Reading more books is an ongoing goal of mine that I've talked about before and, as we've spent more time at home than probably ever before, it certainly seems within reach. I find that I'm most successful when I make time for it. I mean literally block off segments in my calendar and set alerts to read. Are you the same way? In addition to this little tip, I'm dropping off 12 books you'll want to crack open and finish this year to become one of those illustrious women who read. That's one of each month and we're almost at the end of January so it comes out to roughly one per month. We can do that easily, right? Let's get into the books I think everyone woman should read before 2021 ends.
A Promised Land - I will never tire of just watching the Obamas exist in excellence (which includes Sasha Obama's Tik Tok move, by the way!) so part one of #foreverPOTUS' memoir is a no-brainer. Buy it and read it.
His Only Wife - This was an end-of-2020 beach read for me and I devoured it quickly. If you like romance, a little bit of mystery, and women finding life on their own terms, pick this one up from Ghanaian author, Peace Medie. More books by Black women need to be on your bookshelf, period.
Homebody - In my last book list, I recommended Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey and I'm so glad that she's put out another book of poems and illustrations since then. Her work is beautiful but also so relatable.
Me and White Supremacy - In 2021, books about white supremacy need to be on your list. They've always been required reading, in my opinion, but that's a chat for another day. The way the world is set up, everyone is touched by white supremacy, whether they are benefiting from and/or upholding it or trying to get from underneath it. And many of us don't even know it.
Professional Trouble Maker - This is your 2021 self-help book. Luvvie Ajayi Jones has been gathering us since her debut book and her daily social media gems are always right on time. If you're trying to be bold enough to step into what's yours, pre-order her latest work, which is regarded as the fear-fighter manual.
Relationship Goals - I read this book with girlfriends last summer and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their relationships--not strictly romantic relationships. Pastor Mike Todd provides biblical context for many of the ways we communicate with and relate to one other today. I also recommend grabbing the Relationship Goals Study Guide.
The Handmaid's Tale - hasn't it felt like we were dangerously close to living in a dystopian novel lately? I'm hooked on The Handmaid's Tale TV series and picked up the book last fall to hold me over until the next season (hopefully) drops. If you've already read the story, check out the sequel, The Testaments.
The Hill We Climb - If you were as dazzled as I was by our Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, on Inauguration Day, pre-order her forthcoming book, which includes the poem she recited. If you have a little one in your life, pre-order a copy of her debut children's book, Change Sings.
The Truths we Hold - Madam Vice President Kamala Harris has a unique and uniquely American life story that you should 100% add to your 2021 book list. It's a great gift for you or someone you love, which is why I also included it in my list of books by Black authors to gift.
Transcendent Kingdom - In case you're new here, I am a Yaa Gyasi STAN. She is such a gifted writer. I recommend and gift her book Homegoing to everyone I can and have included it in a few posts before. Transcendent Kingdom is her latest drop and zooms in on one of the diasporic families we saw in her first book.
White Fragility: Why it's so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism - This is considered the book to define white privilege and white fragility and if you are looking for a starting point, it's a good book for foundational anti-racism education.
You, Inc. - 2020 was the year of pivoting and I'd like to think that in 2021, we can apply those lessons and hit that next level. Whether you are a content creator, own a boutique, or work a corporate job, knowing how to effectively promote yourself and close deals. This book will teach you that.
I hope this women's 2021 book list inspires you and welcome any recommendations of books you've enjoyed. And if you have any tips for reading more on a busy schedule, I'd love to hear them. Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
P.S. You'll like these posts, too.
- Habits for Better Hydration (How to Drink More Water)
- How to Get Better Sleep at Night
- Time Management Tips that Work
Tope O. says
Thank you for this awesome list! I needed this!