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The books listed here will be part of a book club for members who wish to be inspired by these writings. There are twelve books for twelve months. I recommend you start with book number one, but it is important to know your members and if you need to read something lighter or more in depth you can switch up the order.
Here is a brief annotation for each book.

Words of Empowered Women Book Club

And So I Roar
by Abi Dare:
Determined to save Adunni, Tia embarks on a personal journey of growth but as she learns to let go, their lives increasingly intertwine, as their very different worlds collide, leading both toward self-discovery and finding their voices.

A Two-Soirit Journey
By Ma-Nee Chacaby:
This is a brutally honest account of the hardships that Ma-Nee Chacaby has had to overcome as she shares her life story, which is rooted in intergenerational abuse, substance use, determination, and unconditional love. Growing up in Ontario's far north, she demonstrates remarkable resilience as a Two-Spirit person who refuses to be broken and instead continues to persevere.

Educated
By Tara Westover:
Growing up in a dysfunctional, abusive and isolated home, Westover must navigate through chaos and indoctrination to discover her own understanding of the world and her identity, separate from her family. Her journey is one of education that leads to empowerment and heart ache.

Becoming a Matriarch: A Memoir
by Helen Knott:
Knott creates her own narrative through a lens of indigenous knowledge, finding her sacred space in a non-linear life filled with healing, compassion, and emotions. Witnessing women in leadership growing up, she aims to empower other women to step boldly into those roles, telling the story of generations of daughters becoming extraordinary mothers while living ordinary lives.

I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
By Malala Yousafzai:
Reflecting on her life in Pakistan, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai recalls being shot at close range for her advocacy of peace and education for girls. She and her family openly challenged the Taliban and the fundamental ideologies of radicalized Islam, which led to this heinous act in 2012, but Malala’s bravery and story do not end there.

The House of My Mother:
Shari Franke
Shari Franke, the oldest daughter of social media influencer family "8 Passengers," hated every second of filming and her life in the spotlight. In her tell-all, she shares her vulnerability and how she felt taken advantage of by her own mother. Shari recounts the harsh punishments imposed by their mother, whom she describes as a covert narcissist.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
By Taylor Jenkins Reid:
The story of a mid-century famous actress who would do anything for fame, and to protect her truth from her fans, she will even go as far as to marry an abusive husband. As she nears the end of her life, she reveals her secrets in a tell-all book that will leave readers gasping.

The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice
By Rebecca Musser:
Rebecca Musser ex-FLDS member testifies against her former husband, Prophet Roulan Jeffs, recounting her life within the FLDS and detailing her marriage to the 85-year-old prophet when she was just 19, making her his 65th wife. After her husband's death, she chose to escape, and share her testimony which would ultimately determine the fate of the new prophet, Warren Jeffs.

North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both
By Cea Sunrise Person
This is the story of a girl who grew up in a non-traditional hippie family that embraced free love, but despite her northern, secluded upbringing, she longed for a more conventional life. At the age of 13, she was discovered by a fashion photographer, it seemed as though all her dreams were coming true. However, as she attempted to integrate into society, she found herself once again lost in her own wilderness until she discovered the power of fearlessness and forward movement, ultimately finding true happiness.

Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More
By Janet Mock:
Janet Mock, born Charles, felt a feminine calling early in life and began transitioning her outer appearance to reflect her true self. Her story highlights the intersection of trans identity in BIPOC populations, revealing the isolation, bullying, and victimization she faced for being different while shedding light on experiences that are often overlooked.

I’m Glad My Mom Died
By Jennette McCurdy:
Janette, a former Nickelodeon star from "iCarly," discusses her complicated relationship with her mother, who drove her early acting career but also struggled with mental health issues and narcissism. Following her mother's death, Janette opened up about her ongoing battle with an eating disorder and the abuse she endured throughout her life. Her memoir reflects her journey toward healing and resilience after escaping the difficult dynamics of her childhood.

North and South
By Elizabeth Gaskell:
As Margaret Hale’s life is turned upside down she challenges the social constructs that would eventually be defined as 'true womanhood.' She demonstrates intellectual curiosity, moral strength, and a strong sense of independence, confronting the constraints of Victorian society placed on women. Instead of being confined to domestic concerns, she actively engages with the social and economic issues of her time. Gaskell successfully employs character foil to contrast Margaret with the ideal women around her, particularly her mother, who lacks the character strengths that Margaret possesses.