Best Books For Women In Their 30S (2024 Updated)

What an amazing insight into these extraordinary women from a remote island in South Korea. I love the sea and the descriptions of how they dive for long periods of time in very cold waters just using their incredible breath control is captivating.

I also learned a lot about Korean history and culture which is also very interesting. and at times very sad. The story is told with dignity and careful research and I enjoyed it immensely.

This is a fascinating story about the free diving women of the island of Jeju off the southern tip of South Korea. I learned so much about a culture and history I knew nothing about. In addition our book group had the pleasure of having a Zoom chat with author Lisa See.

What a treat! Also the used book was a great bargainformer library book in perfect condition.

At first I felt it was a little hard to get into the book. The chapters are long and the breaks are not frequent. But the more I read it I find it is very compelling to keep going. I am only about halfway through at this point.

It was chosen for my book club and so far I would recommend it.

Adore Slim Aarons and this book is just marvellous, bright candid photographs of equally bright and gorgeous subjects. Aarons truly did mean to capture attractive people, doing attractive things, in attractive places.

This and his book Poolside are a fantastic duet to own.

Slims Aaron was an amazing photographer and his books encapsulate his talent. Love seeing the beautiful people, fashion and stunning American architecture.

The book is a delightful addition to any coffee table. So admire slim Aarons work

The text does a good job of explaining scientific achievements in an accessible yet not over-simplified way. There are probably over 1500 words dedicated to each pioneer, along with some did-you-know-type factoids and quotes.

The book includes some other interesting features, such as a (US-centric) timeline, a look at lab equipment, the stats of gender imbalance in STEM and a four-page glossary. What I found disappointing was the total lack of photographs or accurate illustrations of the scientists profiled.

There are only highly stylised drawings, as on the cover. Nevertheless, this book is likely to be inspiring to the right young reader.

This book is perfect for any young girls (8+) who are interested in going into the STEM field. Mother’s can help daughter’s understand gender stereo-typing and misogyny throughout history, and then see it get smashed by these inspirational women.

It normalises women working in these fields, and shows them that anything is possible; and young girls will appreciate the women who paved the way for them. Beautifully designed, easy to read; the language doesn’t condescend but is equally engaging for children and adults alike.

Well done to the creator(s).

This book is perfectly written for any reader that wants inspiration, a brief history lesson, and a fun thing to quickly read about science and engineering. The text is interesting, but also the art work on every page.

It keeps things interesting and makes you want to keep reading!.

The quality of the book is fine. It’s a large size with sturdy cardboard pages which is great for little fingers still working on dexterity. My 2 year old likes it quite a bit. But I’m very disappointed by some of the choices the author made.

With so many accomplished and worthy women to choose from, I was shocked to find a documented WWII German spy being celebrated by this book. The diversity of women represented could also have been greater.

While Black, Native, and Asian women are included, this book features mostly white heroines and no Latina or Pacific Islander representation at all. If you’re looking for true diversity and not just lip service to the greatness of women, skip this book for your kiddos.

This book could have been great. I give it 2 stars instead of 1 because I think the intent is great – to lift women up and show young girls how powerful they and others like them can be. But the context of several of the women in the book is lacking or non existent.

Literally nonexistent: D is for Dorothy Hodgkin (who as an adult, I’ve never heard of and would love to learn more about) but all the book says about her is that she’s “a crystallographer who won the Nobel Prize for succeeding in the impossible.

” How vague, boring, and unhelpful. What’s the point of this? There are several instances like this in this book. I had to return it. ***Also – this isn’t hardcover – it’s a board book. Had I known it was a board book, I wouldn’t have purchased in the first place.

The listing should be changed to accurately describe it!.

I really like this book. It has a message of empowerment and points out strong women from our society, both from the past and present. I only have 2 complaints: 1) A few of the women featured do not have quotes like the majority of the book features for the rest of the women and 2) V is for Venus (not the tennis player, the goddess), and is the only woman featured that isn’t a real person.

I still think this is a really good book though.

After watching the Movie Trailer for The Woman in the Window, I decided to read the book. Unfortunately, the book did not meet my high expectations. The Trailer depicts an exciting and suspenseful storyline.

While I am sure there are parallels between the movie and the book, I found the book to be dull and strung-out. A. J. Finn’s writing style was not engaging and I had to take many breaks just to get through the book.

In the book, the main character, Anna, oftentimes quotes films and lines of Hollywood actors and actresses which I found to be off-putting given that I did not see (or have an interest in seeing) any of the films.

The concept of the book is interesting, but the plot was not well-executed. Books are known to be better than movies in most scenarios, but for the sake of the movie I hope that this is not the case.

Very good. At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. But after going to a book club and discussing it w other women and sharing our personal experiences and how they related to the book, I loved it!! There were some very emotional discussing we all had and important stories to be shared share.

An excellent book club book.

I found Estes writing style quite verbose; she reiterates the same points too excessively using really overly descriptive words. I really wish she could be more clear & concise. The intro alone was enough for me to want to throw the book at the wall, but I persisted because I have heard & read so many rave reviews about this book.

Unfortunately I didn’t find it got much better. I found her writing style very frustrating, mentally draining & hard to stay interested in. However I think I will buy it on audio book so I can listen to it in the car & see if I can get past my frustrations and understand the core messages better, & honestly, more importantly actually understand why it gets such great reviews.

The book is strong in its feminist ideals and is clearly aimed at women. Reading it as a man I cannot say this is a bad thing at all. Covering different stories and myths, it offers up an inspirational guide to women to embrace themselves, their natural intuition, and encourages them to break the shackles of a certain idea of feminity that society encourages.

Definitely read it and encourage your wives, sisters, mothers and friends to read it too.

It goes into the psychology of how women relate to money; I found myself laughing out loud at this section. Because it is ridiculous, and because it’s true. I’m a working single parent; I was afraid this book would focus on the housewife crowd.

But, the advice is universally sound for all women. It inspired me to ask for a promotion at work. (I got a raise – which more than paid for the book in the first week – and the promotion paperwork has been filed, which will result in a second raise.

Yay!) I also moved my young daughters’ savings into higher interest rate accounts and involved and explained to them every step and the reasoning behind it. They were facinated and I know it will make a lasting impression, I wouldn’t have done any of that if it weren’t for the book.

It is very informative and defines and de-mystifies all that bank and broker jargon. She includes a month-by-month plan with a few steps each month, to help ease women into taking control of their money.

I hope she comes out with a second edition because the economy has changed so much since this was written & I wonder if any of her advice / strategies have changed.

This is a book every YOUNG person should study to help them with their financial situations. This book opens your eyes on how to handle your money wisely and not get in the trap of over spending. Advice on how to save for a home and how to set up a retirement plan that is extraordinarily simple.

I had read this book before and enjoyed it. I bought two copies for my neices. Orman provides good no nonsense advice for men and women. I feel I can trust her advice. I have followed her advice in many aspects of my finances, and have not suffered from the recession as yet.

Yes, I lost money on investments, but I have time for those investments to recover. I was reasonable well positioned prior to the downturn. Each chapter contains action steps to get the reader on firm financial footing.

Highly recommneded.

Great book written for women, by women. General 12 step recovery programs are written by men with mens issues. This addresses eating disorders and a host of other real-life problems women face, and written in a way that many women can relate.

The review asked me if this is a good value. It was, and it is, if you can get it for under $20. But it today. Get the workbook. Find a sponsor, or ask someone going through the same thing that you trust to work the steps with you.

Do it now.

This one of the best, most compelling and intelligent books for women in recovery from ANYTHING that keeps them stuck in unhappiness! It speaks from the heart of women working their way to freedom to be the very best and happy people they can be.

Very thought and heart provoking. I highly recommend it!.

An excellent reframing of the 12 Step material from The Big Book made more relevant to women in recovery, written by a mental health professional who is also a recovering alcoholic. Indispensable.

This book is so much fun. I was reading this book to my pre-school classes in the 1980’s. The kids loved to sit in circle and act out the clomp clomp with their feet, wiggle wiggle and shake shake and so on.

I would start the book right before Halloween but they asked for it all through the school year. I found mine the other day but it was water damaged so I am ordering another for my grandson. I read it to him and he loved going through the motions.

Will make sure I save it for his kids.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is an excellent read-aloud for children and adults. As an elementary school librarian in a K-4 school, I read this book each October. The children love the repeating verse and have great fun mimicing the voice of the main character.

While attending a librarian’s conference in Biloxi, Mississippi, I took the opportunity to visit the local BAM. When I saw the book on a holiday display, I knew I had to purchase my own copy to share with my grand daughters.

Thank you, BAM, for always having a great selection in an enjoyable shopping atmosphere.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is an excellent read-aloud for children and adults. As and elementary school librarian, I read the book to students each October. While attending a librarian’s conference, I took the opportunity to visit the local BAM.

When I saw the book on a holiday display, I knew I had to purchase a copy of my own to share with my grand children. Thank you, BAM, for always having a wonderful selection in a pleasant atmosphere.

This is an astonishing story. I did not know about Virginia Hill as an operator behind the scenes. It is too bad that she did not receive the recognition she deserved. I do not think it would have been much different had she been a man.

For who could have ever imagined a man or woman accomplishing so much under amazing circumstances. It shows us that a woman can accomplish amazing things ; even better than a man could. We must admit she was an unusual person; male or female.

The men running the show could have given her the recognition that she deserved. They just were not ‘big’ enough. It is the rare man who would have had the character to do it.

this is about a woman who almost singlehandedly helped win WW11 despite a handicap of an artificial leg. she was thwarted at every turn yet pressed on. it also showed how inept and undiscerning the powers that be can sometimes be and the awful mistakes they make that cost lives.

Everyone, especially women, should read about this extraordinary, humble woman. Her bravery and self sacrifices for the love of others is an example for all. She didn’t let her disability or the current day bias against woman stop her from her mission.

Her leadership skills and brilliant mind helped end the German occupation of France.

The illustrations and layout are captivating in this book and it contains great information in a kid friendly layout. Perfect for perusing at bedtime or working into lessons. I’m hoping the author comes out with more gorgeous nonfiction.

My wife has read this book before so this is a replacement for a lost copy, a very compelling read.

An older book and difficult to get in the library. Like it and friend gave me the sequels, so will keep busy reading.

I read this book many years ago and purchased it, as a gift, for a friend Needless to say a great read.

The author displayed her wisdom throughout the struggles of her marriage, careers, moving to other countries. We could all find ourselves in her experience, not confident, not active for opportunities, unsure about unknown places and future.

I wish I could have read this book earlier, as it’s like a light penetrates the darkness.

I do recommend the book. It just delivery that a bit slow

Love this book and love Maye Musk!! What an inspiring story!!

Take no notice of marketing or reviews that claim this book is about “women’s sexual desire” (as though women are some homogenous group whose wide gamut of desires can be succinctly explored in a 304 page novel).

This is a book about three individual women, with three individual stories. Taddeo is explicit about this in her prologue – “It is these three specific women who are in charge of their narratives. There are many sides to all stories, but this is theirs.

” Nevertheless, many women – myself included – will find this book extremely relatable. While the women in the novel never meet, they are linked by theme and experience and in this way, there is a sense of shared consciousness between all three women as they begin to reflect on their own desires as being products of a patriarchal world.

Taddeo’s narrative style is deeply empathetic and places the reader so firmly in the sights, sounds, feelings and longings of each women’s world that it becomes a very emotional read. I spent hours thinking about Maggie, Lina and Sloane long after finishing.

Taddeo comes to some explicit conclusions, and leaves others for her readers to interrogate. What seemed clear to me was that each of these women had been tricked into thinking that what they thought they wanted was really just a construct of a society that has long been viewed under the male gaze.

Even when the women believe in their own agency to go after their desires, this agency reveals itself to be a fantasy, as it has been informed by patriarchal views that they have internalized long before their first sexual experience.

For this reason, I am tired of seeing reviews that criticize Taddeo for choosing “weak” women who are dependent or easily manipulated. If you are a woman in the world who has managed to avoid this throughout your life, then I would count you very lucky.

Unfortunately, these three women’s experiences of being manipulated, self-loathing, and feeling desperate rung true to me.

Pretty amazing book – the author is amazing actually. This book is all true, but the way it’s been written, it was almost like she was there. Took me a few pages to realise there are no quotation marks in the book.

once I got my head around that, it flowed.

Absolutely loved this book. I’ve recommended it to many female friends!! I wish a part two was made diving into what happens next.

Pam Jenoff gives us a story that although fictional is based on actual happening, during the period of terror in Europe, know as WWII. In this page turner read the Gault family is running for their lives, and their crime? Being Jewish! What a horrible time, a blight on history, and through the eyes of this young eighteen year old we are experiencing what life was like back then.

Can you imagine living in a sewer? The smell, and then not being able to bathe and get this slime off of you, and to do this for months and months. Then finding food? Thank goodness for some good samaritans, but, the evil catches up with them too, how do they survive? This is an eye opener, and a story that needs to be told, and not forgotten.

Love the epilogue! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

This historical novel is about Jews who hid in the sewer in order to keep from being sent to one of the camps. This is actually based on fact. I was shocked to learn that people resorted to living in the sewer in order to survive.

It’s a sad story but some of the people actually make it out alive.

Another thoroughly researched, absorbing story from Pam Jenoff. Her characters are so well drawn that I feel we could be neighbors. Mrs. Jenoff weaves such detail and mystery into her stories that I have not guessed an ending correctly yet, and neither have my book group sisters.

This book rewards every minute you invest in reading it.

It’s a painful read emotionally so seek therapy with a licensed therapist and be assured you can get well during a slow healing journey. I was a parole officer for 34 years and I referred dozens of women to the enlightenment of Norwood’s brilliant book of insights into unhealthy loving patterns.

Oh, I almost forgot to explain how I was introduced to this literary miracle. She was a thirty something year old woman named Terry who told me her story while I interviewed her as the victim of domestic violence.

I was completing a court ordered presentence report on her former boyfriend who was charged and convicted of the crimes of Aggravated Assault, Crimes Committed With A Firearm, and several lesser misdemeanor offenses.

During our conversation, she held up her right hand showing me a shockingly deformed and discolored three inch circle of formerly healthy flesh. I hope I didn’t recoil in repulsion (Parole officers work hard to do the right thing in these types of situations.

) but I know I showed a bit of emotion by the look on her face as our eyes locked together. I broke the pregnant silence by asking, “Can Doctors do anything to help?” Terry replied. “I have had four surguries and nothing else can be done medically.

” We had several lengthy conversations over the following months and she shared her life’s story of a nuclear family’s victimization by an alcoholic father. Terry started a support group in her community to facilitate the recovery of other co-dependents who love too much.

I admire you Terry and thank you for sharing awareness of this book and your metamorphosis into a healthy, happy, loving women. Read the first few chapters slowly as there is much to understand and have a box of tissues within reach because this is going to hurt.

Get the book new or used. and believe. PS: Her former boyfriend received a sentence of 6 to 12 years in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility. POII Retired.

This helpful, insightful book finally gives me answers as to why my daughter keeps choosing the wrong type of men for healthy relationships, and how to recover from that. Eye-opening! I bought one for each of us to read!.

I first got this book in 1993, it was from my personal tutor on the diploma in social work course I was doing. At the time I was in an emotionally abusive relationship – although I didn’t realise it until my tutor pointed it out to me.

I wasn’t strong enough to read it fully until a year or so later, and when I did, it astonished me how much I could relate to it and how much sense it made to me. I’m glad to say that I have NEVER been in a relationship that was in any way abusive since.

It opened my eyes and I was able to identify then break the cycle of thinking that if I loved him enough/was a good enough girlfriend then he would change. Thank f**k for that! Since then I have bought this book many times to give to friends and acquaintances who I believed were classic ‘women who loved too much’.

Here I am, 26 years later, buying it for yet another old friend. This is indeed, ‘a life-changing book for women’. So many women can/will benefit from reading it. I honestly can’t rate it highly enough.

Instead of a birthday card I bought this book for my son who was turning 30. I printed pictures from birth on, cutting them to fit and glued them to the pages throughout the book next to the sayings.

He loved his memory book so much that I am doing one for each of our kids when they turn 30! It’s a very special gift and I loved making it as I choose my favorite pictures of his life!.

My twins are turning 30 next week and I bought two of these books. Each page is beautiful, well-written, and the paper and cover are of high quality. Highly recommend for that special 30-year-old!

This is one of the best Christian non-fiction / inspirational books I have studied this year! Lysa TerKeurst is a Christian woman, wife, mom, ministry leader, book and Bible study author who found herself in three major life crises in a short time.

The situations highlighted in this book to show the power and love of God when we endure similar – or entirely different – circumstances that just weren’t supposed to happen. Circumstances that He can and does use for our good.

The author takes us through her feelings and faith challenges she experienced as a result of those situations, and how she wrestled through with scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Lord. Her vulnerability is refreshing, her wisdom inspired by the Lord.

“Disappointment isn’t proof that God is withholding good from us. Sometimes it’s His way of leading us home. ” (pg. 5) Lysa doesn’t mince words. She does not minimize the Lord in any way, rather, He is everything! She is honest, showing that bad things do happen to Christians even while believing that God is good.

She writes in a manner that someone who has been a Christian for any length of time, whether new or seasoned, can grasp when in the midst of a trauma. There are stories of people from scripture, and parts of her own life.

The wisdom imparted comes from serious wrestling in a walk with God through painful disappointments. I could see myself in some of her feelings and reactions – not in circumstances like she was experiencing, but things going on in my own life.

It isn’t the situations that are front and center, it is how we can learn to respond despite times that simply weren’t what that should have been. Those responses may sound overly simple to those not going through a trauma but are profound to the person who is trying to put one foot in front of the other for one more day.

There are two ways we can get through – with God, or giving in to our flawed desires. One quote that is important is “We must set our minds and our hearts on things above by choosing to remember God’s words, repeat God’s words, and believe God’s word about us.

” (pg. 65) I listened to the audiobook and read the print copy while doing the associated Bible study (and purchased the e-book), and I feel it is a valuable resource to the person going through struggles or the friend of someone struggling through hard times.

Don’t compare the author’s situations to yours; instead, compare your reactions, feelings, and responses. I very much like the writer’s approach to seeking God, wrestling, praying, and getting into scripture.

Our responses in times of crisis are vital to how we live our lives from those times forward. Regarding the audiobook, it is read by the author. I felt in many ways as if we were sitting in her kitchen over coffee or tea from the writing style and simply hearing her word sin her voice.

Why did I get three formats? Because some things I learn better by repetitive hearing. Other times it is easier to open the book and search for the relevant pages, including chapter endings of “Going to the Well”, “Receive (a scripture)”, “Reflect”, and prayer.

Back sections include scripture and helps for situations. I highly recommend this unique and timely book to Christians who are going through trauma of any kind and want to know that God is still in control and appreciate solid biblical teaching.

Opening a Lysa Terkeurst book is always life-changing and mindset-shifting. It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way” takes it to a different level though. It’s emotionally rich, raw and so real. As I read, I felt Lysa’s pain, turmoil and struggles and I related! I haven’t walked her path but the heartful emotions, the doubts and fear, I’ve walked that! Lysa has a gift at framing the tiniest, but crucial, moment in a way I can understand and learn from.

She is in fine form here, this book is full of transformational insights such as: “When you suffer, slow becomes necessary. Slow becomes good. One of the best parts of this season of suffering for me was a life that doesn’t require shoes.

When your wear no shoes the sun has access to your feet. ” Lysa’s life during the writing of this book has had so many highs and lows. Each chapter connects the reader with a different point in her life and, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, so of course I had to read it flat out til the early morning! Let this be a warning, this is a jam-packed, mile-a-minute, challenging and faith-building book to begun in a morning with a Bible beside and the understanding you may need to read it twice to fully comprehend it! Central to the book, is Lysa’s framing our time here on earth, between gardens.

She speaks of those who have learnt to live this life in its fullness! I love this vision of how we can be: “It’s those clothed with garments of understanding. They have personally experienced that this life between two gardens can sometimes make it excruciatingly painful to simply be human.

They keep in mind the Bible’s instructions, as we rub shoulders human to human. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

” (Colossians 3:12)” To highlight, share or discuss more of the book would disrupt the amazing experience Lysa has created. All I can say is, the end is amazing, it full of hope and it’s fantastic!.

I wasnt expecting to enjoy it but it was an excellent read. The battle bits were gory but well described with just enough detail. The internal conflicts, particularly of Mr March could be applied to any modern day character.

I’m keen to hear the comments from the other members of my book group. It’s not a genre I would choose but I found it a fascinating read.

Slow start but hard to put down after you figure out they go back in time and then move onto the current time. You could tell the book was older but it was in good condition, no torn or dog eared pages.

Some writing in the back of the book but did not interfere with reading the book.

I had read and enjoyed “People of the Book” and so sought out other titles by Brooks. Like me she is an Australian now living in the USA. I have bought on ebay and it is coming in the mail “Nine Parts of Desire” a non fiction account of her years in journalism among women of the veil.

In our busy society it is sometimes hard to find the focus to get through a book. I have found that easy with Geraldine Brooks. Her characters are intellectual, vibrant, sensual and also spiritual. Brooks has the skill to weave imaginary scenes with her knowledge of politics, history, religion.

The Pulitzer for “March” was well deserved!.