_{^{This article contains affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission when you purchase through them. All opinions are our own and we appreciate your support!}}

Setting goals for ourselves is such an important part of our personal growth journey. Personally, I am a big advocate for setting goals and would definitely consider myself to be a goal-driven person.

But often times, we can’t achieve those goals on our own. We need guidance, motivation, accountability, etc. and I’ve found self improvement books to be a great resource!

So whether you’re looking to rid your mind of negativity, switch up your day-to-day habits, improve your productivity at work, or finally get a hold of your finances, you’ve come to the right place!

Check out the list below of the best self improvement books to help you achieve your goals.

The Best Self Help Books

Whether you’re looking for a motivational read to inspire your next big idea or needing to rid your mind of negativity and self-doubt, this section is for you! Check out the best self help books to improve your mind, spirit, and lifestyle.

Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle

“Refreshingly frank. Writing, or as she calls it ‘living out loud,’ is for Melton a bracing therapy to chase away loneliness, learn humility, and banish the fears of revealing the less than flattering sides of herself.” ― Publishers Weekly

Check out Carry, On Warrior here >>

Atomic Habits by James Clear

“In Atomic Habits, Clear will show you how to overcome a lack of motivation, change your environment to encourage success, and make time for new (and better) habits.” ― Glamour.com

Check out Atomic Habits here >>

Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop

“If you like your self-help without any BS, look to Gary John Bishop’s Unfu*k Yourself, [which] aims to help readers who feel f*cked up work through their challenges. You’ll get advice and tools to combat negative self-talk and feel more empowered.” ― Bustle

Check out Unf*k Yourself here >>

Only Love Today by Rachel Macy Stafford

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Macy Stafford shares simple words of daily inspiration to help you find new and more connected ways to live undistracted, heart-led, and hands-free every day.

Check out Only Love Today here >>

13 Things Mentally Strong People Do by Amy Morin

“Her book details exactly the sort of destructive thinking you should cut out of your life if you want to radically increase your resilience. If you’re looking to kick some bad mental habits and toughen yourself up, it’s a great source of ideas to get you started.” ― Inc.

Check out 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do here >>

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

“Drawing on his personal wisdom and experiences, Vex King shows you ways to transform negative emotions into positive ones, how to love yourself, and how to overcome fear.” ― Daily Mail

Check out Good Vibes, Good Life here >>

Burnout by Emily Nagoski PhD

“Emily and Amelia Nagoski deconstruct the stress we experience as women, and their compassionate, science-based advice on how to release it made me cry with gratitude and relief. Repeatedly. In public. The book is that revolutionary and its authors that wonderful and wise.”— Peggy Orenstein, New York Times bestselling author

Check out Burnout here >>

The Best Housekeeping Books

Are you feeling unorganized? When you look around your house, does cleaning and organizing seem more exhausting than rewarding?

Your space should be one that you feel calm and comfortable in, but if instead, it makes you feel overwhelmed, this is the list for you. Check out these organization and housekeeping books that will de-clutter your space… and mind.

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White

White explains, clearly and without delusions, what it takes to get—and keep—your home under control.

Check out How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind here >>

The Home Edit by Clea Shearer

“A master class on how to arrange even your most unattractive belongings—and spaces—in an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-navigate way.” — Glamour

Check out The Home Edit here >>

Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home by Becky Rapinchuk

“Becky empowers readers with these concepts of making your home feel more, well, like home. I feel inspired to create new rituals in my own space, ones that are intuitive and bring peace and calm, just like she outlines in this must-read book.” — Melissa Maker, author of Clean My Space: The Secret To Cleaning Better

Check out the Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home here >>

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

“This isn’t just a book about decluttering. It’s a book about remembering what the purpose of every room is and making your home feel like the most important place on earth. Less clutter, more heart.” — Cait Flanders, author of The Year of Less

Check out The Minimalist Home here >>

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō

“Reading it, you glimpse a glittering mental freedom from the unread/uncrafted/unworn, buyer’s remorse, the nervous eyeing of real estate listings. Life’s overwhelm, conquered.”— The Atlantic 

Check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up here >>

The Best Professional Development Books

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Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

This is one of my personal favorites and really helped me to understand why my productivity was lacking and gave me realistic day-to-day tactics to improve it! It’s a must-read for anyone with a lot to juggle!

Check out Eat That Frog! here >>

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

“Whether you’re leading a movement or a start-up, if you’re trying to change an organizational culture or the world, Dare to Lead will challenge everything you think you know about brave leadership and give you honest, straightforward, actionable tools for choosing courage over comfort.” — Tarana Burke, senior director, Girls for Gender Equity

Check out Dare to Lead here >>

Grit by Angela Duckworth

“Invaluable…In a world where access to knowledge is unprecedented, this book describes the key trait of those who will optimally take advantage of it. Grit will inspire everyone who reads it to stick to something hard that they have a passion for.” — Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy

Check out Grit here >>

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

“Lean In is the most cogent piece of writing I’ve encountered that speaks to the internal and institutional forces that can trip up an ambitious woman, whether she has a baby on board or not . . . The wisdom she shares here is a gift that all women (and all partners who support them, in the workplace or at home) should give themselves.” — Meeta Agrawal, Entertainment Weekly

Check out Lean In here >>

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

“I have been spinning like a top since reading The Power of Habit, Duhigg’s fascinating best-seller about how people, businesses and organizations develop the positive routines that make them productive—and happy.” — The Washington Post

Check out The Power of Habit here >>

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

“The 7 Habits has guided many of us on our journey through the world of business. Simple but incredibly effective. A great guide for any aspiring leader!” — Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett Packard

Check out The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People here >>

The Best Personal Finance Books

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The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is America’s most popular personal finance coach and for good reason! If you’re looking to eliminate your debt, stop mindless spending, or change your shopping habits, this book is a must-buy.

Check out The Total Money Makeover here >>

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle

“It’s informative, insightful, and opinionated– with the added advantage of being correct! As Bogle explains, the road to investment failure is paved with expensive advice, expensive investments, and expensive advertising. Bogle suggests a very different course for investors, virtually guaranteeing investment success.” — Ted Aronson, CFA, founder, AJO

Check out The Little Book of Common Sense Investing here >>

Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry

“This book is well worth its list price….It’s the youthful perspective that makes this so refreshing. It’s well-written and researched by a millennial for millennials…without the judgment, sarcasm, and superiority we older folks too often convey when we talk to young adults about money.” —Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post

Check out Broke Millennial here >>

The Simple Path to Wealth by J L Collins

“JL Collins is the fatherly wizard on the side of the path, offering a simple map, warm words of encouragement and the tools to forge your way through with confidence. You’ll never find a wiser advisor with a bigger heart.” — Malachi Rempen, Filmmaker

Check out The Simple Path to Wealth here >>

The Best Healthy Lifestyle Books

How Not to Die by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

“The primary determinant of our health and well-being is what we eat and how we live. In this extraordinary and empowering book, Dr.Michael Greger explains why. Highly recommended.” — Dean Ornish, M.D., author of The Spectrum

Check out How Not to Die here >>

The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake

On this 40-day journey you’ll learn how to stop fixating on food and other things you use to fill the voids in life and instead fix your eyes on Christ.

Check out The 40-Day Sugar Fast here >>

SuperLife by Darin Olien

“Eternal awesomeness! Who wouldn’t want that? All you need to do is focus on the Five Life Forces and your body will do the rest. Darin shows you exactly what to do, step by step so that you can live big, laugh more, and maximize your potential.” — Tony Horton, creator of P90X

Check out SuperLife here >>

Your Favorite Self Improvement Books

There are a lot of different genres when it comes to self improvement books, even more than what was just listed above!

What type of self improvement books do you enjoy reading? Do you have any favorites that have made an impact on your life?

Leave a comment below and share your favorites with me! I’d love to know.

The post 25 Self Improvement Books to Help Hit Your 2024 Goals appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

And if you’re just here for the promo code, no worries. Get your first hardcover book for only $5 here.

_{^{This blog contains my referral links. I don’t receive a commission, but I do occasionally get some free books if you decide to give BOTM a try! Keep scrolling and I’ll also tell you how YOU can receive free books too!}}

My Hunt for the Best Book Subscription Boxes

If you don’t already know, I am a subscription junkie. From FabFitFun and BoxyCharm, to Ipsy and more, I LOVE trying new ones out and there is nothing like getting that rush of seeing the package waiting at my doorstep, ready for me to tear open.

Anyways, you aren’t here to listen to me ramble about my bad spending habits, you’re here to talk about BOOKS.

I recently rekindled my love for reading and have been spending WAY too many hours browsing bookstores, reading Amazon reviews, and following book accounts on Instagram just to find which book would be my next victim.

Shameless plug: I have my own #bookstagram account so if you want allll the book recs, go follow me @foreverbookedup!

But seriously, I was spending more time researching books rather than actually reading them – but isn’t that half the fun?

So I did a ton of research on different book subscription boxes. The majority of the subscriptions are actually full boxes filled with books and swag. These looked fun, but usually cost anywhere from $30-$50/month.

But then I found Book of the Month. It seemed a little simple for my preference, but the price was spot on, the book options were great, and honestly, their branding really appealed to me. After all was said and done, I had to try them out.

Let’s just say, I have not been disappointed.

What Is Book of the Month?

Book of the Month is a monthly subscription service for book lovers! Each month, the BOTM crew selects 5-7 hardcover books including up-and-coming titles, new releases, and even some early releases!

Of those 5-7 books, you select one to be added to your monthly box.

The book(s) usually get shipping within a week and shipping is always free!

It’s a super simple process and is a great way to try out new titles that you might not have considered otherwise.

What Genres Does Book of the Month Have?

When I tell you there is something for everyone, there really truly is! BOTM carries titles from a broad range of genres such as:

• Contemporary fiction
• Literary fiction
• Thriller
• Mystery
• Romance
• Fantasy
• Historical Fiction
• Young Adult
• and more!

What If I Don’t Like The Monthly Selections?

No worries! Each month, they offer a handful of books from their “Members Most Loved” section that you can select from if you aren’t vibing with any of the monthly picks.

What If I Want More Than One Book?

Literally every reader’s biggest problem. HOW DO I CHOOSE!?! Luckily, you don’t have to contain yourself to just one.

BOTM has these things called Add-On’s, which are basically just a giant library of previous BOTM picks. Just go to the section called “All Books” and browse away!

You can add-on up to two additional titles…for an additional $9.99/book. But really, that’s still a total steal compared to a traditional hardcover at a bookstore.

Basically, it’s a monthly book subscription box that you get to cater exactly to YOU.

Can I Skip My Monthly Book?

No matter the reason, you can choose to “skip” any month you’d like. Skipping means that you will not receive a book that month and your credit will roll over to the next month

Just make sure to make your selection or skip by the 6th of the month. If you do not make your selection of skip by that date, you will be automatically charged and a credit will be added to your account for you to use the next month.

What If I Forget to Choose a Book?

It happens to the best of us! If you don’t choose a book by the 6^th of the month, you will still be charged, but the credit can be redeemed the following month!

How Much is Book of the Month?

A monthly BOTM subscription costs $15.99/month. But you can get your first book for only $5 using this link.

When Will My Subscription Ship?

Your BOTM box usually takes 5-7 business days once you’ve selected your books and placed the order.

Keep in mind, shipping can take up to 15 days to states like California and Hawaii.

What is a Book of the Month BFF?

This is not only a book subscription box, but a book subscription box with benefits. After 12 months of being a BOTM club member, they offer some awesome perks. Here’s everything you get as a Book Of The Month BFF:

• A tote bag with a front pocket to perfect fit your current BOTM selection
• A FREE add-on during your birthday month
• A free book from 1 of the 5 “Book of the Year” finalists
• 20% off everything in the Blue Box Boutique

How Can I Earn Free Books?

Once you’re signed up, you will get a referral code to share with friends and family. When someone signs up using your code, you’ll get a free credit that can be applied toward a book!

This code is usually a really good deal so it will benefit you both!

If you’ve made it this far and are hoping to sign up, I’d love if you’d use my code to get your first book for only $5!

How Do I Cancel My Subscription?

Boooo, I’m sad to hear that you didn’t love it. But don’t worry, if this book subscription box wasn’t for you or you just wanted to give it a try, you can cancel anytime! Just give them a call at 1-888-784-2670.

Book of the Month Pros & Cons

Cons:

• Books are published by Book of the Month so they all have the logo on the dust jacket
• You might not always like each month’s selections
• They don’t always have a great selection for romance readers

Pros:

• Books are a fraction of the cost compared to other retailers
• It’s a great way to discover new genres and authors you may not have otherwise found
• You’ll occasionally have access to early releases
• The referral program gives you the opportunity to earn tons of free books
• They now offer audiobooks that you can use your credits toward

Overall, Is Book of the Month Worth It?

As an avid reader, I really love the concept of Book of the Month and have been subscribed for almost 3 years.

Book of the Month has allowed me to discover tons of new titles that I probably never would have picked up otherwise. In fact, as a mostly romance reader, I’ve found some of my all time favorite (non romance) books because of Book of the Month.

As a self-proclaimed romance junkie, I find myself skipping a lot of months because they don’t always have great romance options, but it’s not enough of a reason for me to ever want to cancel.

In my opinion, because you can always skip a month, I think Book of the Month is 100% worth it.

Get Your First Book Of The Month Box for Only $5!

You’ve come this far, which means you seriously must be interested. As you should be! I wouldn’t have written this long ass blog if I truly didn’t love this service.

If you’re interested in giving it a try, click this link to get your first box for only $5! That’s a $10 savings!

Once you’ve given it a try, drop a comment below and let me know what you think!

The post Book of the Month: Everything You Need to Know + Honest Review appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

^{This article contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission when you purchase through them.}

This article is all about books for women in business.

Women in business face unique challenges, from balancing career goals with personal life aspirations to needing to navigate the sometimes tricky terrain of the corporate world. Not to mention, the challenges that come with working in a male-dominated world.

Did you know: According to a study conducted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, women make up 47% of the U.S. labor force and hold more than 20% of executive positions. That statistic makes it clear that women can—and do—succeed in the business world.

So If you are ready to take the next steps in your career from employee to leader, we’ve rounded up some amazing reads to get you in the right mindset.

Must-Read Books for Women in Business

From biographies that tell inspiring stories of success, to how-tos packed with essential advice, check out this list of books that will provide you with actionable advice and words of wisdom from some of the top business minds and women leaders.

Get ready to make an impact by investing in yourself with these must-read books for women in business!

She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership by Jemma Roedel

Discover how to become an effective woman in leadership — even if you’re shy, avoid conflict at all costs, or lack confidence…

Shop She Thinks Like a Boss here >>
*Available on Kindle Unlimited

Girl On Fire: How to Choose Yourself, Burn the Rule Book, and Blaze Your Own Trail in Life and Business by Cara Alwill Leyb

As an early voice in the female-driven movement, Cara continues to be a leader in the space, liberating women to trust their intuition and create their own opportunities. She empowers her readers to stop waiting for their big break and, instead, to publish their own books, start their own podcasts, host their own panels and design their own clothing lines; whatever their desires are…

Shop Girl On Fire here >>

*Available on Kindle Unlimited

Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba

Something dynamic happens when women genuinely show up for each other. When we lose the facades, cut the bullsh*t, and truly have each other’s backs. When we stop pretending everything is perfect, and show the messy, beautiful parts of ourselves and our work—which all look awfully similar. When we talk about our fears, our missteps, and our breakdowns. And most importantly, when we share our celebrations, our breakthroughs, and our solutions…

Shop Girl Code here >>

Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America by Karen Arrington

If you’re a BIPOC businesswoman and feeling stuck or trapped by other people’s expectations of what you can achieve, it’s time to stop playing small and start redefining what success means for you. It’s time to get that upgrade…

Shop Your Next Level Life here >>

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job by Sally Helgeson

Overcome the twelve habits holding you back and take your career to new heights with this wise and approachable guide from two business leadership experts…

Shop How Women Rise here >>

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown

Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.

Shop Dare to Lead here >>

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott

The master teacher of positive change through powerful communication, Susan Scott wants you to succeed. To do that, she explains, you must transform everyday conversations at work and at home with effective ways to get your message across—and get what you want…

Shop Fierce Conversations here >>

Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership by Susan MacKenty Brady

From three of today’s top women leaders in business and academia―seven essential practices for thriving professionally.

Shop Arrive and Thrive here >>

Lead Like a Woman: Gain Confidence, Navigate Obstacles, Empower Others by Deborah Smith Pegues 

Speak up.
Don’t take it so personally.
Just make a decision already.
 
Every day, whether they’re competing in the business world or serving in a nonprofit, women hear that they’re not enough. They’re too emotional to lead, and the way they act, speak, and even think is detrimental to success…

Shop Lead Like a Woman here >>

The Attitudes of Success: 10 Powerful Habits of Successful, Confident Women by Sarah J. Collins

Success is an attitude. Are you ready to elevate yours? Women who reach the top of their game do so by developing an attitude of success. Attitude is everything, and your attitude determines your potential to succeed…

Shop The Attitudes of Success here >>

*Available on Kindle Unlimited

Get Over Your Damn Self: The No-BS Blueprint to Building a Life-Changing Business by Romi Neustadt

Romi Neustadt is passionate about helping others build lucrative direct sales and network marketing businesses that help create lives with more freedom and flexibility, greater purpose and a lot more fun…

Shop Get Over Your Damn Self here >>

The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success by Lydia Fenet

Who is the most powerful woman in the room? She’s the one who can raise a million dollars in a minute. She’s the one who can command the attention of a group of any size from one person to five thousand. She’s the one who can sell anything to anyone. And she can be you…

Shop The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You here >>

Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before?: Wit and Wisdom from Women in Business by Marcella Allison 

“Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before?” is the book you wish you had already read. A collection of more than 60 letters from female leaders of multimillion dollar companies, to solopreneurs and every kind of woman in between, these stories are both a lifeline and a roadmap for women navigating our increasingly complex world…

Shop Why Didn’t Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before here >>

Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life by Barbara Stanny

Quietly and steadily, the number of women making six figures or more is increasing and continues to rise at a rate faster than for men. From entrepreneurs to corporate executives, from white-collar professionals to freelancers and part-timers, women are forging careers with considerable financial success…

Shop Secrets of Six-Figure Women here >>

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Data is fundamental to the modern world. From economic development to health care to education and public policy, we rely on numbers to allocate resources and make crucial decisions. But because so much data fails to take into account gender, because it treats men as the default and women as atypical, bias and discrimination are baked into our systems…

Shop Invisible Women here >>

In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney

Over 100 exceptional and influential women describe how they embraced their creative spirit, overcame adversity, and sparked a global movement of entrepreneurship. Media titans and ceramicists, hoteliers and tattoo artists, comedians and architects—taken together, these profiles paint a beautiful picture of what happens when we pursue our passions and dreams.

Shop In the Company of Women here >>

She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur by Carrie Green

There has never been a better time to say yes! With a computer and an Internet connection you can get your ideas, messages, and business out there like never before and create so much success…

Shop She Means Business here >>

Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: A Guided Workbook for Realizing Your Career Goals with Clarity, Intention, and Confidence by Fran Hauser

Fran Hauser, best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl, follows up with a workbook for women who want to get more out of their careers. Embrace the Work, Love Your Career combines accessible advice, time-tested strategies, creative prompts, and thoughtful exercises into one holistic resource.

Shop Embrace the Work, Love Your Career here >>

Master Your Mindset: How Women Leaders Step Up by Molly Gimmel

Leadership isn’t just for CEOs. We need good leadership everywhere. In the workforce. In government. In our schools, communities, and homes. Today, the doors stand wide open for women to step into these roles, but modern female leadership doesn’t look the same as the male roles of the past. The rules are different. The mindset is different.

Shop Master Your Mindset here >>

The post Written by Women for Women: 20+ Books for Women in Business appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

^{This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you purchase through them. Also, I was gifted a free Reveal Romance box in exchange for social posts, but all opinions are my own and I am writing this review of my own free will.}

Just here for a promo code? No worries. Use BOOKEDUP25 to save 25% on your first box!

I am a HUGE romance reader and indie romance books on Kindle Unlimited are my absolute fave.

So when I realized that they made a romance book subscription box that was basically filled with the books I love to read, I was ecstatic!

So if you are a romance reader and love to read indie authors, have specific tastes in tropes, and want the opportunity to get new books shipped to you monthly, you’ll definitely want to check out Reveal Book Box.

What is the Reveal Book Box?

The Reveal Book Box is a romance book subscription box that brings your favorite tropes right to your front door. Each month, you will receive signed paperback books that are hand-selected for you based on the tropes and themes you love!

There are 4 different membership levels so your monthly box can include anything from 1-6 books.

How does the Reveal Book Box work?

When you first sign up for the Reveal Book Box, you fill out a short questionnaire regarding your favorite book tropes. The sign-up process is super fast and painless.

Each month, you will receive a bright pink box filled with signed paperback books.

The majority of books are from indie authors. You can see a list of featured authors here. As far as I know, you cannot make special requests for books or authors, but the surprise is part of the fun!

Depending on your membership level, your box may also include promotional swag such as bookmarks, buttons, stickers, etc.

The focus on this box is books vs lifestyle items, which helps keep the cost low!

Memberships renew automatically, but you can cancel anytime before your renewal date. At this time, there are only a limited number of boxes available, so if you cancel, you may have to wait for a spot to open up again.

Currently, Reveal Book Box only ships to the U.S.

How Much Does the Reveal Romance Box Cost?

A Reveal Book Box starts at just $12.95/box + shipping. However, there are three different membership levels you can choose from:

• Individual Signed Romance Book (no frills): $12.95/box + shipping
• Romance REVEAL Book Box (2 books): $24.95/box + shipping
• Romance Reveal BIG Book Box (4 books): $39.95/box + shipping

Ready to check it out? Use the code BOOKED25 to save 25% on your first box!

What’s Inside a Reveal Romance Book Box?

You can check out a full unboxing of my latest Reveal romance book subscription box below.

Reveal Romance Review: Is This Romance Book Subscription Box Worth It?

First off, as a romance reader, I think the concept of this box is so cool. I love that the box specifically caters to the types of books you want to read and the initial process of choosing my favorite tropes was so fun! Honestly, it was really hard not to just pick them all.

The swag in the box was super underwhelming, but as the site promotes, to keep costs low, they focus on the books –which I love! Honestly, I would just prefer to not even have the swag included, but I’m assuming most of it is promotional materials that are sent by the authors themselves.

I got the 4-book box and the books I received are SO fun. They are probably not ones that I would have picked myself, but these are definitely don’t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover type of books.

However, I read enough books on Kindle Unlimited to know that there is great content hidden behind some not-so-amazing covers so always read the synopsis. Trust me.

While I haven’t read any of the books at the time of writing this review, I can say with absolute certainty that I’m SUPER excited to read 3/4. One of them I’m not totally sold on yet, but who knows, maybe once I read it, it will become one of my favorites.

Overall, I had such a great time opening this box and think that the value for what you get is 100% worth it.

Will I be getting this box again? Absolutely! I also think this box would make such a fun gift for a friend. Whether you gift a subscription or just a one-time box, it’s a great gift idea for a romance reader.

Ready to check it out? Use the code BOOKED25 to save 25% on your first box!

The post Reveal Romance Book Subscription Box: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

Are you looking for a great book to motivate your next big life change, a book to inspire your creativity, or a book to improve your mindset? Check out this collection of the 50 best motivational books for women that are must-reads!

^{This article about motivational books for women includes affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission when you purchase through them, but your cost is not affected!}

I spoke to a number of my favorite women to compile a list of the best inspirational and motivational books for women. From personal development books to soulful biographic stories, there is literally a book in this collection for everyone.

So…are you ready to cozy up on a weekend afternoon with an inspirational great book to truly inspire your soul?

PS, all of these books are available via Audible, which is great for busy women who are constantly on the go! You can listen to them in the car, while running errands, or doing housework, and so much more!

If you’re curious to give Audible a try, you can try Audible free for 30 days by clicking here!

This post is all about motivational books for women.

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50 Motivational Books for Women

“Only Love Today” by Rachel Macy Stafford

Shop “Only Love Today” >>

“She presents these devotions in an easy-to-digest (sometimes poetic) style that moms of every age will relate and benefit from immensely. Only Love Today is the gift book to give yourself and order several more for the moms in your life who are fresh out of perspective and overfull of self-loathing and self-condemnation. Stafford’s ability to cut through the “yuck” and to the “yes!” of life is a rare skill indeed.” – Christian MARKET

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“Unfu*k Yourself” by Gary John Bishop

Shop “Unfu*k Yourself” >>

If you like your self-help without any BS, look to Gary John Bishop’s Unfu*k Yourself, [which] aims to help readers who feel f*cked up work through their challenges. You’ll get advice and tools to combat negative self-talk and feel more empowered.” – Bustle

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“Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes” by Jessica Pan

Shop “Sorry I’m Late” >>

“Charming. Brave. Hilariously honest. Whether you buy this book for yourself, your favorite introvert, or the chatty friend you’re hoping to shut up for a few solid hours, you can’t go wrong with Jessica Pan’s revealing and delightful memoir.” – David Litt, New York Times bestselling author of Thanks, Obama

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“The Last Black Unicorn” by Tiffany Haddish

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“The Last Black Unicorn is an inspiring story that manages to be painful, honest, shocking, bawdy and hilarious.” – The New York Times Book Review

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“Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed

Shop “Tiny Beautiful Things” >>

“A fascinating blend of memoir and self-help. Strayed is an eloquent storyteller, and her clear-eyed prose offers a bracing empathy absent from most self-help blather.” — Nora Krug, The Washington Post 

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“Choosing Me Before We” by Christine Arylo

Shop “Choosing Me Before We” >>

“With wit and wisdom, Arylo teaches us how to find the answers about love and relationships inside ourselves. From here we can accomplish our most heartfelt dreams.” — Marcia Wieder, founder of Dream University

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“Uninvited” by Lysa TerKeurst”

Shop “Uninvited” >>

“TerKeurst doesn’t just share empathetic anecdotes for readers in a rut; she focuses on digging down to the roots of anxiety and providing tools for overcoming self-doubt and handling the pain of rejection.” – Publisher’s Weekly

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“The Self-Love Experiment” by Shannon Kaiser

Shop “The Self-Love Experiment” >> 

“[A] profound book and a must-read for anyone that prioritizes happiness. . . . This is the playbook for making small changes and shifts that will yield you large results in your happiness.” — Kristine Carlson, author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Women

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“I Am That Girl” by Alexis Jones

Shop “I Am That Girl” >>

“Alexis is here to transform the reality of what it is to be female and I AM THAT GIRL isn’t just a book, it’s a call to action. It’s a manifesto for the 21st-century GIRLS movement and Alexis leads this mission with the truest grace and humility. I am honored to call her my friend, and I am honored to follow her lead.” – Bryce Dallas Howard

*Also available on Kindle Unlimited

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“More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth

Shop “More Than Enough” here >>

“Elaine gifts us all with a beautifully intimate and powerful retelling of her ever-unfolding journey. In sharing her joys, pitfalls, adventures, self-doubt, and successes, she reminds us that through uncovering and discovering the many facets of ourselves, we are more than enough.” — Yara Shahidi

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“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay

Shop “You Can Heal Your Life” >>

“Her key message is: “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” The author has a great deal of experience and firsthand information to share about healing, including how she cured herself after being diagnosed with cancer.”

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“Mastering Your Mean Girl” by Melissa Ambrosini

Shop “Mastering Your Mean Girl” >>

“Mastering Your Mean Girl will set hearts on fire and light up people’s minds with positivity and inspiration.” — Lisa Messenger, editor of The Collective

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“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed

Shop “Wild”  >>

“Devastating and glorious. . . . By laying bare a great unspoken truth of adulthood—that many things in life don’t turn out the way you want them to, and that you can and must live through them anyway—Wild feels real in many ways that many books about ‘finding oneself’ . . . do not.” — Slate

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“Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo

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“Everything is Figureoutable is a whirlwind of power, humor, pragmatism, and grace. Marie Forleo writes exactly the way she lives—with full-on enthusiasm, no-bullshit directness, and a ferocious commitment to self-accountability. This woman is the real deal, people. This book will change lives.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Big Magic”

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“Becoming” by Michelle Obama

Shop “Becoming” >>

“Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.” – Amazon

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“When God Says Wait” by Elizabeth Laing Thompson

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“Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson invites you to walk alongside people of the Bible who had to wait on God…imperfect heroes like David, Miriam, Naomi, Sarah, Joseph, and others. Their stories will provide a roadmap for your own story, helping you navigate the painful, lonely territory of waiting, coming out on the other side with your faith, relationships, and sense of humor intact.”

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“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” By Elizabeth Gilbert

Shop “Big Magic” >>
“Big Magic is a celebration of a creative life…Gilbert’s love of creativity is infectious, and there’s a lot of great advice in this sunny book…Gilbert doesn’t just call for aspiring artists to speak their truth, however daffy that may appear to others; she is showing them how.” —Washington Post

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“Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back from Living a Better Life” by Gabrielle Bernstein

Shop “Judgement Detox” >>

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“Rising Strong” by Brené Brown

Shop “Rising Strong” >>

“With a fresh perspective that marries research and humor, Brown offers compassion while delivering thought-provoking ideas about relationships—with others and with oneself.” — Publishers Weekly 

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Atomic Habits by James Clear

Shop “Atomic Habits here >>
“In Atomic Habits, Clear will show you how to overcome a lack of motivation, change your environment to encourage success, and make time for new (and better) habits. – Glamour.com

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“Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love” by Jonathan Van Ness

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“There is plenty to laugh at in the ways “Queer Eye”’s grooming expert frames his story, but it’s the battles he’s waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today that provide the necessary context for this book to shine.” – The New York Times

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“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Shop “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” >>

“[It is] enough to salute Kondo for her recognition of something quietly profound: that mess is often about unhappiness, and that the right kind of tidying can be a kind of psychotherapy for the home as well as for the people in it . . . Its strength is its simplicity.” — The London Times

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“Carry On, Warrior” by Glennon Doyle Melton

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“Glennon embodies all that we want to be and fear we are not: she is authentic, funny, wise, loving, and resilient in the face of extraordinary challenges. But the magic of Carry On, Warrior is that by the time you finish the book, you realize you ARE all those things, and more. It is a book that actually makes you feel that you are loved and cherished. Has a book ever accomplished anything more marvelous than that?” — Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of The Language of Flowers

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“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

Shop “The Gifts of Imperfection” >>

“This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’ Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.” – Brene Brown

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“Open Wide” by Melissa Ambrosini

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“Want deeper, more soulful connections with the people you care about? Melissa Ambrosini’s Open Wide provides powerful tools for enriching all the relationships in your life, including the most important one of all, the one with yourself.” — Selina Soo, creator of Impacting Millions 

*Also available on Audible Plus

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“Feminasty” by Erin Gibson

Shop “Feminasty” >>

“Erin Gibson–one-half of the crazy-popular Throwing Shade podcast–is as sharply funny as she is unabashedly feminist. Damn smart, too. Each of the essays in this book is an eye-opening lesson in how the patriarchy is working against us, and how to fight back. ” ― Cosmopolitan

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“Bare” by Susan Hyatt

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“This is the perfect book if you want to take excellent care of yourself, upgrade your mental and physical health, build confidence, conquer your goals, crush the patriarchy, and look and feel damn good while doing it. Bare is not a weight-loss plan. It’s a life-gain plan.” – Amazon

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“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain

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“Cain offers a wealth of useful advice for teachers and parents of introverts…Quiet should interest anyone who cares about how people think, work, and get along, or wonders why the guy in the next cubicle acts that way. It should be required reading for introverts (or their parents) who could use a boost to their self-esteem.” – Fortune.com

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“Warrior Goddess Training” by Heatherash Amara

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“This is a book for all women, no matter their age or stage of life. HeatherAsh Amara is a master teacher who embodies the concepts of warrior and goddess in her life and writing… Each lesson she presents offers insight and practices for spiritual, physical, intellectual, and psychological growth” — Judith Yos

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“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero

Shop “You Are a Badass” >>

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“The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin

Shop “The Happiness Project” >>

“For those who generally loathe the self-help genre, Rubin’s book is a breath of peppermint-scented air. Well-researched and sharply written. . . . Rubin takes an orderly, methodical approach to forging her own path to a happier state of mind.” – Kim Crow, Cleveland Plain Dealer

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“An Intentional Life” by Karen Scott

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“Imagine you’re journeying through this book with a trusted friend as your heart engages these pages. I trust Karen Stott with my own heart, and because of that I can confidently trust her with yours…mostly because I know she is trusting all of us to Jesus along the way.” – Logan Wolfram, author of Curious Faith

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“Feminine Genius” by LiYana Silver

Shop “Feminine Genius” >>

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“Do Nothing” by Celeste Headlee

Shop “Do Nothing” >>

“Despite working harder than ever, people have never been more depressed, anxious, and unhappy. Without a doubt, our modern way of life is not working. In fact, it’s killing us. But what is to be done? With intelligence and compassion, Headlee presents realistic solutions for how we can reclaim our health and our humanity from a technological revolution that seems hell-bent on destroying both. I’m so grateful to have read this book. It delivers on its promise of a better life.”-  Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic and Eat Pray Love

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“Hello Beautiful” by Keryl Pesce

Shop “Hello Beautiful” >>

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“A Year Of Positive Thinking” by Cyndie Speigel

Shop “A Year of Positive Thinking” >>

“I deeply love Cyndie’s message and style―she’s taught me to say yes more, to say no more, and to actually ask for what I want. Her new book, A Year of Positive Thinking, provides a lovely, inspiring, and always spot-on daily reminder that you are enough. Get ready to say, ‘Oh, I really needed to hear this today’…365 times.”- Rachel Miller, Senior Lifestyle Editor at BuzzFeed

*Also available on Kindle Unlimited

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“Be Unapologetically You: A Self Love Guide for Women of Color” by Adeline Bird

Shop “Be Unapologetically You”>>

“As a woman of color, you think you are at the bottom of the pile but your position is unique and your differences are not your weakness, they are your strength. Once you own that, you can be unstoppable.” – Amazon

*Also available on Kindle Unlimited

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“How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t” by Andrea Owen

Shop “How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t” >>

“Fearlessly tells it like it is, offering its readers no-nonsense and insightful advice to help them get over their crap and wake up to their own brilliance.” – Jen Sincero, bestselling author of You Are a Badass

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“Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles” by Gabrielle Bernstein

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“In this mixture of humor, grief and how-to instructions on achieving enlightenment, Bernstein offers more than just autobiography or a user’s guide to meditation . . . A groovy blend of meditative and instructive writing.” – Kirkus Reviews

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“The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery” by Ian Morgan Cron

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“What would you give to crack the biggest mystery in the world: Yourself? Why do we act, think, feel, and believe the way we do? I know of no better tool than the Enneagram. And I know of no better teachers of this tool than my friends Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile. I use the Enneagram in my business and personal life every day. The Road Back to You will open your eyes to the depths of your heart.” – Michael Hyatt, coauthor of Living Forward

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“You Do You” by Sarah Knight

Shop “You Do You” >>

“Hilarious, irreverent, and no-nonsense… You Do You is all about being yourself, putting your own happiness first, rejecting any social contracts that aren’t working for you, and living life from your own place of power. Get it girl.” – Bustle

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“52 Ways to Live A Kick-Ass Life” by Andrea Owen

Shop “52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life” >>

“With 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life, you will shut off your internal auto-pilot; kick empty expectations to the curb; and live a bigger, gutsier life.”

*Also available on Kindle Unlimited

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“Your Next Level Life” by Karen Arrington

Shop “Your Next Level Life” >>

“This book is a must read for every woman out there, regardless of age. The ins and outs of self-care, handling your money, and living your best life is what Karen covers and this book is so inspiring.” – Ask Away

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“The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabrielle Bernstein

Shop “The Universe Has Your Back” >>

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“Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brene Brown

Shop “Dare to Lead” >>

“With Dare to Lead, Brené brings decades of research to bear in a practical and insightful guide to courageous leadership. This book is a road map for anyone who wants to lead mindfully, live bravely, and dare to lead.”—Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook, founder, LeanIn.Org

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“You Are a Badass Everyday” by Jen Sincero

Shop “You Are a Badass Everyday” >>

“[Sincero] aims to teach people to unlock their potential for confidence, wealth, and success. . . . Sincero’s new book will have daily strategies for keeping the momentum going and constant reminders of your inner ‘badass.’” – Entrepreneur

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“Be That Unicorn” by Jenny Block

Shop “Be That Unicorn” >>

“I love knowing that I am That Unicorn! Jenny inspires me to be an honest, fun, and accountable leader, mom, wife, and friend. This book is a valuable guide to have by your side as you make the tough calls, keep the culture positive, and take a little time to reflect on your own inner unicorn.” – Carrie Welch, cofounder of Feast Portland and Little Green Pickle

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“Maybe It’s You” by Lauren Handel Zander

Shop “Maybe It’s You” >>

“Change takes work! I’m so glad that there is a book that doesn’t sugarcoat anything…. This book is only for people who are ready for change and to face everything holding them back. You’re not alone; I’m on the journey too!”― Michelle Williams, Destiny’s Child

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Moody Bitches by Julie Holland

Shop “Moody Bitches” >>

“In a frank style—think good friend who’s a doctor—Holland examines how prescription drugs work in relation to the stages of women’s lives. This guidance is aligned with recommendations for healthy diet and exercise practices that naturally equalize the body’s systems.” – Library Journal

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“Twenty Two: Letters to A Young Woman Searching for Meaning” by Allison Trowbridge

Shop “Twenty Two” >>

“If I could speak to the younger me, I would have nothing to say. I’d just slap her with this book.” – Jeannie Mai, television personality and style expert

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Share Your Favorite Motivational Book(s)

I’m so curious to know what motivational books you’re absolutely loving right now! Which have inspired you to move mountains? Drop a comment and let me know what book(s) this list is totally missing out on.

The post The 50 Must-Read Motivational Books for Women appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

_{This blog contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you purchase through them. This does not impact the price for you and all opinions are 100% my own.}

Kindle Unlimited: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re an avid reader like me, you’ve probably already heard of or looked into a Kindle Unlimited (KU) subscription and wondered, is it really worth it?

For me, I absolutely adore owning physical books, but at the rate I read, it can get pretty expensive. Also, my bookshelves can only hold so much. (Until I get another, but shhh don’t tell my husband!)

I debated signing up for KU for a really long time but wasn’t sure if the Kindle Unlimited cost was worth it.

While it’s not very expensive, a Kindle Unlimited subscription didn’t feel necessary and I already belonged to another online book subscription service.

But I have many friends who were raving about the books they read on KU and I’d be lying if I said my FOMO wasn’t getting the best of me.

Over time, I found myself reading more and more from my kindle, tablet, and phone and decided that it was time to take the plunge and see what all the hype was about.

How Does Kindle Unlimited Work?

First off, Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s online book subscription service that allows you to read as much as you want from their selection of over 1 million e-books.

You do not need to be an Amazon Prime member to have a Kindle Unlimited subscription. It is a separate subscription and all you need is an Amazon account!

You also do not need a separate kindle device to read KU books. You can read books from any device that supports the Kindle app such as ipads, phones, tablets, etc.

I personally use the Amazon Fire tablet and Kindle to read – both are affordable options, but I can very honestly say that I prefer reading on my Kindle.

You can check out all Kindle devices here >>

There is no limit to how many Kindle Unlimited books you can read in a month. The only catch is that you can only store up to 20 books in your KU library at one time.

Think of it as a library — you are borrowing books and in order to get new ones, they need to be returned.

I haven’t found there to be an issue with this because you can always re-check out books you’ve already read and if you made any notes or highlights while reading, those annotations will still be there!

How Much is Kindle Unlimited?

A Kindle Unlimited subscription is $9.99/month. That includes unlimited reading, access to select audiobooks, and up to three digital magazine subscriptions.

You can get a free month of Kindle Unlimited here.

Kindle Unlimited is not free for Prime members. It is a separate membership so you can use Kindle Unlimited even if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

If you’re wondering how to get Kindle Unlimited for free, there are a couple of ways to go about it…

When you buy a new kindle, you have the option of including a free 3-month Kindle Unlimited subscription, which is the best deal that Amazon offers. Otherwise, they usually offer one free month as their ongoing promo.

Prime Reading vs. Kindle Unlimited

Prime Reading is an exclusive perk for Amazon Prime subscribers, but the selection is significantly smaller. It’s the same concept as Kindle Unlimited, but Prime Reading only offers around one thousand titles, compared to KU’s one million.

If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, you cannot access the Prime Reading library.

Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?

After months of deciding whether or not to sign up, I can finally say that I am so glad that I did. For me, the Kindle Unlimited cost is 100% worth it, but I think your reading habits are going to determine that for yourself.

KU Is Worth It If:

• You read more than two books per month
• You like to read a variety of genres
• You like exploring new books and finding new authors
• You want to start reading more & faster
• You want to save money

KU Is NOT Worth It If:

• You don’t like reading on devices
• You have sporadic reading habits
• You only like top-sellers, Reese’s Book Club Picks, new releases, etc.

Get A Kindle Unlimited Free Trial

Ready to check it out for yourself? With this Kindle Unlimited free trial, you can get one month free to try it out and see if it’s for you.

GET MY FREE TRIAL OF KINDLE UNLIMITED >>

What Books Are On Kindle Unlimited?

One of my favorite things about KU is the variety! And although you aren’t going to find a lot of ‘Reese’s Book Club Picks’ in this selection, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t thousands of amazing books available to read.

I mean, with over 1 million titles, there are thousands of titles for every genre that you enjoy. Plus, I’ve been able to discover soooo many new and incredible authors.

Here are some examples of books you’ll find on KU:

GET A FREE TRIAL OF KINDLE UNLIMITED >>

GET A FREE TRIAL OF KINDLE UNLIMITED >>

The post Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It? An Honest Review of Amazon’s Book Subscription appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

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I absolutely love reading, but if I’m being completely honest, for many years I looked down on the idea of consuming books in any way other than by reading a physical book.

Let’s be real — there’s nothing like the smell of a new book and the feel of crisp pages. But my bookshelves were quickly filling up, I was spending a lot of money on books that wound up in the donation pile, and overall, realized I needed a more affordable, waste-efficient option.

I decided to give eBooks a try and quickly fell in love. I loved the idea of being able to read in bed without a lamp. I loved that I could curl up in weird positions with my phone and consume at my leisure.

So then I tried audiobooks and I loved those even more. I started listening to books while working, cleaning, showering, getting ready, working out – literally any time that I had the mental capacity to consume a book audibly.

I WAS THE PERSON WHO WAS SO ANTI-AUDIO AND EBOOK, yet here I am now, a total advocate for both.

My Mission to Find the Best Audiobook App Out There

So it came down to finding a subscription because buying one-off audiobooks and eBooks was starting to get spendy.

I tried Audible for audiobooks. It was fine, but my listening was limited to one book/month and I knew there had to be a better Audible alternative out there.

I tried Kindle for e-books. Again, fine, but I still had to pay a lot for 90% of the books I wanted on top of the subscription.

That’s when I found Scribd and you guys, it was a total game-changer for me. After partaking in Scribd’s 30-day free trial, I quickly realized it was and is the best Audible alternative out there.

So that’s why I’m here. I literally want to scream my love for Scribd off the rooftops, but since I don’t want my neighbors to yell at me, a blog will have to do.

What is Scribd?

Scribd is an online membership for book lovers. It offers its members unlimited access to its vast library of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, sheet music, and more!

They offer thousands of professionally published books, including tons of top sellers from all genres. In addition, they offer millions of user-contributed written works such as short stories and essays.

How does Scribd work?

Once you are a Scribd Member, you will get full access to their library of content. You will be able to search by the type of content you want to consume: Audiobook, ebook, magazine, etc or use the search bar to find specific titles.

If you find titles you like, you can flag them and they will be stored in your “Saved” library. You can add as many items to this as you wish and can even categorize them. I like to categorize mine by genre, but you can use any method that you prefer!

Are Scribd books free?

Yes and no.  In order to access the Scribd library, there is a monthly membership cost of $9.99. However, once you are a member, there are no additional costs to purchase books, audiobooks, etc. That monthly payment gives you unlimited access to anything in the Scribd library.

If you want to try it out before making a commitment, Scribd offers a 30-day free trial! This trial will give you all of the benefits of a paid membership.

How many books are included in the service?

Scribd offers hundreds of thousands of titles, in a variety of different platforms (e-book, audiobook, magazine, etc.) There is a mix of old, new, best-sellers, and new releases in every genre so there is literally something for everyone!

How many books can I read or listen to per month?

Scribd is a completely unlimited service so there are no limits on how much you can consume.

What devices can I use with Scribd?

Scribd is a web-based platform so you can read on just about any computer, tablet, or phone that has a web-browser built-in. Scribd even offers an app for iPhone, iPad, Android, Amazon Fire tablet, and nook tablet users.

For a complete list of compatible devices, you can check out Scribd’s support page here.

Can you download books on Scribd?

Yes! If you have the app on one of the devices mentioned above, you can download any titles you wish.

Where do those downloads go? They will be stored within the app for easy access!

Can Scribd be read on Kindle?

Unfortunately, no. E-ink readers like the Kindle Paperwhite or Nook Simple Touch are not supported. 

Does Scribd offer a free trial?

It sure does! Scribd offers a 30-day free trial so you can check out their huge library of titles before making a commitment. Once you’re signed up and you decide it’s not for you, just make sure you cancel your free trial or you will get charged the next month.

Why Scribd vs Kindle or Audible?

From my personal experience, Scribd was a total no-brainer to me and gave me way more bang for my buck. At $9.99/month, I am able to read and listen to unlimited titles, with zero additional fees. Whereas with Kindle and Audible, my reading and listening was limited and I still had to pay for some of the titles that I wanted.

Keep in mind, Scribd doesn’t offer every single book title in the world, but what platform does? Of course, there have been books that I’ve wanted that aren’t available on Scribd, but that number far outweighs the number of books that I HAVE found available in its library.

Do you recommend Scribd?

Overall, if you like audiobooks, e-books, or both, I HIGHLY recommend checking out this app. It’s affordable, has an ever-growing library, a super easy app, and in my opinion, is the perfect Kindle or Audible alternative.

Had you asked me 6 months ago, I never thought that I would be advocating for an app like this, but I truly do love it, and just talking about it gets me super excited! It truly is the best audiobook app in the game.

Ready to give Scribd a try? Click here to start your 30-day free trial!

Share Your Thoughts

Have you tried Scribd or any other Audible Alternative before? What do you think is the best audiobook app out there? Leave a comment below and let me know about your thoughts or experiences with one!

The post Scribd: The Best Audible Alternative for Audio & E-Books appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

I was intrigued by Lillypost because, even though I don’t have kids, being able to gift a book subscription box for kids seemed like such a fun idea! One that both parents and kids can enjoy.

Plus, I’ve always had a love for children’s books and find them to be so charming. I mean, is there anything better than a beautifully illustrated book with an endearing message?

So if you’ve been curious about getting or gifting a book subscription box for kids, check out the sections below! I’ll be going over what it is, how it works, an unboxing, and my honest thoughts.

What Is Lillypost?

Lillypost is a monthly book subscription box for kids ages 0-7. Every month, you will receive a box filled with 3-4 books (up to 50% off the retail price!) depending on the package you choose and the age-range that you select.

All of the books are yours to keep so you don’t have to worry about sending anything back!

What’s Inside a Lillypost Book Box?

There are three different subscriptions that you can choose from so you subscription selection will determine the books you receive.

The children’s book subscription options are:

Ages 0-3 — This box includes 4 board books
Ages 4-7 — This box includes 3 picture books (all hardcovers)
All Ages — This box includes 2 picture books and 1 board book

Books are chosen at random so you won’t know what you’re receiving until it’s in your hands, but that’s all part of the fun, right!?

To see some sample books from past boxes, click here.

They also offer the option to opt-in to receive seasonal or holiday-themed books. For instance, I received the October 2020 box and got a Halloween-themed board book.

How Much is a Lillypost Book Subscription?

All Lillypost month-to-month subscriptions are $19.95/month + an additional $4.95/month for shipping.

However, if you purchase a 3-month subscription that price drops to $18.95/month + the additional $4.95/month for shipping.

Lillypost Unboxing

Check out the video below to see my unboxing of the October 2020 Lillypost box.

Pros & Cons of This Book Subscription Box for Kids

As with everything, there are certainly pros and cons, but overall, I thought that Lillypost was such a great service and the quality of books were fantastic!

Ready to give Lillypost a try? Click this link to get started!

Pros of Lillypost

• The quality of the books is great. The books were clearly packaged with care and I loved that all of the picture books are hardcover. It definitely makes the cost well worth it!
• You receive a good variety. Even though you don’t get to choose what books you get, the selection that I received was a fun variety of seasonal, educational, and just plain ol’ fun!
• The cost is right. Most hardcover picture books are a minimum of $12 so to only pay $20 for what could easily be $36+ worth of books is a total win in my book!
• Your purchase helps to give back. For every box shipped, Lillypost donates a book to a children’s literacy charity. You can read more about that here.
• They offer a great referral program. They have a give $10, get $10 referral program so if you refer someone you know to Lillypost, they will get $10 off their order and you will get a $10 credit to be applied to your next order.

Cons of Lillypost

• You run the risk of getting a book you already own. If you are a huge bookworm, this will likely happen eventually and Lillypost does not do returns or exchanges. Instead, they encourage you to give-back by sharing that book with someone else.
• Shipping + taxes are not ideal, but I get it. One of my pet peeves with subscription boxes is having to pay for shipping. Personally, I would rather a company just work that into their base price because knowing that I’m getting “free shipping” makes me feel so much more at ease with a purchase (even if technically I’m still paying it.)

Get Started With This Book Subscription Box for Kids

Ready to give Lillypost a try? Click this link or the image below to get started!

The post Lillypost Review: The Book Subscription Box for Kids appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

Take a long, hard look at your bookshelves. Does your collection properly represent the diversity of our world today? Specifically, how many books by black authors do you own?

If you’re anything like me, the answer is, very few. It’s an unfortunate reality and one we need to actively change.

We should be asking ourselves, why are more authors of color not mainstream? Why are best-sellers lists filled with white authors? What can I, as a reader and consumer, do to help change that?

It’s time we start supporting authors of color and giving them the recognition they deserve, not only during times of protest, but every. single. day. And as you continue to read, I encourage you to start being more mindful of the authors you buy. This is just a small part that you can do to work toward creating a more equal community.

So to get you started on your journey to diversifying your shelves and supporting authors of color, below you’ll find tons of amazing, highly-rated books by black authors from almost every genre. Enjoy!

*Please note, this blog contains affiliate links so I will earn a small commission for anything that you purchase. However, all of my earnings made through this blog will be donated to Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ). NAZ strives to end generational poverty and build a culture of achievement in Minneapolis for all low-income children of color.

Contemporary Fiction By Black Authors

This section offers a wide variety of books from the contemporary and literary fiction genres. These stories tell the tales of love, racial disparities, coming-of-age experiences, marital woes, and so much more.

What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons

“Stunning . . .  The debut novel examines the complicated, strange proximity of love, grief, and loss, and how this manifests in the body . . . Clemmons skillfully draws on the humor that stems from the duality of conflicting cultures. Her prose is funny, fragile, and unflinchingly candid. Her characters are as flawed as they are honest, confronting their own fragmented relationships and identities.” – BOMB

Shop What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons here >>

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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

“Such a Fun Age keeps it real on race, wealth, and class….Subtly illustrat[es] the systemic racism in America and the ways that we’re routinely perpetuating it or being subjected to it on a daily basis. The question that will sit with readers for days after finishing the book: What role do I play?” – Marie Claire 

Shop Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid here >>

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I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

“The reader finds herself torn between gritting her teeth at how right McMillan gets the relationships between best friends, ex-spouses, ex-lovers, parents and children and putting the book down to laugh out loud. Run, don’t walk and pick up this exuberant summer read.” – BookPage

Shop I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan here >>

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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

“[Red at the Bone] subtly explores the ways in which desire can reconfigure our best-laid plans, and its expansive outlook suggests how easily, in African-American life, hard-won privileges can be dissolved.” – The New Yorker

Shop Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson here >>

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What is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi

“Flirting with the speculative, Oyeyemi weaves stories about living puppets and their puppet masters, old diaries not meant to be opened, ancient libraries, and secret gardens. It’s hands-down my favorite book of the year thus far.” – The Chicago Review of Books

Shop What is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi here >>

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An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

“Tayari Jones’s wise and compassionate new novel, An American Marriage is a clear vision of the quiet devastation of a family. It is beautifully written, with many allusions to black music and culture — including the everyday poetry of the African-American community that begs to be heard.” – The New York Times Book Review

Shop An American Marriage by Tayari Jones here >>

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Loving Day by Mat Johnson

“Loving Day is wonderful satire, sharp and funny about so many contemporary themes and anxieties, including race, money, family, sex, and love. Mat Johnson has a deep comic gift, and his laughs always come with real thought and feeling.” – Sam Lipsyte, author of The Ask and The Fun Parts

Shop Loving Day by Mat Johnson here >>

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Salvage The Bones by Jesmyn Ward

“Salvage the Bones expands our understanding of Katrina’s devastation, beyond the pictures of choked rooftops in New Orleans and toward the washed-out, feral landscapes elsewhere along the coast.” – New Yorker

Shop Salvage The Bones by Jesmyn Ward here >>

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Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen

“Allen writes in a sharp, lively voice that is full of warmth and humor…Touching on issues of professional womanhood, race, and family, the author crafts a novel that is both timely and enjoyable.” – Kirkus Reviews

Shop Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen here >>

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Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

“A debut novel by a young woman from Cameroon that illuminates the immigrant experience in America with the tenderhearted wisdom so lacking in our political discourse.” – The Washington Post

Shop Behold The Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue here >>

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We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

“Set in the post-post-racial South, We Cast a Shadow tells the story of a man…desperate to pay for his biracial son to undergo demelanization. It is this desperation that haunts this novel and, in this desperation, we see just how pernicious racism is, how irrevocably it can alter how a man sees the world, himself, and those he loves. It is a chilling, unforgettable cautionary tale, and one we should all read and heed.”—Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist

Shop We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin here >>

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Another Brooklyn: A Novel by Jacqueline Woodson

“Another Brooklyn is a breathtaking account of growing up female and black in a time of conflicting pressures and crushing assumptions, and in doing so creating a lifetime of memories.” – Seira Wilson, The Amazon Book Review

Shop Another Brooklyn: A Novel by Jacqueline Woodson here >>

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The Mothers by Brit Bennet

“As much as The Mothers is steeped in black culture, it’s also pointedly, poignantly universal in its depiction of young love and friendship and hard choices.” – Entertainment Weekly

Shop The Mothers by Brit Bennet here >>

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The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

“A gripping and brilliant novel based on a true story about a boys’ reformatory school in Florida in the 1960s. Whitehead is one of the most daring and gifted authors writing these days, and I will never miss one of his books.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, author of City of Girls

Shop The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead here >>

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Contemporary Romance by Black Authors

If you enjoy fun, flirty stories of love, you’ll adore these contemporary romances written by authors of color.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

“What a charming, warm, sexy gem of a novel. I couldn’t put The Wedding Date down. I love a good romance and this delivered from the first page to the last.” – Roxane Gay, author of Hunger

Shop The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory here >>

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The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

“A prime example of how complex and insightful romances can be. Farrah Rochon deftly explores what it means to go viral, the unique joys of strong female friendships, and the particular struggles of Black women in the workplace, all within a great love story.” – Jasmine Guillory, author of The Wedding Date

Shop The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon here >>

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Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

“Absolutely charming… a flawless balance of humor, heat, sweetness, and depth, and I loved every page.” – Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test

Shop Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert here >>

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The Best Worst Man by Mia Sosa

“The plot is classic “enemies to lovers” and is executed perfectly…slow-burn romance done perfectly right…A captivating love story about two people who bring out the best in each other both professionally and personally.” – Kirkus Review

Shop The Best Worst Man by Mia Sosa here >>

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Young Adult (YA) Books by Black Authors

From fantasy to romance, this section has a wide variety of stunning YA books by black authors that all YA-lovers need in their collection.

Everything, Everything Nicola Yoon

“This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms.” – Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Shop Everything Everything Nicola Yoon here >>

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With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

“Acevedo compassionately challenges her readers with a wide variety of topics, including cultural and personal identity and the needs and desires of older women, something that is so often forgotten…This sophomore novel is simply stunning.” – Booklist (starred review)

Shop With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo here >>

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The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

“The Girl with the Louding Voice is a beautifully rendered, achingly real portrait of Adunni, a young woman finding her strength and shaping her destiny in modern day Nigeria….Brava to Daré for bringing this compelling character out of the shadows and into our lives.” – Tara Conklin, author of The House Girl and The Last Romantics

Shop The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare here >>

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

“… Adeyemi keeps it fresh with an all-black cast of characters, a meaningful emphasis on fighting for justice, a complex heroine saving her own people, and a brand of magic made more powerful by the strength of heritage and ancestry.” – Booklist, Starred Review

Shop Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi here >>

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A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

“Set in a world of ancient magic, Brown spins a fantastical tale that is full of heart, adventure, and intrigue. Readers will delight in the lush details of a world and characters so vividly drawn that they leap off the page.” – Rena Barron, author of Kingdom of Souls

Shop A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown here >>

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The Stars and the Blackness Between Them By Junauda Petrus

“The most gorgeous, profound, spiritually uplifting, queer Black Afro-futuristic-magical, ancestral love oracle/book I’ve ever read in my whole life.” – Gabby Rivera, author of Juliet Takes a Breath and America

Shop The Stars and the Blackness Between Them By Junauda Petrus here >>

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Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

“Magnetic and addictive, Kingdom of Souls turns ambition into sacrifice and blood into power. Magic is always worth the price—and the pain—and this book is black girl magic at its finest.” – Dhonielle Clayton, author of The Belles

Shop Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron here >>

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On The Come Up by Angie Thomas

“While acknowledging that society is quick to slap labels onto black teens, the author allows her heroine to stumble and fall before finding her footing and her voice…a compelling coming-of-age story for all teens.” – School Library Journal

Shop On The Come Up by Angie Thomas here >>

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Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

“Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary.” – Kirkus Reviews

Shop Let Me Hear A Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson here >>

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The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

“The start of a bold and immersive West African-inspired, feminist fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice.” – Amazon

Shop The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna here >>

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A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

“Morrow masterfully blends the real lives of Black girls in contemporary Portland with a mythic world of sirens, gargoyles and other supernatural creatures to create a compelling coming-of-age story in which two sisters, bound by love and fate, find their voices and their power.” – Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Trail of Lightning and Star Wars: Resistance Reborn

Shop A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow here >>

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Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard

A fun tale about a half-mortal girl whose older siblings, the ancient Greek gods, are disguised as humans living in Portland. She must keep their identities secret, while still navigating the trials of being a teenager such as new friends, cute boys, and issues at Mount Olympus.

Shop Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard here >>

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Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

“Relationships take a central role in this passionate novel, as Reynolds delves into the emotional experience of Jack’s inner circle, giving them and their interpersonal connections depth. It’s an intense ride and readers are likely going to want to stick with Jack to the (real) end.” – Shelf Awareness

Shop Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds here >>

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The Voice In My Head by Dana L. Davis

“An endearing and compelling coming-of-age story. Dana L. Davis captures the messy, complicated love of family in a road trip novel that redefines what it means to truly live.” – Nancy Richardson Fischer, author of When Elephants Fly

Shop The Voice In My Head by Dana L. Davis here >

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Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

“A really special book with much to say about black female identity, sexual politics, group chats, emotional becoming in a way that feels totally unforced. Filthy, funny, and profound.” – Sharlene Teo, author of Ponti

Shop Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams here >>

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Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America edited by Ibi Zoboi

The stories, all worth savoring, share a celebratory outlook on black teenagers fully and courageously embracing life.” – Publishers Weekly

Shop Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi here >>

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Daughters of Nri by Reni K Amayo

When a gruesome war results in the Gods departing Earth, the only remnants of their existence lie in two twins who were separated at birth, who grow up believing they are human. This fantasy novel explores an epic journey to self-discovery as these sisters find their way back to one another.

Shop Daughters of Nri by Reni K Amayo here >>

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

“As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, THE HATE U GIVE serves as a much needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting!” Jason Reynolds, coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS

Shop The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas here >>

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Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika and Maritza Moulite

“Alaine’s adventures in Haiti were so intense and engaging, I could almost feel the dirt beneath my fingernails, could almost smell the peanuts and plantains. But I think my favorite part was ultimately the female empowerment that permeated every part of this tale, past and present. – Alethea Kontis, NPR

Shop Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika and Maritza Moulite here >>

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Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

“A highly needed work for the #MeToo movement. . . . Watson and Hagan do not disappoint in this powerful story of two girls who take a stand against injustice while learning how to navigate a world that seeks to silence them.” ― School Library Journal

Shop Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan here >>

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Calling My Name by Liara Tamani

“This debut coming-of-age novel showcases the complex relationship between family, spirituality, and self. On her journey to discovering herself, Taja learns the importance of recognizing self-worth and feeling like you truly belong.” – Brightly

Shop Calling My Name by Liara Tamani here >>

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone

“A powerful, wrenching, and compulsively readable story that lays bare the history, and the present, of racism in America.” – John Green, author of Turtles All the Way Down

Shop Dear Martin by Nic Stone here >>

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What Momma Left Me by Renée Watson

“Serenity Evans is a strong African-American character who will resonate with girls who are facing transitions of their own, large or small.” ― School Library Journal

Shop What Momma Left Me by Renée Watson here >>

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The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert

“Colbert’s latest novel brilliantly delves into first loves, forbidden romance, rebellion, and family expectations-all of which teens will strongly relate to.”―Booklist, starred review

Shop The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert here >>

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The Sun Is Also A Star Nicola Yoon

“An exhilarating, hopeful novel exploring identity, family, the love of science and the science of love, dark matter and interconnectedness–is about seeing and being seen and the possibility of love… and it shines.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review 

Shop The Sun Is Also A Star Nicola Yoon here >>

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Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

“This is a story about friendships, finding first loves, and continuing to discover yourself even after you thought you had all the answers… It’s going to change lives.” – Mason Deaver, author of I Wish You All the Best

Shop Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender here >>

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Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles

“Not So Pure and Simple manages to put real issues in the spotlight, like toxic masculinity and societal pressures on youth while still being a funny, heartfelt, and wildly charming read!” – Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here

Shop Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles here >>

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Thriller & Mystery Books by Black Authors

For all of you thriller lovers, it’s time to add some of these must-have books by black authors to your list!

The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith

“With a masterful hand, Ian Smith has written a novel that immerses us in the dark intrigue of one of the country’s oldest secret societies. The Ancient Nine is thrilling, exciting, and shocking from beginning to end.” ― Michael Eric Dyson, author of Tears We Cannot Stop

Shop The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith here >>

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American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

“An expertly written spy thriller . . . that tackles issues of politics, race and gender . . . Like the best of John le Carré, it’s extremely tough to put down. It marks the debut of an immensely talented writer who’s refreshingly unafraid to take risks, and has the skills to make those risks pay off.” – NPR

Shop American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson here >>

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Down the River Unto The Sea by Walter Mosley

“A wild ride that delivers hard-boiled satisfaction while toying with our prejudices and preconceptions . . . The darker and uglier the story gets, the more Joe King Oliver comes alive. . . . The journey is fun and joyful. . . . A fitting work for a world riddled with dark contradiction.”― Steph Cha, Los Angeles Times

Shop Down the River Unto The Sea by Walter Mosley here >>

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Finding Gideon by Eric Jerome Dickey

“Must-read romance…A cerebral, sometimes sensual, sometimes suspenseful, and quite a memorable ride.”—USA Today

Shop Finding Gideon by Eric Jerome Dickey here >>

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Fantasy Books by Black Authors

There isn’t a strong presence of authors of color in the adult fantasy genre, but the ones below have been very highly-rated and are certainly worth the read!

The Rage of Dragons (The Burning, #1) by Evan Winter

“The Rage of Dragons takes the best parts of epic fantasy and sets them in a refreshing and inventive new world, a gripping tale that makes clear the true cost of war and colonialism with one of the most enthralling hero’s journeys I’ve read.”― S. A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass

Shop The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter here >>

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Black Leopard by Marlon James

“He’s produced a sprawling fantasy novel set in a dark-age Africa of witches, spirits, dazzling imperial citadels and impenetrable forests. In a genre dominated by imagery derived from the European middle ages, Black Leopard, Red Wolf feels new and exciting.” — Wall Street Journal

Shop Black Leopard by Marlon James here >>

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Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

“The heart of Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is story — the yearning for a narrative to help us understand ourselves, the pain of the gaps we’ll never fill, the truths that are failed by words and must be translated through ritual and song …. Ward’s writing throbs with life, grief, and love, and this book is the kind that makes you ache to return to it.” — Buzzfeed

Shop Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward here >>

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War Girls (War Girls, #1) by Tochi Onyebuchi

“Set amid the horrors of war in a world ravaged by climate change and nuclear disaster, this heart-wrenching and complex page-turner, drawn from the 1960s Nigerian civil war, will leave readers stunned and awaiting the second installment.”- Publishers Weekly, starred review 

Shop War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi here >>

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Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

“Callender’s first adult novel draws race relations, conquest, magic, and politics into an imaginative, layered story that will keep readers twisting until the end. The author’s personal experience growing up in St. Thomas lends to the rich setting and postcolonial themes.”― Library Journal (starred review)

Shop Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender here >>

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Historical Fiction by Black Authors

Historical fiction is a predominantly white genre, but there are some amazing options from authors of color. Check out the following and add them to your shelves!

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

“Secrets, heartache, and healing fill this story spanning two generations of women living in the South before and after the Civil War. Atakora’s writing grips you from the first page of this soon-to-be-published novel. It’s no surprise that she is being hailed as a successor to Toni Morrison.”— The Week

Shop Conjure Women by Afia Atakora here >>

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Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

“Thanks to Ms. Gyasi’s instinctive storytelling gifts, the book leaves the reader with a visceral understanding of both the savage realities of slavery and the emotional damage that is handed down, over the centuries. . . . By its conclusion, the characters’ tales of loss and resilience have acquired an inexorable and cumulative emotional weight.” —The New York Times

Shop Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi here >>

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A Brief History Of Seven Killings by Marlon James

“A prismatic story of gang violence and Cold War politics in a turbulent post-independence Jamaica.” — The New Yorker

Shop A Brief History Of Seven Killings by Marlon James here >>

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The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

“Enthralling. . . . One remarkably resilient woman is placed against the hopes and struggles of millions of African Americans who held this nation to its promise.” — The Washington Post

Shop The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis here >>

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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet

“Bennett’s gorgeously written second novel, an ambitious meditation on race and identity, considers the divergent fates of twin sisters, born in the Jim Crow South, after one decides to pass for white. Bennett balances the literary demands of dynamic characterization with the historical and social realities of her subject matter.” – The New York Times

Shop The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet here >>

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Flygirl by Sherri Smith

“This well-told, interesting story moves along at a good clip . . . A vibrant picture of WWII women and of Jim Crow as it was then.” – Kirkus Reviews

Shop Flygirl by Sherri Smith here >>

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The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Coates balances the horrors of slavery against the fantastical. He extends the idea of the gifts of the disenfranchised to include a kind of superpower… In the end, it is a novel interested in the psychological effects of slavery, a grief that Coates is especially adept at parsing…”— Esi Edugyan, The New York Times Book Review

Shop The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates here >>

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Memoirs by Black Authors

These memoirs and heartbreaking, beautiful, and eye-opening. If you want to begin to educate yourself on cultural differences, racism, and the life-experiences of our black community, this is where you need to start.

Black Is The Body by Emily Bernard

“Black Is the Body is one of the most beautiful, elegant memoirs I’ve ever read. It’s about race, it’s about womanhood, it’s about friendship, it’s about a life of the mind, and also a life of the body. But more than anything, it’s about love. I can’t praise Emily Bernard enough for what she has created in these pages.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Shop Black Is The Body by Emily Bernard here >>

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Ordinary Light by Tracy K Smith

“Smith writes as a daughter who has lost her mother and is thinking of her own daughter. . . . She offers her painstaking reflections on what went into the making of her.” — The New York Times Book Review

Shop Ordinary Light by Tracy K Smith here >>

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More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth

“Throughout her career, author Elaine Welteroth has often been the only black woman in the room. Learn how she broke down barriers—across several different intersections—to succeed in the media and fashion industries and become one of her generation’s changemakers. . . . Welteroth’s words may be just what you need to take back your confidence and head down the path toward a new job.” — Forbes

Shop More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth here >>

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You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson

“Phoebe Robinson has a way of casually, candidly rough-housing with tough topics like race and sex and gender that makes you feel a little safer and a lot less alone. If something as wise and funny as You Can’t Touch My Hair exists in the world, we can’t all be doomed. Phoebe is my hero and this book is my wife.”— Lindy West, author of Shrill

Shop You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson here >>

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How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones

“Jones’ explosive and poetic memoir traces his coming-of-age as a black, queer, and Southern man in vignettes that heartbreakingly and rigorously explore the beauty of love, the weight of trauma, and the power of resilience.”— Entertainment Weekly

Shop How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones here >>

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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

“[A] compelling new memoir . . . By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . In the end, Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”— Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

Shop Born a Crime by Trevor Noah here >>

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Becoming by Michelle Obama

An intimate memoir from our former first lady. Michelle Obama chronicles the events that shaped her, from growing up in the South Side of Chicago to her adult years as a professional executive. It’s a deeply personal story that you won’t want to miss.

Shop Becoming by Michelle Obama here >>

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Poetry & Essays by Black Authors

Open your eyes and heart to the life-experiences of these authors through their poems, verse, and essays.

Helium by Rudy Francisco

Rudy’s debut poetry collection blends personal and political topics such as self-reflection, cultural critiques, race, gender, and more into this masterpiece of poems.

Shop Helium by Rudy Francisco here >>

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Don’t Call Us Dead: Poems by Danez Smith

“Don’t Call Us Dead is poet Danez Smith’s ferocious second collection. With humanity and heart, Smith contemplates the assaults on a black, male body in America ― police brutality, violence, and AIDS, and the resulting culture of danger, suspicion, grief, psychological pain, and resistance.”― BuzzFeed

Shop Don’t Call Us Dead: Poems by Danez Smith here >>

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We Want Our Bodies Back by Jessica Care Moore

“Imbued with heartache, anger, celebration, and rejuvenation, the poems in We Want Our Bodies Back reflect the sui generis funktified flyness that jessica Care moore has exemplified as an independent artist, activist, publisher, and curator for nearly a quarter-century. . .” – Tony Bolden, author of Afro-Blue: Improvisations in African American Poetry and Culture

Shop We Want Our Bodies Back by Jessica Care Moore here >>

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Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim

“Edim’s collection of brief, pithy, and original essays by twenty-one distinguished black women addresses the question, ‘When did you first see yourself in literature?’ . . . Speaking directly to black women readers, this book contains a journey from which anyone can derive enjoyment and benefit.”— Publishers Weekly

Shop Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim here >>

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They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib

“With a voice that rings clear off the page, Abdurraqib is an accomplished wordsmith, whose reflections on pop culture are intensely personal, political and utterly compelling.” ― CBC (Canada)

Shop They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib here >>

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Anti-Racist Education by Black Authors:

Regardless of how anti-racist you think you are, we all need to continue to learn about the racial disparities within our world. These books will help guide your understanding of racism, white privilege, colorblindness, and more.

*Update: As of June 2020, many of the below books are currently sold out, but you can still order them and they will ship immediately upon availability!

Between the World and Me by Meby Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Written as a series of letters to his teenaged son, his new memoir, Between the World and Me, walks us through the course of his life, from the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore in his youth, to Howard University—which Coates dubs “The Mecca” for its revelatory community of black students and teachers—to the broader Meccas of New York and Paris. . .Ferguson, Trayvon Martin, and South Carolina are not bumps on the road of progress and harmony, but the results of a systemized, ubiquitous threat to “black bodies” in the form of slavery, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Coates is direct and, as usual, uncommonly insightful and original. There are no wasted words. This is a powerful and exceptional book.” – Jon Foro

Shop Between the World and Me by Meby Ta-Nehisi Coates here >>

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So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

“Simply put: Ijeoma Oluo is a necessary voice and intellectual for these times, and any time, truth be told. Her ability to write so smartly and honestly with strokes of humor about race in America is heaven sent and demonstrates just how desperately we all need to be talking about race, and perhaps, more importantly, this insightful book shows those in power or privilege how they need to listen.”―Phoebe Robinson, author of You Can’t Touch My Hair and Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay

Shop So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo here >>

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Stamped From The Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi 

“Kendi has done something that’s damn near impossible: write a book about racism that breaks new ground, while being written in a way that’s accessible to the nonacademic. If you’ve ever been interested in how racist ideas spread throughout the United States, this is the book to read.”― The Root

Shop Stamped From The Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi here >>

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The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

“Alexander is absolutely right to fight for what she describes as a ‘much-needed conversation’ about the wide-ranging social costs and divisive racial impact of our criminal-justice policies.”— Ellis Cose, Newsweek

Shop The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander here >

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Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum

This book discusses the psychology of racism and is for anyone seeking to better understand the current racial dynamics in America.

Shop Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? here >>

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The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

“The sheer strength of this book arises from its insistent linking of policing, prisons, public education, migrant labour, impoverished neighbourhoods and the fates of refugees. The Skin We’re In is about the interlocking forces besieging Black life in Canada; and it is also about organizing resistance and imagining futures in bravely intimate terms.” — David Chariandy, author of Brother

Shop The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole here >>

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White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo

**I am very aware that this it not a black author and this is the only author I have made ad exception for because I truly did not feel that I could create a section on anti-racism without the inclusion of this book.**

“A vital, necessary, and beautiful book, a bracing call to white folk everywhere to see their whiteness for what it is and to seize the opportunity to make things better now.” — Michael Eric Dyson

Shop White Fragility by Robin Diangelo here >>

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White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson

“An unflinching look at America’s long history of structural and institutionalized racism, White Rage is a timely and necessary examination of white anger and aggression towards black America . . . A compelling look at American history, White Rage has never seemed more relevant than it does today.” – Bustle

Shop White Rage by Carol Anderson here >>

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How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

“A boldly articulated, historically informed explanation of what exactly racist ideas and thinking are . . . [Kendi’s] prose is thoughtful, sincere, and polished. This powerful book will spark many conversations.”— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Shop How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi here >>

Share Your Favorites

Obviously, this is just a small collection, but hopefully it shows you how prevalent authors of color actually are in each genre! So as readers, it’s our job to give them the praise and support that they and their work deserves!

I would love to know, what are some of your favorite books by black authors? Leave a comment below and let me know so I can continue to expend upon this list!

The post 80+ Must-Have Books by Black Authors appeared first on The Basic Housewife.

I’ve rounded up a collection of gifts for book lovers so you’re bound to find something that you or your bookworm will love! Ready to dive in?

^{Many of these items contain affiliate links so I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but just know that all opinions are my own and I greatly appreciate your support.}

40+ Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

It might seem obvious to gift a book lover with…well…a book, but finding a book that they’ll actually want or don’t already have can be super challenging!

So rather than stress over the perfect title, shop one of these affordable gifts for book lovers that they’ll adore.

A Wooden Book Page Holder 

Unless you’re an avid reader, you won’t understand the struggle that comes with needing to use two hands to read a book. First world problem, I know. But this little device gives you the freedom to comfortably read with just one hand so you have a free hand for coffee, wine, a child, or more!

Click here to shop this item.

A Kate Spade Canvas Book Tote Bag

I mean, how stinking cute is this canvas bag? Your book worm can take this to the library or book store to fill to their heart’s content. Plus, the drawings of literary classics are to die for.

Click here to shop this item.

“Just One More Chapter” Throw Pillow Cover

Not sure how many times my husband has heard me speak the phrase, “just one more chapter, babe!”. Get your loved one a set of these cute pillowcases, the perfect addition to any home library or reading corner!

Click here to shop this item.

Women’s “My Weekend Is Booked” T-Shirt

I am obsessed with this t-shirt because it describes my weekends to a tee. “Sorry, I’ve got books to read!” I always get a little nervous buying clothes on Amazon, but the reviews are great and the customer photos look just like the image. Highly recommend!

Click here to shop this item.

Astrology Birthdate Candle

These birthdate candles are absolutely perfect for astrology lovers or candle collectors! Each candle is personalized for every birthday using astrology, numerology, and tarot. Your Birthdate Candle will unlock the secrets of your personality and even has a custom fragrance based on your date!

Click here to save 10% on a Birthdate Candle.

Elastic Bookmark

These elastic bookmarks from LoveMaude are seriously so pretty! These bookmarks are completely handmade and are perfect for books, journals, planners, etc. Plus, this shop has DOZENS of different styles and colors depending on what you’re looking for!

Click here to shop this item.

Literature-Themed Whiskey Glasses

These hand-etched lowball glasses combine one’s love of literature and whiskey to make for a gorgeous gift! Pictured is the Pride & Prejudice set, but they also have ones featuring Hamlet, Alice in Wonderland, and Edgar Allen Poe. You can save 15% on a set when you use the code: FOREVERBOOKEDUP.

Click here to shop these literature glasses.

A Bath Caddy with Book Holder

Give the gift of total relaxation with this bath book caddy! This bath tray allows your reader to indulge in a warm bath, while still being able to read without the worry of getting the book wet!

Click here to shop this item.

Book Sleeves

I love bringing books with me on-the-go so Book Sleeves are my favorite bookish accessory and I personally love the ones from the FabricBound shop on Etsy. She has tons of different patterns so make sure to check them all out!

Click here to check out this shop.

Book Stud Earrings

These dainty little stud earrings are perfectly subtle for any bookworm to showoff their bookish pride. These are made of stainless steel and hard enamel and packaged in a cute box, perfect for gifting!

Click here to shop this item.

Weighted Page Holder

I need one of these immediately! This weighted page holder allows a reader to go completely hands-free! Plus, the weight is suitable for paperbacks AND hardcovers. Need.

Click here to shop this item.

Jane Austoe Socks

Perfect for the classic lit fan in your life, these socks from ChattyFeet make the perfect gift for book lovers! They also have a whole collection of literature-themed socks to choose from.

Click here to shop this item.

The Book Lover’s Journal

This sleek journal provides plenty of room to record details of your reading experiences. It also provides space to jot down titles you’d like to read next and includes pages to list books borrowed/lent/given, your book sources, and book group contact information. It’s such a fun idea for any avid reader!

Click here to shop this item.

Book Of The Month Subscription

Give the gift of monthly book subscription that they will LOVE. If you haven’t heard of Book Of The Month, you can read all about it here!

If you want to try it for yourself, follow this link to get your first book for only $5!

The Nessie Tale Bookmark

Okay…can we just talk about how dang cute this is? This adorable bookmark adds an extra layer of playfulness to reading time. I love it!

Click here to shop this item.

“Get Lit” T-Shirt

Get it? Get…literary? Available in men’s and women’s sizing, this t-shirt comes in a variety of classic colors such as black, gray, navy, etc. and is well-reviewed. This t-shirt definitely makes for the perfect gifts for book lovers!

Click here to shop this item.

Engraved Tea Spoon

This adorable little tea spoon is such a great gift if your book lover is also a tea drinker! Pair this with a yummy pack of tea and it’ll be the perfect gift!

Click here to shop this item.

Assorted Tea Sampler

There is something about reading and drinking tea that tends to go hand in hand. Gift your book lover this yummy (and well-reviewed!) set of teas with the adorable spoon above. Throw in a book and you’ll have the ultimate ‘reading time’ gift basket!

Click here to shop this item.

Heroines of Lit Postcards (set of 6)

Can you imagine receiving one of these gorgeous postcards in the mail!? These handmade, illustrated postcards feature 6 heroines from literature and seriously breathtaking.

Click here to shop this item.

Book Lovers Charm Bracelet

Man, if I knew a librarian or someone who worked in a bookstore, I could think of no cuter gift! This delicate little charm bracelet says it all and is simple enough that it can be worn with anything.

Click here to shop this item.

Homesick Scented Candle

I don’t burn candles (sorry, I’m an essential oil junkie) but if I did, this would be my go-to! Homesick Candles carries scents such as ‘Library’ and ‘Books” so your loved one can indulge in their favorite smells while cuddling up with a good book.

Click here to shop this item.

A Custom Book Print

Whether its for yourself or a loved one, these custom book stacks from LaurenNaylorDesignCo will make the perfect piece of art for a home! Not only do you receive a physical print, but a pdf that can used for printing on a mug, bag, etc!

Click here to shop this item.

Neck Book Light

Now, I’ve never tried this booklight, but the reviews do not lie. People are obsessed with this thing! This flexible neckband allows you to focus on what you are doing without worrying about a wonky light attached to your book, holding a flashlight, or needing overhead lighting. Seems pretty nifty to me!

Click here to shop this item.

Personal Library Kit

One of the biggest reasons I don’t like to loan out books is because I know that I will likely never see them again. This kit allows you to channel your inner librarian to ensure you get your books back, as promised! This could also be a super fun gift for kids who love to play ‘library’ at home.

Click here to shop this item.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m totally guilty of it: Making a nice warm cup of tea or coffee, opening a good book, getting totally sucked in, and by the time I remember to take a sip of my drink, it’s completely cold! This eliminates that problem and is honestly a must-have for any book worm.

Click here to shop this item.

Paper Bookmarks

These paper bookmarks are so freaking beautiful and some that I personally use and love. If you aren’t a fan of the mystical designs, MirkwoodScribes has SO many different styles, you’re bound to find one you love!

Click here to shop this item.

Bookish Mug

This mug is so gorgeous and I love the quote, “Without books, there would be nothing but darkness and chaos.” Any true bookworm will find this super relatable and makes for the perfect gift for book lovers!

Click here to shop this item.

Ember Temperature Controlled Smart Mug

Again, don’t let a good book get in the way of a warm cup of coffee/tea. This mug allows you to set your preferred temperature so that your drink stays perfect until you’ve finished it! It even can be controlled with your smartphone!

Click here to shop this item.

Reading Lovers’ Necklace With Book Pendant

This dainty little necklace will keep your book worm’s favorite passion near and dear to their heart…literally. The packaging says, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest men of past centuries.” So sweet.

Click here to shop this item.

Chic Magnetic Bookmarks

When I’m reading a book, I usually just use the closest flat object as a bookmark, but I am loving these super minimal magnetic bookmarks. Pair these with a book or a gift card and you’ve got yourself a great gift!

Click here to shop this item.

Bards Dispense Profanity: A Party Game

It’s like Cards Against Humanity, but Shakespeare style. The real question is: To be profane, or not to be?

Click here to shop this item.

“Kindly Go Away, I’m Reading” Wine Glass

This is so snarky and cute, I just love it. If your bookworm likes to enjoy a nice glass of vino while reading, this is the perfect gift!

Click here to shop this item.

The Comfy

THIS THING IS A LIFE CHANGER. I love to read with a blanket, but would always get annoyed that my arms couldn’t be inside of it because I had to hold the book. This is like being engulfed inside of a big, sherpa-lined blanket. It has a pocket, a hood, cinched wrists, and is literally the best thing you’ll put on your body.

Click here to shop this item.

Personalized Book Stamp

Having a custom stamp is such a cool idea and allows your bookworm to personalize their private library! StampByMeStudio has two library designs for you to choose from.

Click here to shop this item.

Novelty Book Socks

Okay, brb, I am ordering these immediately. This four-pack of women’s socks will allow your book lover to show their love and affection for books no matter where they go! There are also different pack options if you aren’t loving these designs.

Click here to shop this item.

Marble Book Ends

So I am personally LOVING these marble bookends, but Amazon has a crap ton of different styles depending on your book-lovers aesthetic. 

Click here to shop this item.

What Would Jane Do? Book

Jane Austen always knows just the right thing to say. Gift this pocket collection of quotes from Jane’s novels and letters, and your book lover too will have a quip for every situation.

Click here to shop this item.

Kindle Paperwhite

I know a lot of readers that like to switch between e-books and physical books. So if they love to read on the go or are running out of shelf space, a Kindle might just be the perfect gift for your book lover!

Click here to shop this item.

Book-Themed Enamel Pins

This little set of enamel pins are so dang cute and make for the perfect gifts for book lovers! You can put them on a jean jacket, backpack, book bag, tote, etc.!

Click here to shop this item.

100 Books Scratch Off Poster

This interactive poster a super fun way to track a readers progress! As you read one of the 100 books listed on the poster, you get to scratch it off to reveal the cover icon. It’s a great way to get your reader to try new books!

Click here to shop this item.

Bookish AF Bullet Journal

It’s a total stereotype that bookish people love to journal, but honestly, it’s probably not that inaccurate. *insert shrug emoji* This “Bookish AF” bullet journal can be paired with some brush markers for the perfect gift!

Click here to shop this item.

Bookshelf Neck Tie

This adorable microfiber men’s tie is the perfect gift for our male bookworms! It measures 59.5″ in length by 3″ wide.

Click here to shop this item.

Handmade Library Card Coaster Set

These are the perfect addition to any book lover’s home! These cute handmade coasters feature four classic titles and would make a fantastic hostess gift!

Click here to shop this item.

Colorful Bookshelf Mug

I absolutely love the design on this mug because it feels so versatile and like it could fit in at any home. This ceramic mug holds 11oz.

Click here to shop this item.

Book-Themed Zipper Pouch

These zipper pouches are so dang cute and come in a huge variety of designs, all catered toward book lovers! This pouch is perfect for storing small items such as pens, pencils, bookmarks, etc.

Click here to shop this item.

Jane Austen: The Complete Works 7-Book Boxed Set

This box set is the ultimate gift for classic literary fans. This stunning set includes 7 clothbound collectible editions with foil stamped into the cover designs.

Click here to shop this item.

Share Your Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

Now that I’ve shared my list with you, I’m dying to know: Which gift was your favorite? Do you have additional gift ideas for book lovers that weren’t included in the list? Leave a comment below and let me know!

The post Gifts for Book Lovers: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on The Basic Housewife.