Kick Ass Books By Kick Ass Women for Kick Ass Women
I am a big reader. Okay clarification: I am a big audiobook listener. I love hearing innovative ideas, experiences, stories and advice, especially from other women. Every time I listen to a new book, I am inspired to try something that I never would have thought of before.
I know, you don’t have a ton of time. And it can be so frustrating to pick up a book only to find a flat, run of the mill, uninspiring narrative. Don’t fear. I have created a curated list celebrating fierce, talented female authors who craft stories and ideas to inspire, entertain, and challenge you.
The books below (that I have personally read) are handpicked for women who dare to dream big, live boldly, and embrace their inner badass. Get ready to fill your bookshelf or audible library, with stories that resonate, empower, and ignite your passion!
Hot tip…a lot of the authors narrate their own books. Which, let’s be honest, just makes the audio version that much better. Below I highlight those audio books.
Okay let’s get started:
- Anything by Brené Brown. Seriously. I love Brené’s books and her Netflix special called The Call to Courage and her famous TedTalk, The Power of Vulnerability. However if I had to pick one book to get you started I’d have to say, The Gifts of Imperfection
In “The Gifts of Imperfection”, Brené Brown explores the concept of “wholehearted living”, which involves embracing one’s imperfections, vulnerabilities, and authentic self while cultivating courage, compassion, and connection. The book provides a guide to overcoming shame and developing self-worth by letting go of societal expectations and learning to accept oneself fully, with Brown arguing that true worthiness comes from believing you are good enough exactly as you are.
Hot tip…Brené narrates the audio version.
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” by psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler offers a fresh perspective on perfectionism, challenging conventional wisdom. Schafler introduces five distinct types of perfectionists: classic, intense, Parisian, messy, and procrastinator, providing a nuanced understanding of this trait. Rather than advocating for the elimination of perfectionism, the book presents it as a potential strength that can be harnessed productively. Schafler’s approach encourages perfectionists to embrace their nature while learning to channel it effectively, transforming it into a powerful asset for achieving personal and professional success.
Hot tip…Katherine narrates the audio version.
In “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”, Elizabeth Gilbert explores creativity as a magical, living process where ideas are independent entities seeking human collaboration, encouraging people to embrace their creative impulses without fear or judgment. The book provides insights into living a creative life through six key elements—courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust, and divinity—and argues that everyone has the capacity to be creative by following curiosity rather than being paralyzed by fear.
Hot tip…Elizabeth narrates the audio version.
“The Pivot Year” is a collection of 365 daily meditations designed to guide readers through a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging them to embrace the present moment and develop emotional resilience. Through short daily reflections, Brianna Wiest helps readers uncover their authentic selves, challenge societal expectations, and make meaningful changes by focusing on internal fulfillment and self-awareness.
Set in post-Civil War Ohio, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, a former slave haunted by the traumatic memory of killing her own daughter to prevent her from being returned to slavery. When a mysterious young woman named Beloved appears, seemingly the embodiment of Sethe’s dead child, she becomes an increasingly destructive presence that forces Sethe to confront her painful past and ultimately leads to her community’s intervention and healing.
Hot tip…Toni narrates the audio version.
Untamed is a powerful memoir chronicling Glennon Doyle’s journey of breaking free from societal expectations and discovering her authentic self, particularly through her transformative experience of falling in love with Abby Wambach and challenging traditional gender roles. The book serves as a galvanizing wake-up call for women, encouraging them to uncover their true voice, reject “good girl” conditioning, and live a life of genuine self-acceptance and personal freedom.
Hot tip…Glennon narrates the audio version.
Additional hot tip…Glennon also has an accompanying journal. I have worked through this journal with a group of girl friends and it makes the book not only become more alive but also it helps me to remember the invaluable lessons Glennon teaches in her book. So grab some friends and dive in!
In “American Detox,” Kerri Kelly exposes the toxic underpinnings of the wellness industry, revealing how it perpetuates systemic inequities rooted in perfectionism, white supremacy, and individualism. The book challenges readers to move beyond self-care and personal wellness, advocating for a collective approach to healing that prioritizes equity, social justice, and the well-being of entire communities.
Hot tip…Kerri narrates the audio version.
Additional hot tip…Follow Kerri on Instagram. She posts some very inspiring posts.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s “The New Menopause” is a comprehensive guide that empowers women to navigate the hormonal changes of menopause by providing science-backed information and strategies to manage symptoms and health risks. The book offers a toolkit for understanding and addressing the physical, psychological, and medical challenges of menopause, emphasizing that while the transition is inevitable, suffering through it is not.
Hot tip…Mary Claire narrates the audio version.
Additional hot tip…Dr. Haver has created the Galveston Diet to help balance hormones, burn fat and cultivate energy. I have tried a number of the recipes and they are easy and delicious!
Okay so you might not be struggling with alcohol but Holly brilliantly challenges society’s normalization of alcohol by revealing its toxic impact, particularly on women, and arguing that drinking is a systemic problem rooted in marketing and cultural conditioning. Through her personal journey of recovery, Whitaker offers a feminist alternative to traditional addiction recovery methods, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses root causes and empowers individuals to reclaim their lives without alcohol.
Hot tip…Holly narrates the audio version.
Dr. Lisa Miller’s book explores how spirituality is a universal human capacity that can be scientifically measured and is linked to enhanced mental resilience and reduced risk of depression. Through research involving MRI studies and personal narratives, Miller demonstrates that an “awakened brain” allows individuals to perceive the world more fully, fostering a sense of connection and providing protection against mental health challenges.
Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” book series is a motivational self-help collection designed to help readers transform their lives through self-love, mindset shifts, and personal development. The series is characterized by Sincero’s humorous, irreverent writing style, offering practical advice with a mix of personal stories, exercises, and motivational techniques. Her core message emphasizes self-love, taking risks, and creating a life you truly love.
Hot tip…Jen narrates all 4 books in the audio versions!
“Girl, Wash Your Face” is a motivational self-help book by Rachel Hollis that challenges women to stop believing negative lies they tell themselves and take control of their own happiness. The book explores 20 different lies women commonly believe, using Hollis’s personal stories and experiences to encourage readers to unlock their potential, pursue their dreams, and become the best version of themselves.
Hot tip…Rachel narrates the audio version.
In “The Way of Integrity”, Martha Beck argues that psychological suffering stems from living out of alignment with our true selves, and she presents a four-stage process inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy to help individuals rediscover their authentic path. By challenging false beliefs, committing to personal truth, and making incremental changes, Beck suggests people can achieve inner wholeness, emotional healing, and a life of genuine happiness.
Hot tip…Maria Shriver narrates the audio version.
This is a must read! “Women Who Run with the Wolves” is a transformative exploration of the Wild Woman archetype, revealing the innate, powerful, and instinctual nature within women through a rich tapestry of intercultural myths and fairy tales. Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés uses psychological insights and folklore to guide women in reconnecting with their deep, creative wisdom and reclaiming their authentic, wild feminine spirit.
Hot tip…Clarissa narrates the audio version.
Krista Tippett’s “Becoming Wise” is an illuminating exploration of life’s profound questions, drawing from hundreds of conversations with diverse thinkers across disciplines to uncover the raw materials of wisdom: words, flesh, love, faith, and hope. The book offers a nuanced, hopeful vision of human potential, emphasizing the importance of generous listening, compassion, and the ability to hold seemingly opposing realities in creative tension.
Hot tip…Krista narrates the audio version.
Additional hot tip…Krista hosts a fabulous podcast called On Being. She has many conversations with thought leaders from all over the world about wisdom, spirituality, culture and more. Krista is a thoughtful host with amazing guests.
This should be enough to get you started. As I continue reading, I will continue to share what I discover. But until then, get reading (or listening).
Hot tip…jot down the gems you find. You can keep a journal of quotes, reflections or ideas it sparks. The Audible app allows you to save, edit, and share audio clips from audiobooks.
Happy Reading!
Chelsea
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