50 Best Inspirational Books for Women (To Empower You in 2024)

Superb Books for Empowering Women

Today, let’s breathe. Learn. And continue moving in the right direction. Even if it’s the tiniest step.

This list of empowering books for women will inspire you to do that!

best inspirational books for women in 2023

First, I specifically chose books written BY and FOR women. These uplifting books address the specific challenges that WE face.

Especially if you have kids, the obstacles that moms face are quite different than those of most men. It’s important to acknowledge that and dig a little deeper to grow.

*If you’re in a hurry (or just curious), here are the 3 MOST popular books overall:

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase (at no cost to you). See my disclaimer for more.

Now, let’s get to the FULL female empowerment list!

It’s split into:

The Best Self Help Books for Women in 2023

These inspirational books will help with anything: from happiness, growth, self-worth, and confidence – to even depression.

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

*Best Biographies & Memoirs

Untamed: female empowerment books

“Filled with hopeful messages . . . encourag[ing] women to reject the status quo and follow their intuition . . . This testament to female empowerment and self-love, with an endearing coming-out story at the center, will delight readers.”—Publishers Weekly

See Untamed HERE >>

Untamed is the first of the empowering books for women because Doyle encourages readers to question what’s beautiful and true for them.

2. That’s What She Said: Wise Words From Influential Women by Kimothy Joy

That's What She Said: Wise Words From Influential Women

A stunning book that celebrates a diverse group of inspirational women, from Maya Angelou to Malala Yousafzai. The book features illustrations and quotes with illuminating biographies to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds.” – Hello Sunshine

3. I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By: Hoda Kotb

*Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

I Really Needed This Today: top inspirational books for women

In I Really Needed This Today, Hoda not only shares 365 sayings and quotes, she writes about the people and experiences that have pushed her to challenge boundaries, embrace change, and explore relationships to their fullest.

Written with her signature wit and warmth, this book is the ideal companion to tuck beside your bed or to bring with you on-the-go to keep you motivated, recharged, and inspired each day.” – Amazon

4. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown

One of the “Five Books That Will Actually Change Your Outlook On Life.”Forbes Magazine

The Gifts of Imperfection: books on women empowerment

This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution.

A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’ Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.” – Brene Brown

See the Gifts of Imperfection HERE>>

5. The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

best inspirational books for women in 2022: The Moment of Lift

The Moment of Lift is an urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world.

Melinda weaves together vulnerable, brave storytelling and compelling data to make this one of those rare books that you carry in your heart and mind long after the last page.” – Brené Brown, Ph.D.

For ways to lift someone up, read: How to Spread Positivity in Today’s World

6. Grit by Angela Duckworth

“Inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere” (People).

Grit

“If you have recently bumped into that word, grit, Duckworth is the reason…

In education and parenting circles, her research has provided a much needed antipode to hovering, by which children are systematically deprived of the opportunity to experience setbacks, much less overcome them…” – The Atlantic

See Grit HERE>>

To help build your grit, check out quotes about overcoming adversity!

7. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

*From the creator of Grey’s Anatomy & Scandal, executive producer of How to Get Away With Murder

Year of Yes: uplifting and inspiring self help

“Rhimes guides the reader through her transformative yearlong experiment, each chapter dealing with a different personal challenge for herself, and she lets us deep inside her brain, carefully laying out all of her fears and self-doubt…

candid and friendly, almost as if the two of you were catching up over drinks.” — Slate.com

8. Becoming by Michelle Obama

*Over 100,000: 5 Star Amazon Review

Best empowering self help books to read for women in 2022: Becoming

“In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—

from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.” – Amazon

Check Becoming HERE>>

“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”

Michelle Obama

9. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown

*NYT Best Seller

inspiring and uplifting books every woman should read: Daring Greatly

“The brilliantly insightful Brené Brown draws upon extensive research and personal experience to explore the paradoxes of courage:

we become strong by embracing vulnerability, we dare more greatly when we acknowledge our fear. I can’t stop thinking about this book.” —Gretchen Rubin

10. You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

*Great price!

“If touchy-feely self-help tomes make you feel, shall we say, less than inspired, this no-nonsense manifesto to awesomeness might be just what you’re looking for.

Filled with blunt and sassy advice, do-it-yourself exercises in personal transformation, and a whole lot of hilarity, You Are a Badass will silence your inner critic, and help you build a life worthy of the kind of Facebook news feed that others envy…” – Bustle.com

11. Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling

*Short inspirational read!

Very Good Lives: Empowering self help books for women

“In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University.

Now published for the first time in book form, VERY GOOD LIVES presents J.K. Rowling’s words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?” – Amazon

See Very Good Lives HERE>>

12. Own Your Everyday: Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up for What You Were Made to Do by Jordan Lee Doodley

*USA Today Bestseller & ECPA Bestseller

Own Your Every Day

“As a struggling perfectionist myself, I related so much to the idea of the internal pressure we put on ourselves to perform and achieve. Own Your Everyday gave me the greatest encouragement to be myself.”—Lauren Scruggs Kennedy

13. The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

*Goodreads Choice Award Winner

Empowering self help books for women: The Last Back Unicorn

“From stand-up comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish comes The Last Black Unicorn, a hilarious, edgy, and heart-wrenching collection of autobiographical essays that will leave you laughing through tears.” – Amazon

See the Last Black Unicorn HERE>>

14. Only Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less, and Choose Love by Rachel Macy Stafford

“In these conversational essays, Stafford (Hands Free Mama) urges readers to set aside the world’s distractions and put love at the top of their to-do lists

With a voice that is equal measures poetry and best-friend-over-coffee, she draws from her own life as a special education teacher and mother to encourage women to seek out a less stressful, more people-focused way of living…” –Publishers Weekly

Check Only Love Today HERE>>

15. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become… Rachel Hollis

“There aren’t enough women in leadership telling other women to GO FOR IT. We typically get the caregiver; we rarely get the boot camp instructor.

Rachel lovingly but firmly tells us it is time to stop letting the tail wag the dog and get on with living our wild and precious lives…” – Jen Hatmaker

See Girl, Wash Your Face HERE >>

16. Believe IT: How to Go From Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima

*#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller • New York Times Bestseller • USA Today Bestseller

best self help books for women and female empowerment: Believe It

In Believe IT, Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, shares the wild but true story of how a once struggling waitress turned her against-the-grain idea into an international bestselling sensation, eventually selling the company for over a billion dollars and becoming the first female CEO of a brand in L’Oréal’s 100+ year history.

Faced with self-doubt, body-doubt, God-doubt, down to her last few dollars and told “No one is going to buy makeup from someone who has your body,” Jamie reveals…

the powerful lessons you, too, can use to go from underestimated to unstoppable.” – Amazon

Related post: Amazing Books to Learn the Law of Attraction

17. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

*The book that inspired the hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Magic of Tidying Up

“How could this pocket-sized book, which has already sold over 2 million copies and sits firmly atop the New York Times Best Seller list, make such a big promise? 

Here’s the short answer: Because it’s legit. . . . Kondo’s method really can change your life — if you let it.”—Today 

Check out the Life-Changing Magic HERE >>

*Grab these free printable bookmarks to color and use with your lovely new books!

Top Books for Women’s Mental Health

These uplifting and inspirational books will inspire you to take care of yourself in new, profound ways.

18. A Year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel

*#1 Bestseller in Devotionals

good inspiring books for women: A Year of Positive Thinking

A Year of Positive Thinking is a beautiful, accessible book for engineering positivity. Cyndie’s voice is powerful because of its honesty and earnestness―she’s walked where I’ve walked, she’s stood where I stand.

Full of inspiring wisdom and encouraging call to action, this book is more than simple comfort on a rough day―it’s a way to change your entire way of thinking.”―Meera Lee Patel

See A Year of Positive Thinking HERE>>

19. Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen

*Best Pick for Women’s Mental Health

Get Out of Your Head: Best books for women's mental health

“I know from personal experience just how easily our thoughts try to hijack our faith and throw us into a negative spiral. 

Get Out of Your Head will equip you with practical biblical tools to take control of your thoughts so they don’t control you.”Christine Caine

Related Posts:

20. Zen as F*ck by Monica Sweeney (A Journal)

*A Surprising Favorite!

Personal development books for women: Zen a F*ck journal

“The road to serenity is ahead, and it’s paved with a f*ck-ton of profanity. When quiet meditation and peaceful mantras aren’t enough to cut through the bullsh*t and brighten your day―hold close the pages of this journal.

On each and every page, you can give the good around you a warm hug and kick the bad on its ass.

Journal your way through positive affirmations and cathartic-as-f*ck activities on your liberating journey toward something pretty close to happiness.” -Amazon

See Zen As F*ck HERE>>

*This pick is unusual but boasts THOUSANDS of glowing five-star reviews. If you’re good with profanity, it’s too sensational to pass up.

21. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst

Best empowering books for women in 2022: Uninvited

“TerKeurst doesn’t just share empathetic anecdotes for readers in a rut; she focuses on digging down to the roots of anxiety and providing tools for overcoming self-doubt and handling the pain of rejection.” – Publisher’s Weekly

22. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength by Lysa TerKeurst

*High Amazon Rating

Best motivational and inspirational books for women in 2022: It's not supposed to be this way

“Have you ever struggled with the fact that your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would?

Maybe you have this feeling that circumstances, relationships, and finances should be better than they are. And underneath it all, you’re disappointed.

Yes, disappointment is a feeling we all have but few of us know how to process it or find God’s goodness in the midst of it.” -Lysa TerKeurst

See It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way HERE >>

23. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

*New York Times Best Seller

The Happiness Project: great life changing books to read

“Happiness is contagious. And so is The Happiness Project. Once you’ve read Gretchen Rubin’s tale of a year searching for satisfaction, you’ll want to start your own happiness project and get your friends and family to join you.

This is the rare book that will make you both smile and think—often on the same page.” -Daniel H. Pink

See the Happiness Project HERE>>

Related Post: 9 Easy Habits to Create More Happiness

24. Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management by Kate Northrup

“This is a book for working women and mothers who are ready to release the culturally inherited belief that their worth is equal to their productivity, and instead create a personal and professional life that’s based on presence, meaning, and joy.” – Amazon

*This book is also included in Practical gifts for busy moms.

25. Women Who Think Too Much by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

A must-read for any woman who has ever felt stuck in her life, and any man who has been confused by why the women they love get so ‘caught up thinking’ they can’t enjoy life.

Nolen-Hoeksema offers practical methods to self-diagnose and pathways toward greater emotional freedom.” ―William S. Pollack, Ph.D.

Related Post: How to Do a Mind Dump (+ free printable!)

26. The Self Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety & Increase Wellbeing by Robyn Gobin PhD

Self-Care Prescription

“Although it focuses on self-care, The Self-Care Prescription is really a comprehensive guide to creating a full, vibrant, and healthy life.

The book is structured so that each reader can create a personalized self-care plan, choosing the areas of life that matter most to them…”―Melissa Platt, PhD

Related Self Care posts:

27. Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase

“Most women today are frantic, lost in an endless cycle of busyness caused by constant pressure to perform up to unrealistic expectations of perfection, many of which are self-imposed.

This journal cuts to the heart of the problem by showing women how to reconnect with their inner selves…” – Amazon

See Present, Not Perfect HERE >>

Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes, and fill up my heart.”

Oprah Winfrey

Great Self-Love Books for Women

Don’t forget these amazing Amazon books on self-love and healing. Plus, they are perfect if you want to work on accepting who you truly are.

28. Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are by Megan Logan

Self love workbooks for women

“In a world full of personal and professional challenges, it’s not always easy to treat yourself with compassion. Rediscover self love and embrace who you are with this engaging self-esteem workbook for women.” – Amazon

Related Post: Try the 1 Month Self-Love Challenge (free printable)

29. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories… by Lysa TerKeurst

*#1 Best Seller in Christian Family & Relationships

Forgiving What You Can't Forget

“Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of unresolved pain, playing offenses over and over in your mind? You know you can’t go on like this, but you don’t know what to do next.

In surprising ways, she’s (Lysa) discovered how to let go of bound-up resentment and overcome the resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to make things right.” – Amazon

30. You Do You by Sarah Knight

Self love Books for female empowerment 2022: You do You

“Hilarious, irreverent, and no-nonsense… You Do You is all about being yourself, putting your own happiness first, rejecting any social contracts that aren’t working for you, and living life from your own place of power. Get it girl.”―Bustle

See You Do You HERE>>

31. The Self Love Experiment by Shannon Keiser

“[A] profound book and a must-read for anyone that prioritizes happiness. . . . This is the playbook for making small changes and shifts that will yield you large results in your happiness.” — Kristine Carlson

Check The Self-Love Experiment HERE>>

32. Be Unapologetically You: A Self Love Guide for Women of Color by Adeline Bird

books on self-love and healing on Amazon

“Self-love is not something that just happens – it’s a creative process where you dig deep to find your own soul. You have to let go of comparisons which make you feel less than and you have to see your supposed flaws as your gifts.” – Amazon

See Be Unapologetically You HERE >>

33. Bare: A 7-Week Program to Transform Your Body, Get More Energy, Feel Amazing… by Susan Hyatt

Bare flips the broken cultural norm—we must starve ourselves to fit into a patriarchal norm of desirability—and focuses instead on strengthening the love, power, and beauty we have inside us.

Susan will help you nurture and love the body you are in, choosing health on your terms and in your time.”—Pamela Slim

See: Easy Ways to Be Healthier This Year for a great health-related read!

Best Women Books for Business

This section is of business books every woman should read. The books are about empowering women to be confident and courageous about their dreams. And they’re great for female entrepreneurs, CEOs, and all women looking to thrive at work.

34. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

*New York Times Bestseller

best business books for women: The Confidence Code

“Kay and Shipman shine a perceptive light on the crucial role that confidence plays in the ability of women to succeed. They offer women practical advice and the vision of a more hopeful future.” -Sheryl Sandberg

See The Confidence Code HERE>>

Related Post: Self-Love Affirmations to Build Confidence

35. How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job by Sally Helgesen

popular women in business books to read

“A myth-busting “how to” for the next generation of women leaders, and those who want to see them succeed. These ideas will transform our workplaces, our careers, and our lives.”- Rita McGrath

36. Ask for It by Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever

Business books every woman should read in their 30s: Ask for it

“Combining sophisticated strategy with down-to-earth action, Ask for It gives women a groundbreaking gift: the means to ask for what they’re worth.

Women learn how to change their fear of negotiating into confidence that they’ll gain more if they ask for more—more pay, more status, more resources, more equitable treatment. Required reading for working women.”—Evelyn Murphy

Check Ask for It HERE>>

37. Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life by Barbara Stanny

top motivational books: Secrets of Six-figure women

Secrets of Six Figure Women will be a groundbreaking book for high earners who want to ensure their wealth, enhance their success, and learn from others who are in the same boat. It will also offer inspiration, guidance, and motivation to those who aspire to make more.” – Amazon

38. Badass Affirmations: The Wit and Wisdom of Wild Women (Inspirational Quotes and Daily Affirmations)

Read Badass Affirmations and:

  • Learn the habit of affirming yourself daily
  • Experience a life filled with love, joy, fulfillment and satisfaction
  • Take control of your destiny
  • Strengthen your self-esteem” – Amazon

See Badass Affirmations HERE >>

If you love affirmations, check out the free affirmations ebook HERE!

39. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

* New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller 

Radical Candor: business

“Reading Radical Candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives.

Kim Scott’s insights–based on her experience, keen observational intelligence and analysis–will help you be a better leader and create a more effective organization.” – Sheryl Sandberg

40. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat Pray Love)

*Editor’s Pick

Inspirational books for women in 2022: Big Magic

Big Magic will resonate with writers and artists who find the process of producing work to be particularly painful…Through anecdotes about her creative failures and resourcefulness, as well as those other artists, Gilbert encourages readers to pursue a creative life ‘that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.” —Daily Beast

See Big Magic HERE>>

Related Post: Easy Ways to Find Motivation on Hard Days or grab the “fired up” checklist here >>

41. Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow Your Creative Passion Into a Full-time Gig by Ilana Griffo

Mind Your Business is the ONLY book that teaches you everything you need to know about how to build a successful business from scratch.

From developing your brand to designing products to identifying your legal and tax needs, this comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process and help you create a unique and customized roadmap for your business.” – Amazon

42. The Big Life by Ann Shoket

*Best business book for women in their 20s and 30s

Best empowering books for women: The Big Life

The Big Life is a guide for women in their 20s and 30s who are hungry for a job they love, a supportive network of friends, respect from their bosses, and partners who want all those things for them as badly as they do.” The New York Times

Check the Big Life HERE>>

Related Post: How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

43. Girl On Fire: How to Choose Yourself, Burn the Rule Book, and Blaze Your Own Trail by Cara Alwill Leyba

“As an early voice in the female-driven movement, Cara continues to be a leader in the space, liberating women to trust their intuition and create their own opportunities.

She empowers her readers to stop waiting for their big break and, instead, to publish their own books, start their own podcasts, host their own panels and design their own clothing lines; whatever their desires are.” – Amazon

44. Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms by Shellye Archambeu

*Named a Best Business Book of 2020 by Fortune and Bloomberg

Unapologetically ambitious: good female reads

“Through a compelling story about her own journey, Shellye offers powerful tips for how to live life courageously and go after what you want.

From investing in your financial health to integrating work, marriage, parenthood and self-care–each chapter lays out actionable strategies to help you achieve your goals. A must read for anyone looking for ways to grow and live their best life.”―Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO

45. Girl Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

*Best Seller!

best books for female entrepreneurs

“‘Ever felt stuck? Ever struggled to make time for your dreams–or struggled even to admit those dreams to yourself?

In Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis points out the pitfalls, challenges, and excuses that stop us from achieving our aims. She speaks with refreshing (and often hilarious) candor about her own experiences and mistakes, and offers concrete advice about how to create the lives we want.’ —Gretchen Rubin

See Girl, Stop Apologizing HERE >>

46. Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu

Drop the Ball is a must read for all women and girls. Tiffany Dufu reminds us that we must focus on what truly matters and let go of rest. She gives us specific tools and techniques to help us achieve our goals and live authentic lives free of guilt and regret.”–Reshma Saujani

See it Drop the Ball on Amazon HERE >>

47. Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America by Karen Arrington

This book is a must-read for every woman out there, regardless of age. The ins and outs of self care, handling your money, and living your best life is what Karen covers and this book is so inspiring.” – Ask Away

48. Get Over Your Damn Self: The No BS Blueprint to Building a Life-Changing Business by Romi Neustadt

Get Over Yourself: inspirational empowering business books for women

“In this book, she offers you the same direct, no-BS coaching she’s given to tens of thousands to help you acquire the skills to build this sucker and teach your team to do the same.

And, equally important, she’ll work on your mindset so you stop over complicating it all and stop letting the negative voices in your head win.” – Amazon

Check Get Over Your Damn Self HERE >>

49. Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur: Cara Alwill Leyba

*Named one of “The 9 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read” by Inc. Magazine

books for female entrepreneurs: Girl Code

Girl Code is a roadmap for female entrepreneurs, professional women, “side hustlers” (those with a day job plus a part-time small business), and any­one in between…

This book will teach you how to build confidence in yourself, reconnect with your “why,” eradicate jealousy, and ultimately learn the power of connection. Because at the end of the day, that’s what life and business are all about.” – Amazon

50. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

“A rallying cry for both genders to continue the hard work of previous generations toward a more equitable division of voice, power, and leadership . . .

Told with candor and filled with a mix of anecdote and annotated fact, Lean In inspires women to find their passion, pursue it with gusto, and ‘lean in’ to leadership roles in the workplace and the world.” – Linda Stankard

See Lean In HERE >>

Need a boost to help motivate you to read?

Join our free year-long reading challenge, especially for women! It’s time to get inspired!

*Read my absolute favorite personal development books HERE for more ideas!

*And if you’re looking for a book on a topic not listed, leave a comment below! I’ll find you some book options for your topic!

Related: Creative Reading Journal and Ideas & Coloring Printable Bookmarks

To Consider With Inspiring Books for Women

If you pick up just one of these motivational books in the next few months, you may find that your perception of the world is not what it seems. So, give yourself the chance to grow and become a stronger, wiser, and more purposeful woman.

Finally, I’ll be adding several of these books to my self care kit! Have you read any of these empowering books for women?

And are there other inspirational books you love for women? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!

If you’re looking for some incredible fiction books too, check out THIS LIST.

50 Women Empowerment Books

2 Comments

  1. Such a great list! I’ve been meaning to check out Becoming by Michelle Obama. Thanks for the suggestions!

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the books Maggie! Thanks for sharing!

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