7 Empowering Books to Help You Find Yourself
Discover Your True Self with These Inspiring Reads
When browsing through the often sexist ‘Books for Women’ section, it’s easy to notice that most stories revolve around romance. However, we’ve curated a list of exceptional books that focus on women finding themselves, rather than just a romantic partner.
1. ‘Still Me’ by Jojo Moyes
Although the series about Louisa Clark and the bestseller ‘Me Before You’ were initially intended as romantic stories, the latest installment sees Lou less focused on her love interest. Instead, she’s on a journey to understand what she truly wants and who she wants to be. Lou is ready to work hard and even moves to a new city to achieve her goals. This book was released just last month.
2. ‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant, an awkward and socially inept woman, has always successfully avoided human interaction. She has no friends, prefers drinking alone in the evenings, and her life follows a monotonous routine. That is until a new colleague, Raymond, enters her life and helps her open up. This story delves deep into loneliness, psychological trauma, and family conflicts, without focusing on romance.
3. ‘Peony’ by Pearl S. Buck
In this candid novel, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck shares a deeply personal story about the complex journey into adulthood and self-realization. Based on the author’s life, the book follows Joan Richards, a woman trying to find herself in the small town where she was born and raised, while also dealing with a failed marriage. After leaving her husband, the protagonist reflects on her old life and begins to build something entirely new.
4. ‘What Should I Be?’ by Sheila Heti
Discover your true self through a uniquely feminine lens. As described in the synopsis, this book is ‘part literary novel, part self-help guide, part exploration of sexual impulse.’ This powerful story is not about first love or fighting for love, but rather about finding your place in the world.
5. ‘Akata Witch’ by Nnedi Okorafor
In this fantastic novel by renowned author Nnedi Okorafor, you’ll encounter magic, mystery, and love that has nothing to do with romance. A young African albino girl discovers she doesn’t fit in but realizes she possesses magical abilities. Fortunately, she meets others like her and learns to understand and love herself for who she is.
6. ‘Fear of Flying’ by Erica Jong
Despite being listed among the world’s most sensual novels, this book’s main focus is the protagonist’s struggle with her phobias, complexes, and manias. Along the way, she grapples with questions like whether she should get married and have children, or if she should follow the path others expect of her.
7. ‘Three Strong Women’ by Marie NDiaye
Don’t let the title fool you; the women in Marie’s story are much more than just strong. They are complex characters whose lives take unexpected turns, facing tough choices like losing their families or entering unwanted marriages. The protagonists discover they are much stronger and more resilient than they ever imagined.
