In celebration of Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day (March 8), today’s short blog post highlights a few female authors you will want to read or re-read as soon as possible.
As you pick up these five books and begin turning the pages, you will instantly realize these are “keepers.” While I’m usually a huge fan of visiting my local library, I’m truly glad I own these five books. They are mine. They sit on my shelf. Some are in arm’s reach most of the time. Some are highlighted and bookmarked. Some are shown at meetings and on video calls. I recommend all five of these books over and over (and over). The authors are experts. And I truly appreciate the energy and passion they have for their respected fields.
The Loyalist Team: How Trust, Candor and Authenticity Create Great Organizations by Linda Adams, Abby Curnow-Chavez, Audrey Epstein, and Rebecca Teasdale with Jody Berger
This book found its way to me in 2019. I gave copies of it as end of year gifts that year. I bought extras for new hires to the team. It shaped the leader I became – most significantly during the tumultuous and unprecedented global pandemic. If you currently lead people, or want to in the future, you won’t regret adding this one to your list.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
To quote the author, “As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.” Nothing can replace time, effort, hard work, hustle, passion, attention to detail, planning, thinking, and doing. If you are inherently a go-getter, the insights might speak even louder to you. I find picking this book up every once in a while sparks new ideas and energy, simply by re-reading it at a different point in my own life.
Pick Three: You Can Have It All (Just Not Every Day) by Randi Zuckerberg
A gift to me from a dear colleague and friend, this book is truly eye-opening. Regardless of what your life holds and how many roles you play, this book will give you the confidence to reflect and be honest with yourself about what you want in your life and how you can go about it. Having read this book for the first time over five years ago, I also find that as my life circumstances change, making news lists of my own personalized categories helps me continue to figure it all out.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Everyone should read this book. Extroverts and introverts. Newly graduated and those with decades of experience. Seriously, you will gain substantial insight into yourself, your team and your organization by reading this book. I highlighted some of my own observations in this 2019 blog post.
Now What: 90 Days to a New Life Direction by Laura German Fortgang
In full disclosure, I have not read this one yet. I’ve only skimmed it. But, it’s here on my desk; and it was given to me by someone I trust fully. I have in turn recommended it to at least a dozen others, each time with full disclosure that I have not yet read it myself. I will. I have interest. I have curiosity. And I’m at a life stage where I know it will be valuable. Please speak up if you’ve read this one and it was a game-changer for you.
These are just five. Each of our bookshelves and our own recommended readings lists most likely include many more incredible works, and not just by female authors. You are more than welcome to add more books and authors in the comments.
The world, and each of us in it, needs more meaningful and substantive books like these to read and recommend.
