1.
Michelle Obama
Former first lady, lawyer, graduate of Princeton and Yale, role model for women, advocate for children's health, and fashion icon....Just when Michelle Obama seemed to have done it all, she rocketed to the top of the book charts in 2018, when her new book Becoming sold 3 million copies in one month. It's already one of the fastest selling political memoirs in history. Michelle Obama is poised to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Becoming
from $4.79
2.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since 1993, only the second woman ever appointed to the court. Before joining the court, her legal career included a focus on gender equality and women's rights. At 85 years old, she's been dubbed the "Notorious RBG" for her toughness. She's survived colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and surgery to remove cancerous nodules in her lungs.
My Own Words
from $4.49
3.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is an inspiration and a brand maven. TV star, actress, producer, philanthropist. A magazine, a TV network, a book club, a charity. She’s been unofficially cited as the most influential woman in the world and the greatest African American philanthropist in American history.
What I Know For Sure
from $5.79
Oprah: A Biography
from $5.99
4.
Malala Yousafzai
As a teenage Pakistani human rights advocate, Malala Yousafzai gained attention for her work as a BBC blogger, including a nomination for the International Children’s Peace Price. A 2012 assassination attempt by the Taliban left her severely injured. She survived to become the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17 and founded the Malala Fund, an international non-profit organization working to ensure 12 years of free, safe, and quality education for every girl.
I Am Malala
from $5.09
5.
Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood was a celebrated novelist, poet, literary critic, and environmental activist long before the Hulu adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale brought her into the spotlight again. She's authored 16 novels, 10 non-fiction books, 8 collections of short fictions, 8 children's books, and even a graphic novel, and has won numerous awards.
The Handmaid's Tale
from $6.29
Oryx and Crake
from $4.59
6.
Meghan McCain
Co-host of The View and ABC News analyst Meghan McCain defies labels. As a self-identified Republican, she's socially liberal and a champion of gay rights. She's the author of three books, including a picture book about her father, the late Senator John McCain.
Dirty Sexy Politics
from $5.29
My Dad, John McCain
from $4.79
7.
Marie Kondo
The queen of tidying up and organizing, Marie Kondo began her consulting business in Tokyo at the age of 19. She's since become a bestselling author and has been listed as one of TIME's 100 most influential people. In January 2019, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo premiered on Netflix.
8.
Tiffany Haddish
Best known for her comedy and acting career, Tiffany Haddish is also a producer, model, and author. She was the first female stand-up comedian to host Saturday Night Live and volunteers for charities working with the homeless.
The Last Black Unicorn
from $4.99
9.
Rachel Hollis
Motivational speaker and blogger Rachel Hollis is the author of seven books, including the New York Times bestselling self-help title Girl, Wash Your Face. Prior to becoming an author, she became a social media star after posting a body-positive photo on Instagram showing her stretch marks from pregnancy that garnered more than 10 million views.
Party Girl
from $5.49
10.
Janet Mock
Author of two memoirs, Janet Mock made history as the first trans woman of color to write and direct an episode of a TV show for the episode "Love Is the Message" of the FX series Pose. Prior to her work on Pose, she worked with People.com, HBO, Allure magazine, Entertainment Tonight, Marie Claire, and MSNBC, and was on the 2017 TIME 100 Most Influential People list.
11.
Fran Lebowitz
Fran (Frances) Lebowitz is a famed author, public speaker, and actor who was first published at age 20 in Changes magazine. Since that time, she's been a non-stop presence in popular culture with her sardonic wit and outspoken views. She's the author of two bestselling humor books and one children's book. Fun Fran Fact: Fran Lebowitz reportedly owns more than 10,000 books.
The Fran Lebowitz Reader
from $5.39
Metropolitan Life
from $27.59
12.
Joanna Gaines
Joanna Gaines is the co-owner, co-founder, and designer for Magnolia Homes and was the co-star of the TV series Fixer Upper on HGTV. Joanna does the design and her husband Chip is the contractor in this power couple. They also run Magnolia Homes, a website featuring home decor, apparel, and jewelry.
The Magnolia Story
from $5.29
13.
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno is one of the few artists to have won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony award—and many more awards. She even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2004. In 2017, she contributed to "Almost Like Praying," a song created by Lin-Manual Miranda for which all proceeds were donated to disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico, where Moreno was born.
Rita Moreno: A Memoir
from $4.79
14.
Beyoncé
“Power is making things happen without asking permission.” With over 100 million records sold, 23 Grammy Awards, multiple appearances on TIME’s Most Influential People and Most Powerful Women lists, fashion lines, and an active philanthropist, Beyonce remains unstoppable.
15.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen began her rise to stardom as a model and has branched out to cooking, writing, launching her own clothing line, and acting. Her 2016 book Cravings: Recipes for All of the Food You Want to Eat was the second-best selling cookbook of the year. Cravings 2 was released in 2018.
Cravings: Hungry for More
from $5.89
16.
Ellen DeGeneres
When Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian (both personally and her TV character at the time) in 1997, she paved the way for future LGBT actors and actresses. She’s since risen to mega-stardom. Currently, her daytime show is in its sixteenth season, she has her own lifestyle brand named simply ED, she’s an active humanitarian, and she is an ardent supporter of animal rights…among other things.
Seriously...I'm Kidding
from $5.29
Love, Ellen A Mother/Daughter Journey
from $5.29
17.
Jenny Han
Bestselling Children's and Young Adult author Jenny Han is a former children's bookseller and children's librarian. She wrote her first book, Shug, while in college. A film adaptation of To All the Boys I've Loved Before was released by Netflix in 2018.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
from $4.59
Burn for Burn
from $4.19
18.
Toni Morrison
In addition to her deeply moving novels about African Americans in the United States, Toni Morrison is the author of children’s books and non-fiction. She has a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, a Nobel Prize in Literature, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and just about every other award–even a Grammy (Best Spoken Word Album for Children).
Beloved
from $4.79
19.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams was ranked #1 women’s singles in tennis eight times between 2002 and 2017 and is considered one of the greatest female players of all time. She’s also a writer and actress, has her own clothing line, and is active with numerous charities, including the Serena Williams Foundation, which builds schools in Kenya and provides college scholarships to students in the U.S.
On the Line
from $5.99
20.
Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan was born into a cult in Italy in 1973, subject to abuse, and became a teen runaway in the US. Despite these challenges, she went on to become an award-winning actress. In 2017, she came forward with allegations of sexual assault and has been an advocate and voice for abuse victims. Her autobiography Brave tells the story of her childhood and experiences in Hollywood.
Brave
from $5.49
20 Women to Be Reckoned With: Explore Inspiring Biographies and Stories
Discover a curated collection of women to be reckoned with books that celebrate trailblazers, changemakers, and fierce advocates from all walks of life. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, fascinated by stories of resilience, or eager to learn from the world’s most influential women, this collection brings together powerful voices and unforgettable journeys. Dive into biographies of influential women and find inspiration in their courage, achievements, and unyielding spirit.
Why Read Books About Influential Women?
Books about influential women offer more than just personal stories—they provide lessons in leadership, perseverance, and the impact of standing up for what you believe in. From activists and artists to pioneers and survivors, these works invite you to walk in the footsteps of remarkable women, understand their challenges, and be motivated by their triumphs. They are essential reading for anyone seeking to broaden their perspective or to find role models who have shaped history and culture.
Types of Books You’ll Find in This Collection
- Autobiographies and Memoirs: Firsthand accounts from women who have pushed boundaries, sharing their innermost thoughts and experiences.
- Biographies: In-depth explorations of women’s lives and legacies, often providing historical and cultural context that enriches their stories.
- Collections and Anthologies: Gatherings of essays, interviews, or mini-biographies that highlight a diverse range of women to be reckoned with.
- Books on Social Change: Works that reveal how influential women have driven movements, challenged norms, and sparked conversations that matter.
Featured Title: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
For readers interested in both personal transformation and global impact, Brave by Rose McGowan stands out as a compelling choice. In this candid autobiography, Rose recounts her extraordinary journey from a childhood in an Italian cult to her rise as an award-winning actress and fearless advocate for abuse survivors. Brave is more than a Hollywood memoir—it’s a testament to the power of speaking out and reclaiming one’s voice, making it an essential read for those seeking books about influential women who challenge the status quo.
How to Choose the Best Books About Influential Women
Looking to buy women to be reckoned with book but not sure where to start? Consider the following factors:
- Your Interests: Are you drawn to stories of activism, artistic achievement, political leadership, or personal growth?
- Writing Style: Do you prefer introspective memoirs, objective biographies, or collections featuring many voices?
- Age Appropriateness: Some books are ideal for young adults seeking role models, while others delve into mature themes for adult readers.
- Historical vs. Contemporary: Decide if you’d like to read about women who changed history or those currently shaping our world.
Popular Topics Within Biographies of Influential Women Collection
- Overcoming Adversity: Many influential women have faced extraordinary challenges—from discrimination and abuse to overcoming poverty or prejudice.
- Leadership and Activism: Discover women who have led movements, inspired change, and fought for justice on local and global stages.
- Arts and Culture: Explore the lives of creative women who have transformed the worlds of film, music, literature, and visual arts.
- Science and Innovation: Learn about pioneers who have broken barriers in STEM fields, often against the odds.
Who Should Explore This Collection?
This collection is perfect for:
- Readers seeking inspiration from real-life stories of courage and achievement.
- Students and educators looking to expand their knowledge of women’s history and social contributions.
- Anyone interested in social change, gender equality, and human rights.
- Book clubs aiming to spark meaningful discussions around resilience and empowerment.
Benefits of Reading Women to Be Reckoned With Books
- Gain Perspective: Step into the shoes of women who have transformed their lives and the world around them.
- Find Role Models: Discover stories that encourage self-confidence and the pursuit of dreams, no matter the obstacles.
- Stay Motivated: Let the triumphs, setbacks, and victories of others inspire your own journey.
- Support Diverse Voices: Celebrate stories from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Start Your Journey: Browse and Buy Women to Be Reckoned With Books
ThriftBooks makes it easy to explore and buy women to be reckoned with book titles at great value. As you browse this collection, consider adding Brave to your reading list for its honest exploration of resilience, fame, and finding one’s voice in the face of adversity. If you’re seeking the best books about influential women, this collection is your gateway to stories that will move, challenge, and empower you.
Tips for Making the Most of This Collection
- Preview Book Summaries: Read overviews to find stories and themes that resonate with you or your group.
- Mix Genres: Broaden your perspective by choosing a variety of memoirs, biographies, and essay collections.
- Share Your Favorites: Discuss what you’ve read with friends, family, or book clubs to inspire others.
- Reflect on Impact: Consider how these stories of influential women can inform your own life and actions.
Continue Exploring: See More from the Authors
If you’re captivated by Rose McGowan’s story in Brave, you can see all books by this author to further explore her journey and advocacy. Many authors featured in this collection have written multiple works that expand on their experiences, activism, or creative pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these books suitable for young readers? While some women to be reckoned with books are appropriate for teens and young adults, others contain mature themes. Be sure to check each book’s description for age recommendations.
- Can I find books on women from different backgrounds? Yes! This collection highlights influential women from a wide variety of cultures, industries, and life experiences.
- What formats are available? ThriftBooks offers many titles in hardcover, paperback, and sometimes audiobook formats, depending on availability.
Find Your Next Inspiring Read
Whether you’re searching for biographies of influential women collection to spark your own ambition, or hoping to share empowering stories with others, this selection is designed to help you discover new favorites. Start exploring today and let the stories of women to be reckoned with fuel your curiosity, empathy, and determination.
