100 books like I Hope This Finds You Well

By Kate Baer,

Here are 100 books that I Hope This Finds You Well fans have personally recommended if you like I Hope This Finds You Well. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Women's Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Voice, and Mind

Brenda Ricotta Author Of The Midwife's Heart: Hebrew Midwives Trilogy Book 2

From my list on changing my way of viewing the world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read. A life-changing event in 1997, started my journey into writing and eventually into my conversion to Judaism. Many years later, I’ve come to realize that there are grains of truth in every faith tradition and I search for those truths in my own life. Currently, I have four books in print, writing under the pen names of Brenda Ray (The Hebrew Midwives Trilogy) and B. K. Ricotta (Two of a Kind and A Love So Sweet). Two other novels (Book 1 and 2 of the Econfina Creek Series) are in the works.

Brenda's book list on changing my way of viewing the world

Brenda Ricotta Why did Brenda love this book?

This book was part of my women’s studies in nurse-midwifery school at the University of Florida. It affirmed what I already knew on a soul level about how women’s senses hold unique sub-strata. We “know” but have been unable to define the “why” over the centuries.  As an empath, this book resonated with me and helped me understand how my gift brought to the bedside when caring for women at the most primal moments of their lives, was innate. It taught me how to trust my instincts.

By Mary Field Belenky, Blythe McVicker Clinchy, Nancy Rule Goldberger , Jill Mattuck Tarule

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Women's Ways of Knowing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Despite the progress of the women's movement, many women still feel silenced in their families and schools. This moving and insightful bestseller, based on in-depth interviews with 135 women, explains why they feel this way. Updated with a new preface exploring how the authors' collaboration and research developed, this tenth anniversary edition addresses many of the questions that the authors have been asked repeatedly in the years since Women's Ways of Knowing was originally published.


Book cover of Maiden to Mother: Unlocking Our Archetypal Journey into the Mature Feminine

Jeanette Bent Author Of Dark Star Reclaiming Lilith

From my list on strong female protagonist in an ascending world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been rising for years. In fact, Dark Star: Reclaiming Lilith is the culmination of 18 years’ worth of my personal ascension, which is certainly still a work in progress. My book is written in an extremely magical realistic, sci-fi/fantastical manner. I do believe that there are a cohort of women here on Planet Earth right now who’ve incarnated to help carry Gaia into her 5th dimension. Especially now, it’s relevant to move our planet into a more sustainable, spiritual, and connected way. If our voices can span across genres, generations, and gender, then maybe, they can reach all corners of the Universe before it’s too late for us and our planet.

Jeanette's book list on strong female protagonist in an ascending world

Jeanette Bent Why did Jeanette love this book?

This book not only changed my entire life, but it has also helped me shape the ending of my own book. Wilson gave me the permission and vocabulary to express abstract concepts that I was carrying around; sacred rage, patriarchal oppression, a lineage of matricidal trauma… big stuff. Rather than a book, Maiden to Mother is a cultural and feminine ancestral movement. By traversing your own underworlds and excavating all of the buried, scorned, traumatized parts of ourselves, we can then begin the healing journey and live honest to our souls. In this non-fiction book, Wilson asks the reader to go where they’ve never gone before, and in return, promises liberation and true joy. She delivers this in a no-bullshit manner. And guess what? It works.

By Sarah Durham Wilson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maiden to Mother as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When the goddess culture was stolen and buried, so too were women's rites of passage into our wild, intuitive femininity and maturity.
With Maiden to Mother, Sarah Durham Wilson excavates these ancient rites, guiding us through a sacred and crucial initiation from the immature Maiden into the archetypal Mother - the powerful, safe, compassionate, full-bloom feminine life force that exists within all of us.

Becoming the Mother is every woman's birthright - regardless of whether or not she raises children. The Mother is who we needed as a child, who we were meant to be in this life, and who…


Book cover of We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story

Fran Hauser Author Of Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: A Guided Workbook for Realizing Your Career Goals with Clarity, Intention, and Confidence

From my list on helping women find fulfillment in their career.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about leveling the playing field for women. I do this through my writing, speaking, and investing. Much of my current work is informed by the 20 years I spent in corporate as both an executive and a mentor to hundreds of women. ​The books I’ve chosen for this list are written by women I admire and who espouse similar approaches to the way I lead and show up at work. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have!

Fran's book list on helping women find fulfillment in their career

Fran Hauser Why did Fran love this book?

Have you ever had someone mentor you that you’ve never met? The brilliant Hitha Palepu - author, CEO, and investor - certainly has. Throughout Hitha's career and life, she has captured quotes and “Kamala-isms” in a notebook that served as strength and motivation when she needed it most. We're Speaking weaves together wonderful lessons from Kamala's groundbreaking accomplishments along with Hitha's insights from actualizing these lessons herself.

While there is so much to learn from Kamala, Hitha is a star in her own right. She’s the ultimate multi-hyphenate. She’s the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, author, speaker, investor, social media influencer, and more. Just as Kamala has been a mentor from afar to many women around the globe, I suspect that there is a long list of women who would say the same about Hitha. 

This is the perfct book for anyone who is looking to step into their power,…

By Hitha Palepu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked We're Speaking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Kamala Harris is one of our country's most awe-inspiring political figures, dawning on a new age as the first-but not last-Black and Asian-American female Vice President. Having spent her entire career smashing glass ceilings and influencing the next generation of young women, Harris has completely redefined what it means to be a woman in politics.
In We're Speaking, Palepu connects illuminating stories from Harris' unique biography with tactical advice that will teach you to :
* Own the power of your multitudes
* Act on and embrace your ambition
* Develop your unique voice and style
* Find your North…


Book cover of The Soul of a Woman

Barbara Linn Probst Author Of Queen of the Owls

From my list on how art and artists have inspired women.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion is for stories about how art can help us become more authentic, whole, and fulfilled as human beings—that’s my “brand” as a writer (and reader). No, I’m not a painter, and I’ve never studied art history.  Rather, I’m what they call a “serious amateur” pianist and photographer—an “amateur” being someone who studies for love of the craft.  In fact, I’ve found that the more I give myself to these other art forms, the better I become as a writer—as if these other forms of creative expression open new places in me that enhance my stories and characters.

Barbara's book list on how art and artists have inspired women

Barbara Linn Probst Why did Barbara love this book?

In The Soul of a Woman, renowned novelist Isabel Allende tells her own story of a woman living through several iterations of the feminist movement.  Allende learns how to open and grow as a woman, with and without a partner—when to commit, and when to step away—and how to embrace her own sexuality. Her journey is all of our journey, and has strong parallels with the journey of the protagonist in my own novel.

By Isabel Allende,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Soul of a Woman as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea comes “a bold exploration of womanhood, feminism, parenting, aging, love and more” (Associated Press).

“The Soul of a Woman is Isabel Allende’s most liberating book yet.”—Elle

“When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating,” begins Isabel Allende. As a child, she watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children without “resources or voice.” Isabel became a fierce and defiant little girl, determined to fight for the life her mother couldn’t have.

As a young woman…


Book cover of Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers

Mahlena-Rae Johnson Author Of Speak Anyway: A Public Speaking Guide for Introverted CEOs with Stage Fright

From my list on books for introverted leaders who need to get out of their own way.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer. That is the simplest way to condense the comedic, entrepreneurial, megalomaniacal human who appears in this form. And yes, I am an introvert, but one of the few who lacks stage fright. Additionally, I have met four of the five authors on this list. I am hoping the fifth one invites me to speak on her new journey to Unlock Your Big Energy. In conclusion, I 💜choco chip cookies, Murder, She Wrote, and BTS, in that order. Thank you for reading. 🙂

Mahlena-Rae's book list on books for introverted leaders who need to get out of their own way

Mahlena-Rae Johnson Why did Mahlena-Rae love this book?

I am not a nice girl. I am a Nice Lady. In this book, Dr. Lois Frankel–fellow USC Trojan, fight on ✌️–confirmed for me one simple fact: All that the ways I was taught to be a good person in life, by accommodating other people's wants and needs, would make me a bad person in business. 

The book was initially written for professional women who wanted to succeed as employees, but the message continued to resonate with me as I became an entrepreneur. 

“How You Act,” “How You Think,” “How You Brand and Market Yourself,” and the other chapters in the book all serve as guideposts for how to build a viable career, whether you work for a company or run it.

By Lois P. Frankel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The New York Times bestseller, which has become a must-have for women in business, is now revised and updated in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Internationally recognized executive coach Dr. Lois P. Frankel teacher women how to eliminate unconscious mistakes that could be holding them back, and gives invaluable coaching tips that can easily be incorporated into social and business skills. The results are career opportunities women never thought possible and the power and know-how to occupy the corner office! Stop making "nice girl" mistakes such as:
-Mistake #13: Avoiding office politics
-Mistake #21: Multi-tasking
-Mistake #54: Failure to negotiate…


Book cover of Badass Affirmations: The Wit and Wisdom of Wild Women

A. Yvette Myrick Author Of Thriving in Higher Education Careers

From my list on being authentic while thriving in your career.

Why are we passionate about this?

Estelle and I created the list of books based on our over 50 years of combined expertise in helping others to thrive in their careers. Our passion is facilitating the instruction, training, coaching, and professional development to help individuals reach their career goals. We wrote the book about thriving in careers and created a podcast about thriving in careers with over 30 episodes to help others reach their personal and career goals. At the same time, we want others to be their authentic self while thriving in their careers.

Yvette's book list on being authentic while thriving in your career

A. Yvette Myrick Why did Yvette love this book?

I love this book because the affirmations are based on the wit and wisdom of strong women. While there are many focuses on affirmations, I love the affirmations in this book because it focuses on affirmations by women. There are not only affirmations but there are also short bios of strong women throughout the book in sections called "Badass to the Bone".

I learned from the wit and wisdom of strong women that I knew as well as women that I did not know. The book helps to build and strengthen me to be my authentic self and to thrive in my career. 

By Becca Anderson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Badass Affirmations as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Positive Affirmations and Motivational Quotes for a Badass

"No matter how you use it, there can be benefits for you and your daily life."-Nerdy Girl Express

#1 Best Seller in Popular Culture, Quotations, Women's Studies, Love & Marriage Humor, Self-Esteem, LGBT, Trivia, and Psychology Humor

Badass Affirmations is full of positive affirmations, profiles of powerful real-life heroines, and inspirational quotes for women. Packed with just the right amount of sass, this book is the perfect women empowerment gift for you and all your fabulous BFFs.

Even a badass needs positive affirmations. No one leaps out of bed knowing they're amazing…


Book cover of All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living

Tanmeet Sethi Author Of Joy Is My Justice: Reclaim What Is Yours

From my list on to find joy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve worked on the frontlines of the hospital, clinic, and delivery rooms for the last 25 years and in global settings after traumatic disasters…As a physician activist, Justice is my act of service. And yet, the moment I found out my young son had a fatal illness, fighting for Justice felt elusive. Until I started fighting for myself. Until I realized that if I walked back toward my unfathomable pain, I could find something revolutionary... Joy. Now, this work of finding Joy has become my most potent medicine for my patients and myself. It is my mission to make sure everyone knows Joy is accessible. No matter what. 

Tanmeet's book list on to find joy

Tanmeet Sethi Why did Tanmeet love this book?

I love this book of poetry because it is so easy to pick up and read one poem like a meditation.

Each one invites the reader to explore Joy in their surroundings and inner world as something that is so accessible to them. I use it almost as a mirror to reflect back to myself my most powerful and Joyful capacity when I have forgotten it. It’s a perfect book for anyone’s bedside or altar. 

By Morgan Harper Nichols,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked All Along You Were Blooming as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A celebration of hope. An encounter with grace. A restoration of the heart. A healing of wounds. An anthem of freedom. This illustrated collection of poetry and prose invites you to stumble into the sunlight and delight in the wild and boundless grace you've been given.

Popular Instagram poet and bestselling author Morgan Harper Nichols gives you the ultimate love letter to your mind, heart, soul, and body, reminding you:

There is a purpose in every season No matter how you want to race through this day or run away from this place, you are invited to live fully-right here,…


Book cover of The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America

Jocelyn Davis Author Of The Art of Quiet Influence: Timeless Wisdom for Leading Without Authority

From my list on leadership for nerdy introverts.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a history-philosophy-literature nerd who at a young age stumbled into a job at a global corporate training firm, where I learned a lot about leadership as I rose over two decades to become head of R&D. Then I was fired for insubordination, which just goes to show that introverts get into trouble, too. Having authored one book under company auspices, I decided to write another one on my own, one that combined my expertise in leadership development with my love for great stories and ideas. Now I’m up to five books, and they’re all the kind that a nerdy introverted troublemaker would want to read. 

Jocelyn's book list on leadership for nerdy introverts

Jocelyn Davis Why did Jocelyn love this book?

I was skeptical when a former boss of mine recommended this book (sounded kind of woo-woo), but I was won over by Whyte’s perceptive, off-beat takes on great epic poems and their application to our quests in today’s corporate world. From Beowulf’s fight with Grendel to Dante’s journey through the Inferno, from Cassandra’s foretelling of the sack of Troy to Fionn’s eating of the Salmon of Knowledge, I was enthralled—and emboldened to explore the dark, creative, messy side of leadership in my own life.

By David Whyte,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Heart Aroused as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“With this insightful book, David Whyte offers people in corporate life an opportunity to reach into the forgotten and ignored creative life (their own and the corporation’s) and literally water their souls with it. The result is a very well written book that can truly heal.”—Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PH.D., author of Women Who Run With the Wolves and The Gift of Story
 
Find professional and personal fulfilment through the poetry of both classic and modern masters—now revised and updated
 
Has your work lost its meaning? Have you forgotten the goals you hoped to achieve when you began your career? Are…


Book cover of A Girl Can Build Anything

Patricia Toht Author Of Dress Like a Girl

From my list on picture books to encourage young girls to dream big.

Why am I passionate about this?

In grade school, when Apollo 11 landed on the moon, I was immediately swept up in the craze for space and dreamt of being an astronaut. Until I was told by my teacher that girls weren’t allowed to be astronauts. I added that to a growing list of things I was told girls couldn’t do. Flash-forward to 2017, when a prominent man insisted that females should “dress like a woman” at work. Women from all walks of life–athletes, astronauts, emergency workers, and scientists posted photos of themselves in gear appropriate for their jobs, not the dress-and-heels implied. I was inspired by those photos and my childhood feelings of injustice.

Patricia's book list on picture books to encourage young girls to dream big

Patricia Toht Why did Patricia love this book?

Celebrate girls who love to tinker and build! It begins with an idea for something big or small. Materials found, tools gathered, and building begins! If a creation wobbles or collapses, “failure isn’t final,” the book reassures.

I am grateful that my parents recognized my early love of woodworking and bought me a tool kit at a young age. This is the perfect picture book to pair with a set of tools for small hands!

By Pat Zietlow Miller, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Keisha Morris (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Girl Can Build Anything as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A brilliant, inclusive ode to self-expression, girl power, and the many things readers can create.

Have you ever dreamed of building something? Maybe something little—like a birdhouse? Or something big—like a skyscraper? If you can envision it, you can build it! A Girl Can Build Anything is a playful celebration of all the different ways girls can make things—from tinkering to tool wielding, from ideas on paper to big, lived-out dreams that require brick and mortar. This fun and empowering ode to self expression will inspire readers to jump up and immediately start to build. Because they can. They can…


Book cover of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life That Matters to You

Ilise Benun Author Of The Creative Professional's Guide to Money: How to Think About It, How to Talk About it, How to Manage It

From my list on business books for creative professionals.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have made it my business to teach basic business skills to creative professionals who should have learned them in school but, alas, did not because it’s not taught in school. This has for years perpetuated a “starving artist” mentality amongst creative professionals, who are naturally talented and could easily bring their creativity to the business side of their business, if only they knew how. That’s the mission I’m on with all of my work through marketing-mentor.com

Ilise's book list on business books for creative professionals

Ilise Benun Why did Ilise love this book?

Essential Skill #2 for Creatives: Practicality, not Passion

Creative professionals tend to be “passionate practitioners” but if you need to “love” every single aspect of your business, you won’t get very far. That’s why I love Terri’s book. It’s the funniest business book I’ve read! Part comic autobiography, part business handbook, Unfollow Your Passion provides practical, clear, and excellent advice. It also happens to be beautifully written, the stories so compelling and hysterical that you’ll learn the practical skills in spite of yourself. The message of this book – forget about passion – is so important, something I’ve espoused for years, but not nearly as eloquently and clearly as Terri has.

By Terri Trespicio,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Unfollow Your Passion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of the Best Feel-Good Books of 2021 by The Washington Post

A hilarious and honest not-quite-self-help book in the vein of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies and I Used to Have a Plan.

Every person on the planet wants their life to mean something. The problem is that you've been told there's only one way to find that meaning.

In Unfollow Your Passion, Terri Trespicio-whose TEDx talk has more than six million views-questions everything you think you need: passion (fun, but fleeting), plans (flimsy at best), and a bucket list (eye roll), to name a few.

Instead, she shows…


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