7 Empowering Books Every Woman Should Read Before 35
35 is most certainly a milestone year in any woman’s life. By this point, you’ll most likely have long figured out who you are, or at any rate, what you want from life. But that shouldn’t stop you from continuing to strive towards developing a wider perspective on life.
Books are a great source of other people’s experiences and wisdom. To help one along the path to 35, these books will make you think, giggle, cry, provoke discussion, and appreciate everything you have in life, whether you are in your twenties or just about to turn 35.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird was first published in 1960 and it became an instant bestseller. Written by Harper Lee, it won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1961. It is considered to be a classic in American Literature. Primarily, the novel is about a girl growing up under unusual circumstance. It explores every aspect of human conduct from love to hatred, kindness to cruelty, humor to sadness, innocence to maturity. It provides the reader an experience that will make you question your own perspective and start searching for yourself. It is a great ride to take before turning 35.
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen
Persuasion, written by Jane Austen, is a simple yet intriguing piece of writing. The novel, published in 1817, is a story regarding Anne Elliot, a young 27-year-old Englishwoman whose family is going through a financial crisis. The novel is about going through the regrets of a breakup and finding second chances. It is full of wisdom and an examination of different kinds of love, a learning experience for everyone. Set in the mid-1800s, it is a gentle satire, but very much still relevant to contemporary readers.
3. The 21 Day Financial Fast by Michelle Singletary
Money matters are serious and critical in today’s world. This book is written by Michelle Singletary and was published in 2015. It guides you towards an understanding of your spending habits and takes you on a journey to realize your relationship with money. Being a woman of today who is independent and self-sufficient this book is an ultimate guide that takes you towards financial freedom, which is one of the most important lessons to learn before turning 35.
4. Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead
A book by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg that reflects the overall themes of empowerment and equality and sends a convincing message to women around the world. This book focuses on the ways that women are held back in the workplace and encourages the reader to put themselves forward for the advancement of their careers. A great book for women that helps one learn how to find the perfect work-life balance, even if you are planning to have a baby. It provides you with common sense and practical solutions that empower women and help them unleash their full potential.
5. The Second Shift by Arlie Russell Hochschild
It is a non-fiction coming-of-the-age book which reflects dual-career households. Originally, published in 1989, this book is an essential read for not just women but everyone. It sheds light on the struggles of women who are expected to perform domestic duties along with managing their professional career. This book is a well-researched sociology book that is a must-read for women before turning 35.
6. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Written by Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point is a groundbreaking analysis of how big ideas turn into a reality and the trends are sparked and spread around the world. It offers the readers help to start paradigm shifts in fields varying from marketing to public health. Heading towards the right career path can be a great challenge and this book will help you to expand your reach.
7. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Written by Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel about a girl moving to New York City to work at a magazine. The protagonist Esther Greenwood falls into the depths of mental illness. The author takes the reader on a vivid journey through Esther’s breakdown. This novel was first published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas and later published under her real name. It is worth noting that Plath committed suicide a mere month after this book’s publication! It is an enduring masterpiece worth exploring for its intimate understanding of mental illness and its repercussions.