Woman

With three hit shows on television and three children at home, the uber-talented Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say no when an unexpected invitation arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No.

It’s a quick and beautiful book with words (both poetry and prose) that ask questions and words that lead us towards love. You can read it front to back or pick it up and flip to a page and be given a gift through her use of language. The front flap of the book says, “Where To Begin is perfect for those who are ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality.”

Amanda Lovelace manages to show that in literature less can be much, much more. It is not easy to turn consciences and stomachs with just a few words. It is not easy to shrink hearts with simple words and stories.

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are is a memoir by journalist Elaine Welteroth. While it’s her story, there is a plethora of advice for anyone seeking more, who may doubt themselves from time to time.

This book explores likability as a proxy for unconscious bias and gender discrimination. It also offers constructive ways for women to reframe so-called feedback from others that focuses solely on style or presentation, and ways to change your mindset from one of likability to that of relatability. The bottom line: It calls for women to be confident, advocate for themselves, challenge stereotypes and bias, and not be afraid to walk away when their personal, ethical, or moral code is undermined.

The book is filled with a daily quote, 365 of them with Hoda’s comments about what each quote means to her and perhaps what it could mean to her reader as well. There are inspiring quotes, funny quotes, and some extremely profound quotes. I believe the book itself is a love story to her friends, family, her children, and fiancé, as well as an uplifting read to her devoted fans, some of who have been with her as she journeyed through cancer, divorce, messy breakups, finding love and children.

Phoebe Robinson’s hilarious new sophomore book is stand-up comedy at its best. Robinson’s self-narration is an outstanding element of the story; she brings such energy to the words. Filled with pop culture references, acronyms, and hashtags, Robinson’s fast-paced essays on American society is an antidote to modern woes; especially for a generation that is struggling with extreme disappointments and alarming changes at anever-increasingg rate.

As a food lover, beauty-product addict, exercise junkie, and wellness entrepreneur, Hannah Bronfman practically radiates confidence and health. But she’ll be the first one to admit the road to wellness and self-acceptance hasn’t been easy. As a woman of color who grew up watching a close family member struggle with an eating disorder, Hannah’s had to forge her path and create her standards of beauty. What she’s learned is this: Healthy is beautiful. And healthy should feel good. 

This is essentially a self-help book by wayof aa memoir. There’s a lot of good stuff in here. It’s always helpful to have a reminder to stop the negative thoughts about yourself—like that you’re a failure because you don’t have a boyfriend/the job you want/you aren’t working out or eating well enough and so on. For some of us, giving ourselves pep talks is not our natural state, but Tara reminds us: If your friend were in a similar situation, would you talk to her that way?