I love nonfiction. When I find precious moments to read, I want to learn something and better myself. These five books may feel a little random but I felt inspired and humbled, with moments of “that’s interesting, I’d never thought of that.” In my 45-year career working nationally as a criminologist specializing in gender and violence, I have seen a lot of suffering and society’s underbelly. My passion has morphed into helping all women rise up through education, self-efficacy, and knowing there are healthy ways of being. I read books now, not on crime (been there), but on positive inspirational stories and solutions. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did.
I wrote
GO! How to Get Going and Achieve Your Goals and Dreams at Any Age
The stories and facts immerse you in a narrative about real people, race, class, and caste. Going between being a sponge soaking up the information and squirming in your chair, you are moved to find opportunities for personal change. Masterfully written and documented, I will not look at American life and the stratification of people in the same way.
THE TIME NONFICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR | #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"Powerful and timely ... I cannot recommend it strongly enough" - Barack Obama
From one of America's most celebrated and insightful writers, the moving, eye-opening bestseller about what lies hidden under the surface of ordinary lives
In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human…
What is not to like about Michelle Obama? She is honest and forthright about her joys and struggles. This girl from the South Side of Chicago navigated a world that wasn’t always easy and went on to achieve some of the highest honors and opportunities. She is an inspiration.
An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir; 17 million copies sold worldwide
THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER
BRITISH BOOK AWARDS, NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR
THE SUNDAY TIMES, MEMOIR OF THE YEAR
BOOKS OF THE YEAR: THE TIMES, OBSERVER, GUARDIAN, EVENING STANDARD
Now in paperback featuring a new introduction by Michelle Obama, a letter from the author to her younger self, and a book club guide with 20 discussion questions and a 5-question Q&A, the intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama…
You might think that a book about rethinking, listening, and unlearning is a little dry. But buckle your seatbelt. This book couldn’t be timelier. It is about how we often act in the comfort of conviction rather than the discomfort of doubt. We want to feel good rather than think hard, be curious, flexible, and humble. This is a must-read given our socio-political zeitgeist.
"THIS. This is the right book for right now. Yes, learning requires focus. But, unlearning and relearning requires much more-it requires choosing courage over comfort. In Think Again, Adam Grant weaves together research and storytelling to help us build the intellectual and emotional muscle we need to stay curious enough about the world to actually change it. I've never felt so hopeful about what I don't know." -Brene Brown, Ph.D., #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead
The bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals examines the critical art of rethinking:…
Oh my gosh. This woman has lived large. Along her journey, she has analyzed the social cages women are put in by society – some invisible, some self-imposed, some outward, and all stifling. It is a phenomenon all too familiar with the women I have worked with through the years, from professionals, stay-at-home moms, students, to those doing time in prison. In compelling short chapters on different topics, she eloquently looks at life, love, authenticity, religion, families, and sexuality in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! “Packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)
In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY O: The Oprah Magazine • The Washington Post • Cosmopolitan • Marie Claire • Bloomberg • Parade •…
As a traveler, I enjoyed reading about all the amazing women Melinda French Gates has met in her travels around the world. She shares their stories and talks about what is possible when we empower all women. When a woman is lifted up, she has the power to change her family and community. The book is an easy read and offers practical and compelling ideas.
How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings―and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.
For the last twenty years, Melinda Gates has been on a mission to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live. Throughout this journey, one thing has become increasingly clear to her: If you want to lift society up, you need to stop keeping women down.
In this moving and compelling book, Melinda shares lessons she’s learned from the inspiring people she’s met during her work and travels…
GO! is an empowering read for women. It is a step-by-step guide to help change your life – clarifying what you really want, using goal objects as triggers and visualization, identifying the 19 common roadblocks women encounter, handling setbacks, procrastination, and creating tenacious energy that is needed for action. Based on research, GO! is not only straightforward and practical, but a unique and fun approach to realizing your goals and dreams.
On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California mountain town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women who call themselves the Tattooed Ladies. They’re there for Kyra—and for each other.
The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a painful estrangement from her son. Then there’s Jo, whose storybook marriage is shadowed by a grim medical diagnosis. And bookstore owner Marisol. She longs for…
A woman escaping a violent past finds new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary in an emotionally gripping novel by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.
On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a neglected dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. They're there for Kyra-and for each other.
The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a…
