10 Books Every Young Black Women Needs to Read in Order to SLAY
Slay: Killed it. Succeed in something amazing. (urban dictionary)
In a world where the #BeyHive reigns supreme; everyone wants to possess the superpower to SLAY. Whether it’s informing your hairdresser to slay your hair to the Gawds or with a new dress from Forever 21; the objective is always to kill it. With our careers, business, relationships, and spirituality hold no exception to this rule.
When we pick up a book it allows us to stretch beyond our current knowledge and begin to think out of the box. As an African American woman it seems to be more challenging for us as we have to fight against BOTH minorities (woman and ethnicity). Many of us want to SLAY throughout our life but have no idea of how to start. Well girl here is the ammo to slay your year…I mean knowledge IS power.
1. Fervent by Pricilla Shirer
Is it just me or when I pray I can get in a habit and it becomes very generic. You know, like the little books that you buy for a newborn. (well unless suffering from a major hangover and promise God that I will NEVER do it again…he still working on me).
Based on the movie War Room Pricilla lays out a very practical and strategic plan for prayer. She provides a step by step guide to fight the real enemy (Satan) that includes scripture, relatable situations (even the friend that you can’t stand), and cards in which you are able to create your own prayer wall. After completion you will feel equiped to guard yourself from any attack that heads your way.
2. The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America by Tamara Winfrey Harris
“What’s wrong with the black woman? Simple answer: Not a damned thing. We’re not perfect, but we’re no more flawed than anyone else…..We have facets like diamonds. The trouble is the people who refuse to see us sparkling.” – Tamara Winfrey Harris
Seriously if I could Oprah this book (you get this book, you get this book, evvvvvveerrry body gets this book) for every Black woman I really would (let me put this on my to do list). Why? If you don’t understand your history you allow ANYONE (the media especially) to tell you who you are, how you’re supposed to feel and act. So instead of embracing it…self-hate takes over.
Tamara Winfrey Harris takes us on a trip back in history and acquaints us with the origins of the stereotypes: Mammy, Sapphire, and the Jezebel. She explores deep into the various connotations within every aspect of life; from beauty, sex and marriage to strength. Interviewing women with different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life you see that we all face the same -ish.
3. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes the creator of everyone’s’ favorite shows (Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy) shares as only she can how one statement from her sister changed her life. In a very transparent, witty way, and along with the right dash of humor, Shonda shows us how to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.
4. The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women by Elaine Meryl Brown Marsha Haygood, Rhonda Joy McLean
With so many strikes against us from the jump; navigating the business world is a little different for us than what our counterparts face. You don’t want to get the label of being a mad black woman but you don’t want to be a doormat either. These three highly successful African American executives share their advice on how to make it to the top. As they describe it “a mentor in your pocket.”
5. The Personal Touch by Terrie Williams
When at the bottom our dreams can seem as if they are too far out of reach. Terrie Williams shows how she created a powerhouse PR firm representing large names such as Eddie Murphey from nothing but a dream. It doesn’t matter where you start from but you can make your goals and dreams reality with just a little bit of the personal touch.
6. All the Joy You Can Stand: 101 Sacred Power Principles for Making Joy Real in Your Life by Debrena Jackson Gandy
Girl, after I read this book I wanted to run outside and hit a number from “You Got Served” in the rain. Filled with personal stories Debrena Jackson Gandy instructs us on how to transform our life. Not just any transformation but starting on the inside to free yourself in order to reach your highest potential.
7. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
How could this be a list to slay your year without including Auntie O (Well Oprah is my Aunt in my head). Even years after the Oprah Show concluded she continues to drop several gems in this easy to read goodie. Oprah shares from past life lessons in an essay format divided into several themes to encourage us to be the best version of ourselves.
8. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter – And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
This book was one of the first to let me know “hey girl you need to get your life together.” Even though it low key called me out it also showed me that I was not alone. People continue to rely the message that our 20 something years are a time to turn up and be wild. But Meg Jay communicates that we should make the most of our time instead of throwing down the drain. Why wait later when you can act NOW. The stories from her clients are so relatable that I saw myself in each one (talk about being all in my Kool aid).
9. Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make with Money by Lois P. Frankel
Nobody wants to be broke? Well at least that is what we say. But do our words match our actions (let me answer for you…NO). Especially as women we are taught negative messages regarding money at an early age; i.e. to let the man handle finances. Lois Frankel provides us with tips to get our finances all the way together. My favorite part was how to negotiate for the pay that we DESERVE rather than accept anything.
10. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
I’m pretty sure that I have given my copy of this book out close to 34032895 times. To say that I loved it would be an understatement. In hilarious chapters Jen teaches us to identify bad self-talk, and to take action in order to create the life that we want NOW! And to never forget to always LOVE YOURSELF!
Whoop there it is! Pick up a copy of these options and let me know what you think. I know there are TONS more that are out there; feel free to share what books have allowed you to succeed AMAZINGLY! Would love to hear from you…drop your suggestions in the comment section!
Featured photo credit: CreateHER stock via createherstock.com
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