8 Self-Help Books That Are Actually Worth Reading
We can all agree: A lot of self-help books are a bunch of B.S. In order to weed out the quacks, we did some research to find eight self-help books that are actually worth reading, so you can confidently continue on your quest to a better you.
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1. 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed' by Lori Gottlieb
We’ve been spotting this book everywhere since it came out in April 2019. So, we’re hardly surprised that it’s currently #7 on Amazon’s Most Read chart. The refreshing twist on self-help chronicles Gottlieb’s experience of being a therapist in L.A., while also seeing a therapist herself, while also navigating heartbreak. We’re in.
2. 'You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life' by Jen Sincero
First off, we’re big fans of the direct, no-fluff approach of this title. And the book itself is no different. In chapters like “Your Brain Is Your Bitch,” “Fear Is for Suckers” and “My Subconscious Made Me Do It,” Sincero writes in a conversational, witty tone that actually makes self-improvement sound fun. Seriously, we blew through this guy in an afternoon.
3. 'Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World' by William H. McRaven
You’re busy, so a revamp of your entire life probably isn’t in the cards right now. That’s why we appreciate the simplistic approach of this guide. Each chapter outlines a theme like “Life’s Not Fair, Drive On!” and “Never, Ever Quit!” (Can you tell it was written by a Navy SEAL?) We’re extremely here for the lack of sugarcoating in these pages.
4. 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life' by Mark Manson
Here’s all you need to know: “Manson makes the argument, backed by both academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach the lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited. Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them,” the Amazon synopsis explains. And the over 4,000 people who gave this book a five-star review think he’s on to something.
5. 'Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead' by Brené Brown
According to research professor and famous TED talk speaker Brené Brown, failure can actually be a good thing. In her fifth book, Brown explains that navigating through the difficult times in our lives is often when we learn the most about who we are.
6. 'Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person' by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is the genius creator behind Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder so yeah, we’d trust her with our life, too. Year of Yes details her year-long experiment to put herself first and say yes to every opportunity that scared her. We love that she writes about her experience in the first person rather than getting preachy about what she learned. And yes, it’s just as fun to read as her shows are to watch.
7. 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie
This book has been a hit since it was first published in 1936, and people are still reading it. If you’re looking to get smart about your interactions with your coworkers, friends and even neighbors, Carnegie’s here to help. He draws on the interpersonal strategies of successful people throughout history to give you tips that’ll help you succeed at work (and also in life).
8. 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear' by Elizabeth Gilbert
You’ve already read (and adored) Eat, Pray, Love? This is another Elizabeth Gilbert tome to pick up. This time, rather than describing her soul-searching trip around the world, she’s delivering realness on how to live your most creative, fulfilled life. “Wow. Big Magic is one of the most honest discussions about the creative process that I’ve ever read," one reader raves. “Her no-BS attitude helps do away with the unrealistic expectations and unnecessary melodrama attached to the concept of ‘creative living.’" Sounds pretty good to us.
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