9 New, Female-Authored Books That’ll Lift Your Spirits

Few things are more satisfying than curling up with a new book and eagerly lapping up page after page, especially when it’s an uplifting book that leaves you with a smile on your face. We’ve put together this list of feel-good books written by a diverse group of women to bring a bit of joy to your bedside table. Happy reading!

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Best-selling author, activist and speaker Glennon Doyle explores the overwhelming freedom experienced when we stop bending over backwards to meet the world’s expectations. Released in March 2020 and already soaring in the charts, Untamed eloquently guides the reader to find herself by listening to — and trusting — her inner voice.

Change Makers by Cumbo, Dove, Harpaz, Sardina

Change Makers is a collaborative project that features women of all ages and backgrounds who are spearheading incredible change in both their local communities and at a global level. These women prove that positive change isn’t just possible, but that you can enact it in unique and unexpected ways. The book, published in January 2020, features work by photographer Jena Cumbo, producer Mary Dove, and writers Camile Sardina and Tira Harpaz.

It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan

At 68 years old, Loretha Curry’s life is as rich and fulfilling as ever. She’s a successful businesswoman with a solid crew of loyal friends and a spark-filled marriage. Though she experiences an unexpected loss, she’s determined to turn the outdated view of an aging woman on its head to prove that it’s not really “all downhill from here.”

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

Though technically a child’s book, anyone will walk away from these pages feeling lighter. The book features a true story written by Meena Harris about her mother, Maya, and aunt, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. It tells the story of these two sisters who turn their apartment’s unused courtyard into a grand place for kids to play.

A Good Neighbor by Therese Anne Fowler

Set in a tight-knit North Carolina community, A Good Neighbor tells the story of Valerie Alston-Holt and her talented bi-racial son, Xavier, through multiple points of view. It’s fiction, but also explores real-world topics such as class and race. Alongside a great love story, it asks big questions about living in the United States, such as “What does it mean to be a good neighbor?” and “How do we get along even if we don’t agree?”

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

As is the case with life, there’s much grief in the pages of Clap When You Land, which opens with the death of two long-lost sisters’ father. Simultaneously, author Elizabeth Acevedo infuses hope in this novel, telling the story of how these two sisters come together to create an unwavering bond that shapes the rest of their lives.

More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth

Just over a year since this instant New York Times best seller was published, journalist Elaine Welteroth’s More Than Enough has empowered women across the globe to unapologetically claim their space in the world. In addition to serving as a manifesto of sorts, it also acts as a memoir documenting Welteroth’s barrier-breaking journey in the media industry.   

Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World by Rachel Ignotofsky

Anyone who appreciates powerful, creative women — or simply wants to learn more about them — will enjoy this collection of stories about 50 fearless females of the arts. We love that Ignotofsky has highlighted such a wide array of women, including those whose names you might not be familiar with, such as 19th-century African American quilter Harriet Powers or Hopi-Tewa ceramic artist Nampeyo.

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

A fantasy novel set in modern-day Manhattan, The City We Became tells the story of five avatars — AKA “children” or “protectors” — of the city. These avatars (each representing one of NYC’s five boroughs) can feel the pulse and power of the city, see its history and hear its songs. After realizing the city is under imminent attack, they set out on a wild mission to save and protect.

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