5 female empowerment books every woman should read

Feminist books are all the rage right now. Here are some of the best women’s empowerment books to get your girl power game strong.

The feminist movement has been growing throughout the past few years at a rapid rate. There have been so many girl-power influencers who have made huge impacts on the way we carry on in our society.

From political figures like Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren to celebrities and activists such as Beyoncé, Lena Dunham, Ariana Grande, and Chelsea Handler, we have been gifted with wise words and powerful voices making a difference.

And, something that is definitely making an impact is the increase of girl empowerment literature hitting every bookstore. That is why we decided to compile a list of some of the top feminist reads that every girl… actually every human, should have on their shelf!

This list includes novels, essays, and self-help books so there is something for everyone!

Cover for Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Photo: Vintage Books

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

The oh-so-popular Wild by Cheryl Strayed is honestly so worth the hype! After this book was released in 2012, Fox Searchlight Pictures was eager to gain the rights to it and produce it into a 2014 hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

The memoir tells the story of how newbie hiker, Cheryl hiked the Pacific Coast Trail in order to be one with nature, challenge herself, and essentially discover herself. Not only is this novel written in such an enchanting and conversational tone, but it also is extremely real and raw. Strayed does an excellent job of helping the reader understand what happens when you are stripped from everything you know and are just left with yourself.

This book really does show how tough we can be when a challenge is set in front of us. This book is perfect for anyone looking to overcome situations in their life and remember how strong they really are.

Cover for He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. Photo: Gallery Books

He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

This classic book turned movie, He’s Just Not That Into You is written by two writers of one of our favorite classic shows, Sex and the City. And, let me tell you, this is not your usual self-help book, but it is definitely one to put on your shelf!

This self-help style book is a great reminder that you ARE enough- something that many girls struggle with when it comes to the modern dating scene. And, although this book was written a few years back in 2004, the message of the book still rings true today.

Authors Behrendt and Tuccillo put emphasis on the fact that if a guy is not making an effort to see you or talk to you then…he’s just not that into you. And, that’s ok! Not everyone is going to be head-over-heels in love with you and that does not mean you have to change. You ARE enough. This book is definitely a read for any girl who may have trouble with a “graceful exit” or for anyone struggling with confidence in the dating scene.

Cover for I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Photo: Back Bay Books

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb is really a stunning piece of work. Since it’s release in 2013, it has sold millions of copies and has been the talk of women, activists, students, and writers everywhere.

Malala became the youngest nominee for a Noble Peace Prize because of her brave protest against the Taliban. Malala refused to give up her right for an education as a woman, and because of that was shot by the Taliban. Her recovery was miraculous and she did not let her dream of an education for all women fade away; instead, she fought harder. She traveled from her country of Pakistan to New York to share her story and have her voice heard.

This remarkable memoir will inspire any girl to fight for what she believes in. This story reminds us of our strength and courage when pushed to our limits. And, it will help us to never give up, no matter how big and powerful the opponent is!

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be. Photo: Thomas Nelson

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

This book, Girl, Wash Your Face by. Rachel Hollis, CEO of her website, TheChicSite.com, is so relatable and easy to read! So, even if you aren’t a huge reader or if you have a difficulty finding time to read, this is one you should pick up.

The book is broken up into 20 lies we are told as women that actually hold us back from living our best lives. These lies are things that, as women, make us feel completely unworthy in society. Hollis’s tone throughout the book is real, but also damn funny, and it makes the book not only beneficial to our mental health but really very entertaining too!

This book falls into the same categories as so many other popular women’s self-help books such as, “Judgement Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back From Living A Better Life” by. Gabrielle Bernstein, “How To Get Shit Done” by. Erin Falconer, and “Self-Care for The Real World” by. Nadia Narain and Katia Narain Phillips.

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World. Photo: Chronicle Books

Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen

This beautifully illustrated book, “Bad Girls Throughout History” is a compilation of stories about women…you guessed it…throughout history! It tells 100 stories of women that have made a huge difference in our world. And, some that are often overlooked!

The term “bad girls” is used to describe the way all of these women used their voices or actions to make something happen- against popular opinions. Some women included in this book are never talked about such as, Ching Shih, who was the first woman pirate. Or, Aphra Behn, who was the first professional female writer.

This book is a great read for history-lovers and inspiring tale-lovers alike! It will definitely inspire you to go for the gold, even when it seems hard to attain.