7 books on self-love and building confidence that every woman should read

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | March 15, 2025, 1:13 pm

There’s a beautiful connection between self-love and confidence that every woman should understand.

The connection is simple: self-love fuels confidence. When you truly love yourself, you are more likely to believe in your abilities and pursue your dreams fearlessly.

Books can be a powerful tool in this journey of self-discovery and confidence-building. They enlighten us, guide us, and give us the courage to face our fears.

As a woman, there are certain books that have helped me embrace my worth and step into my power. I believe these books can do the same for you.

In this article, I will share with you seven books on self-love and building confidence that every woman should read.

These are books that have truly changed my perspective and helped me cultivate a stronger sense of self-love and confidence.

Dive in, take notes, and let these authors guide you on your journey to becoming the confident woman you were born to be.

1) You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Let’s start with a book that doesn’t mince words.

“You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero is a gem that every woman should read.

This book serves as a brilliant wake-up call to stop doubting yourself and start embracing your worth.

Sincero’s book isn’t just about self-love; it’s about self-empowerment. It challenges you to shed your self-doubt, kick your insecurities to the curb, and step into your personal power.

And the best part? It does so with humor, honesty, and a straight-to-the-point writing style that will make you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself laughing out loud while reading this book. But more importantly, don’t be surprised if you walk away with a newfound sense of self-love and confidence.

This book is all about embracing the badass within you, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to do that? So give it a read, and start unleashing your inner badass.

2) The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Next on the list is a book that had a profound impact on my own journey of self-love and confidence.

“The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown shook me to my core.

Brené Brown, with her research on vulnerability, courage, and worthiness, has this incredible knack for making you feel seen and understood.

I remember reading her words – “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it” – and feeling my world shift.

It was like she was speaking directly to me, nudging me gently towards accepting myself, flaws and all.

This book taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect. It showed me that my imperfections don’t make me less worthy. On the contrary, they make me human. They make me, me.

And that was a game-changer. I started to see myself in a new light, with more compassion and less judgment. My confidence grew as I started to accept and love myself, imperfections and all.

So if you’re struggling with self-acceptance and self-love, this book is a must-read for you.

3) The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

“The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman is a book that beautifully blends research and anecdotes to deliver a compelling message about confidence.

Written by two accomplished journalists, this book delves deep into the concept of confidence, exploring its roots and its effects on our lives.

Did you know that there’s actually a genetic component to confidence? Kay and Shipman delve into this intriguing aspect, exploring how genetics can play a part in shaping our confidence levels.

But don’t worry, it’s not all about genetics. The authors also highlight the role of experiences and mindset in building confidence, providing actionable steps that you can take to boost your self-assurance.

“The Confidence Code” not only provides insights into the nature of confidence but also equips you with practical tools to grow your own.

It’s a powerful read for any woman looking to build her self-belief and step into her power.

4) The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

“The Self-Love Experiment: Fifteen Principles for Becoming More Kind, Compassionate, and Accepting of Yourself” by Shannon Kaiser is a treasure trove of wisdom for any woman seeking to cultivate self-love.

Kaiser’s book, as the title suggests, is all about conducting an experiment of self-love.

It encourages you to change your perspective, shift your mindset, and start treating yourself with the kindness and compassion you so readily give to others.

Kaiser shares her own journey of self-love, offering insights and lessons learned along the way. She provides practical exercises and principles to help you start your own self-love experiment.

This book is a beautiful reminder that self-love isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And it’s a journey worth embarking on.

So go ahead, pick up this book, and start your own self-love experiment. You’ll be surprised by how transformative it can be.

5) Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown is another powerful read.

This book resonated with me on a deep level. It was during a time when I was struggling with vulnerability and fear of judgment. Brené Brown’s words were like a balm to my anxious soul.

“Daring Greatly” is all about embracing vulnerability and using it as a strength. It discusses how showing up and being seen, in all our imperfect glory, is the true measure of courage.

There were moments when I had to put the book down and take a deep breath, simply because the insights were so powerful.

It made me realize that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. It’s the birthplace of creativity, courage, and most importantly, authentic connection.

If you’ve ever struggled with vulnerability or fear of judgment, this book might feel like a hand reaching out in understanding and solidarity. It’s a call to dare greatly, to embrace our vulnerabilities, and to live life authentically.

6) Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

“Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha” by Tara Brach is a book that takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Brach, a psychologist and Buddhist meditation teacher, beautifully combines her knowledge of Eastern mindfulness practices with Western psychology.

The result is a powerful guide to embracing ourselves fully, without judgment or criticism.

“Radical Acceptance” introduces the concept of mindfulness and shows you how to incorporate it into your daily life. It encourages you to pause, observe your thoughts and emotions, and accept them without judgment.

This book is a gentle reminder that you are enough just as you are. By embracing radical acceptance, you can start to let go of self-criticism and step into a space of compassion and self-love.

7) The Art of Self-Love by Kim Morrison

“The Art of Self-Love: Your Essential Guide to Loving and Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit” by Kim Morrison is a book that every woman should have on her bookshelf.

In a world that often encourages us to put ourselves last, this book is a much-needed reminder of the importance of self-care and self-love.

Morrison guides you through practical strategies for nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. She helps you understand the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and prioritizing your well-being.

“The Art of Self-Love” is more than just a book; it’s a call to action. It calls you to honor yourself, to treat yourself with kindness, and to embrace the person you are.

Remember, self-love isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And this book is your guide to cultivating it.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Delving into the realm of self-love and confidence often feels like embarking on an uncharted journey. A journey that invites introspection, vulnerability, and acceptance.

One common thread that runs through all these books is the idea that self-love and confidence aren’t destinations, but ongoing processes. They are not something you achieve once and then forget about.

As Brené Brown so eloquently puts it, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

These books provide insights and tools to help you navigate this journey. They encourage you to embrace your worth, honor your vulnerabilities, and step into your power.

Remember, the journey to self-love and confidence starts with one step – one page, one chapter at a time. And these books are your companions on this transformative journey.

So go ahead, pick up one of these books, and start your journey. Embrace the process, be kind to yourself, and remember – you are enough, just as you are.