As a team of women, there’s not much we like more than celebrating other women—especially women who are taking strides to empower other women.
One of the best ways to spread women empowerment? Words. From Charlotte Brönte (and her sisters) to Jane Austen to Mary Shelley to contemporary female powerhouses like Donna Tartt and Zadie Smith, women have been authoring inspiring stories for other women for centuries.
The Gardenuity team is full of readers, so we’ve assembled a list of must-reads for every woman. They’re books written by, about, and for women and will leave you motivated to take on the world, however you want.
DONNA’S PICK
Hidden Figures
By Margot Lee Shetterly
Before the motion movie picture was the book, and before the book were the women. Hidden Figures is the true story of four black women who helped win the space race. Smart, tenacious, and talented, these four women remind readers of the power women have when they support each other and believe in their abilities. A determined hustler herself, co-founder and CEO Donna finds this book to be the picture of smarts and innovation among female voices.
JULIE’S PICK
Joy
Directed by David O. Russell
So it’s not a book, but, according to co-founder and COO Julie, it’s a must-watch for this year. Joy tells the story of woman entrepreneur Joy Mangano who, against all odds and in spite of other’s disbelief, achieves incredible success with her innovative inventions. She ultimately uses her womanly experiences as a daughter, mother, wife, and homemaker to create things the world needs. And she doesn’t let anyone stop her.
CHELSEA’S PICK
200 Women: Who Will Change The Way You See The World
By Ruth Hobday and Geoff Blackwell
Merchandise Manage Chelsea picks this incredible interview-based book as this year’s must-read. Two hundred women, diverse in nature and background, are asked the same five questions. From well-known activists, politicians, and artists to everyday women who lead ordinary but exceptional lives, you’ll get a taste of the full scope of women in the world today through their honest answers. It’s heartbreaking, inspiring, and offers empowerment and strength to women today.
“What separates an ordinary woman from an extraordinary one? The belief that she is ordinary.” -Jody Williams, Nobel Laureate.
TAYLOR’S PICK
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
By Elizabeth Gilbert
The author of Eat, Pray, Love and Committed, Elizabeth Gilbert is a woman who has achieved huge success in the creative realm. In her most recent book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert offers sage advice on how to live a life as creatively full as hers. This self-help book ultimately empowers women to be bold in their creative endeavors and confident in their innate talent, so it’s no surprise that our very creative and talented visual lead Taylor loves it.
MEGHAN’S PICK
Milk & Honey
By Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur’s collection of stunning poetry finds sweetness even in the most bitter of moments. According to Meghan, our Customer Service Manager, this 45-minute read is like a cleanse for the feminine soul. Throughout, it addresses the hardest and the sweetest parts of being a woman in the world today, and thereby offers thoughtful words to help you heal.
CORINNE’S PICK
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail
By Cheryl Lee Strayed
This true memoir is an uplifting tale of a woman’s journey of self-discovery. After a devastating series of events, Cheryl embarks on a 1,000-mile hike on the Pacific Coast Trail, alone and inexperienced. While immersed in nature and overcoming physical and emotional challenges, she has a series of inspiring realizations about herself, spirituality, and the world. For wordsmith (and hiking enthusiast) Corinne Lohner, it’s a book about the healing power of Mother Earth for the female spirit.