Typically when you think of a list of books for single women, you imagine a list of books about how to secure a mate. Of course, at The American Spinster, that’s not going to happen. So instead I’ve created a much-needed list of the top five books to read if you are – or wish to be – a happily single woman.
These books empower, educate, and inspire you to live your best single life. The un-ranked list includes nonfiction narratives, histories, self-help, and even a badge book. So without any more ado, here are my top five, must-read books for single women.
Because I so highly recommend these books, this post contains affiliate links. Please see my affiliate links disclosure here.
1. You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero
While not aimed at women particularly, Jen Sincero’s Badass books should be required reading for every single and/or childfree female. You Are A Badass is a no-nonsense pep talk from an author who’s part comedian, part inspirational drill sergeant. You will be Sarah Freaking Connor after you’re done reading.
The best part is that Sincero was in her forties before she started getting her life together. And now she’s raking in the dough and traveling the world as a best-selling author. As she says, “If I can do this, anyone can.”
You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
2. Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own, by Kate Bolick
Right from the introduction, you can tell Bolick’s book is going to be an entrancing exploration of the beauty of singleness. Filled with history, narrative, and a captivating writing style, this is the handbook for single, childfree women.
Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own
3. Yes Means Yes! Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape, by Jaclyn Friedman
This is an example of a book that delves boldly into the dark and emerges triumphant, inspiring, and empowering. Rather than focusing on the bare minimum of consent, this book takes “yes” to a new level.
Yes Means Yes!: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape
4. All The Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation, by Rebecca Traister
Sometimes you’ve got to know where you’ve come from to appreciate where you are. Traister traces the rise of singledom and offers some satisfactory explanations for why women are choosing to remain single longer.
All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation
5. You Can Do It! (The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls), by Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas
I found my first copy of this book when it was discounted to a dollar. Because it’s hard to go wrong at that price, I bought it. Then I went back and bought the rest of them and gave them out to my best female friends. True story.
You Can Do It!: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
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Have you read any books on this list? Are there any other must-read books for single women that I missed? Let me know in the comments below! While you’re at it, check out The American Spinster’s list of Top 5 Books for the Childfree Lifestyle.
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