Who doesn’t need a dose of inspiration every now and then? Instead of looking for an Instagram quote to give you the boost you need, pick up one of the non-fiction books we’ve listed below. They’re great reminders that anyone can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it, whether it’s fighting the good fight or learning to love yourself exactly the way you are.
Love Wins, Debbie Cenziper
This book details the Supreme Court case that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States and the people who helped make it happen. Cenziper writes about Jim Obergefell and John Arthur, the couple that initiated the lawsuit, and their personal struggles in a society that didn’t accept them. It’s strange to think that this history is so recent (from 2015), but it helps that you can read the book and know that there’s a happy ending. The title kind of gives it away, doesn’t it?
Detroit Hustle, Amy Haimerl
You might think you know Detroit, but after reading Detroit Hustle you’ll have an entirely new perspective on the city and its inhabitants. The author, Amy Haimerl, moves from a Brooklyn apartment to an abandoned house in Detroit. Her book is full of lessons about the real estate market, a city whose future is in question, and about why putting in the work for certain things is worth it. The story might be about fixing up a house (nicknamed “Matilda”) but at its core, the book is a love letter to Haimerl’s newfound community and home.
The Freedom Writers Diary, Erin Gruwell
Best known from the film adaptation (the 2007 film Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank), this story is best told in the words of the students who were included in the experience. When Erin Gruwell was assigned a class of “unteachable, at-risk” students, she found ways to connect their experiences to literature. Gruwell’s writings aside (she is the author as well as the teacher!), the story is told in the students’ own “Freedom Writers” diary entries. Their journey through high school, along with the success the students find afterward, will remind you that you can do anything.
I Do It With The Lights On, Whitney Way Thore
From her viral “Fat Girl Dancing” video to her own TLC docu-series, Thore’s journey to loving herself exactly as she is has been in the public eye for some time. In her book, Thore discusses handling different kinds of pressures (societal, physical, and spiritual) and how she’s overcome them to live a happy life. I Do It With The Lights On
is full of tips to help you do the same by accepting and loving yourself.
Founding Mothers, Cokie Roberts
We’ve heard a lot about the men who formed the United States of America, but what about the women? Despite what history may say, women were there doing much of the behind-the-scenes work that we take for granted. Roberts’ book tells the stories of many of these ladies – including Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, and Eliza Pinckney – in a way that makes you feel that you’re right there with them for all of the juicy gossip and history-making action.
