Best Books for Women in their 30’s that are a Must-Read

Today we’re going to be discussing the best books for women in their 30’s that are a must-read, because entering one’s thirties is a transformative period in a woman’s life.

It’s a decade marked by self-discovery, personal growth, and the navigation of complex life transitions. While fiction is a great source of entertainment, it can also offer guidance, inspiration, and companionship in your everyday life.

Books are valuable for their stories, but also for the invaluable knowledge that they contain. Today we’re going to discuss books that can be for inspiring for women, as well as some of the best self help books.

These books cover a variety of genres. While some of these stories offer advice, others are sharing experiences. You may not have much in common with the author, but you may relate to them and the different situations that they have gone through.

So, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, and dive into these empowering reads. Together, let’s embrace the power of literature to inspire, uplift, and empower us as we navigate the exhilarating journey of life in our thirties. Let’s dive into the best books for women in their 30’s to read.

Best Books for Women in their 30’s to Read

Each cluster of books is divided into categories to help you find exactly the kind of book that you are looking for! These incredibly books can help you in all aspects of life.

Personal Finance

The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money

This is a book written by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage. It is a practical guide aimed at young adults who are looking to take control of their finances and build a solid financial foundation. The book covers various aspects of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and planning for the future.

Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap is a book that combines personal finance advice with a feminist perspective. It aims to empower women to take control of their finances, build wealth, and achieve financial independence. I first found out about Tori through her social media accounts. She shares great information and tips on tiktok, instagram, and most recently on her youtube show.

As a young woman, I think it’s nice to hear other young women discuss money. Sometimes you’d rather listen to someone like you talk about financial stability, rather than someone like say… Dave Ramsey.

Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche

Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche, also known as “The Budgetnista”, is a personal finance book designed to empower readers to take control of their finances and build wealth. Her story of losing it all and learning to budget to create a better life is realistic and relatable. The book covers various aspects of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, debt management, investing, and building multiple streams of income.

Fiction

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center is a novel that follows the journey of Helen Carpenter, a woman who embarks on a wilderness survival course to kickstart her life after a series of setbacks, including divorce and the death of her beloved cat.

The novel explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of nature, as Helen embarks on a journey of personal growth and finds unexpected joy along the way. In a way, it kind of reminds me of Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Sometimes when shit hits the fan, you just need to get out of your own way and explore something new.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a novel that blends elements of fantasy, philosophy, and self-discovery. The story follows main character Nora Seed, a woman who is struggling with deep regrets and unhappiness in her life. Feeling lost and hopeless, Nora finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death where every book on its shelves represents a different version of her life based on the choices she made or didn’t make.

Guided by the mysterious librarian, Mrs. Elm, Nora is given the opportunity to explore these alternate lives and see how her life could have turned out differently if she had made different decisions. As Nora experiences these parallel lives, she grapples with questions of regret, purpose, and the nature of happiness. Along her journey of self-discovery, she learns valuable lessons about the importance of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and embracing the present moment.

My friend Jenn first recommended this book to me and I loved it so much. It’s a great book to read in your thirties because it reminds you what’s really important and to be mindful and realistic of your memories.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This poignant and heartwarming novel centers around Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward woman in her thirties who leads a solitary life until an unexpected friendship helps her confront her past and embrace the possibilities of the present.

Memoirs

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This captivating memoir offers a deeply personal and inspiring account of Michelle Obama’s journey from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House as the First Lady of the United States. It’s a story of resilience, grace, and the power of embracing one’s own voice and identity.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

In this thought-provoking book, Rubin chronicles her year-long experiment to increase her happiness and find fulfillment in everyday life. With practical advice and engaging anecdotes, she explores the science of happiness and offers valuable insights into cultivating joy and contentment.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Doyle’s memoir is a powerful exploration of what it means to break free from societal expectations and embrace one’s true self. Through candid reflections on love, motherhood, and personal growth, she encourages readers to listen to their inner voice and live authentically.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert’s inspirational book explores the nature of creativity and offers practical advice for overcoming fear and embracing curiosity. With wisdom and humor, she encourages readers to pursue their passions and cultivate a creative life filled with joy and fulfillment.

P.S. I recently wrote about Big Magic on the blog here!

Educated by Tara Westover

Westover’s memoir is a gripping account of her journey from a childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist parents with no formal education, to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. It’s a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge.

P.S. I recently wrote about Educated on the blog here!

Self-Help Books & Self Care

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

In this transformative book, Brown explores the concept of wholehearted living and offers insights into embracing vulnerability, cultivating self-compassion, and living authentically. It’s a valuable resource for women seeking to cultivate a deeper sense of connection and authenticity in their lives.

The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay

While technically geared towards those in their early 20s to their late 20s, this book offers valuable insights and advice for women approaching or navigating their thirties. Jay explores the importance of making intentional choices and building a foundation for a fulfilling future.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb

I’m putting this under Self Care instead of Memoir because although it’s Lori’s own story, it’s also good advice for young women in their 30s. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a memoir written by Lori Gottlieb, a psychotherapist and author. In the book, Gottlieb shares her experiences as a therapist and also delves into her own journey in therapy after a personal crisis.

It offers readers a compassionate and insightful exploration of mental health, resilience, and the healing potential of therapy. I really enjoy all of Lori’s works, especially Marry Him (which is great for women in their 30’s who are still looking for their life partner).

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Tiny Beautiful Things is a collection of essays/short stories compiled by Cheryl Strayed, originally based on her popular advice column “Dear Sugar” on The Rumpus. In the book, Strayed responds to letters from readers seeking guidance on a wide range of personal struggles and dilemmas, offering compassionate and candid advice drawn from her own life experiences.

Cheryl’s column was so popular because she crafted her honest responses with empathy and honesty, with examples from her own personal life. She covered topics like love, loss, grief, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, identity, and overcoming adversity. Strayed’s responses are deeply empathetic, honest, and often include personal anecdotes or reflections that resonate with the reader.

Career Focused

I Wish I’d Known This: 6 Career-Accelerating Secrets for Women Leaders by Brenda Wensil and Kathryn Heath

The authors Brenda and Kathryn are coaches who have worked with quite a few women over the years to help them develop their careers. In this book they help you uncover the six blind spots that derail women’s career paths and learn strategies to effectively overcome them for an impactful, sustainable career. I know I oftentimes get so wrapped up in my work that I forget to pay attention to things like that and reading books like this is the best way to stay on track.

How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

​How Women Rise is a non-fiction book written by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith. The book explores the unique challenges that women face in the workplace and offers practical strategies for overcoming common barriers to career advancement.

Helgesen and Goldsmith identify specific habits and behaviors that can hold women back from reaching their full potential in their careers, such as hesitating to seize opportunities, seeking perfection, and undervaluing their contributions. Reading these sorts of books can help us become more successful people in the workplace.

The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work by Michelle P King

I never realized how sexist the workplace is until I read The Fix. A workplace is made up of people of all ages, and yet workplaces are typically designed with the straight white man in mind. In this book Michelle teaches about why this is, and how women of all age groups can thrive at work anyway. I have to admit that this is something I didn’t think much about in my twenties but now that I’m in my thirties I know that the only way to make things right is to keep fighting for equality.

Some Honorable Mentions:

• 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think – a collection of thought-provoking essays edited by Brianna Wiest and Thought Catalog. The book covers a wide range of topics, including self-improvement, personal growth, relationships, mindfulness, psychology, and philosophy.
• Attachment Theory: A Guide to Strengthening the Relationships in Your Life – provides readers with insights and tools to navigate the complexities of human attachment and cultivate more satisfying and supportive relationships. I’m currently reading this and I’ve learned so much about attachment styles.
• You Will Find Your People: How to Make Meaningful Friendships as an Adult – Everyone is always talking about how hard it is to make friendships as an adult, and that’s because it’s true. Female friendships are important! In this book by Lane Moore she shares her own story as well as some tips and tricks for readers to help them make positive changes in their own lives.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed today’s blog post of best books for women in their 30s to read. Whether you just turned thirty or are nearing 40, these books can help you build a reading list for self improvement.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an unmarried woman or married to your high school sweetheart. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom, or if you’re a career woman. We’re all just women who are doing our best, and the helpful information in these books can apply to all of us. A lot of women can relate to the situations and experiences in these life-changing books.

Now, if anyone wants to join my middle-aged women book club, raise your hand! I know some of these books will take me out of my comfort zone. Once I’m finished with this reading list I’m going to have a lot to discuss. But if you don’t want to be in my book club, at least add me on goodreads so we can be reading best friends. lol

xo Marian

But wait, there’s more!

If you enjoyed this reading list, you may enjoy some other discussions on groundbreaking books. Click here to read more of my book reviews and find your next great read!