There are books you read, and then there are books that change the way you think, dream, heal, and show up in the world.

Over the years, books have been some of my greatest mentors. They have challenged my beliefs, expanded my vision, helped me heal, and encouraged me to pursue goals that once felt impossible.

From being a teen mom and later a single mom living in Austin, Texas, to building a career in finance and operations, earning my degree, and pursuing my dream of becoming a CFO Advisor, these books have played a meaningful role in my journey.

Here are ten books that changed my life.

1. The Kickass Single Mom

By Emma Johnson

This book will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I was a single mom living in Austin, Texas, I read The Kickass Single Mom not once, not twice, but three times.

At a time when I was trying to build a stable future for my daughters and myself, I needed proof that being a single mom did not mean my dreams were over.

This book reminded me that my circumstances did not define my future.

It helped me see possibility instead of limitation and gave me hope during a season when I needed it most.

2. We Should All Be Millionaires

By Rachel Rodgers

This book completely transformed the way I think about money.

Rachel Rodgers challenges women to stop playing small financially and start building wealth unapologetically.

For so many years, I focused on working hard. This book taught me to focus not only on earning income but also on creating wealth, opportunities, and freedom.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that wanting more does not make you greedy.

It means you’re willing to expand your capacity for impact.

3. You Are a Badass

By Jen Sincero

This was one of the first personal development books that truly shook me awake.

Jen’s message is simple but powerful: stop doubting yourself and start taking action.

Her humor, honesty, and confidence made personal development feel approachable.

This book encouraged me to stop waiting until I felt “ready” and start moving toward the life I wanted.

Sometimes the biggest thing standing between us and our goals is our own belief system.

4. Imagine Big

By Terri Savelle Foy

This book taught me the importance of expanding my vision.

Terri encourages readers to stop limiting themselves based on their current circumstances and instead focus on what is possible.

One of the things I love most about Terri’s teachings is her belief that your dreams matter.

This book helped me realize that dreaming bigger isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

5. 5 Things Successful People Do Before 8 A.M.

By Terri Savelle Foy

As someone who loves personal development, this book reinforced the importance of intentional mornings.

Success doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s built through daily habits and consistent actions.

This book inspired me to become more intentional about how I start my day and reminded me that small disciplines can create extraordinary results over time.

6. The Audacity to Be Queen

By Gina DeVee

This book challenged me to raise my standards.

Not just financially.

Not just professionally.

But in every area of life.

Gina teaches women that we don’t have to earn our worthiness through exhaustion or overworking.

We are allowed to desire more.

We are allowed to expect more.

And we are allowed to create lives that reflect our true value.

This book helped me think differently about success, femininity, and receiving.

7. Warrior Goddess Training

By HeatherAsh Amara

This book recently took me on one of the deepest personal growth journeys I’ve experienced.

It challenged me to examine my fears, self-judgment, and limiting beliefs.

The final exercise involved looking at myself in a mirror and offering myself forgiveness.

It was emotional, healing, and transformative.

This book reminded me that growth isn’t always about becoming someone new.

Sometimes it’s about finally accepting yourself as you are.

8. Pussy: A Reclamation

By Regena Thomashauer

This book encouraged me to rethink confidence, self-worth, and feminine power.

Some ideas challenged me.

Some stretched my perspective.

But the overarching message was clear:

Women deserve to take up space.

Women deserve to honor their desires.

Women deserve to live fully expressed lives.

This book encouraged me to embrace more of who I truly am.

9. The Emotion Code

By Dr. Bradley Nelson

This book introduced me to the idea that emotional experiences can remain with us long after the event itself has passed.

Whether you agree with every concept or not, it encouraged me to think differently about healing and emotional well-being.

It reinforced my belief that personal growth is not just about mindset.

It’s also about releasing what no longer serves us.

10. The 10X Rule

By Grant Cardone

This book challenged me to think bigger.

Much bigger.

Grant’s central message is that most people underestimate both their goals and the amount of action required to achieve them.

While some of his style is intense, the lesson that stayed with me is this:

If you want extraordinary results, you must be willing to take extraordinary action.

This book pushed me to stop thinking small and start operating at a higher level of commitment.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I realize that every season of my life had a book waiting for me.

When I was a single mom trying to create a better future, The Kickass Single Mom gave me hope.

When I needed confidence, You Are a Badass challenged my thinking.

When I wanted to think bigger financially, We Should All Be Millionaires expanded my vision.

Terri Savelle Foy taught me the power of dreams and intentional living.

Gina DeVee taught me to raise my standards.

Warrior Goddess Training taught me self-forgiveness.

The Emotion Code taught me healing.

And The 10X Rule taught me to take massive action.

These books didn’t magically change my life.

But they changed me.

And when you change, your life begins to change too.

From being a teen mom to becoming a finance leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of personal growth, books have been some of my greatest teachers.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

“The right book at the right time can change the direction of your life.“

Reflection Question

What is one book that changed your life?

I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.

❤️ Berenice