I believe in the power of reading.

As a little girl, I used to crush those March of Dimes reading competitions in elementary school. Who remembers those? It made me so proud to fill my list with all the books I read and earn that personal pizza. Pizza was life for an eight year old. Chicken nuggets too, but that wasn't offered as a prize then.

I remember countless times my dad used to take me to the local book store so I could pick out a new book to read. I would literally pick out 5 books and he would make me choose just one and put the rest back. Ugh. The tragedy! Obviously, I survived and have gotten over it (sort of).

I love reading. Unfortunately, this year, my time spent with my nose in a book has been dismal and it is part of my resolution for 2024 to read more. I like lists, so I will be making a list of books that I want to read in the new year. It hasn't been a complete drought this year though, and I wanted to share with you some of my favorite reads in 2023. I will create another post sharing my reading list for 2024, in case you would all like to join along.

Should we start a DBB book club? I think we should! I'll bring the wine!

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite and empowering reads for my fellow gals who dream and do and even overcome.

1. Fear Is My Homeboy: Judi Holler is a gem and she offers a funny and encouraging perspective as to why we should not run away from the fear we may experience when we start something new. Fear is inevitable. You get to choose what to do with it!

2. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann: One of the BEST books I have ever read when it comes to business and living generously and using your business to serve others....not just make a big profit. People over profit.

3. Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honnegar: You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to be the bravest. Just go for it! Loved this book.

4. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins: I love me some Mel Robbins, and this book is truly life changing and challenging. If you haven't read it, go read it. If you have read it, read it again and share it with friends.

5. Get Out Of Your Head by Jennie Allen. Mental health is incredibly important for an entrepreneur (females included). This book offers a biblical perspective on how our words and our thoughts can send us into a toxic spiral if we do not learn healthy ways to manage and transform those thoughts.

6. How Are You, Really? (Jenna Kutcher): Another great book for entrepreneurs and women who dream and do. Jenna encourages you to really take inventory on how you are doing, are you living the life you dreamed of, or are you doing what everyone else expects you to do. She helps you to really start living by answering those questions you may be afraid to ask yourself.

7. Girl On Fire by Cara Alwill Leyba: Need a good kick in the pants to just do something about that idea in your head? Cara will give that to you. I love women who keep it real and are funny at the same time. I think she and I would be friends and I was incredibly inspired by her ability to self publish her books on her terms and while doing so, inspired and helped so many other women who came into contact with her story. +

8. Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap: For my gals who are in their finance era. I will offer a disclaimer and state that she is very vocal about the patriarchy and the discrimination and hardships many women have faced (and honestly, still continue to face) while managing their money and investing in their financial futures. If a woman talking about taking down the patriarchy annoys you, then this isn't the book for you. I don't really ascribe to the belief system of destroying patriarchy, but I learned a lot from Tori and she has a ton of great ideas and tools and insight on how women can take charge of their own financial futures, build their own wealth, save for retirement, invest and more. A VERY good book.

9. Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima: Jamie is so cute and she is the creator of It Cosmetics (which I used for YEARS!). You will love her story and be inspired to believe in your own dreams and make them happen, no matter how many no's you may encounter.

10. Be Seen by Jen Gottlieb: Full disclosure. I just started this book and I am already loving it. So I needed to add it to this list. Enjoy!

What are you currently reading? There are so many amazing books out there that I am absolutely positive you all have something to add to the list. I am very serious about starting a book club. I think that would be fantastic and great way for everyone to connect and grow together.

Rooting you on!

Tiffany Rhea

FTC disclosure: There are some affiliate links shared in this post that may provide me with a small amount of commission should you choose to purchase from that link (thank you!). This post was created based on my own opinions and experiences and I was not offered compensation to mention the above.