks on after multiple personal crises, including losing her mother. It’s a beautiful story of overcoming one’s demons and facing fear directly.
The reason why the book is mentioned here is its effect on its readers. It encourages individuals to be independent and take risks. It’s a love story about finding oneself, self-reliance, and resilience. The trail serves as the emotional battleground for physical and emotional growth. The character learns to trust herself and ultimately promotes self-care and healing from trauma.
The underlying message to empower women of all walks of life: Discover your inner strength and follow your own path. As there are too many book titles that are worthy of recognition, She’s A Given has chosen a selected few that have left a personal mark. We chose the best female empowerment books. We are always open to new suggestions to feel empowered. Make sure to drop us a message.
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Becoming
By Michelle Obama
This is an obvious choice but still very exciting as it probably still tops most “Best of” lists. It’s one of the most well-known female empowerment books. Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” is a juggernaut and, by 2020, has sold over 14 Million copies worldwide. The former first lady divided the book into three sections: Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More, detail her childhood, education, and career in Chicago, her marriage to Barack Obama, and their two terms in the White House.
“Becoming” touches on issues of gender and race and challenges in balancing family with work obligations. Michelle Obama’s advocacy in areas such as education, health, and women’s rights has inspired many women to get involved in activism and advocacy themselves. As one of the most beloved figures of all time, she has the power to encourage people to follow their dreams, stand up for themselves, and empower others in the community and beyond. Michelle Obama uses her platform effectively and honestly. Her intellect, humility, and grace are extraordinary. Her gift is to inspire and empower people to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
In Obama’s follow-up, “The Light we carry” (another huge success), she remains candid as ever. She provides valuable insights on coping challenges and offers a personal toolkit for encouraging self-help. The advice is genuine, and if you have not been a fan before, you’ll definitely become one now.
Year of Yes
By Shonda Rhimes
One of the most prominent female empowerment books, Shonda Rhimes’ “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person,” is empowering for several reasons. First of all, the creator, former producer, and showrunner of one of the longest-running shows on television, “Grey’s Anatomy” gets very candid about her struggles as an entrepreneur and balancing her work and her life at home. She talks about being burned out and having self-doubt, which feels refreshingly honest. The concept of saying yes to challenges or facing your inner critic isn’t new, but Shonda Rhimes makes it accessible to everyone. She has empowered so many with her complicated and multi-dimensional television characters, and she finds a way to talk to readers directly. She encourages people to face limitations and step beyond their comfort zone. She’s done it, and so can you. The book is full of valuable advice and personal stories. She exudes strength and relatability, a very powerful combination. The book is not just for fans of her television career but anyone who wants to read about how to enlighten something within oneself. We say a definite yes to the Year of Yes. It’s one of the best female empowerment books of the last few years.
Living History
By Hilary Clinton
We’ll stay with a prominent figure. Hillary Clinton has been a popular and divisive person during her decades in the public eye. She is an easy choice for writing some of the best female empowerment books. From an unconventional first lady to almost becoming President, there is no denying that Hillary Clinton is a force. And her books bring on the same allure. One of her most well-known books is “Living History.” Published in 2003, the autobiography details her whole life and spends a considerable amount with the White House years. She has been praised for her honest account and her frankness. “Hard Choices” focuses on her term as Secretary of State in the Obama administration. She again makes a case for women’s rights across the globe and female empowerment.
What Happened
By Hilary Clinton
In “What Happened,” Hillary Clinton recounts her experience as a nominee for President in the 2016 election. She reflects on her campaign and the challenges she faced as a woman in politics. Her personal journey is highly relatable due to the universal obstacles women endure. However, it’s not a book of a considerable loss; it’s also a wake-up call and a story of empowering people to keep fighting for progressive values and women’s rights. With her daughter Chelsea, she has also co-authored a book called “The Book of Gutsy Women,” which highlights the achievements and stories of inspiring women throughout history. It also encourages young women to become leaders. Hillary Clinton is an excellent author of female empowerment books. From women over 40, to anyone that seeks inspiration, Ms. Clinton’s books leave no one behind. For children’s books about female empowerment, Chelsea Clinton has authored several great stories.
We Should All Be Feminists
By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
If Beyoncé references you in a song, you know you are part of THE conversation. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s book “We Should All Be Feminists” has been credited for encouraging readers to embrace feminism as a way to promote equality and reject the limiting gender roles that society often imposes on individuals. The book, which is based on the author’s own TED talk, discusses the need for gender equality, and she challenges the stereotypes associated with feminism.
The reason that her work resonates so soundly is the inclusivity in her defined feminism. It’s a first-class teaching text with a resounding call to action that challenges readers to consider their own beliefs and biases about gender and to work to create a more just world that is equal. And this makes it one of our top choices for best female empowerment books.
What Happened to You?
By Oprah
Oprah stands for empowerment. Period. She doesn’t need an introduction, but maybe some are not familiar with her books. People who loved her “Super Soul Sunday” sessions will find great value in her authored texts.
We’ll start with the latest book. For “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing,” she teamed up with Dr. Bruce D. Perry, renowned brain development and trauma expert. The book looks at the impact of trauma on individuals and how it affects their behavior, thoughts, and emotions. The beauty of the book is the synergy of great storytelling and scientific research. The two authors seek to help readers understand the ways in which trauma can shape someone’s life, and they provide strategies for healing and building resilience. Oprah embodies all of that as she has dealt with trauma herself. Hence, the book is authentic and empowering because it offers insight and tools for individuals to overcome the effects of trauma. Oprah’s interest has always been that her viewers or readers can live a more fulfilling life. She has also always advocated seeking help and support when dealing with trauma. The book leaves readers with the encouragement to approach themselves with more empathy, compassion, and understanding. Oprah is a sure-in on any best-of female empowerment books list. And we cover not only one but three of her books.
What I Know for Sure
By Oprah
Want to know what shaped Oprah into who she is today? Then you should most definitely read “What I Know for Sure.” It’s a collection of essays in which she shares personal anecdotes and reflections on different aspects of life. The content was previously published as monthly columns in her own magazine. The book is empowering because it offers some guidance on how to live a more meaningful life. Oprah demonstrates how gratitude, authenticity, and resilience have helped her navigate the ups and downs in her life and achieve her goals. She encourages everyone to embrace these principles by offerings some exercises which should cultivate and nourish these qualities.
She candidly shares her own journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She is a big believer in creating a life, personally and professionally, that is aligned with one’s values and purpose. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and overall well-being. When you read Oprah’s words, there is no way not to feel inspired. What we know for sure is that it’s one of the best female empowerment books. Not just by her but by yourself. She has that gift to transport meaningful messages and help people find themselves.
The Path Made Clear
By Oprah
In a similar fashion, the same is apparent in “The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose.” This female empowerment book is accessible and inspiring for anyone, not just those who look for guidance, even though there is plenty of that. Oprah assists in discovering a life’s purpose with themes like gratitude and mindfulness, which are common themes for Oprah followers. She shares personal stories and reflects on her life. She also includes practical exercises that encourage readers to reflect on their journey and create a roadmap for achieving their dreams.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A life
By Jane Sherron De Hart
One of the most prominent voices of our generation, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy is synonymous with empowering women. Hence, she cannot be left out from our list of best female empowerment books. We even have two RBG entries. In 1993, she became a Supreme Court justice and had since literally affected all of our lives. Some people talk about change, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg just went ahead and did it. Supreme Court justices don’t often offer glimpses into their own lives, but RBG’s book “My Own Words” offer a collection of her speeches and writings dating back to her childhood. It’s a rare gem to experience her brilliant mind and a perfect fit for a female empowerment book.
Jane Sherron De Hart’s “Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A life” offers further insight and gives readers a comprehensive account of RBG’s life and legacy. She fought for gender equality and civil rights, paving the way for future generations. She shattered many glass ceilings, and after her death, she continues to inspire and empower people around the world. The book details her triumphs but also her struggles, including the loss of her husband. Through it all, she remained committed to her work and her beliefs. She exemplifies perseverance. The book is also empowering, serving as a blueprint for resilience and determination.
Braving the Wilderness
By Brené Brown
We continue with the best female empowerment books with an entry that resonates in particular with women over 40. Brené Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness” is a book that can be relevant for women of all ages, of course. However, it may particularly be relevant for women over 40 who tend to have more life experience and may be questioning where they are at in their lives. This book will resonate with that sentiment. So, what is it about? Brown believes that true belonging comes from inside oneself and that no one should simply conform to expectations set by society or the government. Authenticity and individuality should be embraced, even if that means one has to brave the wilderness by herself.
The book is not only for women over 40 but for everyone that needs some valuable insight and some inspiration to establish a unique path forward. Braving the wilderness is our choice for the best female empowerment books because it helps readers challenge cultural and societal norms that can have limiting effects on a woman’s life. It will inspire you to live a more fulfilling life, one that you navigate yourself.
Malala's Magic Pencil
By Malala Yousafzai
This was tough, but we believe we chose one of the best children’s books about female empowerment. It’s Malala Yousafzai’s gorgeous picture book. “Malala’s Magic Pencil,” tells the story of a young girl who fights for girls’ rights in Pakistan. The activist shares her message in a thoughtful way, teaching children about resilience and about making a good impact in the world. Malala tells her readers to never give up and dream as big as they want. Having a vision is vital when facing hardships. One of the central messages of her life is the importance of education, and it’s a big theme in this book. This is why we love it, and it’s one of the best children’s books about female empowerment. Girl Power!
Big Magic
By Elizabeth Gilbert
We’ll finish the list of the best female empowerment books with where we’ve started. We’ll go back to Julia Roberts. Well, sort of. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” created a movement and cult following. And, of course, a successful movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts. The autobiographical story follows Roberts’ character through a divorce, Italy, India, and Bali. For our list, we won’t cover this book or the follow-up. We’d like to highlight Gilbert’s “Big Magic” here. This is your book if you want to break free from limiting belief systems and embrace the creative self. Gilbert encourages readers to embrace creativity and pursue their passions. She offers practical advice and inspiration for overcoming self-doubt and obstacles that hinder creativity. She believes that everyone has a creative side and that anyone can cultivate it. Art should not be limited to a selected few individuals. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity. She thinks one should follow it and let the magic happen. The book includes personal anecdotes and stories of other creatives. No matter how big or small, Gilbert wants readers to embrace their talents and trust in the creative process. It’s a positive book that is very relatable and inspiring.
She’s A Given
As stated above, She’s A Given wants to hear from you. We’ve included rather famous works of empowerment. Most of the readers are familiar with the authors. We would like to start a dialogue with you. What book made you feel empowered? Which author inspires you? We are especially interested in authors we might not have discovered yet and books that have not made it into our bookshelves or on our electronic devices. So, tell us about our best female empowerment books. Send us a message here.
