READ: Five Non-Fiction Books By Awesome Women — Murmurs in the Margins. PDF, EPUB online free reviews.

I believe in good vibes. While I was compiling this list, it occurred to me that I’ve been reading all kick-ass female writers as of late. A coincidence? I think not. In light of the women’s marches happening around the world yesterday, it feels like there are a whole lot of charged emotions floating around out there. What better way is there to keep the momentum going than by reading some inspiring female writers?

Here are five of my favourite Non-Fiction reads right now:

Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown – This book is the pick-me-up that you can fit into your purse (or man-bag). As a study of vulnerability, Dr. Brene Brown examines cultural myths about courage and weakness as well as providing some honest, real-human advice on how to not freak out. I was introduced to this book by a good friend of mine and was so inspired by what he had to say that I knew I had to read it. Here’s why you should read it: Brown’s heartfelt ideas on success and vulnerability will put you in an excellent mindset to go forth and be awesome.

Real Artists Have Day Jobs, by Sara Benincasa – Even if you don’t make art, this book is chock full of hilarious (and short) essays that will make you laugh and think at the same time! (Did you know you could do that?) Benincasa covers such subjects as reading, decluttering your house, Feelings (with a capital “F”) and overconfidence.

The Princess Diarist, by Carrie Fisher – Do yourself a favour and listen to this one on audiobook if you can. I’ll admit that hearing Carrie Fisher’s voice in my living room was a bit freaky, but her anecdotes about what it was like filming the first Star Wars movie are equal parts entertaining and thoughtful. Read it for the diary excerpts alone!

Playing Dead: A Journey Through the World of Death Fraud, Elizabeth Greenwood – I came across this fascinating read while doing research for a story I was writing and couldn’t put it down. I was drawn in by Greenwood’s premise: that she faked her own death in order to uncover the secrets of the death fraud world. What I loved, though, was Greenwood’s easy narrative tone and the way that she not only talked about her own death fraud experience, but also highlighted many other real-life cases.

Yes, Please, by Amy Poehler – Full of quirky stories and personal advice, I had to include Poehler’s book on my list, mainly because I think she is amazing but also because her book made me laugh when I was sleep-deprived and that means a lot. Will it blow your mind? Maybe. Will it make you laugh and also offer up funny stories from Amy Poehler’s life? You bet. (After all, sometimes the best way to reset your mind for a big, new year full of goals is to let loose and laugh a little–or a lot).

What books make you feel inspired?