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Empowered: Live Your Life with Passion and Purpose
From experiencing grief and leaving her home country of Zimbabwe for the UK, to attending disruptive state schools and working long hours to support herself and her mother, Vee Kativhu has faced much adversity.
But through personal experience, she has triumphed, using her experience to help underprivileged and underrepresented people from all over the world recognise their own talent and achieve their goals. From graduating from Oxford and becoming a Harvard grad, to building an online community of over 260,000, Vee has become an icon and inspiration to young people in need of a boost of confidence, motivation and practical life advice.
Drawing from her inspirational journey, Vee will teach you how to:
- Set your life goals, career aspirations and actually achieve them
- Stay motivated in the face of rejection and hardship
- Learn from your mistakes
- Take chances, live your best life and don't let hardship define you
- Make the best lemonade the world has ever tasted when life throws rotten lemons at you
- Cultivate feelings of self-love and self-empowerment
This book will inspire you how to live a more fulfilled, motivated and empowered life in everything you do.
But through personal experience, she has triumphed, using her experience to help underprivileged and underrepresented people from all over the world recognise their own talent and achieve their goals. From graduating from Oxford and becoming a Harvard grad, to building an online community of over 260,000, Vee has become an icon and inspiration to young people in need of a boost of confidence, motivation and practical life advice.
Drawing from her inspirational journey, Vee will teach you how to:
- Set your life goals, career aspirations and actually achieve them
- Stay motivated in the face of rejection and hardship
- Learn from your mistakes
- Take chances, live your best life and don't let hardship define you
- Make the best lemonade the world has ever tasted when life throws rotten lemons at you
- Cultivate feelings of self-love and self-empowerment
This book will inspire you how to live a more fulfilled, motivated and empowered life in everything you do.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2021
66 people are currently reading
5918 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 29, 2021
A touching, deeply inspiring, and thought-provoking book written by a trailblazer and a powerhouse. I had goosebumps on multiple occasions whilst reading through this beautifully tender insight into Vee's brilliant mind. This will leave you feeling like you can accomplish anything, whilst also getting to know the Oxford- and Harvard-graduating author even better.
Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty, Vee. The empowerment of this special little book is infectious.
Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty, Vee. The empowerment of this special little book is infectious.
December 29, 2021
This book is empowering in the truest sense of the world. It is incredible to hear Vee's story and everything she had to overcome to get to where she is now. Elements are heartbreaking (especially since we know and love Vee so much), but despite racism, bullying and educational inequality, Vee shows how she turned everything into lemons and then lemonade. She gives practical advice, but also (and more importantly) shares kind and encouraging words. All young people should read this.
This is the story of a "normal" young person who shows us that we can do anything we set our hearts on.
It also exposes some of the key inequalities in the UK education system, and show's why Vee's work in education reform and access is so important.
This is the story of a "normal" young person who shows us that we can do anything we set our hearts on.
It also exposes some of the key inequalities in the UK education system, and show's why Vee's work in education reform and access is so important.
March 10, 2023
I’m biased: 😂😂😂
March 14, 2022
I picked this book up after signing up for a talk with Vee and her best friend, so I can come prepared. I knew about this powerhouse of a woman before, but did not actively follow what she has been up to.
Now I have big regrets about not doing so before. Luckily, this books summarizes quite a bit of it very well!
In her book, Vee describes basically every aspect of life that is needed to feel empowered and successful (in whatever way you want to define that). She discusses various steps and mindsets we can all take to lead the life we want and feel great about it.
I really liked how each chapter was based on an anecdote or story from her life that made the points especially clear and easier to relate to.
During and after reading this book, I feel incredibly motivated and good about my current place and future goals. Vee's concrete steps to take are straightforward and realistic, and she has a great way of making these shown in the book.
Some people found her age confusing, but I think there would have been no better time for her to write this book. I know feel like it is so much easier to relate to her and her journey. Yes, she did not reach an end yet, but is there ever really going to be one?
I love to see women my age thrive despite the challenges put into our way. It is simply inspiring and remarkable what Vee and others have achieved. Reading from someone who is going to similar difficulties as me and my peers is in itself an empowering experience.
Highly recommend for young women (and men too, really) with ambitions. Mostly in work and education, but in everything else really too.
Now I have big regrets about not doing so before. Luckily, this books summarizes quite a bit of it very well!
In her book, Vee describes basically every aspect of life that is needed to feel empowered and successful (in whatever way you want to define that). She discusses various steps and mindsets we can all take to lead the life we want and feel great about it.
I really liked how each chapter was based on an anecdote or story from her life that made the points especially clear and easier to relate to.
During and after reading this book, I feel incredibly motivated and good about my current place and future goals. Vee's concrete steps to take are straightforward and realistic, and she has a great way of making these shown in the book.
Some people found her age confusing, but I think there would have been no better time for her to write this book. I know feel like it is so much easier to relate to her and her journey. Yes, she did not reach an end yet, but is there ever really going to be one?
I love to see women my age thrive despite the challenges put into our way. It is simply inspiring and remarkable what Vee and others have achieved. Reading from someone who is going to similar difficulties as me and my peers is in itself an empowering experience.
Highly recommend for young women (and men too, really) with ambitions. Mostly in work and education, but in everything else really too.
November 2, 2021
‘Empowered’ is a self-help novel by Oxford and Harvard graduate and youtuber Vee Kativhu, teaching her audience how to transform negativity into productivity.
As an avid watcher of Vee’s, I was unsure what to expect reading this book - I’m by no means somebody who regularly consumes self-help books, in fact this might even be the first I have read.
But it was phenomenal. The autobiographical approach allowed for the book to become less preachy and more personal, with the author drawing on her personal experiences in order to demonstrate the examples given. It is a debut novel written by somebody finishing up their masters degree at Harvard University, which is one of the most impressive collision of events I’ve ever seen. But it’s more than that. It’s a debut novel that, as a young professional and somebody who is grappling with many of the subjects Vee approaches in her book (self - doubt, imposter syndrome etc.) I thoroughly believe could change the professional world; for it speaks about those subjects we might be too afraid to address out of embarrassment, awkwardness or lack of understanding.
December 4, 2021
The book is a short read but incredibly empowering (just like the title promised) and inspiring. Vee sharing her experience of working and studying and making ends meet while achieving all the goals she has set makes me realise how lucky I am. Her willpower and determination to complete something she has set her mind to are unquivering and the amount of positive change she has brought to the underrepresented community is countless. Her words stimulated me to work harder, be grateful and to be passionate. It is a great book to read and will definitely inspire you to be a greater version of yourself.
Want to read
September 10, 202109.10.21:
I’ve been following Vee’s journey for years and I am so excited to learn more about it in this book!
I’ve been following Vee’s journey for years and I am so excited to learn more about it in this book!
March 22, 2025
Knowing Vee and the persona she portrays and reading this book just reminds me of how strong and how hard work and perseverance really pays of.
I started following Vee since her essay crisis video following her alongside my own uni journey.
Her infectious nature made it easier for me doing essays as I felt I had someone to go through it with.
I loved reading this book and getting to know Vee and how far she has come. The quote really hits hard that the people with with the biggest smiles hurt the most because Vee's childhood and trauma that she was left with it is incredible to hear how she overcame it and against all odds (and they were really stocked against her) she came on top.
It is also kind of reminds of Oprah's story just in the way how Vee gives back and makes sure with her story and experience she empowers others through her own practical advice and steps to empower yourself.
This is a must read and I am so excited and will continue to champion Vee and look forward to what she embarks on to next.
December 30, 2022
life-changing. truly.
November 2, 2021
‘Empowered’ is a self-help novel by Oxford and Harvard graduate and youtuber Vee Kativhu, teaching her audience how to transform negativity into productivity.
As an avid watcher of Vee’s, I was unsure what to expect reading this book - I’m by no means somebody who regularly consumes self-help books, in fact this might even be the first I have read.
But it was phenomenal. The autobiographical approach allowed for the book to become less preachy and more personal, with the author drawing on her personal experiences in order to demonstrate the examples given. It is a debut novel written by somebody finishing up their masters degree at Harvard University, which is one of the most impressive collision of events I’ve ever seen. But it’s more than that. It’s a debut novel that, as a young professional and somebody who is grappling with many of the subjects Vee approaches in her book (self - doubt, imposter syndrome etc.) I thoroughly believe could change the professional world; for it speaks about those subjects we might be too afraid to address out of embarrassment, awkwardness or lack of understanding.
As an avid watcher of Vee’s, I was unsure what to expect reading this book - I’m by no means somebody who regularly consumes self-help books, in fact this might even be the first I have read.
But it was phenomenal. The autobiographical approach allowed for the book to become less preachy and more personal, with the author drawing on her personal experiences in order to demonstrate the examples given. It is a debut novel written by somebody finishing up their masters degree at Harvard University, which is one of the most impressive collision of events I’ve ever seen. But it’s more than that. It’s a debut novel that, as a young professional and somebody who is grappling with many of the subjects Vee approaches in her book (self - doubt, imposter syndrome etc.) I thoroughly believe could change the professional world; for it speaks about those subjects we might be too afraid to address out of embarrassment, awkwardness or lack of understanding.
January 2, 2022
I felt the book was just a tad bit shallow. I respect the stories and experiences of the author immensely, and that kind of vulnerability is not easy, and the trauma associated must allow for a lot of wisdom for someone so young. Yet, idk, the tips felt like my high school coordinator telling us every morning “I’ve gotta wear sunglasses, because your future’s looking bright.”
It’a just a regular self-help book, imo, but there’s something about it being from someone so young that doesn’t hit for me. Idk maybe that’s my own ageism??? If y’all read it I genuinely hope it does more for you than it did for me! By no means is it a bad book, but the tips and the writing style just weren’t my own personal cup of tea, so the book as a whole just wasn’t my vibe. It was very wholesome tho, very sweet, and I see where the author was going with it!! V cute, just not my kind of cute.
It’a just a regular self-help book, imo, but there’s something about it being from someone so young that doesn’t hit for me. Idk maybe that’s my own ageism??? If y’all read it I genuinely hope it does more for you than it did for me! By no means is it a bad book, but the tips and the writing style just weren’t my own personal cup of tea, so the book as a whole just wasn’t my vibe. It was very wholesome tho, very sweet, and I see where the author was going with it!! V cute, just not my kind of cute.
November 22, 2022
I didn’t finish the book. I think it is targeted at people a lot younger than myself 😅
July 3, 2022
I appreciate Vee openly sharing her struggles and how she managed to achieve what she have today amidst adversity. We definitely need more self-help books written by women of color. This book is what I exactly need right now. However, one nit-picky thing I want to point out is the repetitiveness in some parts especially about the empowerment circle. Nevertheless, the book overall was value-adding and I love how Vee recognized the role privilege plays in achieving success. And how people who lack this kind of privilege can still succeed amid adversity.
My favorite takeaway/quote from the book: I have no right to waste my talents and opportunities when so many people would die to be where I am right now, when I am living my once wildest dream.
I needed that.
My favorite takeaway/quote from the book: I have no right to waste my talents and opportunities when so many people would die to be where I am right now, when I am living my once wildest dream.
I needed that.
December 31, 2021
ending the reading year on a high note :)
July 5, 2022
Inspiring and empowering 💛
May 29, 2024
I listened to the audiobook. 🎧
December 18, 2023
Couldn't finish - beautiful graphics though.
May 25, 2022
I absolutely love Vee's YouTube videos and it's undeniable that her story is incredible. She is very inspirational and has worked extremely hard to achieve what she has.
Unfortunately, I just didn't like this book. It felt very surface-level and a bit too generic. The parts about Vee's own life were wonderful, but the tips felt basic and a bit cringeworthy.
A small note too: I didn't love the anecdote where Michelle Obama comes over and has a heart-felt conversation with Vee, because that event was most likely majorly influenced by the fact that Vee was there with Malala, who is in her own right very influential and therefore has connections to people like the Obamas.
Overall, I have loads of respect for this author and her life, but I think her videos are far better than this book!
Unfortunately, I just didn't like this book. It felt very surface-level and a bit too generic. The parts about Vee's own life were wonderful, but the tips felt basic and a bit cringeworthy.
A small note too: I didn't love the anecdote where Michelle Obama comes over and has a heart-felt conversation with Vee, because that event was most likely majorly influenced by the fact that Vee was there with Malala, who is in her own right very influential and therefore has connections to people like the Obamas.
Overall, I have loads of respect for this author and her life, but I think her videos are far better than this book!
January 22, 2022
Very insight and good read. I was able to learn more about Vee’s journey which helps me understand the reasons behind certain things she does today. I felt as if however some of the advice was quite generic although majority of it I was able to gain some useful advice about aspects I can apply to my own career journey. I am looking forward to applying what I’ve learnt from this book and seeing how it can affect my life.
December 6, 2021
Motivating and empowering, loved the goal-setting portion! I also made a video review of the book on youtube ( https://youtu.be/L7X2DZlf8_c ) that looks at all of the prose and cons in depth. It is written mainly from personal experience but contains many instances where Vee gives out practical advice and explains how to achieve steps of the process towards our personal success.
April 20, 2022
This is the third part of my little project called "FOR FUCK'S SAKE, ZOSIA, YOU CAN'T HAVE EIGHTEEN BOOKS ON YOUR CURRENTLY-READING SHELF, DO SOMETHING WITH IT".
As much as I love Vee and respect her experiences and vulnerability in sharing them, I found this book quite shallow, pointless and not really helpful. I much prefer Vee’s videos.
As much as I love Vee and respect her experiences and vulnerability in sharing them, I found this book quite shallow, pointless and not really helpful. I much prefer Vee’s videos.
January 27, 2023
I feel bad giving it this rating but this book did not feel very relatable. There were some nice messages but it was very focused on hustle culture regarding education/career and a bit cliche at times…
February 16, 2022
5.0 ⭐️
Vee Kativhu’s debut novel. I have only one word to describe this book-powerful.
This was phenomenal, empowering and motivating.
Being someone who is from a minority ethnic group, single parent household and has jerks for extended family members, this book has truly felt like it was a mirror into my life.
Vee stripped herself bare for us in the last 200+ pages where she speaks about the struggles she has faced, the pain she has endured as well as how society has conditioned her to adopt the imposter syndrome.
However, even in these struggles she shows us that-despite life dealing someone with the worst cards, we can truly make life better. She shows us that everything and anything is possible if you place your heart, mind and soul to it.
I’ve sticky tabbed this book quite a bit as there are pockets of amazing advice in it as well.
Thank you Vee, for sharing your story with the world. I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to be empowered.
There were so many quotes I loved but the one that stood out:
“For so long I wanted to downplay my achievements out of fear of making others feel inadequate. […] she insisted I become unapologetic in the spaces I enter because my presence would make room for other Black girls in the future. When I began to view things from this angle, I became unstoppable in how I shared my story online.”
Vee Kativhu’s debut novel. I have only one word to describe this book-powerful.
This was phenomenal, empowering and motivating.
Being someone who is from a minority ethnic group, single parent household and has jerks for extended family members, this book has truly felt like it was a mirror into my life.
Vee stripped herself bare for us in the last 200+ pages where she speaks about the struggles she has faced, the pain she has endured as well as how society has conditioned her to adopt the imposter syndrome.
However, even in these struggles she shows us that-despite life dealing someone with the worst cards, we can truly make life better. She shows us that everything and anything is possible if you place your heart, mind and soul to it.
I’ve sticky tabbed this book quite a bit as there are pockets of amazing advice in it as well.
Thank you Vee, for sharing your story with the world. I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to be empowered.
There were so many quotes I loved but the one that stood out:
“For so long I wanted to downplay my achievements out of fear of making others feel inadequate. […] she insisted I become unapologetic in the spaces I enter because my presence would make room for other Black girls in the future. When I began to view things from this angle, I became unstoppable in how I shared my story online.”
March 20, 2022
I felt related to this book
Although I don't come from a black background I come from a background where women are not respected and should not dream high but to go the conventional way the work for a woman "to be a teacher where you only work with women" so the education system in the country filled with people who resent their job and only work for the paycheck. I was always told not to read books or learn English for that matter so it will not stain the way society works. I lived a life filled with fear of men, they could be physical and get away with it cuz the system accept that. I bought a kindle to buy books, hide books in hidden storage, and read when no one is looking. I kept fighting in silence and now I could fight for myself with a loud voice.
and I never felt supported until I start following Vee! I felt very lonely for the society I live in is accepting and enjoying their life as long as they live the soft life, "if the man can provide me, take me anywhere I could care less about any women or education" so the women who fight for themselves every day either give up or lower their standers
because they made us feel guilty for wanting "to live" for ourselves
thank you, Vee, and the empowered team for the amazing work!
I never felt related as Muslim and Arab women to anyone until now
thanks!
Although I don't come from a black background I come from a background where women are not respected and should not dream high but to go the conventional way the work for a woman "to be a teacher where you only work with women" so the education system in the country filled with people who resent their job and only work for the paycheck. I was always told not to read books or learn English for that matter so it will not stain the way society works. I lived a life filled with fear of men, they could be physical and get away with it cuz the system accept that. I bought a kindle to buy books, hide books in hidden storage, and read when no one is looking. I kept fighting in silence and now I could fight for myself with a loud voice.
and I never felt supported until I start following Vee! I felt very lonely for the society I live in is accepting and enjoying their life as long as they live the soft life, "if the man can provide me, take me anywhere I could care less about any women or education" so the women who fight for themselves every day either give up or lower their standers
because they made us feel guilty for wanting "to live" for ourselves
thank you, Vee, and the empowered team for the amazing work!
I never felt related as Muslim and Arab women to anyone until now
thanks!
December 29, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC copy of this book.
The book details Vee’s challenging upbringing in Zimbabwe, the loss of her father, followed by her move to England and the experiences of her, her sister and her Mum. She goes into detail about her academic experiences of school in Birmingham and Wales, and her journey to studying at Oxford and Harvard.
There are some interesting points covered on social media, family, bullying, racism, work, money, her experiences as a young Black woman, and friendships.
The book has lots of great advice and was really relatable and empowering. I genuinely wish I’d read a book like this in my teens/twenties. She’s very talented and her passion for making a difference is so apparent. It’s inspiring and well-written, and Vee has wisdom beyond her years.
The book details Vee’s challenging upbringing in Zimbabwe, the loss of her father, followed by her move to England and the experiences of her, her sister and her Mum. She goes into detail about her academic experiences of school in Birmingham and Wales, and her journey to studying at Oxford and Harvard.
There are some interesting points covered on social media, family, bullying, racism, work, money, her experiences as a young Black woman, and friendships.
The book has lots of great advice and was really relatable and empowering. I genuinely wish I’d read a book like this in my teens/twenties. She’s very talented and her passion for making a difference is so apparent. It’s inspiring and well-written, and Vee has wisdom beyond her years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
An extremely thought-provoking book that taught me so many essential life skills, from having a healthy relationship with money to managing failure and a myriad of crucial skills. We can get advice from anywhere, parents, counsellors etc. However, Vee does differently because she genuinely shows passion in her writing and makes it relatable through real-life experiences. Being a child of a more fortunate family who left the home country for a better life elsewhere really gives me faith that with faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.
February 14, 2022
Beautiful book by Vee! I really felt like I was listening to her speak.
The chapters addressed all sorts of challenges you can encounter while being a young person figuring out your life and she gave some very practical tips and tricks of how to deal with them.
It was also really nice to learn a bit more about Vee and the hardships she went through. I already found her extremely inspiring but that feeling for her has only grown throughout the book.
The only thing that bothered me although really beautiful were the yellow details. I sometimes had trouble reading the yellow parts.
The chapters addressed all sorts of challenges you can encounter while being a young person figuring out your life and she gave some very practical tips and tricks of how to deal with them.
It was also really nice to learn a bit more about Vee and the hardships she went through. I already found her extremely inspiring but that feeling for her has only grown throughout the book.
The only thing that bothered me although really beautiful were the yellow details. I sometimes had trouble reading the yellow parts.
April 8, 2022
I've read a few 'self help' books in my time, but I think this one may be my current favourite. It was powerful and moving to witness the journey of Vee's life from growing up in Zimbabwe to encountering obstacles such as racism and classism, and it is truly inspirational to everyone, especially young black women. My goals are very very different to Vee's and I'm also an introvert and autistic, so some of the advice I can't really take on, but it was empowering nonetheless and I'll definitely keep the advice in mind!
June 12, 2025
This inspiring journey shows how resilience, determination and self-belief can transform adversity into opportunity. Through candid stories of overcoming grief, hardship and rejection, it offers practical guidance on setting goals, staying motivated and learning from mistakes. The actionable tips on taking chances, cultivating self-love and turning life’s lemons into lemonade feel both empowering and achievable. Uplifting and genuine, this book is a powerful roadmap for anyone seeking to thrive despite the odds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews