Summary: In this article, I have handpicked 20 of the best books for women in their 30s that I think offer valuable insights, wisdom, and relatable experiences for personal growth. Here are my top 3:
- Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
- Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun
- Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
Books for women in their 30s often dive into self-discovery, career growth, relationships, and finding balance in the midst of a busy life. This decade brings a lot of change, and these books offer valuable insights and comfort as women face new challenges and embrace personal growth. Reading them can be encouraging, helping women feel empowered as they build their lives, pursue their goals, and connect with others going through similar experiences.
TOP 20: Best Books for Women in Their 30s
- Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
- Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun
- Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
- The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
- Forgiving What You Can't Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
- Thriving in Your 30s by Hyun Oh
- In Our Thirties by Laura Sgroi
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- If I'd Known Then by Ellyn Spragins
- Midlife Crisis at 30 by Lia Macko and Kerry Rubin
- Women in Overdrive by Nora Isaacs
- The 30/30 Rules by Holly Porter
- The Mirror by Nora Roberts
- The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
- This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
- One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin
- Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
- Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen
- Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
- The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed
1. Girl, Wash Your Face
- Author: Rachel Hollis
- About: A motivational book encouraging women to stop believing the lies about who they are and to live with confidence and authenticity.
- Style of writing: Conversational, engaging, and humorous
- Length: Approx. 70,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Highly motivating, leaves a strong impression on self-empowerment
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you need a boost of motivation and want to break free from self-doubt.
2. Why We Can't Sleep
- Author: Ada Calhoun
- About: Explores the unique challenges faced by women in their 30s, including career concerns, relationships, and societal pressures.
- Style of writing: Thoughtful, research-driven, with personal anecdotes
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Resonates deeply, provides a sense of solidarity
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For women seeking a deeper understanding of their struggles in their 30s.
3. Women Don't Owe You Pretty
- Author: Florence Given
- About: A feminist manifesto challenging beauty standards, societal expectations, and promoting self-love.
- Style of writing: Bold, direct, unapologetically feminist
- Length: Approx. 50,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Empowering, encourages embracing one's true self
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: To deconstruct harmful beauty ideals and embrace personal empowerment.
4. The Book of Gutsy Women
- Authors: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
- About: A collection of stories celebrating courageous women throughout history.
- Style of writing: Inspirational, narrative-driven with a historical focus
- Length: Approx. 85,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Uplifting, inspiring, instills a sense of pride
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For role models and inspiration from strong women throughout history.
5. Forgiving What You Can't Forget
- Author: Lysa TerKeurst
- About: A guide to healing from deep emotional pain, letting go of past hurts, and finding peace.
- Style of writing: Compassionate, warm, offering practical advice
- Length: Approx. 70,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Healing, cathartic, provides comfort
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you're struggling with forgiveness or emotional healing.
6. Thriving in Your 30s
- Author: Hyun Oh
- About: Focuses on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of your 30s with confidence and clarity.
- Style of writing: Practical, motivational, straightforward
- Length: Approx. 60,000 words
- Year written: 2023
- Emotional impact: Encouraging, affirming
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For actionable advice on thriving in your 30s.
7. In Our Thirties
- Author: Laura Sgroi
- About: Discusses the various joys and challenges of being in your 30s, from career to family to self-realization.
- Style of writing: Insightful, reflective
- Length: Approx. 65,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, comforting
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For women navigating complex emotions in their 30s.
8. Big Magic
- Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
- About: Encourages embracing curiosity and creativity to live a life full of possibility.
- Style of writing: Inspirational, uplifting, filled with personal anecdotes
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Energizing, liberating
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For reigniting creativity and living more fearlessly.
9. If I'd Known Then
- Author: Ellyn Spragins
- About: A collection of letters from women to their younger selves, sharing life lessons and wisdom.
- Style of writing: Personal, reflective, heartfelt
- Length: Approx. 70,000 words
- Year written: 2005
- Emotional impact: Profound, emotional
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: To gain wisdom from others’ experiences and reflect on your own growth.
10. Midlife Crisis at 30
- Authors: Lia Macko and Kerry Rubin
- About: Discusses the “midlife crisis” women experience in their 30s and offers solutions for embracing change and new opportunities.
- Style of writing: Conversational, research-based, with real-life stories
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2004
- Emotional impact: Relatable, supportive
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For women seeking guidance on how to manage the emotional and practical challenges of their 30s.
11. Women in Overdrive
- Author: Nora Isaacs
- About: A guide for women struggling with burnout, offering tools to regain balance and peace.
- Style of writing: Practical, empathetic, actionable strategies
- Length: Approx. 80,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Calming, validating
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands and needing advice on finding balance.
12. The 30/30 Rules
- Author: Holly Porter
- About: Offers life lessons, advice, and rules for women in their 30s to lead a balanced and happy life.
- Style of writing: Direct, fun, and engaging
- Length: Approx. 60,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Empowering, encouraging
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For practical, simple advice on managing your 30s and leading a fulfilling life.
13. The Mirror
- Author: Nora Roberts
- About: A romantic fiction novel that explores complex relationships and self-discovery.
- Style of writing: Descriptive, detailed, emotional
- Length: Approx. 90,000 words
- Year written: 1994
- Emotional impact: Deeply emotional, touching on love and personal transformation
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A gripping, emotional romance with themes of self-exploration.
14. The Songbird & the Heart of Stone
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- About: A fantasy novel that combines romance, adventure, and strong female protagonists.
- Style of writing: Immersive, descriptive, action-packed
- Length: Approx. 85,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: Action-packed with emotional depth
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For epic fantasy lovers seeking romance and character development.
15. This Could Be Us
- Author: Kennedy Ryan
- About: A contemporary romance about complex relationships, healing, and self-discovery.
- Style of writing: Emotional, raw, heartfelt
- Length: Approx. 85,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving, leaves a lasting impact on love and trust
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For an emotional, soul-stirring romance.
16. One-Star Romance
- Author: Laura Hankin
- About: A romantic comedy about a woman dealing with a one-star review from a man she's falling for.
- Style of writing: Fun, lighthearted, witty
- Length: Approx. 70,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: Humorous, feel-good
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For a funny, charming romance with a twist.
17. Flirting Lessons
- Author: Jasmine Guillory
- About: A romantic novel about a woman learning to flirt while dealing with complicated relationships.
- Style of writing: Playful, engaging, full of chemistry
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Fun, light-hearted
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For a fun romance that’s full of charm and light drama.
18. Yin Yang Love Song
- Author: Lauren Kung Jessen
- About: A romantic novel that blends themes of culture, identity, and self-discovery.
- Style of writing: Lyrical, emotive, cultural
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year written: 2022
- Emotional impact: Rich, thoughtful
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For an LGBTQ+ romance with deep cultural context and meaningful exploration of love.
19. Harlem Rhapsody
- Author: Victoria Christopher Murray
- About: A story about relationships, healing, and emotional growth set in Harlem.
- Style of writing: Rich, descriptive, emotional
- Length: Approx. 80,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Touching, moving
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For powerful emotional storytelling within a unique cultural context.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, I think Girl, Wash Your Face, Why We Can't Sleep, and Women Don't Owe You Pretty are must-reads for women in their 30s. These books offer powerful insights on self-empowerment, navigating challenges, and embracing who you truly are. Whether you're looking for motivation, a deeper understanding of this transformative decade, or simply a reminder to let go of societal pressures, these books deliver. They not only speak to your heart but also leave a lasting impact, and in my opinion, they’re perfect companions for any woman journeying through her 30s.
