As a fiercely independent woman, you tackle life on your own terms without any hesitation. However, everyone needs a little motivation or a pick-me-up every now and then, and books are an excellent tool for that. Here are 11 books that every confident and self-assured woman should have in her bookshelf or e-reader to stay inspired and motivated.
1. Year Of Yes By Shonda Rhimes
Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes took a transformative journey where she said "yes" to every opportunity that came her way for a year. This experience led her out of her comfort zone and greatly improved her career, family life, and self-esteem. If you're looking for inspiration to embrace your own fierce self, this book is a must-read.
2. The Argonauts By Maggie Nelson
Maggie Nelson's book explores the complexities of motherhood and identity, shattering stereotypes and prompting readers to rethink their assumptions about gender and parenting. Even if you have no plans to have children, this book will open your eyes and broaden your perspective on these issues.
3. Milk And Honey By Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur's poetry captures the essence of life and love in a sensual manner. As an independent woman, her words will stir your emotions and help you confront the ups and downs of life. Her distinctive poems and illustrations have already gained popularity on social media.
4. Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl By Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein, a rock star and comedian, embodies the spirit of independence. In her memoir, she recounts her experiences in the punk/DIY scene and the remarkable success of her band, Sleater-Kinney. Brownstein addresses relatable themes of sexism, mental illness, and triumphs and setbacks.
5. Adulthood Is A Myth By Sarah Anderson
Sarah Anderson's comics have also garnered attention online. Her humorous illustrations capture the lightheartedness in everyday scenarios, from grooming routines to relationship insecurities. As an independent woman striving to establish herself, it's important to occasionally find humor and not take everything too seriously.
6. Bad Feminist By Roxane Gay
Are you struggling to reconcile your love for pop culture with your feminist values? Roxane Gay confronts this dilemma head-on in a series of essays. If you're worried that your devotion to shows like Supernatural is compromising your feminist beliefs, read this collection to gain some perspective.
7. Tiny Beautiful Things By Cheryl Strayed
While Wild remains her most well-known work, Cheryl Strayed is also the voice behind the Dear Sugar advice column. This book is essentially a compilation of the best of Dear Sugar, in which Strayed provides her signature blend of tough love and deep empathy while offering guidance on matters of life, love, and loss.
8. Loose Woman By Sandra Cisneros
Cisneros's poetry is unfiltered and direct, tackling taboo topics like infidelity and sex. Although these may be uncomfortable subjects, they are an inevitable part of life, and reading about them from the perspective of another strong woman like Cisneros can be enlightening.
9. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling
If you're a fan of The Office or The Mindy Project, you likely recognize Mindy Kaling's witty humor. In her collection of essays, you'll feel like you're catching up with an old friend as she talks about her college years and early career with honesty and wit. No matter what stage you're at in your own career, Kaling's stories will inspire you and lift your spirits.
10. No One Belongs Here More Than You By Miranda July
Miranda July's eccentricity is a part of who she is, and she embraces it with pride. Her collection of short stories is both unsettling and profound, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a true creative. With their brevity, the stories are perfect for reading throughout the day or just before bedtime, motivating you to tackle whatever creative project you've been dreaming of.
11. Redefining Realness By Janet Mock
Janet Mock, a transgender activist, shares her remarkable story with breathtaking honesty. She doesn't sugarcoat or conceal anything about her past as she comes to terms with her true gender identity. Reading her story is an empowering experience, offering a glimpse into the life of an incredibly independent woman who has found her true self.
