Life can be tough at times. We get knocked down, we get up and try again. Whenever I need help, I generally turn to books, specifically books written by women who struggled with the things I am currently dealing with. Gone are the days of generic “self-help.” I crave memoirs and autobiographies that are real, offer practical tips, and are empathetic to my situation. If you are struggling in any area of your life or craving a good memoir that offers sound advice, the stories of these five women are just what you need.
1; YEAR OF YES, Shonda Rhimes
In Rhimes’ deeply moving and inspiring memoir, Year Of Yes she details how deciding to say “YES” to the really scary things changed her life for the better. As far as memoirs go, this was deeply moving and insightful.
What I love most about this book is how it subtly highlights how we limit ourselves when we say no, and how saying “yes” (to certain things) really opens our world and makes us braver. I highly recommend this inspiring read to anyone who is struggling to say yes to that job opportunity, to starting that business, to going back to school, to going on that dream vacation alone… this book will change your life.
2: CARRY ON, WARRIOR: THOUGHTS ON LIFE UNARMED, Glennon Doyle Melton
Glennon Doyle Melton is the creator the blog Momstaery.com. Carry On, Warrior is a compilation of some of her most popular blog posts, along with new stories from her life. What I loved most about this book was how deeply relatable the author is. It is as if your best friend was talking to you through this book. She offered just the right amount of scolding, comfort and advice necessary to get you going.
Melton makes the point that “Life is hard—not because we’re doing it wrong, just because it’s hard.” A heart-warming, humorous read for anyone, especially Moms who are going through it.
3: SHRILL: NOTES FROM A LOUD WOMAN, Lindy West
It took me a long time to admit this, but I am loud. I would go as far as to say majority of my friends are also loud. Whenever we get together, there is a loudness that surrounds us. It is no wonder I adored Lindy West’s memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman. In this hilarious memoir West boldly shares her experience with fat shaming, feminism, abortion, and self-love.
Lindy West is a loud woman and in so many ways I relate to her in this book because of how vulnerable and funny she is. If you feel as if you have been making yourself small in any area of your life, if you struggle with loving yourself or if you are silencing yourself to please someone, this is the book you want to pick up.
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