25 Books Every Black Women Should Read
Finding the time to sit down and relax and indulge can be harder than you think when you’re trying to build an empire. Us women can often get busy trying to juggle so many things in life. When was the last time you actually sat down and actually read a book? For me, I know the hardest thins is finding books that I find interesting and can keep my attention. It has always been said that knowledge is power and reading is a past time that I do enjoy, and want to do more often.
Finding time for yourself isn’t easy, but remember to do it! Set aside time for your mentality and self-care. Below is a list of books I curated that can help improve your life.
Career & Entrepreneurship
Leave Your Mark (2015) by Aliza Licht
Drawing invaluable lessons from her experience, Licht shares advice, inspiration, and a healthy dose of real talk in LEAVE YOUR MARK. She delivers personal and professional guidance for people just starting their careers and for people who are well on their way.
WERK 101 (2016) by Koereyelle DuBose
WERK 101 is for the modern-day woman who is looking to learn a few life lessons. Dubose gives the perfect advice that liberates and empowers all women.
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office (2014) by Lois P. Frankel
This book teaches you how to eliminate these unconscious mistakes that could be holding you back and offers invaluable coaching tips that can easily be incorporated into your social and business skills. The results for hundreds of thousands of women have been career opportunities they never thought possible-at every stage of their career, from entry-level to the corner office!
Successful Women Think Differently (2012) by Valorie Burton
In this book, Valerie strives to help women change their thought processes. As an author and certified coach, she knows all too well the importance our mindsets can have on our outlook of life. She breaks it down and helps you change the way you see your failures, fears, and self-control.
Self- Improvement
The Misadventures of An Awkward Girl (2015) by Issa Rae
While some of us have wild and outspoken personality traits, a lot of us are introverted. In this book, Issa Rae tells us all about her life as an awkward black girl.
Milk and Honey (2015) by Rupi Kaur
The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache. Milk and Honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.
The Sisters Are Alright (2015) by Tamara Winfrey-Harris
This book explores all of the negative opinions and views that are being spewed out against black women. Many of these stereotypes are displayed in the media, for many people to see and comment on. She kills those prejudices with facts.
Send It On (2014) by Jouelzy
Send It On is written by YouTube vlogger Jouelzy. She is famous for touching on many touchy topics, including pop culture. Send It On is a collection of short written through her own eyes.
Relationships & Dating
I Had a Nice Time And Other Lies (2016) by The Betches
This book has become a guide for many women when it comes to dating. Let’s face it, often times we are not as honest as we should be with ourselves and the person we’re dating. This book brings those truths to the forefront.
Another Brooklyn (2016) by Jaqueline Woodson
This novel follows four girls whose lives are far from a fairytale. Growing up in the tough streets of Brooklyn, New York, the girls are forced to deal with drugs, sexual predators, racism, poverty and a slew of other things. Jaqueline Woodson tells a story of young girls, with absentee parents, whose lives sit on a teeter-totter of joyous and hell-full. These women’s stories show how one can start at the bottom and maneuver their way to the top.
Letters To My Ex (2016) by Cici. B
Letters To My Ex was written for any woman who has loved a man who didn’t love them back the same.
“Remember when you met me? How happy I was? How I was always smiling and shit? I had just left my ex and was making moves on my own…”
Cici does a great job of making her work relatable to the reader. Every BAUCE woman has experienced a heartache or two.
The Engagement Game(2017) by Joi Marie McKenzie
Ambitious, confident, and successful, Joi-Marie believes she has it all figured out. At 28 years old, she has an enviable job as a producer, covering entertainment in New York City. Her close-knit family is loving and encouraging, and her boyfriend, Adam, is as close to perfect as you can get -- except for the fact that he won't propose.
Fashion & Beauty
You Can’t Touch My Hair (2016) by Phoebe Robinson
Being a black woman in America means contending with old prejudices and fresh absurdities every day. Comedian Phoebe Robinson has experienced her fair share over the years: she's been unceremoniously relegated to the role of “the black friend,” as if she is somehow the authority on all things racial; she's been questioned about her love of U2 and Billy Joel and much more in this hilarious and timely essay collection about race, gender, and pop culture.
Face Value (2016) by Autumn Whitefield-Madrano
A thought-provoking examination of how we think and talk about beauty today—and the unexpected and often positive ways that beauty shapes our lives. Autumn Whitefield-Madrano thoughtfully examines the relationship between appearance and science, social media, sex, friendship, language, and advertising to show how beauty actually affects us day to day.
Butterfly Transition (2016) by Diana Ramsey
Transitioning can be hard, but not with this book. Whether you are natural, thinking about becoming natural, or already big chopped, this book is for you. Butterfly Transition takes you beyond hairstyles, products, and techniques into living a life of authenticity—inside and out.
How to Slay (2018) by Constance C.R. White
How to Slay offers a lavishly illustrated overview of African American style through the twentieth century, focusing on the last thirty-five years. This book explores the cultural underpinnings of Black trends that have become so influential in mainstream popular culture and a bedrock of fashion vernacular today.
Health
Black Women's Mental Health (2018) by Stephanie Y. Evans
Creates a new framework for approaching Black women’s wellness, by merging theory and practice with both personal narratives and public policy.
Sacred Pampering Principles (1998) by Debrena J. Gandy
While this book was aimed at giving African-American women different options for pampering, and saving cash while doing it, it can be applied to every woman’s life! Gandy fills your mind with just the right amount of peace and balance. Women should pamper themselves without feeling ashamed of it!
Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity (2012) by Queen Afua
Queen Afua encourages growth and development with the power of healing. Learn to get through life obstacles and truly learn from them.
Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls (2015) by Jes Baker
Hey—We’re not all a size 2 okay? And I for one have definitely struggled with my weight in the past. In this book, Jes Baker tells it like it is! As a BBW herself, she knows what its like to be judged on her appearance. She rises above her naysayers and gives women the confidence and courage to feel proud of their bodies.
Personal Finance
Girl Get Your Money Straight (2002) by Glinda Bridgforth
It is not uncommon to have unrealistic spending habits. In comparison to what we have in our banks, it can be so hard to pull yourself away from that new handbag or clothes for next season. Again, this book will help you shape your spending habits into something you can be proud of.
The Smart Money Woman (2016) by Arese Ugwu
This is a tale of a woman who’s spending habits are digging her deeper and deeper into a financial bind. Arese Ugwu introduces us to Zuri, a soon to be ‘smart money woman’. There is a teaching within each chapter of Zuri’s life as she faces spending, debt, and other financial woes.
Lead Like A Woman (2016) by Michelle McQuaid and Megan Dalla-Camina
Are you struggling with mustering up enough courage to make a huge change in your life? Or, do you feel that you are like the leadership skills you desire? Lead Like A Woman will help you get there.
31 Days of Living Well and Spending Zero (2015) by Ruth Soukup
The easiest way to save money is not to spend it — now that’s more challenging than it sounds. Use this book as a guide to help you get yoru budgeting back on track and see holistic changes in your life.
31 Days to Radically Reduce Your Expenses (2016) by Kaylin Brooke
Like many other how-to guides, this book is meant to help you change your spending habits. Hey folks, there are ways of saving money on a daily, ya’ know? Kaylin Brooke shows you just how to do that! You’ll save and stack dough in no time!