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Empowering Books for Black Women — Must-Reads That Levels You Up
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items As a Black woman who loves books that speak to our stories, I’ve handpicked my favorites — from romance to self-care reads. These are the books I’d recommend to my best friend over coffee, the ones that make you laugh, cry, and feel seen.
Sections
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Empowering Non-Fiction
Black Love & Romance
Powerful Fiction & Drama
Memoirs & True Stories
Career & Money Moves
Wellness & Self-Care Reads
Empowering Non-Fiction
Uplifting reads to boost your confidence, fuel your goals, and remind you of your worth.
Shonda had me laughing, nodding, and rethinking how I say “yes” to life.
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Elaine’s story made me feel unstoppable. It’s like a pep talk from a friend who gets it.
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)
A beautiful celebration of identity, strength, and the magic within every Black girl.
Black Girl Magic: A Poem by Mahogany L. Browne, Jess X. Snow | eBook (NOOK ...
Black Love & Romance
Joyful, heartfelt, and unapologetically romantic — love stories where we shine.
A smart, laugh-out-loud romance with characters that feel so real, you’ll wish you could text them. Bolu’s banter is unmatched.
Honey and Spice: A Novel by Bolu Babalola, Paperback
A second-chance love story that’s messy, sexy, and deeply emotional — I was hooked from page one.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, Paperback
Heartbreak, healing, and a love that refuses to die — Kennedy Ryan knows how to make you feel every word.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan, Paperback
Powerful Fiction & Drama
Rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and themes that stay with you long after the last page.
A thoughtful and witty take on love, race, and culture, following a Nigerian woman’s journey between Lagos, London, and America. Perfect if you enjoy romance with rich social commentary.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Paperback
A powerful story of resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery, set in the American South. If you need a read that will touch your heart and inspire you, start here.
The Color Purple (Pulitzer Prize Winner) by Alice Walker, Paperback
A sharp, suspenseful mix of workplace drama and social satire. Ideal if you like thrillers with a smart take on race, ambition, and office politics.
The Other Black Girl: A Novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris, Paperback
Memoirs & True Stories
Honest and inspiring life stories from extraordinary Black women.
Michelle’s memoir is like sitting down with a wise, inspiring friend. She shares her journey with honesty and warmth, making it perfect if you need motivation to chase your dreams and stay true to yourself.
Becoming by Michelle Obama, Paperback
Viola’s story is raw, courageous, and deeply moving. She opens up about her struggles and triumphs, making this a must-read if you need a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis, Paperback
Maya’s memoir is a lyrical, powerful tale of overcoming hardship with grace and strength. If you want a story that shows the beauty of resilience, this is it.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, Paperback
Career & Money Moves
Guides to building wealth, leading with confidence, and owning your success.
A bold guide to building wealth and breaking financial barriers as a woman of color.
We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, ...
Insightful advice on career, confidence, and navigating life as a Black woman.
Slay In Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible
An empowering playbook for leadership, resilience, and making your voice heard.
Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change
Wellness & Self-Care Reads
Nurture your mind, body, and soul with these reads that remind you to rest, heal, and put yourself first. 💛
A practical guide to rest, boundaries, and nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.
Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind ...
A witty and heartfelt novel about friendship, identity, and prioritizing yourself.
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel by Jayne Allen, Paperback
A beautiful mix of poetry and personal reflection on identity, self-love, and resilience.
Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans, Paperback