1. The Diary Of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait (by Frida Kahlo)
This beautiful book provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the artist Frida Kahlo. Spanning the final ten years of her life, her diary is a riot of ideas, color, insights, and personal reflections. These pages contain her thoughts on pain, love, art, dreams, and memories. She also explores her troubled relationship with her husband, artist Diego Rivera. If you have ever wanted to see the creative process in action, this 170-page journal is a must-read. Kahlo is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Not only did she create many stunning works of art, but she did so whilst suffering tremendous pain – she undertook 35 surgical operations over the course of her life. Readers love this book for its raw honesty, its creative appearance, and the immediate insight it grants into Kahlo’s life, cultural influences, psychology, and creativity. Kahlo is undoubtedly one of the fiercest female artists who ever lived! Reading time: Approximately 6 hours and 7 minutes
2. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (by Maya Angelou)
This poignant, heartrending book describes the author’s experience of growing up as a young black woman in the American South during the 1930s, and later in California during the 1940s. Despite suffering racial abuse, parental abandonment, familial instability, sexual assault, and teenage pregnancy, Maya comes to love and accept herself. Her memoir testifies to both the best and worst of human nature, and outlines her early forays into civil rights activism. Readers love this book for its unflinching honesty – racial discrimination, sexism, and numerous other social issues are skilfully addressed by the author. It is a powerful, emotional book that mixes tragedy with triumph, and shows just how strong women can be under even the most harrowing of circumstances. Reading Time: Approximately 6 hours and 16 minutes
3. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education & Was Shot By The Taliban (by Malala Yousafazi)
Malala Yousafazi is an advocate for Pakistani women’s right to education. She has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work, making her the youngest-ever recipient to win the award. When the Taliban gained control of Malala’s town, they banned girls from going to school. Malala decided to stand up for her rights. As a result, she was shot in the head whilst riding a bus home from school. Miraculously, the 15-year-old girl survived. This book details her story and asks thought-provoking questions concerning the future of education in Pakistan and around the world. Readers enjoy this book for its captivating, politically-charged narrative of a young girl’s remarkable fight against an oppressive regime. Malala’s father, who encouraged her to battle for the right to an education, is also given a voice. Malala is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive young advocates of the 21st century. Reading Time: Approximately 7 hours and 36 minutes
4. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) (by Mindy Kaling)
Comedy writer and actress Mindy Kaling’s book contains her many detailed observations on the most important areas of modern living, including romance, fame, friendships, Hollywood, and life in general. The book charts her rise from a 19-year-old intern to one of the most respected female sitcom writers working in America today. Mindy is an accomplished, articulate woman with plenty to say – a great role model for young women looking to make it in Hollywood. Fans of Mindy love this book because it’s a humorous, breezy ride through both Mindy’s life and the modern entertainment profession. Reading Time: Approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes
5. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (by Sheryl Sandberg & Nell Scovell)
For a long time, the business world has been unsure how to broach the issue of female ambition. Why are there so few women leaders? Sheryl Sandberg’s inspirational book tackles this topic head-on. Sandberg speaks in frank terms about why women have so little self-confidence at work, and how they can take charge of their careers. Only around 20% of heads of state are women, and fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are female. In this book, Sandberg talks about her own impressive business career, showing herself as a thought leader and trailblazer in the field of women’s equality in the workplace. Readers appreciate this book as a practical yet inspiring book that offers a first-hand glimpse into the challenges of making it as a successful businesswoman in the modern era. Sandberg’s personal success is a great model for inspiring female entrepreneurs of all ages. Inspiring women are everywhere! Why not pick up these books today and discover just how far women have come over the years? You never know – they might just change your life.