5 Inspirational Female Writers You Should Definitely Read!

Stories have the power to influence our minds, teach us, inspire us and they often allow us to slip into another’s voice, another’s skin, another’s soul.

Growing up, books were the only way I could travel all across the world without moving my feet, live many different lives and sometimes, just a safe escape!!

And as a young girl, what enticed me the most were stories of exceptional and extraordinary women who paved their own path, challenged patriarchy, broke out of stereotypical societal norms and shared stories of courage and grace under fire.

We all need our own list of Sheroes and here is my pick of 5 inspiring female writers that you MUST read:

1. Maya Angelou: An acclaimed American poet, storyteller, civil rights activist, and auto biographer, Maya Angelou is best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing, the story of her early life which recalls a young African American woman’s struggles with racism, poverty, childhood abuse and her subsequent discovery of self-confidence. Through her various autobiographies and poems, Angelou passionately defended the rights of women, young people and became a voice of reason for black women all across the world. Maya Angelou is my hero because she was a strong advocate for abolishing gender and racial discrimination, aspired to better the world through her wise words and served as an inspiration to many. Despite all the challenges, she found strength in her voice and shared it with the world.
2. Oprah Winfrey: I call Oprah ‘The Queen’ and like so many young girls, I grew up dreaming to be like her someday. The world knows Oprah as the first black female news anchor who eventually went on to become the ‘Media Mogul’ with the most successful and highest-rated television program of its kind in history but she has also authored several books like ‘What I know for Sure’, ‘The Path made clear’ and ‘The Wisdom of Sundays.’ Her books give you an experience of curling up on your bed with a warm cup of coffee and catching up with an old friend and picking it up right from where you left off! The experiences she shares are candid, moving, uplifting and filled with insights that you can turn towards again and again. One can’t ever get enough of Oprah’s wisdom.
3. Brene Brown: Dr. Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Most famous for her Ted Talk — ‘The Power of Vulnerability’, Brene Brown has authored several ‘New York Times Bestseller’ books namely, The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, and Dare to Lead. She has inspired thousands through her work and some of my most important learnings from her books have been that vulnerability takes courage, show up and face fears, be seen as your authentic self and choose courage over comfort. She’s an inspiration for anyone who wishes to be bold, authentic and courageous with their life.
4. Elizabeth Gilbert: Elizabeth Gilbert best known for her personal memoir; “Eat, Pray, Love” and some more best-selling novels like ‘Big Magic’, ‘City of Girls’ and ‘The Signature of All Things’ is my go-to writer when I’m looking for ways to get creative or redefine myself! I just finished reading ‘Big Magic’ and what I loved the most about this book is how she defines Creativity. Living a creative life is our birth right as a human. You define what a creative life looks like for you and then give yourself the permission slip to do what you want. Want to write a book? Make a song? Decorate pottery? Learn a dance? Explore a new land? Do what you’re doing simply because you like doing it and its enjoyable for you.
5. Mary Oliver: If you’re someone who thinks poems are all serious and can be enjoyed by well-read intellectuals only, I’m here to tell you, it’s a BIG myth. Poetry does not have any rules, is not always deeply meaningful and does not always rhyme! My last pick Mary Oliver; was an American Poet, known for her clear and poignant observations and her poems are deeply rooted in nature. She is my personal favorite and has to be on this list, because sometimes, Inspiration comes from allowing yourself stillness, quiet observation and having a general sense of wonder. Her work is an amalgamation of the human world and the natural world and her reflections taught me how one cannot exist without another.

This small list is a recommendation from my personal library. I hope it helps anyone looking to either getting back to reading or even reading for the first time!!