5 Must-Read Books for Caregivers (That Speak to the Heart and Soul)

If you’re caring for someone you love — a parent, a partner, a child, or even a neighbor — then you already know: this role doesn’t come with a manual. It's hard. It's emotional. And some days, it's lonely. You’re doing a hundred jobs that no one sees, while your own needs barely make the list.

I’ve lived that life. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help other women caregivers — like you — find what you actually need, without the fluff. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or just a reminder that you are not alone, these five books are game-changers. I’ve read them all, and I recommend them with my whole heart.

Here’s what you should know:

1. Working Daughter by Liz O'Donnell

If you're working full-time while managing doctor appointments, finances, and caregiving responsibilities, this book will hit home. Liz O’Donnell tells the truth about what it's like to be a working daughter — the guilt, the stress, and the heartbreak. But she also offers real-life strategies and encouragement that help you breathe again.

📖 Best for: Women trying to do it all and stay sane.

2. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Let’s be honest — caregivers live in a constant state of stress. This book explains how that stress builds up in your body, and more importantly, how to release it. It's science-backed, but written like you're chatting with two smart, funny sisters. I wish I had this book earlier in my caregiving journey.

📖 Best for: Women who are emotionally drained and running on fumes.

3. It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine

Caregiving brings a lot of grief, sometimes before the loss even happens. Megan Devine writes the truth about grief in a way that gives you permission to feel it all, without trying to fix or sugarcoat anything. This book helped me feel less broken and more human.

📖 Best for: Women carrying invisible grief, sadness, or resentment.

4. The Caregiver's Legal Guide: Planning for a Loved One With Chronic Illness

I know how overwhelming the legal side of caregiving can be — Medicaid, power of attorney, long-term care, veterans benefits… It’s a lot. This book breaks it down in plain English and helps you make smart, confident decisions for your loved one. It gave me peace of mind that I didn’t even know I needed.

📖 Best for: Women managing the “business side” of caregiving and need real guidance, not jargon.

5. Self-Care for Caregivers by Susanne White

You’ve probably heard people say “take care of yourself,” but what does that even mean when your day is packed with giving to everyone else? This book provides practical, no-pressure ideas for taking small steps back to yourself — even if it's just five minutes at a time.

📖 Best for: Women who feel like they’ve disappeared into the role.

From One Caregiver to Another...

You’re not just a caregiver. You’re a woman doing the best she can in an impossible situation — and still showing up every day. That deserves more credit, more compassion, and better resources.

These books won’t fix everything (nothing will), but they can make your days a little lighter, your decisions a little clearer, and your heart a little stronger.

📌 Pin this post or send it to a friend who’s walking this same road. We rise when we support each other.