100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Books: A Young Woman holds a pen… from Pompeii era..
Several hours ago, I was reviewing the list of Motivational and Inspirational Books in an old blog post I had written; it was a list of books I recommended that every one read this decade. As I went down the list of books, something struck me as odd. I looked again and it dawned on me that my list was choc-a-bloc with books by men; inspiring men, yes, but nary a woman in sight. I started thinking about this glaring omission and decided to do a Google search of books under the generic term; motivational & inspirational. Not surprising, many book lists showed up and were dominated by popular males on the motivational speaking circuit. I wasn’t flabbergasted by my discovery, just disappointed and, perhaps, a tad frustrated.
For the last 15 years or so, most of the motivational speaking events I’ve attended have been excellent but with few women represented. I have read several papers and arguments on this subject and, particularly, those that point at the patriarchy and inequities in society. Women have gained many rights, but we are not yet equal or full beneficiaries of the exposure and advantages that benefit men. Women are making headway in the motivational speaking arena, however, there is room for growth; ditto room for growth as top A-listers in the blogosphere.
The great thing about the internet is that we can run searches on topics of interest and then build/create a list to fill an imperative gap when necessary. Since most of the reading lists I found were short on inspiring women authors, or were recommendations for women to read inspirational/motivational books that were bereft of female authors, I’ve started a list here. I’ve called it – 100 Top Inspirational & Motivational books by Women – because, at least for now, the goal is to cull 100+ books written by women that all can read and review.
I pulled together as many as I have either read or been advised to read, including some from lists on Amazon, and I am depending on you to offer your treasures to the list. Let’s gather over 100 inspiring and motivating books that we know are out there, and put the lid on what essentially is a one sided view of the self-help, inspirational and motivational field.
“As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide what is best for you – the first time around.” Oprah Winfrey
100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women… Inspirational book on poems by earliest recorded/first known female author – Enheduanna
CALL TO ACTION
What are we looking for? Books written by women on the following topics:
♥ Empowerment
♥ Inspiration
♥ Motivation
♥ Overcoming Adversity
♥ Self Esteem
♥ Life Balance
♥ Spiritual Growth and other books in that vein.
Take a look at the list of books below and recommend more; I will update the list regularly. We now have over 100+ books listed (WooHoo! Latest Update) and I know we can keep pulling those numbers up by adding recommended books from both new and established female authors. What books will you recommend that fit the bill? Every book you recommend will make a huge difference. ♥ Thank you!♥
“Each has his past shut in him like the leaves of a book known to him by heart and his friends can only read the title.” Virginia Woolf
100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women… Woman contemplating…
Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart : Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess by Betty De Shong Meador (Read briefs on Enheduanna on Wikipedia and Enheduanna on ancient.eu.com)
Yesterday, I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving & Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through (2)by Iyanla Van Zant
Triumph Over Fear: A Book of Help and Hope for People with Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Phobias by Jerilyn Ross
Second Class Citizen & The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
No Matter What by Lisa Nichols
The Invitation, The Dance, & The Call (3) by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
The Life Organizer: A Woman’s Guide to a Mindful Year & Woman’s Comfort Book: A Self-Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life (2) by Jennifer Louden
Sex and Power: Defining History, Shaping Societies by Rita Banerji
The Circle: How the Power of a Single Wish Can Change Your Life by Laura Day
Simple Abundance & Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity (2) by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Divine Demons: Reclaiming the Power of Your Destiny by Carla J. Berg
The Artist’s Way & The Right to Write: An Invitation and Initiation into the Writing Life (2) by Julia Cameron
Lean Forward into Your Life: Begin Each Day As If It Were on Purpose by Mary Anne Radmacher
The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life by Colette Baron-Reid
Married to Bhutan:How One Woman Got Lost, Said “I Do,” and Found Bliss by Linda Leaming
You Can Create An Exceptional Life by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson
Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness by Candace Cameron Bure and Darlene Schacht
Silent Screams from Within: A Woman’s Story of Tragedy to Triumph by Katrina L Sweet
Succulent Wild Woman by Sark
Battlefield of the Mind, Never Give Up & Enjoying Where You Are… (3) by Joyce Meyer
Forever, Erma: Best-Loved Writing From America’s Favorite Humorist by Erma Bombeck
A Woman’s Journey to God by Joan Borysenko.
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan
Tough Choices by Carly Fiorina
Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On by Stormie Omartian
Composing a Further Life: The Age of Active Wisdom by Mary Catherine Bateson
Long Shot: My Bipolar Life and the Horses Who Saved Me by Sylvia Harris
Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories about Women Who Made a Difference by Shirley Brosius
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Went Out into the Real World by Maria Shriver
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai
When I was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago
Forced to Grow & Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night by Sindiwe Magona
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times: 101 Daily Devotions to Inspire and Support You in Times of Need by Susan M. Heim, Karen C Talcott and Mary Beth Chapman
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
- 100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women… women read books
The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond by Pamela D. Blair
No Disrespect by Sister Souljah
DailyOM: Learning to Live by Madisyn Taylor
Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, The Wisdom of Menopause & Mother-Daughter Wisdom (3) by Christiane Northrup
Adolescent Diaries, Our Inner Conflicts, Self-Analysis & Feminine Psychology (4) by Karen Horney
Age Is Just a Number: Achieve Your Dreams at Any Stage in Your Life by Dara Torres & Elizabeth Weil
Fifty Is the New Fifty: Ten Life Lessons for Women in Second Adulthood by Suzanne Braun Levine
Souls of My Young Sisters by Candace Sandy and Dawn M Daniels
Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People by Jane Bryant Quinn
The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi
Push/Precious by Sapphire
The Book of Not: A Sequel to Nervous Condition by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Black and Abroad: Traveling Beyond the Limitations of Identity by Carolyn Vines
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesiaby Elizabeth Gilbert
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Do What You LOVE and the Money Will Follow by Marsha Sinetar
The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
Secrets About Life Every Woman Should Know: Ten Principles for Total Emotional and Spiritual Fulfillment by Barbara De Angelis
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Anowa by Ama Ata Aidoo,
Efuru by Flora Nwapa
A Question of Power by Bessie Head
The Begger’s Strike by Aminata Sow Fall
So Long A letter by Mariama Ba
Nellie Remembered by Irene Rose Light
“It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself, which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable. Maya Angelou
100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women… More books,,, livres, livres.
A Year of Little Things: 100 Simple Ways to Be Happy by Caroline Somp
All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou
Take Time for Your Life: A Personal Coach’s 7-Step Program for Creating the Life You Want, The Unmistakable Touch of Grace & The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time (3) by Cheryl Richardson
The Best Year of My Life by Debbie Ford
Sadhana of the Heart: A Collection of Talks on Spiritual Life by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Voices Of A Woman by Sharron L Stevens
Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life & Living in the Light, (2) by Shakti Gawain
A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman
Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors by Barbara Delinsky
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman
Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
Face the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
The Seed Handbook by Lynne Franks
The Enlightened Entreprenueur by Grace Bulger
Life Is Short, Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta LaRoche
Burger’s daughter by Nadine Gordimer
Finding My Balance: A Memoir with Yoga By Mariel Hemingway
Butterfly Burning by Yvonne Vera
A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
Shattered Dreams by Matilda Kauffman
“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.” Dr. Christiane Northrup
100 Top Inspirational & Motivational Books by Women… bound or not, women read.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
No Greater Love by Mother Teresa
Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles by Marianne Williamson
A Collection of Blessings by Helen Steiner Rice
In Grace for Tough Times by Mary Nelson
Esteemable Acts: 10 Actions for Building Real Self-Esteem by Francine Ward
No Mountain High Enough – Raising Lance, Raising Me by Linda Armstrong Kelly
UNSTOPPABLE, & Unstoppable Women (2) by Cynthia Kersey
Fine Black Lines Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness by Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad
So This is What it Feels Like by Jacqueline Prydie
Princess Within, The: Restoring the Soul of a Woman by Serita Ann Jakes
If Life Is a Game, These Are the Stories by Dr. Chérie Carter-Scott
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers, Spiritual Divorce and The Secret of the Shadow (2) by Debbie Ford
The Hospital by the River by Dr. Catherine Hamlin
An Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
Fearless Living & Fearless Loving (2) by Rhonda Britten
The Girl Code by Diane Farr
How To Walk On High Heels: The Girls Guide to Everything & A Year In High Heels (2) by Camilla Morton
Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James
Ask and It is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks
Everyday Sacred: A Woman’s Journey Home by Sue Bender
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Call Me Woman by Ellen Kuzwayo
Women in Their Beds: New and Selected Stories by Gina Berriault
500 Great Books by Women: A Reader’s Guide by Erica Bauermeister
A Woman’s Journey Is Her Legacy by Juanita L. Howard
Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash
Helen Keller by Pam Walker
Women of Courage: Inspiring Stories from the Women Who Lived Them by Katherine Martin
Memory Lake: The Forever Friendships of Summer by Nancy S. Kyme
A Morning Cup of Strengthening by Beth Pierpoint
Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja
Climb Every Obstacle: Eliminate Your Limits! by Anita Jefferson
Seasons Of Joy Prayer Book And Poetry By Betty Bolden
Do you read inspirational/motivational books? Have you read any recently that you believe should be added to our list? Who else might you recommend we include? This is a global list and recommendations of foreign books, with English translations, will be considered and included.
If you choose to reference/use this list, please give this post due credit. Stayed tuned as the list is frequently updated. Thank you all! 🙂
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
Positive Motivation Tip: We can all make a difference in our community if we put our minds to it and share what we know…
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Female Writer from Pompeii era, Woman retrieving a library book, POL books, Livres livres, woman with book, via Wikipedia and book on Enheduanna 1st female author via Ancient.eu.com
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
This is fantastic, Eliz!!!
I am going to print out your list…so I can start reading the ones I haven’t as yet.
Not sure I can add any..but I will put my thinking cap on.
What a great idea…and how right you are,,,we all need to support and uplift each other. 🙂
Thanks Viv and Happy Birthday! Will stop by before i head to bed and wish you another Happy Birthday! 🙂
E
Excellent idea! Here’s a few:
The Best Year of My Life, Debbie Ford
The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, Cheryl Richardson
Take Time For Your Life, Cheryl Richardson
Simplify Your Life, Elaine St. James
A Course in Miracles
Living in the Light, Shakti Gawain
Do What You LOVE and the Money Will Follow, Marsha Sinetar
Everyday Grace, Marianne Williamson
Ask and It is Given, Esther and Jerry Hicks
The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard
Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilber
The Middle Place, Kelly Corrigan
Thank you for your quick response Nancy, I will add any from your list that isn’t already on mine and update it… Hurray! I think we could go beyond 100 books. I know there are many inspirational female authors out there. 🙂 Merci, Eliz
I would mention the books of KAREN HORNEY!
Okay, give us some titles by Horney so I can add her to the list. 🙂 What does your wife recommend… I’d like to hear what she would add.✽ˆ◡ˆ♥ Thank you! Eliz
amazon.ca/Mind-Her-Own-Karen-Horney/
I’ve written in German about Karen Horney, maybe I should translate to English?
http://www.amazon.de/review/R2EMVASQCO4NXC/ref=cm_cr_dp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=3898062791&nodeID=299956&tag=&linkCode=
That would be a great idea! ✽ˆ◡ˆ♥
Books i suggest-
Laws of attraction
Rules of Life… well this book though has rules of Life..but you still gotta play by yourself.. thr r actually no rules 🙂
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
I LOVE THIS SAYING… SPLY THE LINE- BEAUTIFUL PPL DONT JUST HAPPEN…
🙂 How are you? Come back soon.
Wow! So many books I have yet to read! Thanks for sharing! I’m not sure if this would fall in your list but I’d suggest the following:
The Girl Code by Diane Farr (I lent this book to a sister of a friend and I forgot I had it until now. I should get it back!)
How To Walk On High Heels: The Girls Guide to Everything by Camilla Morton; and the sequel
A Year In High Heels by Camilla Morton
Thanks, I checked out the books you suggested and quite liked them. They are on the list… Hope all is well. 🙂
Thank you, Eliz, you inspired me to write an article about Karen Horney, titled FEAR-RAGE-LIBERTY – and that combines actual political and psychological experiences 🙂 I think Karen Horney is one of the best women’s liberation activists 🙂
I really want to read more! When I was a child you could not separate me from my books, I really miss them. I read for school now and do not make a lot of time for personal enjoyment. This list is another reminder to make time for one of my favorite hobbies!
Make the time Donna,
You can do it. I find that reading multiple copies at once, and setting aside reading time helps me. 🙂
TY!
Great idea Elizabeth! You’ve included some of my favorites, Louise Hay and Marianne Williamson to name 2. One of my favorite inspirational books is, “A Woman’s Journey to God” by Joan Borysenko. I found it very enlightening and now I see much of what she was talking about is happening in the world as women take a larger role. YAY!
I would add Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach too.
Looks like I need to get on Amazon.
Thanks for this! And I love the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, too!
Glad you like the list. I keep it updated and I’m always adding new authors. If you’d like, do check in regularly for new books and more. 🙂
TY!
E
Excellent idea and an impressive list so far. I will keep checking back to see what else your buddies suggest you add.
I’ll offer – The Hospital by the River by Dr. Catherine Hamlin, Fearless Living & Fearless Loving by Rhonda Britten
If others come up I’ll share them. Thanks for putting this together.
B
Thank you for your contributions and do check in again. We have additions that might interest you as a writer/reader.
Great list so far!
I just finished reading “An Unbearable Lightness” by Portia De Rossi.. absolutely inspiring and eye-opening…
Glad you enjoyed it. TY!
Hi Eliz.
What a fantastic idea to list these books. Perhaps you could add:-
Face the Fear and Do it Anyway – Susan Jeffers
The Seed Handbook – Lynne Franks
The Enlightened Entreprenueur – Grace Bulger
If you could post your completed list, that would be great as I would also like to print it out for future reference.
Thanks a million. Juls 🙂
Thank you Juls,
Yes, I will create a post for an updated list with new books added. 🙂
I’m glad you reminded me of Susan’s book. I will add it and the other two.
Thanks for your contribution.
E
Oh how I love this list! I love the comments too, with added books to print out. My favorite book is the Bible. I love Iris Johansen, Dan Brown, and many others. I think all books have something to offer the reader. Great post.
Yes, all books do offer something to our learning experiences… I chose this particular topic to help me find and showcase uplifting and motivational books; specifically books written by women. I’ve added some fictional pieces that inspired me and the updates will continue.
Come back soon. TY! 🙂
E
Thank you so much for this beautiful post and for the list of some great books out there with a little detail of each one. I love to read! I really like the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, along with the other inspiring thoughts and quotes to ponder.
I’m glad you like the list. I do hope you find many new books on this list to read.
TY for your support Penny! 🙂
I love anything by Joyce Meyer, Sheila Walsh.
I believe I’ve added a book or two… Thank you! 🙂
A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
Thank you Steph. I enjoyed reading that book and have added it to the list. 🙂
Very good information. Thanks
Thank you for your feedback Jeff! 🙂
Hey, I really enjoy reading your site, I’ve made it my home page :)! Cheers, Jane
Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it so much.
Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Eliz
I was very encouraged to find this site. I wanted to thank you for this special read. I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
😆 TY and come back soon! 😉
Great list! I will be printing these out today. Another book you should is a journal I found very fulfilling. It gave me the opportunity to explore my feelings on paper while dealing with some personal issues. The journal is called “A Woman’s Journey is Her Legacy.”
TY! Karen. I will add it to the list. 🙂
Wow, Eliz, this is an impressive list! Part of me thinks, “How would I ever get through this list if I tried to read them all?” and another part says, “What are you missing out on if you don’t make the attempt?” Writing books like these is what I want to do…it’s nice to know there are Phenomenal Women who have blazed a trail!
TY Elizabeth! I hear you and with blogging, reading new books requires much discipline. Start with any that calls your attention and then work your way through them. I will be adding a few new book soon. Thanks again! 🙂
Eliz
Thanks for the article and list of books. Since I attempt to read a book a week, I shouldn’t have a problem incorporating a few. Life is about learning, growing and self-discipline.
Thanks for this list…a couple I refer to often are “Grace Notes” by Alexandra Stoddard and “Kitchen Table Wisdom” by Rachel N. Remen. Also, good to have you visit and “like” one of my post!
This is quite an impressive list. It bring to mind the saying, “We’ve come a long way baby”. You’ve done a fabulous job of inspriting me to read some fantastic material. Of course, many are familiar as I have read them. However, there are some that look quite temtping.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Isadora
This list is very impressive. Enjoyed reading your post.
Be Encouraged! Be Blessed!
Lovely selection, my reading list just got bigger…
Need another lifetime just to read…forget cooking, eating, cleaning, and writing. On second thought I could not give up writing for just reading. They are both of equal importance to me.
Wonderful list!
i agree with you, faithtwins…I find my writing suffers if I don’t take time to read…or maybe I’m just wierd!
great list Elizabeth! I love that you’ve focused on women’s contributions this time around!
Hi, I’m Zarion. You recently “liked” my friend Green Thumb’s column on Charles Dickens! Three things to say:
1) A hearty thank you from all of us at Miscellaneous Soup, Inc.! (As far as you know, it’s real)
2) I like this post!!!
3)I am subscribing!
Hi Zarion,
Thanks for your feedback! Are you part of Green Thumb or do you have another blog?
Isn’t it real? 😉
Thanks again for your blog support.
Dear eof,
Green Thumb is my grumpy associate at Miscellaneous Soup, Inc. He used to have his own blog, but it “mysteriously” went missing. *evil laugh* Also, if I’m correct, Tigerboy just made a new post on Miscellaneous Soup. Could you tell him that I’m trapped in the sewers of New York? Hint: To get him to answer, ask him about his life as a superhero. Finally, you are welcome for your blog support. Keep posting!
Zarion “Getting Eaten By Rats” Kreena
P.S. Shouldn’t Harry Potter be on the list?
😆 You are quite the eccentric… should I start to worry? Harry Potter is a fine series but the protagonist is male… We look for female sheroes. I’ll think about it anyway TY! 😉
Wow, what a list to work through! I guess there’s enough material here for the next few years. I have a few I can add that I’ve read recently, but I never remember titles so I’ll have to go find the books again.
This is an amazing post. What a keeper for future reference!
TY for your feedback Eileen! 😉
That is a very good list.
Wow! Wonderful post! Haven’t read so many on that list…..heck haven’t read most on that list! Truly appreciate your efforts in compiling this post! Thanks
Reblogged this on Milenanik3's Blog and commented:
List of motivational books written by woman..great list made by wonderful woman..Check it quickly.I love time spending on Elizabeth’s site
This is a wonderful post. What an inspirational list! Thank you for sharing 🙂
A great post here, and many thanks for visiting my blog!
These are Great Books for Great Minds.They can make Someone Something Great.I pray I find them in Nigerian Bookshops.
I too recognized the loss of presence for women authors. Thank you for taking this active step to build the imprint of women. You are my she-rp.
Here are three more suggestions:
A Morning Cup of Strengthening by Beth Pierpoint
Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja
Climb Every Obstacle: Eliminate Your Limits! by Anita Jefferson
TY Anita for your comment and suggested books. They are much appreciated.
I will add them to the list ASAP! Merci. 😉
My PhD thesis is largely centered around Inanna, so was extremely pleased to see that one on the list! Good stuff!
Awesome. TY! 🙂
You have put a great deal of work into this. It’s amazing!
TY and I need to check in more often to respond to comments here… 🙂
wonderful..i myself write inspirational books i have several online..
Well good for you. Perhaps you’d like to suggest one of your books that fits with the overall theme of this post.
below is a link to the page for two of my books.
jesusmyjoy.wordpress.com/two-of-my-inspirational-books
Okay TY! Next time I update the list, I’ll add one of yours. Thanks Betty! 🙂
Thank you for the great list!
Thank you for your comment Kristin… Just discovering some comments again. 🙂
More suggestions: Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott; and Two Hearts by Linda Hoye.
TY I’ll check em out. I love Anne Lamott’s writings but I’m not familiar with Linda. 🙂
My favorite Anne Lamott book is “Bird by Bird”… It is inspirational for anyone who has a passion for writing.
TY! It is one of my favorite books on writing too. 🙂
Motivation and Inspirational books, My List:
The Cause within You by Matthew Barnnett, Life without Limits by Nick Vujicic
Hi Jackie,
TY for mentioning those terrific books but I’m adding books written by women. 🙂
oh duh, brain fart…will have to post those too 🙂 so sorry….
😆 It’s okay really… It happens to all of us. TY! 🙂
If you have room for one more, and don’t mind an author plugging her own book, “Memory Lake: The Forever Friendships of Summer”, just won first place in the inspirational category of the 2012 Next Generation Indy Book Awards. It was entered in the Memoir category, but the judges reclassed it. Thanks to Anne Lamott’s writing advice, the first publisher I approached picked it up, (Vantage Point Books).
Is this your book then? If yes, congratulations! Please add your name so I can include it with the full name. Thank you!
Thank you! Nancy S. Kyme, “Memory Lake: The Forever Friendships of Summer”, Vantage Point Books, July 2011
A wonderful list! I may have missed her on the list, Barbara kingsolver? “Last Stand”? Some of the voices from Africa .. “Unbowed” Wangari Maathai; “This Child will be Great” – Ellen Sirleaf.
Hi! This is an excellent project, I will check the list to read some of the books you are recommending, and maybe contribute with some titles. Thanks for stopping by my blog “Exploring the world: photography, travel, art” and liking my post “Weekly Photo Challenge: Urban”.
Kind greetings,
Marianne
Thank you for the list; it is awesome. And your blog is awesome too!
Thank you for your feedback. 🙂
Thank you for this great list! Many of the books I already know and many I’m not familiar with but I’m very inspired to check out. May I suggest a book I read recently and and fell in love with: Auspicious Good Fortune: One woman’s inspirational Journey from Western disillusionment to Eastern spiritual fulfilment by Sumangali Morhall. Hope you enjoy this beautifully written, honest life-story as much as I did 🙂
TY for the recommendation as I like to update the list and add new inspiring works regularly. I will check out the book you mentioned… Sounds wonderful. TY! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for liking my blog – here are a few of my faves:
When the Heart Waits – Sue Monk Kidd
Traveling Mercies – Anne Lamott
Radiance – Evelyn Underhill
Eliz,
Wow, what a list…incredible.
I was going to mention A Gift from the Sea, but you already had it there. I definitely need to print this list!
Great post! I will have to check out your lists – love books. Thanks for recently stopping by my blog to comment and like some posts!
TY for commenting here too… Let me know if you have a book in mind to add to the list. 😉
Good grief! This must have taken you forever to compile. I feel horribly ignorant. I shall take just a few suggestions to the library with me next trip.
No worries… read as much when you can. TY! 🙂
Great list indeed! We surely shouldnt miss!
Thank you for your comment. Glad you like it. If you have a book in mind, let me know. 😉
Great list! Are you familiar with Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz? A Mexican nun and mystic from the 1600s. By all accounts, brilliant, self-educated and a great advocate of women’s rights to an education. The other woman who came to mind that I didn’t see on here is Sappho, the ancient Greek poetess from the Island of Lesbos. This topic is also near and dear to my heart! There are several books on here I’m not familiar with and am looking forward to reading.
BRILLIANT! I’ve booked-marked this post and now have SO many books to look forward to! Thank you.
I love the pictures you used to illuminate your list of books.
This IS a great list! Thank you so much for putting it all together! I look forward to exploring some of the titles you have mentioned. A book that I would recommend is “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. She is the mother of 6 children and has an amazing story to tell! Another good book I’ve had recommended to me is “Undaunted” by Christine Caine. Thanks again! And thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
Sounds terrible but I haven’t read any of the books on the list. 99% of my reading is crime novels by male authors! I would love to add my own book to the list especially as it was written to genuinely inspire women – especially those who may feel old and stuck in an unhappy situation. I have a blog about my book if anyone would like to check it out: http://aredwaterproofjacket.wordpress.com/ It’s for sale on Amazon Kindle (no hardback as I have yet to find a publisher who thinks I’m worthy!).
I will definitely study the list of books here and explore some new reading! Many thanks for sharing – and for stopping by and giving my animation a Like. 🙂
Thanks for the like! Found this post very thought provoking, can I suggest Your Captivating Heart by Stasi Eldridge for the list?
Thanks again, I will consider it and add it to our list. ¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫♪Happy Holidays to You & Yours!.♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ♥
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Ooooh just thought of some more!
Mystics of the Middle Ages – Teresa of Avila (Spanish nun), Julian of Norwich (yes, a woman – English!), and more modern Teresa of Lisieux (French nun who died at 24 but fab writer) all wrote really great stuff about inner journeys of the heart. A good modern translation will make the language more accessible.
Thanks Karen, I’m familiar with all of these, and even stayed at the monastery where Teresa of Lisieux spent her last years on a recent trip to France. I will consider their works. 🙂
Thank you for visiting my blog…..I might not have found yours otherwise. I love your content and would like to explore more. The reading list is a great idea. I’m always looking for inspiration. What a great site you have.
TY Angelina ! Always glad to connect… Have a Happy New Year
Not sure how I missed this list, but Wow! Thank you.
Hi Eliz
You’ve got Maya Angelou. She is a remarkable woman.
Have you got Lisa Nichols? She heads a company called Motivating the Teen Spirit. I use a lot of her motivational sayings in the parent groups I facilitate.
Also Danielle La Porte and Kelly Diels.
Hmmm, I can’t think of any Aussie women off the top of my head. There must be some.
In the form of poetry…
Mary Oliver
Patience Strong
Thanks for this great resource!
I’d add:
How the Light Gets In: Writing as a spiritual practice, by Pat Schneider
This I Know: Notes on unravelling the heart, by Susannah Conway
Thank you for your feedback Hannah! Next time I update the list, I’ll include both recommended books. 🙂
Eliz
TY for the reblog! 🙂
Elizabeth
Check out the compelling new book “A Bright New Place” by Fiona O’Branyll!
I will. Thank you!