If you’re Kenyan, you’re a woman, and you love or like to read; odds are you’ve read at least one of these books.

Some of them may leave you feeling nostalgic and others could be because you’re woke AF or you’re simply seeking a better quality of life.

Here are 8 books every Kenyan woman has read at least once.

Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

This book is the perfect accompaniment to the Bible for women who are believers. A go-to for every prayerful woman or every woman who wants to be perceived as prayerful.

Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This book ranks highly among self-help enthusiasts. An arguably well written nonfiction about God’s amazing plans for you and how to achieve your purpose. It was a #1 New York Times Best Seller which is sworn by prisoners and prominent business people alike.

Think Big or Gifted Hands by Ben Carson

This is a staple for people looking for inspiration to achieve great things in their lives and overcome any obstacles they face. “If a young boy from inner city neighbourhoods can become a world renowned neurosurgeon, why can’t I be great myself?”

The “I Can Make It No Matter What” philosophy is strong in these ones.

Act like a Lady, Think like a Man by Steve Harvey

Highly praised and recommended for women who want insight into the mentality of a man, Steve Harvey pens this acclaimed relationship manual.

He shares his knowledge and no-nonsense advice for every good woman who wants to find a good man or make her current love last.

Things I Will Tell My Daughter: Uncensored Truths on Love, Money and Womanhood by Joan Thatiah

Written by Kenya’s own Joan Thatiah, the book is about the life lessons she has learnt over the course of her life. She covers the big things, small things and the things that today's young woman never imagines that she will have to deal with.

It was endlessly praised by Caroline Mutoko, “This is a book that every mother should read, every woman should read and every woman should get for her daughter…”

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray

The blurb states:

“Once upon a time Martians and Venusians met, fell in love, and had happy relationships together because they respected and accepted their differences. Then they came to Earth and amnesia set in: they forgot they were from different planets.”

It’s also another relationship manual and a how-to for couples to understand and coexist with their differences. And how to effectively communicate.

Chances by Jackie Collins

This is the book that introduced one of the most revered women in fictional chick-lit, Lucky Santangelo. A book that explores romance, sex, gambling and fast cars. It was probably every Kenyan girl’s favourite novel, and most of them had probably stolen it from their mum’s “Don’t Touch” section.

The Greek Tycoon’s Ultimatum or any other Mills & Boon or Harlequin Presents

These are the books that probably awakened your sexuality or showed you how disk A slides into slot B among other activities that include sheikhs, princes, misunderstood bad boys or billionaire tycoons who change for love. They were nauseatingly superficial but we’ve all read them. Don’t even try to deny that.

Fabio covered bodice rippers

These are the ones which have the model Fabio shirtless on the cover. It was always about a cowboy, an old timey prince, a pirate, a viking or an embattled soldier. They almost always involved a damsel in distress who set back feminism hundreds of years or the fearless woman who makes Joan of Arc look like an amateur. It was the best soft core fantasy set in romantic ancient times.

Take me away, Fabio.