Being able to sit with a great book is a great feeling after a hard day or even in the middle of your hard day for a nice escape. Books that manage to also teach us something about ourselves are always an added bonus. I am always a lover of a book that can teach me something about myself, my values and that help me see what I truly want out of life. This is why I took the time to come up with a list of 9 books women need to read: perfectly catered for self discovery and womanhood.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben
A tale of self discovery after having an epiphany on a bus about how life is short and fleeting. Wanting to spend her time doing what was most important to her she decides to chronicle her life as she spent a year dedicated to her own happiness. She dove into life and learning from all different cultural differences about the meaning of happiness – to better understand how to pursue it. Learning all of this she discovers so much about herself and life itself all in her 12 month journey.
Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center
After an awful divorce her younger, and clearly wilder, brother convinces her to join a wilderness survival bootcamp. Hoping to learn about herself and what she is capable of she embarks on the wildest adventure of her life. If you are the strong outdoorsy type this book might be just what you need to start planning your next big wild adventure. Life is better with adventure and that is exactly what this book hopes to teach you.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson’s account of her life battling with anxiety and depression is a hilarious account of horrible things. I can’t tell you enough how relate-able this book is especially if you have suffered from anxiety or depression. Lawson is beloved for her humor and honesty and that is why this book is what you need to get a good laugh after a long day. She will keep you in stitches while you learn to accept yourself for your whole messy self.
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It’s Okay To Laugh by Nora McInerny Purmort
Nora met the love of her nerdy life only to learn that they would soon be faced with a bit of fate that would give them the opportunity to cram 50 years of marriage into the three they got. This book follows her journey on dealing with this beautifully sad life she was given and how to face is with joy and love despite it. This was a beautiful book that made me look and appreciate so much in my life and put others struggles into perspective for me – a definite must read.
Catching Homelessness by Josephine Ensign
She spent the beginning of the homelessness epidemic in the 80s as a young, southern wife and mother running a new medical clinic for the homeless in the heart of the south. Her world was shattered and she soon faced homelessness herself. This awful experience gave her an eye opening view of homelessness and the health care system that is supposed to keep everyone safe. Reconstructing her life this book follows her fall and rebirth.
Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton
This amazing book is all about embracing you and you are. You are amazing and you are messy and that is incredible. Offering readers a detailed guide to teach you to all about self appreciation. Something that so many of us lack in this day and age where our self esteem is constantly challenged. Learning to not look at life like a struggle but a challenge and incredible journey made so you can make the most out of it. We are warriors we have just seemed to have forgotten.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
After her incredible TED talk regarding feminism Chimamanda took it upon herself to write this amazing book on feminism in the 21st century. If you think you know a think or two about feminism you need to educate and read this book. It is a great eye opener and beautiful source of empowerment. It is one of those books that makes you think about who you are as a woman and where you are going to make an impact on this planet.
The House Of The Spirits by Isabel Allende
As women I have always felt we have had a certain amount of magic about us and this book will have you thinking the exact same thing. This follows the story of three generations of women through all the ups and downs of their lives. Filled with womanly magic, heartbreak and all around love this is a lovely inspirational book that will have you questioning your own fate.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
This amazing book, a classic, weaves the stories of generations of Chinese American women and their journeys through life. How their life experience bleeds into the lives of their daughters and the futures they see for themselves and their families. A story of growth, learning and heartache it is a must read if you haven’t already. Of course if you wanted to cheat the movie for this one is one point and is a beautiful adaption of the book.
Each one of these books has something to offer – so whatever you are searching for one of these books will hopefully help you find out what that is.
What books do you think every woman should read?
