Top 10 Books Every Woman Should Read on Empowerment and Confidence
Ever find yourself flipping through book after book, hoping to uncover the secret sauce that makes everyone else seem so…. confident? Magnetic?
Whether it's in love, at work, or at your yoga class, that feeling of standing on shaky ground isn’t just you. We all wish we were a little more self-assured. A little more able to take up space in the room.
I’ve always been a bibliophile — reading was my gateway to every upward shift in my life. I’m a deep believer that ‘everything is figureoutable’ (Thank you, Marie Forleo, for that fantastic phrase.
Confidence is figureoutable. I've pulled together a cozy little list of books to help you do just that, to discover your confidence. Memoirs to inspire you to trust your mind, guides sprinkled with feminine wisdom, and fiction heroines that challenge the status quo — these books are not just about empowerment; they're about finding your own unique ‘flavor.’ Your own vibe of boldness, softness, intelligence and flair. So, if you’re tired of the background noise of self-doubt and ready to be inspired, these books might just be the new friends you need.
Ready for a nudge towards a more empowered self? Deep dive into a book on this list. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for my free 3-day Confidence Challenge at the bottom of this article. Let's turn those shaky moments into a strong foundation.
Note: The links included in this article are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them at no additional cost to you.
1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Why You'll Love It: Dive into "Outlander" and get swept up in a WWII era romance meets historical fiction. British nurse Claire Randall’s finds herself shot back in time to pre-revolution Scottish highlands, where her modern medical knowledge and education are a threat to her life. Who wouldn’t want to spice up their life with some Scottish highlander drama? It’s a wild, romantic ride that proves even when thrown into the unknown, a woman like Claire can navigate it all with courage and compassion —something we all aspire to.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Outlander is one of the single-most impactful books I’ve read in my life. It’s what inspired me to begin training martial arts, to question the religious community I was a part of, and to be fierce. Watching Claire navigate a world so foreign and often hostile with constant strength, wit and fire will inspire you to handle your own challenges with a similar fierceness and grace.
Favorite Quote: "If women's work is never done, I felt no need to worry about the amount that went undone in any given moment."
Snag it here.
2. Educated by Tara Westover
Why You'll Love It: Tara’s incredible saga from a mountain shack to the halls of Cambridge is shocking and pointed. If you’ve ever been the victim of a cult, be warned this book might be triggering. "Educated" is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of a girl who knows there’s something more out there. Her story will give you goosebumps and make you believe in the power of education to open up worlds.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Tara's story empowers you to believe in your own potential, regardless of your background. Her journey instills the courage to pursue learning and growth against all odds.
Favorite Quote: “There were wonderful suppositions embedded in this method of reading: that books are not tricks, and that I was not feeble.“
Snag it here.
3. Not Nice by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
Why You'll Love It: This book is your permission slip to stop people-pleasing (hint: it’s not as innocent as you think). Dr. Aziz Gazipura packs "Not Nice" with insights into why we feel compelled to keep others happy and tons of practices to move past self-abandonment. He’s hilarious, unapologetic, and full of self-depracating humor.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: This is the book that gave me the tools to set boundaries and assert myself. It taught me the communication and assertiveness skills to earn six figures. It will arm you with the same tools to gain respect in your relationships, boosting your self-esteem and sense of worth.
Favorite Quote: “Being nice does not come out of goodness or high morals. It comes out of a fear of displeasing others and receiving their disapproval. It’s driven by fear, not virtue.”
Snag it here.
4. Do Less by Kate Northrup
Why You'll Love It: "Do Less" isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about embracing efficiency and the cyclicality of the seasons — trusting your body, trusting your rhythms, and doing more of what matters with less drain on your energy. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone burnt out on the hustle culture, teaching us that sometimes, the path to more is through less. While I am a mother, and the title says ‘Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms,” the practices, calendaring and batching strategies taught in this book are applicable for any woman feeling burnt out.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Ever feel like some days, you’re crushing it with life, and other days, it’s all you can do to get out of bed? Kate’s revolutionary approach to feminine energy cycles show that there’s nothing wrong with you. Everything that’s wrong, is wrong with the way your schedule isn’t structured around your natural cycles as a woman. You’ll realize that your desire to rest and your desire to be productive can be trusted, and will lead to more output and impact over time.
Favorite Quote: “What I’ve found is that when I focus on managing my energy instead of managing my time, I end up having enough time for the things that really matter to me.”
Snag it here.
5. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Why You'll Love It: Michelle Obama’s signature warmth and wisdom permeate every page of "Becoming," inviting you into her world, from her growing up in Chicago to discovering and building her own formidable voice in the global arena. It’s like sitting down with a good friend who inspires you to become all you’re meant to be, too.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Michelle’s journey invites you to own your own history and voice, owning your sense of identity and purpose in the world.
Favorite Quote: “For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end. Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?”
Snag it here.
6. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Why You'll Love It: Combining rigorous research with accessible writing, the authors explore how genetics, gender, and behavior impact confidence. They profile some of the most influential women in politics, sports, the arts, and business, revealing how these successful women have harnessed their self-assurance to achieve their goals.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: By understanding the interplay between your thought patterns and behavior, you will learn practical ways to break out of negativity loops and embrace a more assertive mindset. The book emphasizes the importance of action in building confidence, like taking small risks and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Favorite Quote: “Ruminating drains the confidence from us. Those negative thoughts, and nightmare scenarios masquerading as problem solving, spin on an endless loop. We render ourselves unable to be in the moment or to trust our instincts because we are captive to those distracting, destructive thoughts, which gradually squeeze all the spontaneity out of life and work.”
Snag it here.
7. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Why You'll Love It: Dr. Joe Dispenza provides a fascinating blend of neuroscience, quantum physics, and personal development in "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself." This book delves deep into how we can harness the power of our minds to create the life we’ve always dreamed of.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Learn how to rewire your brain and change your emotional habits.
Favorite Quote: "To be empowered—to be free, to be unlimited, to be creative, to be genius, to be divine—that is who you are…. Once you feel this way, memorize this feeling."
Snag it here.
8. I Will Teach You to Be Reach by Ramit Sethi
Why You'll Love It: "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi is your no-guilt, no-excuses guide to financial independence. Ramit's straight-talking style makes personal finance approachable and actionable. Unlike typical finance books that overload you with jargon, Sethi breaks down complex concepts into understandable, doable steps. He combines psychology with practical advice to help you optimize your spending, saving, and investing habits without feeling like you're sacrificing your lifestyle. Whether you're a financial novice or looking to brush up on your skills, Ramit’s book promises a six-week program that can transform your financial life.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Gaining control over your finances does more than just improve your bank balance; it boosts your self-confidence — especially if you’re a woman who grew up disempowered around building wealth. Sethi's book empowers you to make informed financial decisions, set ambitious financial goals, and achieve them. Understanding and taking charge of your money enhances your confidence, giving you the freedom to make choices that align with your values.
Favorite Quote: “People love to argue minor points, partially because they feel it absolves them from actually having to do anything.”
Snag it here.
9. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Why You'll Love It: "Wild" is more than just a book about an arduous trek; it's a profound journey of self-discovery and healing that Cheryl Strayed tells with raw honesty and grace. Following the death of her mother and the dissolution of her young marriage, Strayed finds herself at a devastating low point. With no experience, she impulsively decides to hike over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone. Through her story, you'll feel every blister and breathless moment, as Cheryl confronts her physical limitations and emotional demons.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Cheryl’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Her physical journey through the wild mirrors her internal battle to reclaim her life and identity. Strayed’s resilience and tenacity can inspire you to face your own challenges head-on, reminding you that, as a woman, you possess more strength and courage than you ever thought possible.
Favorite Quote: “I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.”
Snag it here.
10. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Why You'll Love It: In "Daring Greatly," Brené Brown turns the idea of vulnerability on its head, presenting it not as a weakness, but as a clear path to courage and strength. Drawing from years of research, Brown argues that vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. She explores how we can embrace vulnerability to build better relationships, foster a healthier self-image, and improve leadership skills.
Why This Will Help Your Confidence: Brown teaches that daring to be vulnerable is daring to engage with life fully. This book challenges you to step into the arena rather than watching from the sidelines. By embracing vulnerability, you’ll learn to shirk off the fears of ‘not being good enough’ and face the unknown without attachment to the outcome. As you learn to let go of perfectionism and self-doubt, you will build a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
And there you have it: ten books that are more than just good reads. They're your guide to feeling stronger and more confident. Each one offers stories and tools that have the power to change how you see yourself and to grow into yourself. So pick one up, get cozy, and start your journey to a better, more confident self.