Best Inspirational Books for Women in Their 40s, 50s+
In this article, I’m sharing what I believe are the best inspirational books for women, the ones that have genuinely moved me, changed the way I think, and helped me grow through some of life’s biggest seasons.
I’ve been a reader my whole life. Books have always been my go-to for wisdom, comfort, and a good kick in the pants when I needed one.
Whether you’re in your 40s navigating big life transitions, in your 50s stepping into a more intentional season, or in your 60s (like me!) embracing everything this chapter has to offer, there is something on this list for you.
From life-changing self-help books and powerful memoirs written by women to classic fiction that will stay with you forever, these are the titles I return to again and again, and the ones I press into the hands of every woman I love.
Grab your reading list, sister. Let’s get into it!
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The Best Self-help Books For Women in Their 40s
Each of these personal growth books sheds light on a corner of our lives we didn’t know needed attention, and then hands us the tools to do something about it.
“Let Them” by Mel Robbins
I love this book!
Reading “Let Them” by Mel Robbins has been a transformative experience for me. The book’s central message—allowing people to make their own choices while focusing on my own happiness—has helped clarify my desires and navigate my emotions.
The mantra “let them” has become part of my daily routine, reminding me to empower others and reclaim my own boundaries.
Mels’ straightforward writing style makes her practical advice easy to digest, and I found myself reflecting on her insights as I read.
Overall, “Let Them” is an empowering guide that I highly recommend to anyone seeking to let go, set boundaries, and cultivate a positive mindset. It has inspired me to embrace my journey while supporting others in theirs.
You Are a Badass By Jen Sincero
This little yellow book is packed full of gold!
This how-to guide helps us understand why we are how we are, love and accept things we can’t change, and change what isn’t working in our lives by teaching us how to kick some serious booty.
Full of funny and inspiring stories and solid advice, you can quickly identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want.
And how to make lasting changes to create a life you love by following some easy exercises.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a *uck By Mark Manson
This is not your average self-help book.
Controversial title aside, this book isn’t just about not giving a *uck, but about not wasting your precious life getting all worked about things that are not worthy of your energy and time.
But instead, it shows you to focus on what is truly important: family, friends, and you’re well-being.
If you get caught up in too much of life’s BS and wish to stop and focus on the right stuff, this book will set you on a better track.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic habits provide a foundation for creating good habits and kicking bad ones.
The book is based on scientific research in real-life examples illustrating how tiny little changes and behaviors can make a huge difference in our lives.
I had this book on my to-read list for quite a while and just recently read it. I’ve since started applying some of the lessons in the book, like habit stacking, with great results!
It gives concrete ways to adopt healthy, positive habits that are easy to apply in real life.
More than worth the four-hour read. (I listened to the audiobook)
The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
I found this memoir by Shonda Rhimes to be very inspirational and motivating, not to mention funny!
The Year of yes is about Shonda Rhimes’s story of how although tremendously successful, she was living a very introverted lifestyle due to fear.
She decided to say yes to everything that scared her for one year.
This is a great read if you want to change your life and need motivation.
I listened to this the year of yes on audible.
The Four Agreements
In this bestselling book, author Don Miguel Ruiz explains the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.
Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a code of conduct that can help transform our lives to experience freedom, true happiness, and love.
Once I got past the first chapter, I was intrigued by the four agreements themselves, which are (Spoiler alert)
1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Never take things personally. 3. Don’t make assumptions, and 4. Always do your best.
Since first reading this book back in 2003, I have adapted these agreements in my life and have found them extremely useful.
Well worth the quick read!
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
In this book, author Gretchen Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent learning how to be happier.
Using various techniques and theories, you will learn how to find happiness even in the simplest of places, how to find balance in life, that even small changes can increase happiness, and how to get rid of things that suck your energy and, therefore, happiness.
This book is great for people searching for work-life balance and self-fulfillment.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
I first read this book in 2013. It changed my life. No kidding.
In this award-winning New York bestseller, Brené shows us that vulnerability is not weakness but, in fact, our most accurate measure of courage. That vulnerability is a place of power!
Brené provides guidance for a better life by shedding light on shame and helping us live shame-free lives. Thank heaven!
This book is for anyone who wants to live a courageous life instead of hiding from challenges or fear.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
This is one of the most talked-about books for women in midlife — and for very good reason.
In “Untamed,” Glennon Doyle shares the story of how, at 40 years old, she began listening to the voice inside herself that she had spent a lifetime ignoring. It is a memoir and a manifesto all in one, raw, brave, and deeply honest.
If you have spent your life putting everyone else first, shrinking yourself to fit a role, or wondering if there is more to life than what you have settled for, this book will speak directly to your soul.
One of the best inspirational books for women over 40. Full stop.
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Best Memoirs for Women by Women
These are my favorite memoirs for women by women! Each title has grabbed my heart in different ways.
Wild: From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
This New York Times Bestseller is a beautiful memoir by Cheryl Strayed.
She hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—ALONE!
This story is suspenseful, warm, and funny and encompasses her journey to healing beautifully.
A great read for anyone facing loss and looking for healing.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of her successful life and find what she truly wanted from life.
She explores the art of pleasure in Italy, the art of devotion in India, and a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali.
This is an excellent read for anyone longing to live a full and authentic life who may need a little push for big changes.
I laughed and cried when I first read this book; you will too
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Becoming is a beautiful and inspirational story written by Michelle Obama about her life and experience from being raised on the south side of Chicago to becoming the first African-American first lady of the United States.
I found Michelle’s storytelling to be intriguing as well as heartwarming.
This is a great book for anyone who loves an inspirational story, a good ‘girl power read,’ and even for people eager to make a difference in the world!
Word of warning, it’s a pretty long read, so I listened to most of it on Audible.
It’s read by Michelle, which made it even better!
The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou by Maya Angelou
This book contains six celebrated and bestselling autobiographies by gifted author Maya Angelou.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas, The Heart of a Woman, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, and A Song Flung Up to Heaven.
I promise this collection of Maya Angelou’s writings is deeply inspiring and would make a wonderful gift!
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Finding me, written by award-winning actress Viola Davis is a raw, intimate story of her life.
Viola says she wrote Finding me for anyone ‘running through life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying to get to some form of self-love.
For anyone who needs reminding that a life worth living can only be born from radical honesty and the courage to shed facades and be . . . you.’
At the time of this writing, I have just started to listen to FInding me on Audible, and I’m already hooked.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
This memoir-meets-self-help book by therapist Lori Gottlieb is one of the most compelling books I have come across in years.
Lori takes us inside her therapy sessions with her clients and into her own sessions as a patient, revealing how all of us get stuck, and how we find our way forward. It is honest, insightful, funny, and deeply moving.
If you have ever been in therapy, wondered about it, or are simply trying to understand yourself better, this is the book for you. One of the best personal growth books for women over 50 I have ever read.
Inspirational Books for Women Written by Women
These inspirational books for women will surely deliver an unmeasurable about of wisdom and enlightenment!
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This transformative book tackles the challenges of living a creative life (we were all born creative) while urging us to live a life of lead by curiosity instead of fear.
This book has helped me to break through creative blocks, fears, frustrations, and even imposter syndrome.
If you want to chase your dreams and turn your creative ideas into the reality-this book is for you!
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Power of now offers a way to end suffering and achieve inter-peace.
Teaching us that living fully in the present moment is the only way to fly! 🙂
And the necessity of letting go of the ego, which is part of the mind that seeks control over everything.
This book is for those seeking peace and enlightenment.
I had difficulty reading this book, so I listened to it on Audible, which worked much better.
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
This is a must-read book!
In this little gem of a book, Oprah shares this collection of essays from her experiences and life lessons―which she’s shared in O, The Oprah Magazine’s “What I Know For Sure” column.
These essays have been revised, updated, and collected in this beautiful, cloth-bound book with a ribbon marker packed with insight and revelation.
Organized by theme-joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power; these essays are candid, uplifting, and humorous.
You will love, love, love every word.
Makes a beautiful gift.
More Non-Fiction Books for Women
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck By Sara Knight
This hilarious and practical journal explains how to rid yourself of unwanted obligations, shame, and guilt.
It shows us how to give our “f*cks” to people and things that make us happy. And not to the people and things that weigh us down.
The easy two-step NotSorry Method for mental decluttering will help you unleash the power of not giving a f*ck about family drama, having a perfect body, people’s useless opinions, and tons of other BS.
This book is perfect for the person who is sick and tired of feeling stressed out by the world’s ridiculousness.
Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich by Lois P. Frankel
In this eye-opening book, Lois P. Frankel shows us that without our awareness, behaviors learned as a girl prevent us from becoming a woman who is financially independent and free to follow our dreams.
Then she helps us discover the financial thinking that keeps us stuck in old patterns, dependent relationships, and jobs where we earn less than we deserve.
Once we get to the root of the problem, Frankel helps us solve it. Her coaching tips help us to take control of our finances and make more money than we ever thought possible.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The life-changing Magic of tidying up is a guide to decluttering and much more!
It may be hard to believe that a book about organizing and decluttering would be one of those “life-changing books,” but it’s true!
This book will give you some solid organizing and decluttering tips and help you understand how to let go of things that don’t spark joy.
This book is perfect for those who want to get their lives in order!
The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance
Want a successful career?
This informative and practical guide to understanding the importance of confidence in our modern society and learning how to achieve it.
This female empowerment book is for women of all ages and at all stages of their careers.
With cutting-edge research in genetics, gender, behavior, and cognition and with examples from their own lives and those of other successful women in politics, media, and business, this book offers women both inspiration and practical advice women need to achieve the careers they want and deserve.
This is one of the most popular books for girl bosses and female entrepreneurs and is worth the read.
The Wisdom of Menopause by Dr. Christine Northrup
This #1 New York Times bestseller gives women a new vision of midlife!
This book talks about how “the change” isn’t just about the physical symptoms of menopause but also a mind-body experience.
She highlights that women can choose vibrant health and well-being through healthy choices, relationships, and more.
The Best Fiction Books for Women (of all time)
Below are my all-time favorite pieces of fiction for women. These titles left a life-long impression on me and the world.
Every woman should read Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, The Handmaid’s Tale, and To kill a mockingbird.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and prejudice is a beautiful love story of two people who must let go of their pride and prejudice to be together.
If you are in the mood for a good love story and haven’t read Pride and Prejudice, it’s high time you did!
The perfect book for the true romantic and lover of classic novels.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Another classic, Little Women, is a coming-of-age novel of four sisters during and after the Civil War.
With their father away at war and their mother working to support the family, these four young women have to rely on one another.
Many beautiful life lessons are woven throughout this story about the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, hard work, love, and family.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s tale is a modern classic based on the future after environmental disasters and declining birthrates led to a Second American Civil War.
The result is the rise of the Republic of Gilead, which enslaves the few remaining fertile women.
I have found the story to be deeply moving and complex and, therefore, not for the faint of heart.
To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel and is one of my all-time favorite books!
I first read this book as a young girl in high school for an English assignment.
Set in Alabama in the mid-1930, it’s a heart-wrenching tale of a courageous lawyer—who risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
Told through the eyes of his young daughter, nicknamed Scout-this book is full of life lessons and takeaways.
And as I reread this book recently, I felt a deep sadness as I realized that as far as we have come since the 1930s, we still have a long way to go in learning love, equality, and justice, among other things.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a must-read for everyone on the planet.
More Great Reads for Women
Memoirs for Women Over 40
- A Life by Ruth Bader Ginsburg -A remarkable account of one of the most influential legal minds in American history. Inspiring for any woman who has had to fight for a seat at the table.
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg -A candid and motivating call for women to pursue their ambitions and not hold themselves back. A classic for women in business.
- The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates -Melinda Gates explores how empowering women lifts entire communities. A warm, hopeful, and deeply researched book.
- Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso -A fun, scrappy memoir about building a fashion empire from scratch. Energizing for any woman with an entrepreneurial streak.
- Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey -Unconventional, philosophical, and surprisingly moving. A great read for anyone who loves a good life story told with personality.
Non-Fiction
- Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven – Short, punchy, and packed with lessons about discipline, resilience, and showing up fully. One of the most motivating reads on this list.
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown – A beautiful companion to “Daring Greatly,” this book is a guide to letting go of who you think you should be and embracing who you are.
- You Do You by Sarah Knight – A witty and liberating book about owning your choices without guilt or apology. Great follow-up to “The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck.”
Fiction
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece about resilience, sisterhood, and the healing power of love. Profoundly moving.
- Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng – A gripping and beautifully written story about family secrets, identity, and the weight of unspoken expectations.
- Beloved by Toni Morrison – One of the most powerful novels ever written. Haunting, poetic, and unforgettable.
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – A timeless story about a woman who refuses to compromise her integrity or her heart. Still as relevant as ever.
- To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf – A lyrical and contemplative novel about time, memory, and what we leave behind. Best savored slowly.
- Middlemarch by George Eliot – A sweeping, wise novel about ordinary people living extraordinary inner lives. Often called the greatest novel in the English language.
- White Teeth by Zadie Smith – A funny, sharp, and brilliantly written novel about identity, family, and belonging across cultures and generations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Books for Women
What are the best books for women going through midlife changes?
Some of the most helpful books for women navigating midlife transitions include “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown, “The Wisdom of Menopause” by Dr. Christiane Northrup, and “The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes. Each one addresses the inner work that midlife so often invites us to do.
What is the best self-help book for women over 50?
It depends on where you are in life! If you want practical habits and personal growth, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is hard to beat. If you are craving emotional healing and self-discovery, “Daring Greatly” or “Untamed” are powerful choices. For a spiritual and mindful approach, “The Power of Now” is deeply transformative.
What are the best books for women who want to reinvent themselves?
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and “How to Reinvent Yourself at 50” (check this article for more) are wonderful starting points for women who are ready to begin again.
Are there good books specifically about women’s health and menopause?
Yes! “The Wisdom of Menopause” by Dr. Christiane Northrup is the gold standard. You can also explore this in-depth guide to skincare for menopausal skin for more wellness resources tailored to women in midlife.
What are the best memoirs for women over 40?
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama, “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “Finding Me” by Viola Davis, and “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb are all beautifully written memoirs that will move, inspire, and stay with you long after the last page.
What book should I read if I want to feel more confident?
“The Confidence Code” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman is an excellent research-backed read on building confidence. Pair it with “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero for a double dose of encouragement!
Related to Inspirational Books for Women
Final Thoughts on Inspirational Books for Women in Their 40s+
I hope you have enjoyed this list of the best inspirational books for women and found a few titles that are calling your name!
Books have been one of the greatest gifts of my life. They have carried me through grief, helped me grow, challenged my thinking, and reminded me again and again that I am not alone in this journey.
Whether you grab one of these classics for yourself or gift it to a woman you love, I hope it meets you exactly where you are.
I would love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let me know which books on this list you have read, which ones you are adding to your reading list, and if there is a favorite I missed.
XO, Christine
I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 😊
I’m a child of God, devoted wife, proud mama and grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and passionate self-care enthusiast.
I’m purpose-driven and do my best to live each day with intention—whether shopping for treasures, painting in my art studio, digging in the garden, or cooking up something yummy for my family.
I’m always up for a good chat and love collaborating with fellow creatives and brands.
Let’s connect—don’t be shy!
