5 Remarkably Inspiring Books For Women

What Makes A Book Inspiring? 

Inspiration is an arbitrary emotion that can be sparked by a number of triggers, but it is no secret that books are a powerful medium of influence. Any piece of literature that emboldens the reader's spirits and prompts them to finally take action counts as an inspirational read. Sometimes it is the upfront messaging of the book that strikes us as motivational. Other times, it is the underlying strength of the characters that resounds deep within our hearts. Depending on your life experiences, anything can provide you with a dash of inspiration. This list consolidates five exceptional novels that pay a legendary tribute to the courage, resilience and intellectual aptitude of women belonging to various fields of life. 

1. The Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See

Taking place on the Korean Jeju Island, this novel follows the unforgettable friendship between two female divers and their resolute struggle in the face of war and persecution. The book outlines the characters' journey through the Japanese colonialism, World War 2 and the Korean War. It is, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. The portrayal of women being in charge of running the household, their strife to perfect the art of diving, the bonds of kinship they develop along the way, and their unwavering resolve during the worst of times go a long way in spurring emotions of deference and inspiration within the readers. I personally had to evaluate my entire life after reading this masterpiece. My reflections led me to the realization that I am extremely privileged; and that it is my responsibility to utilize that privilege in the best way possible. Women like Mi-ja and Young-Sook (the protagonists of the book) are an emblem of strength and perseverance. The book is incredibly heart-wrenching but beautiful at the same time. The brutal honesty and the raw depiction of real-life women is responsible for the emotional impact that the novel delivers. All-in-all, it is a must-read for everyone looking to consume diverse stories of female empowerment. 

2. Becoming, by Michelle Obama

An instant best-seller that requires no introduction, Becoming is a book every woman needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. Michelle Obama's memoir details her life story from when she was a child, to becoming the First Lady of America. Most people know her as the Ex-President's wife, but this book allows us deep insight into her own identity as a person, and as a woman. She wasn't particularly well-off, and had to struggle her way through every phase of life. Depsite being a black woman, she managed to carve out a name for herself and accomplish her goals through admirable determination. The most impressive part of her personality is the fact that she didn't let her husband's position eclipse her individuality. Instead, she continued to exhibit her extraordinary capabilities in her own capacity. Becoming is a tremendously touching account of one woman's unyielding tenacity when confronted with challenges. It is the perfect inspirational read for women who seek to amount to something in life but are held back by roadblocks. 

3. The Four Winds,  by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah is known for authoring stories revolving around strong women placed in testing situations. The Four Winds is one such masterpiece that pays an honorary ode to the courage and sacrifice of thousands of women that protected themselves and their families during the Dust Bowl. Elsa Martinelli is an ordinary woman who gets married to a neglectful man. However, when the dust storms strike, she must battle with a daunting choice. Either she stays back for the land she loves, or she leaves for the safety of her children. Elsa's character displays a woman's undeniable strength and her innate nurturing instinct. The book also comments on the sturdy power of motherhood, as everything that Elsa endures in the novel comes down to her love for her kin. In a time when men back down, Elsa puts herself on the front line like a chivalrous warrior. The world isn't necessarily kind to single mothers out on their own, but Elsa keeps marching on regardless of the hurdles life throws at her. The Four Winds is a book that reminds every female reader of the power they have within themselves; and that it can move mountains if need be. 

4. Educated, by Tara Westover

Tara Westover's remarkably moving memoir definitely deserves a mention on this list. It recounts Westover's journey from living-off-the-grid with a survivalist family to making it into the most prestigious institutions of the world, like Harvard and Cambridge. A sound education is a given in most people's lives, and so it is taken as granted. For others, however, it is a fantastical dream that seems completely unattainable. Tara faced a similar conundrum, with an extremist family that despised modern education. However, her fierce love for knowledge helped her shape a life path that belonged solely to her. The journey was long and arduous, and it required her to sever the closest of familial bonds. The traumatic incidents that Tara had to endure for something as basic as the right to an education can only be imagined by the rest of us. All that being said, Tara refused to give up. Instead, she took control of the situation and educated herself as best as she could. Reading the memoir in entirety will put everything into perspective for you. Educated is an imperative read for any woman out there who thinks that her problems cannot be overcome. 

5. A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini

This book is a heartbreaking portrait of love and betrayal orchestrated by two central women. Mariam is married off to a man double her age when she is thirteen. On the other hand, Layla is forced join their broken household when tragedy strikes her home. Starting off with resentment, the bond between the two women is soon engulfed by unshakeable love and support. During the same period, Taliban rule is enforced in Afghanistan, leading to added trials for Mariam and Layla. Hosseini is famous for crafting narratives driven by emotion and laced with masterful prose. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a fantastic representation of that. It is an enduring tale of bravery and female friendship that transcends space, time and borders. Two women who are pitted against each other as rivals, turn into the best of companions. In a world shrouded in darkness, they become each other's light. Love, life, consolation, solace, support; one woman finds everything in the other. This novel inspires women across the globe to stick together through thick and thin, no matter the circumstances. 

Conclusion

Heartfelt stories of inspiration touch hearts and move souls. There are countless gems in the literary world that evoke powerful emotions in the readers. In my opinion, books like that are the best of all. 

If you have any recommendations of your own, mention them in the comments. 

Happy reading folks!