50 Inspirational Books That Should Be on All Empowering Bookshelves

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Most of us have a go-to genre when choosing what to read. Whether you stock up on self-help books, devour summer beach reads year-round, or follow celebrity book club picks, books have the ability to teach us lessons and transport us to different places. No matter if it's a memoir or women's fiction; all kinds of stories can help us better ourselves. Inspirational books are often overlooked, but they are an essential tool in helping us delve deeper into ourselves. From biographies and short stories to collected poems and memoirs, we've compiled 50 of the best inspirational books for women. Reading these motivational books can help you to create meaningful change in your life.

Inspiration can be garnered from different areas of your life — a friend, family member, a colleague. But sometimes, the best inspiration comes when we spend quality time with ourselves, deep in thought, wrapped up in a good book. In order to pick the most inspiring book for you to start with, you'll want to think about what motivates you. Do you like hearing about life from a celebrity's point of view? Do you get inspiration from past historical events? Or does reading short bursts of invigorating content help spark your imagination? You'll find all this and more in this list of 50 inspirational books all women should read in their lifetime.

'Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation in a Japanese Mountain Town'

Author Hannah Kirshner takes readers on an immersive journey through the culture and cuisine of one Japanese town, its forest, and its watershed — where ducks are hunted by net and saké is brewed from mountain water.

Why we love it: Readers learn from a first-hand account of an American writer and food stylist who spent years working alongside artisans. Learning about something new is always an eye-opening experience.

'For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World'

Sasha Sagan was raised by secular parents, the astronomer Carl Sagan and the writer and producer Ann Druyan. When Sagan became a mother, she began her hunt for the natural phenomena behind life's most treasured events: births, deaths, holidays, weddings, anniversaries, and more.

Why we love it: Sagan journals her thoughts on making new traditions for her family beyond a traditional religious framework, offering a fresh look for those searching for meaning in everyday life.

'You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir'

Poet Maggie Smith explores the disintegration of her marriage and her renewed commitment to herself.

Why we love it: This beautifully written memoir comes from the heart, with inspirational prose based on her life experience.

'Bewildered'

If you loved Cheryl Strayed's Wild, you'll love Bewildered. After the implosion of a toxic relationship, Laura Waters set out to walk the untamed landscapes of the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand, 3000 kilometers of raw, wild, mountainous trail.

Why we love it: Waters' tale is one of perseverance and rebirth as she pushes hers emotional and physical limits, showing anything is possible.

'Fieldwork: A Forager’s Memoir'

This new memoir from Iliana Regan follows her life as a forager, spanning her ancestry in Eastern Europe, her childhood in rural Indiana, and her new life set in the remote forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Why we love it: A simple story about foraging turns out more than just mushrooms. Regan's story delves deep into family dynamics and her journey of growth.

'Strong Female Character'

After reading about autism in her teens, Scottish comedian Fern Brady knew instinctively that she had it — it explained her sensory issues, her meltdowns, her inability to pick up on social cues — and she told her doctor as much. But it took until she was thirty-four for her to get diagnosed.

Why we love it: Brady delivers a sharp and often hilarious portrait of neurodivergence and living unmasked in this frank and surreal memoir.

'Amazing Grace Adams'

Amazing Grace Adams is the funny, touching, unforgettable story of an invisible everywoman pushed to the brink―who finally pushes back.

Why we love it: Funny and heartbreaking at the same time, Fran Littlewood is able to bring all of the character's feelings to life.

Editor's Note: This title is available for pre-order now and will be released on September 5, 2023.

'Rootbound: Rewilding a Life'

When she suddenly finds herself uprooted, heartbroken, grieving, and living out of a suitcase in her late twenties, Alice Vincent begins planting seeds as an arborist. But her seeds aren't the only things that begin to grow.

Why we love it: Part memoir, part botanical history, and biography, this book is an insightful look into one woman's journey to find herself.

'The Bookseller at the End of the World'

This story follows the happenings of a charming bookseller who runs two tiny bookshops in the remote village of Manapouri in Fiordland, in the deep south of New Zealand.

Why we love it: This story can make you laugh and cry, all while artfully telling a tale of grief and redemption.

'Poet Warrior: A Memoir'

Joy Harjo, the first Native American to serve as U.S. poet laureate, follows up her book Crazy Brave, Poet Warrior to reveal how she came to write poetry of compassion and healing.

Why we love it: Harjo creates poetry with the power to unearth the truth and demand justice.

'Endpapers'

A queer book conservator finds a mysterious old love letter, setting off a search for the author who wrote it and for a meaningful life beyond the binary in early-2000s New York City.

Why we love it: Endpapers is an unforgettable story about the journey toward authenticity and the hard conversations we owe ourselves in pursuit of a world where no one has to hide.

'The Illustrated Woman'

The Illustrated Woman is a tender and intelligent collection about what it means to live in a female body.

Why we love it: Helen Mort is able to capture the complexity that is being a woman with shorts that speak to everyone.

'What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma'

In this insightful memoir, author Stephanie Foo interviews scientists and psychologists and tries a variety of innovative therapies to help understand the complexities of PTSD.

Why we love it: By recognizing the hold of the past over the present, Foo is able to examine her ability to reclaim agency from her trauma.

'Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age'

Life can be overwhelming, especially with news cycles and social media presenting dark times in an increasingly chaotic world. Katherine May helps us get back to basics with elements from the natural world.

Why we love it: Through May's inspiring prose, the reader is moved to reawaken the innate sense of wonder and awe from being grounded.

'You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life'

A self-help book that acts as a "how to" guide to owning your life and being the best you can be. World-traveling success coach Jen Sincero serves up hilarious stories, great advice, and personal exercises everyone can do to create a life you love.

Why we love it: Let's be honest. Sometimes, we all need a reminder to own our inner "awesome-ness."

'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World'

Based off a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this book shares the little things in life that everyone should know.

Why we love it: It's a great book for anyone looking to put a little order back in their lives.

'Violeta: A Novel'

This sweeping novel from the author of A Long Petal of the Sea tells the epic story of Violeta Del Valle, a woman whose life spans one hundred years and bears witness to the greatest upheavals of the twentieth century.

Why we love it: This epic tale is both fiercely inspiring and deeply emotional.

'We Are Never Meeting in Real Life'

This essay collection touches on a range of topics, from the challenges of adulting to the reasons some people are made for reality TV. It's full of fun and hilarious stories that will definitely stay with you.

Why we love it: It'll make you belly laugh.

'Becoming'

In her #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography, the former First Lady walks readers through the challenges and triumphs in her life that have shaped her into the fearless female leader she is today. Is there anything Michelle Obama can't do?

Why we love it: Michelle's story is one of inclusion and advocacy for women in light of obstacles, and every female around the world can take away messages of strength and determination from her story. We also loved getting a glimpse into her family and love life with our former president.

'The Source of Self-Regard'

Toni Morrison is one of the most important writers of the 20th century. This book collects her own words in a gathering of essays and speeches that will leave you feeling inspired by all of the wisdom she has blessed the world with over half a century in the public eye.

Why we love it: Morrison is a genius, and reading words from her speeches, meditations, and essays feels like an invitation into her mind.

'We Should All Be Feminists'

This essay was developed from Adichie's TEDx talk of the same name, which remains wildly popular. It looks at how 21st century feminism can be more inclusive.

Why we love it: Adichie has a unique and needed voice that isn't often represented in feminist spaces.

'My Life on the Road'

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem shares her experiences on the road while fighting for women's rights in the '70s and '80s.

Why we love it: Reading a first-hand experience of a woman who has been at the forefront of the nation's most progressive, feminist moments is as inspiring as it gets.

'Bossypants'

One of America's favorite funny women. Tina Fey, shares her hilarious journey to becoming a proclaimed Queen of Comedy.

Why we love it: The book lends a laugh while embracing a variety of funny, exciting, passionate, and occasionally embarrassing experiences that many of us have lived through ourselves while finding our way in the world.

'Well-Read Black Girl'

This collection of essays by Black women writers centers on the importance of recognizing Black women in literature. It was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and curated by the Well-Read Black Girl book club.

Why we love it: The curated collection includes a plethora of amazing authors, and it's a great book to encounter all kinds of Black women in literature.

'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking'

If you're an introvert and haven't read this book yet, it will change your life. This game-changing book from author Susan Cain (whose TED Talk dispels some incorrect notions about introversion) points out how to harness the quiet powers that make you different from extroverts. One of our favorite takeaways: that in the workplace, it's not necessarily the loudest person in the room who is the most effective or smartest. Introverts tend to be more perceptive and see other points of view, which can lead to out-of-the-box thinking and innovation.

Why we love it: This book dispels the notion that being quiet isn't powerful. Cain helps introverts love who they are, including the traits that may have been previously seen as weaknesses.

'Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely'

In this book, Lysa TerKeurst, speaker and author of Christian non-fiction, shares how she grappled with rejection and abandonment. Her painful childhood led her to examine her life, and she weaves in her relationship with God and the Bible to get through all of the hurt. She reminds us that God picked us, after all.

Why we love it: At one point or another, we've all felt less than. This book helps us navigate our feelings of rejection so we can get to a better place and feel a little less left out.

'The Gifts of Imperfection'

You can't help but seek validation from others. It's not a trait you're proud of, but it rears its ugly head nonetheless. In this book, Brené Brown reminds us to not seek it, and instead accept our flaws and embrace who we are.

Why we love it: It helps us accept ourselves—insecurities and all. We also appreciate how Brown's interpretation of research gives us takeaways to act on in our daily lives.

'The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun'

“The days are long, but the years are short,” author Gretchen Rubin realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” We've all said this at one point or another (especially us parents). In this book, Rubin recounts a year that she dedicated to happiness. Throughout, she shares her experiences testing out all the ways one can be happy via scientific research, other people's wisdom, even lessons from popular culture.

Why we love it: As the title would suggest, this book is so much fun. Not only does it give us tips and strategies that can help us find happiness, some anecdotes Rubin tells are also pretty relatable and enlightening.

'Untamed'

In this memoir, activist Glennon Doyle empowers us to not always strive for other people's expectations. Instead, her experiences and words suggest that we should trust our own voices. Doyle went through this firsthand when she ended her marriage and stopped maintaining a life that was expected of her. Then, she was free.

Why we love it: Through Doyle's story, we realize we should follow our hearts and do what we want to do in order to achieve peace and happiness.

'What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing'

Merging the scientific with emotional, this book — co-written with Oprah — clues us into how our behavior is shaped by our past. Through examining what happened to us previously, we can then better understand who we are today and how we react to certain situations today.

Why we love it: This book inspires us and allows us to revisit the past the way Oprah does throughout. In it, she shares her own stories and experiences, and analyzes her present and future as a way to heal what needs to be healed.

'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban'

One of the most important memoirs of the century, I Am Malala reveals what happened to the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner to date. Yousafzai, a symbol of peaceful protest, refused to be silenced when the Taliban took control of her region in Pakistan. She stood up against her oppressors and fought for her right to an education.

Why we love it: Overcoming terrorism and gender discrimination at her age, Yousafzai is a true inspiration. She has already changed the world, and for that, we are in awe.

'Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life'

The definition for the word "moxie" is: force of character, determination, or nerve. Author Jen Hatmaker recounts some tales from her past that will truly speak to you and that exemplify her moxie. Funny, heartwarming and poignant, Hatmaker's life raising five children with Jesus as a backdrop will be relatable to moms who are faithful.

Why we love it: We so need the reminder that not everything is a competition. This book does just that.

'Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person'

Even hugely successful people can fall into predictable routines. Shonda Rhimes, creator of the shows Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, found herself in one of these ruts, afraid to try anything new. When her sister pointed out that she never reached outside her comfort zone anymore, Rhimes decided then that something had to change. For the next year, she would say yes to everything that scared her.

Why we love it: It can be easy to assume that Rhimes, the creator of some of the most groundbreaking television shows, has it all together — so hearing about how even she has trouble with public speaking makes anything seem possible.

'The Moment of Lift'

Philanthropist Melinda Gates has spent the last 20 years traveling the world, meeting people from all walks of life. She's learned a lot from these experiences, but her biggest takeaway? "If you want to lift a society up, you need to stop keeping women down." In Moment of Lift, she encourages her readers to support women everywhere — and her narrative will leave you feeling empowered and ready to get involved in any way you can.

Why we love it: This is the first time Gates has written about her personal life. She writes about the road to equality in her own marriage to Bill, opening up about some of the struggles they faced in trying to maintain an equal parenting role.

'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear'

From the same author as Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her insights and perspective on creativity in this book. In it, Gilbert reveals her curiosity, empathy and unrivaled approach to living a soulful, spiritual, fulfilling life.

Why we love it: As we connect with Gilbert's process, we can apply it to our own. She tells us to "uncover strange jewels," so we are encouraged to find our "weird" and not be afraid of out-of-the-box ideas.

'So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know'

In this hilarious collection of personal essays, actor and comedian Retta shares side-splitting stories of her path to success. Reflecting on her time on Parks and Recreation, she shares her honest opinions of Hollywood and explores heavy topics, like the racism she's experienced — all while remaining upbeat and positive.

Why we love it: Retta's narration is refreshingly honest, authentic, and, frankly, relatable. She proves that hard work pays off, even in a seemingly impossible industry, and she'll make you laugh while she makes her point.

'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life'

Who's more inspiring than Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the trailblazing 107th Supreme Court Justice? Fifteen years in the making, this biography written by Jane Sherron de Hart explores the experiences that shaped Ginsburg's passion for justice and her advocacy for gender equality.

Why we love it: Though the length of this book can seem intimidating (it's just over 750 pages), it does a wonderful job at exploring RBG's truly inspiring life.

'In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It'

In this commencement-speech-turned-book, actor Lauren Graham imparts sage advice for anyone going through a transitional phase in their life.

Why we love it: Gilmore Girls star Graham reflects on growing up and pursuing your dreams in a funny, authentic, and relatable way.

'Yes Please'

Amy Poehler's memoir, Yes Please is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. The prolific actor and comedian writes about her path to success, first at Saturday Night Live then on Parks and Recreation, sharing the sage wisdom she's collected along the way.

Why we love it: It's notoriously hard for women to carve out space for themselves in the comedy world, especially during the time Poehler entered the scene. She made waves by standing up for herself in those early days, despite being the only woman in the room at times — and if that isn't inspiring, then what is?

'Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness'

New York Magazine editor Melissa Dahl has had her fair share of awkward moments. Rather than wallow in the embarrassment of those encounters, she decided to investigate the science behind them instead — and she's come to a pretty inspiring realization: Awkward moments are opportunities to test yourself.

Why we love it: We've all felt awkward at times — learning there's value behind those cringeworthy moments makes them just a little bit easier to handle.

'Gross Anatomy: Dispatches from the Front (and Back)'

Journalist Mara Altman explores the root of society's expectations of the female body in this hilarious book of personal essays. Inspired to answer questions about her own body — how sweaty is too sweaty? Who decided that women should be hairless? What makes a cameltoe so revolting? — Altman interviews doctors, scientists, and wellness gurus to get to the bottom of things.

Why we love it: Not only are Altman's descriptions laugh-out-loud funny, but watching her hold a microscope up to the way we think about our bodies — and realizing we don't have to conform to fit the norm — is liberating.

'The Last Black Unicorn'

Tiffany Haddish's The Last Black Unicorn is a laugh-out-loud funny memoir that details the actress and comedian's rise from rags to riches. Haddish, who was in and out of the foster care system as a child, balances stories of her tumultuous upbringing with hilarious descriptions of how she handles her newfound money despite still having a broke-person mentality.

Why we love it: Haddish found success in her career because she wasn't afraid to be herself, even when others told her she was too loud or too upfront with her feelings.

'Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More'

Janet Mock reveals her heartwarming story of growing up multiracial, poor, and transgender in America. She is a voice to an often discriminated against and misunderstood population, while instilling hope that you can push past fear to become your true self.

Why we love it: Mock is not only an advocate for the acceptance of all, but she also inspires others to acknowledge their true selves and be who they really are, despite what the rest of the world thinks.

'Men Explain Things to Me'

Have you ever heard of the phrase "mansplaining" — and does the behavior drive you nuts? Then you should read Rebecca Solnit's book from 2015. Solnit points out what often goes wrong in conversations between men and women, namely, men wrongly assuming they always have the answer.

Why we love it: Some of us may have had something "mansplained" to us, and the accounts of others who have had this happen to them too are both hilarious and relatable.

'This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today'

If you watch This Is Us (or even if you don't) this book from Chrissy Metz, who plays Kate on the show, is a must-read. She talks about the lessons she's learned and takes readers on her own personal journey to self-acceptance.

Why we love it: It's raw, honest, and will make you love this actress even more than you already did, all while getting some inspirational, life-bettering advice in the process.

'How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t: 14 Habits That Are Holding You Back from Happiness'

Andrea Owen is a life coach and her self-improvement book won't be like any you've ever read before. It'll teach you to stop listening to your inner critic and empower yourself to live a more fulfilling life.

Why we love it: It's not your average life advice. Instead, it's like reading a book from a best friend who will tell you the honest truth on how to succeed — and not beat around the bush.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know

Authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman assert that confidence is the primary reason men have more career success than women in this New York Times bestseller. This practical book by the authors of Womenomics is a guide to confidence women can use at any age or stage to achieve results at work.

Why we love it: It shares the stories of women who've used confidence to succeed to illustrate exactly how it's done.

'I Shouldn't Be Telling You This: How to Ask for the Money, Snag the Promotion, and Create the Career You Deserve'

Former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Kate White shares her secrets to becoming a successful business woman in this New York Times bestseller. Called "a witty, wise, straight-talking career guide for women," this book provides the keys to professional achievement.

Why we love it: White shares her wisdom as a real-life powerbroker in a male-dominated industry.

'Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want'

From Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever, the authors behind Women Don't Ask, this four-phase negotiation program teaches women how to negotiate. Based on years of research, it shows readers how to recognize what they truly deserve, maximize their bargaining power, and formulate the right plan for their situation.

Why we love it: You'll find out how to use your unique characteristics to slay that negative inner voice and build the best life possible.

'The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change'

This New York Times bestseller by Dr. Northrup encourages women to see menopause as an opportunity to experience some of the greatest growth since adolescence. Covering every aspect of menopause, Northrup helps women take control of the changes happening in their bodies and minds at midlife.

Why we love it: This book encourages women to view menopause as an empowering new beginning, not a scary end.

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