10 Nonfiction and Autobiographical Books Every Woman Should Read

Hearing and elevating female voices has been an essential part of the feminist movement. With the rise of the Me Too Movement there was a dramatic increase in the number of women who finally felt empowered to tell their stories publicly to the media, in books, and online through apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Tiktok. As women continue coming forward, society works to become a more equal, educated, understanding, and empathic place. That’s why we’re excited to talk about 10 nonfiction books and autobiographies written by women that showcase what female power looks like and what it can do to usher in great change. 

In these incredibly fascinating autobiographies, essays, and memoirs, the voices of past and present female figures shine a light on the journey women face, still very much a minority in many places all around the world. With laughter, wisdom, and grit, all of the authors below have put their personal experiences on the page to fight for equality and inspire girls everywhere.

10 Inspiring Nonfiction Books and Autobiographies Every Woman Should Read 

1. Becoming: Michelle Obama

Dive into this powerful memoir written by Michelle Obama, the first African American woman to become the First Lady of the United States, and learn about what made her into the inspirational woman she is today! 

2. We Should All Be Feminists: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A quicker read than any of the others on this list, We Should All Be Feminists is no less mighty. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tackles politics and the way it intersects with feminism to have an honest and educated conversation with the reader about womanhood in the 21st century. 

3. Educated: A Memoir

Receiving raving reviews from figures like Bill Gates and Barack Obama in addition to numerous awards, Educated is a moving story about a young, sheltered woman from Idaho who must overcome her past in order to cultivate her own path toward success. 

4. We Are Never Meeting in Real Life.: Essays

For a funny, relatable, and sassy account on some of the most mundane and yet interesting parts of life, Samantha Irby writes unabashedly about her own experiences in We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. 

5. Voices of Powerful Women: Words of Wisdom from 40 of the World’s Most Inspiring Women

A fascinating look at women who have achieved great feats as artists, writers, scientists, politicians, and more, this book uses real interviews from 40 influential figures to inspire hope in young women everywhere! For girls who want to do big things and change the world, it makes sense to look to those who have already done so in the past! 

6. My Own Words: RBG

As a female advocate, clever writer and speaker, and Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg has had many notable moments that showcase her wisdom and influence. With the help of Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, the reader learns more about the life justice Ginsberg led and the context shaping her most inspiring moments and interviews. 

7. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings 

The book is a classic for a very important reason. In a raw and honest memoir by Maya Angelo, the beautiful writer reveals the intimate details of her childhood and the heartbreaking challenges she faced. Her transformative use of perspective proves to millions why she became one of the most influential writers in all of literary history. 

8. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban

A story of extreme bravery and resilience, I Am Malala proves to millions that one girl’s voice can change the world. Experience the gripping tale through the eyes of Malala as she fights for women’s rights in a war torn country that fails to protect, respect, or acknowledge females in favor of men.   

9. Men Explain Things to Me

Mansplaining is a funny thing, because it seems like men don’t know that they’re doing it. Like – All the time. In this blunt and hilarious series of essays, Rebecca Solnit navigates interpersonal relationships and looks at the role gender plays in how humans converse with one another. 

10. The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts

An important read addressing what it means to be both a Chinese immigrant and a female in the United States, The Woman Warrior follows Maxine Hong Kingston as she tries to find her own identity. She blends tales from mythology with true accounts from her mother to create a captivating story about growing up, understanding cultural heritage, love, and sacrifice.