Working Mom / Ambitious Woman Recommended Reads
May 07, 2025
Ever read a book that you just couldn't put down? I'll be honest. I like to read (and often listen) to my books, but it's rare for me to be so engrossed in one that I look forward to reading any chance I get. And even better, when I read something that impacts me SO HARD, I do not forget and usually recommend it to clients as often as possible.
I thought I'd give you some of my favs over the years, including a recent one I was fortunate enough to be an advanced reader for and got to interview the author this week on the podcast.
Check out these recommended reads. Some are non-fiction and will help you grow. Some are just for fun. Some are didn't-know-I-needed-that kind-of-read reads. All are awesome. Enjoy!
- Live Wire by Kelly Ripa This is one of those books that takes you on a legit emotional rollercoaster. I hate rollercoasters, but I absolutely LOVED this book. It's Kelly Ripa's memoir, and even if you think you have nothing in common with this super successful celebrity, rest assured her book reads so relatable, especially to the working mom. Oh, and if you're from the Tri-State area, you'll love her New Jersey jokes. I also recommend the audio version because hearing her tell the stories makes them that much funnier in my honest opinion.
- We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers One of the most empowering reads for ambitious women, this book will light a fire under your booty to get you hustling to make more money and change your financial mindset. Even if you're not self-employed, Rachel gives you tips and tricks on how to change your income in creative ways.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie A classic and true gem, I have been recommending this book since my corporate leadership days. Simple concepts to enhance the way you build rapport, manage conflict, and leave a lasting positive impact on others--which is the #1 mission we have here at Mama Work It - positive impact, this book will deliver all of the above.
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover I remember when I first started reading this book (I'd never heard of Colleen Hoover and didn't realize she wrote a sexy type of genre), so I blindly recommended it to a bunch of my new mom friends from a Christian school my kids were attending. By the time I'd reached the first sex scene, I wasn't sure if these ladies would still be my friends. Spoiler alert, we're besties now. Also, if you've seen the movie, I usually think the book is way better, but I thought the movie was very well done and depicts the book as best as possible, although I would have cast a different Ryle (I pictured him differently).
- Dancing on My Own Two Feet by Jenn Todling Eek! I love a good memoir and I was so lucky to be not only an advanced reader of this new release, but to also get to know the author herself, Jenn Todling. What a life she's lived as a mom, wife, corporate executive, ballroom dancer, and now entrepreneur and author. Jenn's journey is a series of struggles, adventures, passions, and pursuits that easily facilitated my read-before-bed habit. It doesn't hurt that she's also a super sweet person as well! Definitely read this one, mama!
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Stuck in a vicious cycle of people pleasing or worrying about things that won't matter in five years (or five days)? Read this book. Period. Being in a new city this past year, I especially loved the chapter about adult friendships. I even had my 11-year-old read that section when he was struggling to make new friends. As Mel always introduces herself in her podcast as 'your friend', she writes like this too-making you feel like someone you're grabbing coffee with that is right there with you, just trying to figure out this thing called life.
- Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Another oldie but goodie that I have recommended countless times, this one came into my life a decade ago from a former coach who suggested I read it at the time. First of all, I love Brene. Secondly, being vulnerable doesn't come easy to me, so studying up on it through the vulnerability guru herself is the medicine I needed to heal my vulnerability wounds. Lastly, Brene, like Mel, feels like the type of gal you just want to be friends with. I secretly hope one of these days I'll bump into her since I hear she's also living in Austin these days.
- You are a Badass by Jen Sincero If you like a good self-help book written in an unfiltered tone of voice, you need to read everything by your girl Jen Sincero. Jen is funny, direct, honest to a T, and a brilliant writer. I also love that she shares her own journey as a non-believer in all things woo and self help who has become the biggest, badass convert out there. She knows where you're at if you're skeptical and cynical (like I once was), and she'll meet you there while taking your hand down the yellow brick road of f*cking improvement.
- I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Another memoir (I guess I like these more than I thought), but this one was different. Jennette's life has been quite sad and downright awful at times, and yet, her ability to create humor and share these incredibly raw and painful experiences with the public is so courageous and powerful. Getting a glimpse of her complicated relationship with her mom as a child star, young adult, and grown woman made me grateful, reflective, and exercise my empathy muscle at higher limits than ever before. You really never know what someone else is going through. Be kind.
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert You may only know Elizabeth Gilbert from her amazing book, Eat, Pray, Love, but she's an incredible non-fiction writer as well. This book is such a good reminder that we're all creative artists in some way, shape, or form. Even if you think you're not because the room mom makes Pinterest worthy treats and goodie bags for every damn school celebration, you have unique talents, and it's unfair for you to stifle them simply because you don't believe they exist. Tap into your creative gifts, as unconventional as they are, because the world needs to experience them.
Well, there you have it, mama friend. Some of my favorite reads for you-just in time for summer! Have you read any of these before? Let me know! Happy reading, mom friends!
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