Books

The Big Issue publishes new Letter to My Younger Self book, this time featuring inspirational women

Letter to My Younger Self: Inspirational Women is a collection of must-read interviews

Letter to My Younger Self: Inspirational Women

Letter to My Younger Self: Inspirational Women is out now

The Big Issue today proudly publishes a second Letter to My Younger Self book, featuring advice and wisdom from some of the most famous and influential women in the world today.

Following the global success of the first Letter to My Younger Self collection, which arrived in 2019, this new collection is also published by Bonnier Books. The first book sold tens of thousands of copies in the UK and has been published in Brazil, Portugal, Greece, Germany and is set to appear soon in China.

Following its huge success, the need for a second volume became obvious.

Letter to My Younger Self: Inspirational Women is a collection of interviews with interesting, clever, funny women of substance conducted for The Big Issue magazine over the last 15 years. Readers will discover fascinating life stories, tales of extraordinary courage and tenacity, and some very funny and unique words with some of the most inspiring women in the world.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

Jane Graham created the idea of a ‘Letter to my Younger Self’ interview feature for Big Issue in 2007. The interviews began as a single column in the Scottish edition of The Big Issue magazine, then became a full page, then went into the UK wide magazine, doubling in size. 

It has since become an institution and key part of Big Issue identity. It is the place in the magazine where new truths about interesting people are found: experiences, frustrations, aspirations, regrets. Regardless of race, culture or creed, the interviews show people contemplating openly what is truly important in life.

The names are brilliant and eclectic, from Queen of Country Dolly Parton to reluctant national treasure Alison Steadman, from legendary Avenger Honor Blackman to primetime TV star Alesha Dixon, from movie rule-breaker Gurinder Chadha to acting royalty Glenda Jackson. The common themes are revealing: lack of self-esteem, appearance anxieties, complicated relationships with mothers and approaches to relationships and loss.

You can buy Letter to My Younger Self: Inspirational Women from Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel review – a depth of feeling like a punch to the guts
Books

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel review – a depth of feeling like a punch to the guts

Clear by Carys Davies review – a wonderful, poetic reminder that no man is an island
Books

Clear by Carys Davies review – a wonderful, poetic reminder that no man is an island

Top 5 books about early modern witchcraft, chosen by author Ramie Targoff
Books

Top 5 books about early modern witchcraft, chosen by author Ramie Targoff

Why walking is such a great way to see, sense and stake a claim in the world
Books

Why walking is such a great way to see, sense and stake a claim in the world

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know