Okay, real talk – who else has stared at their bookshelf thinking “I need something that’ll actually make me feel alive again” while chugging lukewarm coffee? ☕️ Same, babe. Today I’m sharing the exact books that made me ugly-cry in bathtubs, scream “YAS QUEEN” on subways, and finally stop apologizing for taking up space. Buckle up, buttercup.
Let’s start with the memoir that ruined me (in the best way): “Becoming by Michelle Obama”. I read this during a midnight insomnia spiral, and honey – Michelle’s raw honesty about imposter syndrome hit harder than my last breakup. The way she describes leaning into vulnerability as strength? Chef’s kiss. My favorite nugget: “Failure’s a feeling long before it becomes an actual result.” Mind. Blown.
Next up: “Educated” by Tara Westover. This isn’t just some poverty-to-Ivy-League fairytale. We’re talking about a woman literally teaching herself algebra to escape a survivalist family. I nearly threw the book across the room when Tara’s brother said education was “corrupting” her – then ugly-laughed when she got her PhD anyway. Pro tip: Read this when you need to remember how stubbornness can be a superpower.
Now let’s get spicy with “The Moment of Lift” by Melinda Gates. I rolled my eyes at first – billionaire philanthropy, really? But page 23 wrecked me. She shares stories like the Ethiopian teen who escaped child marriage by hiding textbooks under her bed. Melinda’s data on how educating girls literally changes planetary economics? Suddenly my morning latte felt like a political act.
For my fellow rage-filled goddesses, “Hood Feminism” by Mikki Kendall is required reading. When she calls out mainstream feminism for ignoring issues like food insecurity? Oof. That chapter about how “solidarity” often stops at skin-deep activism had me taking receipts on my own privilege. Life-changing moment: Realizing feminism without intersectionality is just a fancy girls’ club.
Last but never least: “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. I’ll confess – I bought this solely for the ‘cheetah escaping zoo’ metaphor. What I got was a spiritual uppercut. Her “Knowing” concept (that gut-deep wisdom we’ve been socialized to ignore) transformed how I make decisions. Personal win: Quit my soul-sucking job after rereading the “tamed vs. free” chapter three times in a row.
Here’s the tea ☕️: These aren’t just “girl power” fluff. They’re battle plans from women who’ve fought through fire. Whether you’re rebuilding from rock bottom or just need to feel less alone in your Netflix-and-self-doubt nights – these pages get it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go highlight more life-changing quotes… and maybe finally finish that lukewarm coffee.
