Five Books Black Women Must Read on Their Spiritual Journey

For many Black women, the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth is often one of learning to prioritize ourselves after years of caring for others. From the eldest daughters who grew up shouldering caregiving roles for younger siblings, to mothers who feel the weight of nurturing children without space to nurture themselves, Black women chronically face societal pressures to give endlessly. These expectations to be resilient, self-sacrificing, and spiritually steadfast can make it challenging to truly connect with our own needs and desires. This list of five impactful books is a guide for every Black women on her spiritual journey, offering wisdom, healing, and inspiration to reclaim a life centered on love, inner peace, and personal growth, no matter where you are on your path. Each book is a reminder that spiritual fulfillment is just as essential as the care we give to others.

5. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Personal freedom looks different for every Black woman. On the journey to discovering how that shows up in our lives, one common denominator is the desire to release limiting beliefs that keep us in a loop of old patterns. Practicing the four agreements, be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best—serve as powerful tools for attaining personal freedom. I’ve learned to let go of the negative narratives I once held about myself, freeing my mind from judgment and self-doubt. Embracing these principles has transformed my mindset, shifting me from a place of insecurity and fear to one of inner peace.

4. The Black Girl's Guide to Financial Freedom by Dr. Paris Woods

Rather than just focusing on financial tips, Dr. Woods addresses the ideas of purpose, values, and a holistic approach to money, aiming to inspire Black women to achieve not only financial freedom but also a life filled with purpose and joy. Financial stability and wealth is a birthright for Black women and the book covers key financial concepts like debt elimination, saving strategies, investing for long-term wealth, and planning for early retirement. Dr. Woods emphasizes the importance of financial independence as a means to greater freedom, self-determination, and fulfillment. With actionable steps and practical guidance, The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom encourages readers to break free from the limitations imposed by financial insecurity, envisioning a life where they can pursue their dreams, support their communities, and enjoy a future grounded in stability and abundance.

3. Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals by Luisah Teish

Luisah Teish invites Black women to reconnect with our ancestral roots and embrace spiritual practices passed down through generations. The book emphasizes the deep connection between spirituality and ancestral wisdom, reminding us that our roots hold powerful lessons and strength. As Black women, our spiritual journey is often intertwined with the rich tapestry of our heritage, which offers not just guidance but also a sense of belonging, community, and purpose.

Teish’s focus on rituals provides a roadmap for understanding oneself through the lens of culture, history, and spiritual tradition. Rituals are not just symbolic actions—they are transformative practices that help us stay grounded, connect with our ancestors, and empower ourselves. Whether it’s lighting a candle to honor ancestors, creating altars, or performing simple daily acts of reverence, rituals offer a way to affirm our identity and our connection to a larger spiritual community. These practices help us reclaim power, heal generational wounds, and live with intention.

2. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

In Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, Nedra Glover Tawwab reminds us that "boundaries protect the things that are of value to you." Setting boundaries is a form of self-care and an act of reclaiming our divine power. To support readers in putting these principles into action, Nedra also created The Set Boundaries Workbook, a companion guide filled with exercises and reflections to help us implement boundaries in real-life situations. This workbook encourages us to explore areas of our lives where boundaries are most needed and provides practical steps to put them in place. By protecting our time and energy, we can shift our focus from meeting others’ expectations to nurturing our own journey toward ease and fulfillment.

With these tools, Nedra emphasizes that setting boundaries is not about isolation but about creating a life that truly honors our needs. We deserve space to cultivate spiritual and emotional well-being, and setting boundaries is an essential step in fulfilling our journey toward a life of ease, honoring our needs and protecting our peace.

1. All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

In All About Love: New Visions, bell hooks encourages us to rethink the way we understand and practice love, offering thought-provoking insights on how love can be both a transformative force and a radical act of self-care. For Black women, who are often taught to prioritize others’ needs above our own, hooks’ teachings about love as a practice of self-respect and self-care are revolutionary. By learning to love ourselves first, we shift our mindset from one of self-sacrifice to one of self-empowerment, and this shift opens the door to deeper, more authentic connections with others. The book challenges us to confront and heal from past wounds, and by doing so, it radically changes how we experience love—not as something we seek outside ourselves, but as a transformative force we cultivate within.

Conclusion

Our spiritual journeys are unique, yet they’re profoundly enriched when we can connect, learn, and grow alongside others who share our experiences. These books provide a starting point, but the journey itself is yours to navigate, with each step bringing you closer to a life of inner peace and resilience.

I hope these recommendations inspire you to explore, reflect, and commit to your own growth. Feel free to share your favorite spiritual books or resources in the comments. Together, we can create a community of support, wisdom, and encouragement as we all work toward lives filled with purpose, love, and joy.