Life
Even when you're a few years into the whole adulthood gig, it's smart to keep learning new things about the people and world around you. After all, part of growing up involves taking charge of your own education. For many people, books are the best way to cover a wide range of topics in an immersive, spellbinding way. If this sounds good, then these incredible books every woman should read as an adult will appeal to you.
The new perspectives and insights you'll get from these books are mind-blowing. For instance, reading about how women in the early 20th century suffered for their employment will give you a different view of your own job. (Chances are, it does not involve playing with radium.) In addition, modern people from different backgrounds and cultures look at the world in ways that you might have imagined. How does a successful businesswoman think about personal finance, and what can you learn from her insight? What's it like to grow up in Harlem with Dominican parents... and what does home mean for you? These women will inspire you to take charge of life, be brave, and even embrace the power of negative thinking. With their insight, adulthood doesn't have to suck so bad after all.
1'Bird Of Paradise' by Raquel Cepeda
This beautiful memoir examines the nature of identity, family, and DNA. Bird Of Paradise by Raquel Cepeda chronicles the author's childhood in Harlem, her Dominican parents, and what her genetics say about her family's origins. What exactly defines a person's home and background?
2'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed
Faced with her mother's death and the demise of a marriage, one young woman decided to cope with her grief in an unusual way: by going on a serious solo hike. Wild by Cheryl Strayed chronicles the author's thousand-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her triumphs and challenges along the way will inspire you.
3'The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot
Even if you've seen the movie, this spellbinding book deserves a read. The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a black tobacco farmer, her body's cells, and how they helped make the polio vaccine. This story raises serious questions about race, science, and healthcare in the modern world.
4'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel
This graphic novel memoir is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel touches on the topics of family, homosexuality, and funeral homes. It's a messy, beautiful story.
5'Smart Women Love Money' by Alice Finn
Taking control of your financial life is a brilliant move for any adult, and it's probably easier than you realize. Smart Women Love Money by Alice Finn teaches readers about investing in a simple, straightforward way. In no time you can make money work for you.
6'the princess saves herself in this one' by Amanda Lovelace
Sometimes the smallest collections of words wield the most power. Amanda Lovelace's poetry collection, the princess saves herself in this one, touches on topics of resilience, inspiration, and empowerment. It blends fairy tale lore with real-life musings for a beautiful result.
7'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg
So much has been said on the topic of women in the workplace, but this book provides simple, commonsense advice for getting ahead in your own career. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg uses anecdotes and research alike to explain the steps women can take to achieve success on the job. It's a helpful take on the topic from a woman who served as COO of Facebook.
8'Get Your Sh*t Together' by Sarah Knight
Who said motivational, self-help books had to be bland? Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight challenges readers to get out of their own way and get stuff done. Go ahead and embrace the power of negative thinking.
9'The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl' by Issa Rae
What's it like to live outside the realm of coolness? Brilliant and self-deprecating, Issa Rae's The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl is a hilarious memoir about life as an introvert in today's self-promoting world. Brilliant and self-deprecating, this read covers topics such as PDA, food, and cybersex.
10Women In Sports by Rachel Ignotofsky
Read about some of the most awesome female athletes of all time. Women In Sports by Rachel Ignotofsky profiles everyone from gymnast Simone Biles to skydiver Tiny Broadwick. You'll feel inspired to hit the gym soon.
11'The God Of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy
Brilliant and complex, this novel examines personal and political drama in equal turns. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy follows an Indian family and the twist of fate that changed their lives forever. The lush language draws you in to the story, and you'll want to revisit this novel time and again.
12'Adulting' by Kelly Williams Brown
Do you still need some help with the whole adult business? Me too. Adulting by Kelly Williams Brown explains the inner workings of the real world, from plumbing problems to office etiquette. It's a hilarious, and helpful, look at adulthood.
13'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood
Even if you're already into the TV series, give the book a read. Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale predicts a future in which America retreats into a bizarre version of Puritanism, where women are tightly controlled and managed. It's dystopian fiction with a wry, feminist slant.
14'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan
This book examines the connection between mothers and daughters with sensitivity and tenderness. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan follows the stories of four Chinese women who are immigrants in San Francisco. Moving and heartfelt, this modern classic will make you think about family ties in a new way.
15'Milk and Honey' by Rupi Kaur
Written in simple but achingly gorgeous verse, this book is a powerful study of survival. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur examines abuse, heartache, and sweetness in an honest way. It's an intense poetry collection that will stay with you for forever.
16'Broke Millennial' by Erin Lowry
Are finances freaking you out? Broke Millennial by financial expert Erin Lowry explains how to get your personal finances in order in this fun, fresh read. It has some great financial planning advice you can implement right away.
17'White Teeth' by Zadie Smith
Few debut novels are so powerful and original. Zadie Smith's White Teeth follows mixed-race and immigrant families as they navigate life in post-WWII London. It's a sweeping, epic, and humorous examination of complex family and social situations.
18'Beautiful Bodies' by Kimberly Rae Miller
Trying to get the perfect body is an impossible task, but so many people spend their lives attempting to do just that. Part memoir, part social commentary, Beautiful Bodies by Kimberly Rae Miller examines the ways perfect bodies have been defined through history, as well as the lengths to which modern people will go to attain that ideal form. Spoiler: perfect bodies don't exist in reality.
19'The Radium Girls' by Kate Moore
In early 20th century America, radium was treated like a wonder drug, and many women found themselves employed in radium factories. The devastating effects of this element, and its outcomes for the "shining girls," are chronicled in The Radium Girls by Kate Moore. It's a fascinating and heartbreaking study of the intersection between worker's rights and corporate gains.
20'soft thorns' by Bridgett Devoue
If you need words that can heal, this poetry collection is perfect. Soft Thorns by Bridgett Devoue covers topics of both heartbreak and hope. Everything from eating disorders to emotions deeply felt are addressed.
21'In The Company Of Women' by Grace Bonney
Sometimes learning about successful people is the best inspiration of all. In The Company of Women by Grace Bonney showcases over 100 female entrepreneurs, artists, and businesswomen. Peruse the profiles of everyone from architects to tattoo artists for insight.
22'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly
Imagine all of the calculations needed to send the first person into space. Who did all that work? As Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures demonstrates, some of the brightest "human computers" at NASA during this time were a group of black female mathematicians. This book chronicles their long careers in the space race era.
23bare roots by Molly S. Hillery
What do you hide away from the world? bare roots by Molly S. Hillery brings these hidden things to light in a poetry collection that examines everything from self-growth to mental illness. It's a raw, beautiful take on many heavy topics. Allow yourself to be inspired.
