Title: Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change
Author: Stephanie Busari
Year of Publication: 2025
Number of Pages: 311
Anyone picking up this book may not immediately realize they’re holding the wisdom of forty books in one, what a gift. Stephanie Busari has generously gathered forty powerful stories and placed them in the hands of her readers. With this collection, you may feel as though you don’t need to reach for another book this year.
The arrangement is intentional. You might be tempted to flip straight to the page featuring your favorite woman, but the book is best experienced from the beginning. Each of the forty voices offers something distinct and valuable, making the journey richer when taken as a whole. Though the cover may suggest fiction, every story is real. Some names will be instantly recognizable, others completely new, yet even with the familiar ones, you’ll encounter hidden sides of their journeys, revealed here for the first time.
This is not just a book about African women, it shares stories from women of many different backgrounds. At first, some stories may seem focused on the privileged, which could make it harder for some readers to connect. But as you read on, the variety of voices grows, and you’re more likely to find stories that reflect your own struggles and achievements.
The variety of voices and writing styles is expected in a collection of forty contributors, yet the messages remain clear. What connects them all is resilience. From heartbreaking losses, like the woman who lost seven family members in one day to stories of professional success, each woman shows the strength that comes from refusing to give up.
For millennials, this book feels especially relatable, as many of the women are either peers or just a little older. Young, vibrant, and inspiring, their stories show that resilience and influence are not limited by age. This collection doesn’t just invite admiration, it challenges you to act, to do more, and to make an impact in your own community.
Stephanie’s voice gives the book a sense of unity. Her reflections show that these women were chosen with clear purpose, not at random. Her comments are like those of a master of ceremonies, offering thoughtful words after every speaker.
The book also connects personal curiosity with public recognition. Readers may find themselves linking familiar brands to the women behind them, gaining a deeper understanding of their journeys. At times, the stories may seem similar, but this repetition highlights the common struggles many women face and reinforces their shared humanity.
Some stories will leave you wishing the pages were longer, the voices too powerful to end so quickly. But perhaps that is the point, to spark curiosity, inspire deeper understanding, and keep you engaged.
If you’ve been searching for a mentor, this book might guide you toward one. And if you’re a man, you may close its pages wondering why a similar collection doesn’t exist for young men, a challenge worth taking up.
Ultimately, this book does more than inspire, it teaches. By unveiling hidden struggles and quiet sacrifices, it reminds readers that resilience is the tie that binds every life. Its lasting message is both simple and profound: never give up.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipreeofficial
