5 Books That Changed My Life

1. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

   
   

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a retelling of the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and one of his four wives, Leah. None of the women in the Bible are given much backstory or voice but here they are the main characters. Through Dinah, we are introduced to the women in her family, their traditions, relationships, and strengths. The red tent itself is a symbol of community, where the women gather during their cycles and other major life events. They share knowledge and stories, creating their own space, separate from the male-dominated world. This is not a story about religion, but about what happens when you give women the chance to speak for themselves and listen to what they have to say.

Why it matters:This story matters because it exposes how much of what we’ve been taught, especially in religious or historical contexts, was written by men, for men, with women as background characters. Or worse, to control women and keep them in the home and solely for the purposes of breeding. Reading The Red Tent reminds us that our stories have always existed, even if they weren’t recorded, and are important. And when you start to see how much of history has been filtered to keep women quiet or small, it’s hard not to question everything else you’ve been told. This book doesn’t just retell Dinah’s story, it makes you re-examine all the other stories you’ve been told throughout your lifetime.

2. The Wealth of Connection by Vincent Pigluese

   
   

The Wealth of Connection by Vincent Pugliese is about how instead of chasing attention or grinding endlessly, building trust and genuine relationships is what actually creates long-term success and fulfillment, both in business and life. He breaks it down into five parts: being curious, creating work that matters, connecting with people honestly, collaborating instead of competing, and consistency. It’s practical without being preachy, and it makes the case that connection isn’t just “nice to have” it’s the whole point of being alive and human.

Why it matters:This book hits different. Especially as a woman, there's a constant push to look polished, stay likable, and keep proving your worth. The Wealth of Connection is a reminder that you don’t need to be louder or have the best branding, you just need to be real and build from there. It strips things back to what actually works: showing up with curiosity, listening more than talking, and building genuine relationships. 

3. Financial Feminism by Tori Dunlap & Rich AF by Vivian Tu (it's a tie)

   
   

Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap and Rich AF by Vivian Tu are both woman-centered guides to money, written by women who’ve built platforms around helping other women take control of their finances. Instead of dry, jargon-heavy advice, these books speak directly to the emotional and cultural baggage many of us carry around money, like shame, fear, or the pressure to be good with a budget but quiet about wealth. Both authors mix personal stories with advice, making topics like investing, and financial independence feel less scary and more like something you can actually do, even if your parents never taught you how.

Why it matters:What makes these books relatable is that they’re not just about money, they’re about undoing the messages  so many women have grown up with: that talking about money is tacky, that asking for more pay is greedy, or that we should be grateful for what we have. They show us that financial literacy is not just empowering, it’s necessary, and that it’s okay to want more (especially nowadays). Reading these as a woman can be a turning point, especially if you’ve ever felt lacking or ashamed. They make it clear that the system was never built for us, but if we learn the rules we can rewrite the game.

4. 1984 by George Orwell

   
   

1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel about the terrifying consequences of totalitarianism, surveillance, and mind control. Set in a world where the government, led by the Party and its figurehead Big Brother, has absolute control over every aspect of life, from language to thought. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking Party member who secretly rebels against the oppressive regime. Through Winston, we see a society where the truth is manipulated, freedom of any kind doesn’t exist, and individuality is crushed in in favor of conformity and control.

Why it matters:1984 isn’t just a cautionary tale, it’s a wake-up call about how power can be abused and how important it is to question authority. As a woman, it’s especially scary because the book shows how total control doesn’t just strip freedoms, but also the very essence of what it means to think and feel for yourself. The portrayal of a world where history is rewritten regularly by the state to fit their current narrative, speaks volumes: we must stay vigilant in protecting our ability to make our own choices. The scarieness of this book is when you realize that in the wrong hands, control over information and thought can keep entire populations powerless, and manipulated. 

(This was a very heavy read and stayed like a lead brick in my head.  Be prepared with something light and easy after this book!)

5. Designing your life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

   
   

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans takes the principles of design and applies them to creating a meaningful, fulfilling life. The book offers a practical approach to figuring out what you really want, whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal goals. Answering the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?” Instead of following a strict, one-size-fits-all path, they encourage readers to experiment, and iterate their way toward a life that feels true to their unique personalities. This book shows how to break down the overwhelming task of "designing your life" into manageable, creative steps.

Why it matters:What makes Designing Your Life so powerful, is that it gives you permission and guidance on how to think outside the lines. We're often taught to follow a set of rules, get the degree, climb the corporate ladder, have a family with 2.4 kids, and check all of the boxes. This book shows that life doesn’t have to follow a linear path, but can instead be more about exploration and reinvention. If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you were living your life by someone else’s expectations, this talks about a new way of thinking of your future. It encourages you to design a life that works for you, even if it’s unique or even weird.