Gone are the days when self-help books for women were cheesy, impersonal, and boring. Now, if you know where to look, you'll find empowering, genuinely useful self-help books designed to make you feel good—like you're receiving advice from a trusted friend or an inspiring mentor. Self-help books are also handy for anyone interested in growing their creativity, career, emotional maturity, or spiritual life. No matter what you're going through in life—or even if you're just looking for a life-changing book to read—we can all use a little self-help and learning from time to time. Ahead, check out some of the self-help books for women that made our required reading list.
'Own It: Make Your Anxiety Work for You' by Caroline Foran
Author Caroline Foran describes dealing with debilitating anxiety even though, on paper, her life seemed to be going well. In Own It, she shares how she not only muscled through the worst of her mental health struggles but also how she learned to live with her anxiety disorder and how she successfully has learned to manage it on a day-to-day basis.
'Communion: The Female Search for Love' by bell hooks
At first glance, it may seem like this book is purely about looking for romantic love, but guess again: Written by renowned intersectional feminist bell hooks, Communion is the third in a series about living through love as a woman of color. Although it does discuss romantic love at length and compellingly dismisses the notion that romance and feminism are mutually exclusive, it also teaches readers how to foster self-love, friendship, and psychological peace.
'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk
This book has gained incredible popularity recently and with good reason: Not only does it delve into the many ways that trauma and psychological distress wreak havoc on the body (something that the New Age community has contended for years), but it also details science-backed methods of moving past trauma and taking ownership of one's life.
'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol S. Dweck
In Mindset, Carol S. Dweck uses meticulously researched studies to prove that you really can do anything you set your mind to, and that everything you think you're "bad" at is, in reality, something you can work toward and succeed in if you so choose. You'll walk away from this book with more self-compassion and a greater appreciation for your abilities.
'Women Who Run with the Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
If you've ever been curious to learn about—or tap into—the more innate, natural feminine that's free from society's rigid expectations, you'll want to pick up Women Who Run with the Wolves. The book from psychoanalyst Clarissa Pinkola Estés dismantles the trope of the "wild woman" by examining folklore and fairy tales to reason that perhaps at the deepest core of a woman's psyche, there truly is a healing power and form of magic there.
'How to Relax' by Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the eight books in renowned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh's Mindfulness Essentials collection, How to Relax calls out our fast-paced society for its seeming inability to stop and smell the flowers. Through his easily digestible instruction and no-nonsense delivery, Hanh teaches us how to incorporate mindfulness and gratitude and that we can center ourselves and even meditate anywhere—in front of the television, in our seats at work, or even on a crowded train.
'Find Your Unicorn Space' by Eve Rodsky
When you feel your creativity wavering or being put on the back burner, Eve Rodsky's Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World couldn't be more relevant. The Fair Play author helps readers channel their most creative selves while living in a seemingly endless hustle culture.
'Body Talk' by Katie Sturino
If you're not following Katie Sturino on Instagram, please do so immediately. The Megababe founder and host of the Boob Sweat podcast has built a loyal following discussing everything women are typically afraid to talk about. In her book, Body Talk, Sturino reminds us how much time we're wasting talking s--t about our bodies, as well as how to unlearn everything we've been taught about toxic beauty standards.
'More Than Enough' by Elaine Welteroth
Elaine Welteroth is here to tell you that you're more than enough. In this memoir-slash-manifesto, the Project Runway judge and former Teen Vogue Editor in Chief takes readers inside her barrier-breaking life and career while providing lessons on race, identity, and success.
'You Are Your Best Thing' by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
While not explicitly labeled a "self-help book," Tarana Burke and Brené Brown's You Are Your Best Thing is a therapeutic anthology that basically doubles as one. Here, a range of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures share their perspectives on the Black experience, including topics of shame, vulnerability, and the trauma of white supremacy.
'Wintering' by Katherine May
In Wintering, Katherine May opens up about how she got through a difficult period (in which her husband got sick, her son stopped attending school, and she left a demanding job), and beautifully illustrates how others can do the same. Through her personal story, readers learn to embrace the new seasons of their lives with the power of rest and retreat.
'Full Out' by Monica Aldama
Any fans of the hit Netflix docuseries Cheer? Whether you've seen the series or not, you'll find inspiring life and leadership lessons from Navarro College cheer coach Monica Aldama in this memoir as she reveals how she built one of the most successful cheerleading programs in the country.
'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle
If you haven't read Glennon Doyle's Untamed, do yourself a favor and order a copy immediately. In the book, Doyle takes readers through her journey to living a truly authentic life that will inspire you to do the same. And, remember, "We can do hard things."
'Professional Troublemaker' by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Imposter syndrome? Never heard of her. Luvvie Ajayi Jones is here to help you tackle fear in your professional and personal life through her signature humor and refreshing honesty.
'Where to Begin' by Cleo Wade
Fans of Cleo Wade's Heart Talk will appreciate the poet and activist's Where to Begin—a collection of poems, ideas, and mantras on how to make the world a better place starting with ourselves.
'Own It' by Diane von Furstenberg
Keep this pocket-sized A-Z guide to life from the one and only Diane von Furstenberg on your desk whenever you need a pick-me-up.
'Yoke' by Jessamyn Stanley
Jessamyn Stanley wants readers to find the "yoga of the everyday" in Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance, urging us to confront our toughest moments with the same energy and acceptance we would channel in our favorite yoga class.
'Am I There Yet?' by Mari Andrew
For all the visual learners out there, grab a copy of Mari Andrew's Am I There Yet?, which navigates adulthood and all of the growth, vulnerability, and heartbreak that comes with it.
'First & Only' by Jennifer R. Farmer
For every Black woman who has experienced microaggressions in the workplace and had to work twice as hard as their white colleague to get that raise, Jennifer R. Farmer's First & Only: A Black Woman's Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life, is essential reading.
'Keep Moving' by Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith's Keep Moving helps readers navigate grief, loss, transformation, and more through her collection of heartwarming poems.
'Your Time to Thrive' by Marina Khidekel & the Editors of Thrive Global
Anybody familiar with Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global and feels the exhausting effects of modern-day life today will appreciate this book curated by Marina Khidekel and the editors of Thrive Global. Your Time to Thrive is a guide to preventing burnout and improving overall well-being through a shift in mindset
'Believe It' by Jamie Kern Lima
Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics and the first female CEO of a L'Oréal brand, shares her empowering story of navigating the beauty industry's impossible standards while helping you overcome any feelings of self-doubt that may be holding you back in your own life.
'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone' by Lori Gottlieb
What happens when you're a therapist who needs therapy? Lori Gottlieb shares her deeply personal experience when she switches from clinician to patient, and what we can all learn when we decide to break down the walls we've built around ourselves—consciously or not.
'Why Not Me?' by Mindy Kaling
Many celebrities take up book writing, but not every celebrity memoir is as compelling (and funny) as Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling. Her second book, released in 2015, features essays documenting the actress' weird and hilarious journey on finding excitement in all aspects of her life.
'Little Weirds' by Jenny Slate
While it's not exactly a self-help book, Jenny Slate's collection of essays will make you feel less alone as she navigates universal themes like love, anxiety, heartbreak, and the little things in life that matter the most.
'Year of Yes' by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes will make you feel nothing short of fearless. As she details her inspiring journey of learning how to say yes (not in the overwork yourself way, more in the get out of your comfort zone way), the Grey's Anatomy and Scandal creator encourages you to let your guard down and allow yourself to experience the life moments—big and small—you never imagined you would.
'You Are a Badass' by Jen Sincero
Success coach Jen Sincero's You Are a Badass is as hilarious as it is helpful: a refreshing, 27-chapter, no-bulls--t guide to creating a life you truly love. It's also a perfect gift for that close friend who struggles to see their self-worth.
'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Marie Kondo
If you loved Marie Kondo's Netflix series, queue up her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up next. Anybody who considers their home a sacred space will learn how freeing and uplifting decluttering can be from Kondo's genius tips using her KonMari method.
'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic is a must-read for anybody struggling to fuel the artist inside them while dabbling with society's expectations to work in the Big, Bad Corporate World. In the book, Elizabeth Gilbert—the best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love—shows it's always possible to live a creative life when you decide to put some faith in yourself and the universe.
'Cringeworthy' by Melissa Dahl
Accidentally liking your ex's new girlfriend's picture on Instagram? Been there. Watching a stranger trip in front of a bunch of people? Done that. In Melissa Dahl's Cringeworthy, she explores a "lifetime of cringing" and what our most awkward moments can teach us about ourselves.
'Tiny Beautiful Things' by Cheryl Strayed
Years before Cheryl Strayed became a best-selling author with her 2012 memoir Wild, she was a secret columnist who used the pen name "Sugar" at the online literary magazine The Rumpus. After Strayed revealed her identity, she released Tiny Beautiful Things, a compilation of the advice given and received on love and loss and everything in between. It's life-changing material.
'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz
In the best-selling book, Don Miguel Ruiz uses ancient Toltec wisdom to teach us how to transform our lives using the four agreements: Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best.
‘The Age of Magical Overthinking’ by Amanda Montell
In this very funny, smart book, author Amanda Montell—who also wrote Wordslut and Cultish and hosts the podcast Sounds Like a Cult—dives into the concept of “magical thinking,” the belief that our internal thoughts can affect the external world. Montell suggests that magical thinking may currently be at an all-time high as we cling to any possible coping mechanism to deal with our chaotic world. Her book will teach you a lot about these often irrational, anxiety-ridden patterns and help you learn to reframe your thinking on a broad range of topics, from personal relationships to celebrity culture.
‘Take Back Your Brain’ by Kara Loewentheil
UnF--k Your Brain podcast host Kara Loewentheil turned to cognitive psychology, feminist theory, and her own experiences in the corporate workforce and then as a life coach to produce this book. The result is a must-read: a how-to manual for quieting the patriarchy-fueled self-critical thoughts that plague many women’s minds and replacing them with a much more empowering inner voice.
‘What Do You Need?’ by Lauren Wesley Wilson
This book is named for a question that so often isn’t asked of women of color in the workplace—but one that, according to ColorComm founder and CEO Lauren Wesley Wilson, has the power to open doors and clear pathways to leadership positions. Wilson charts out the unwritten rules that can help women of color succeed at work and reach the highest levels of power; the book is directed as much at them as it is at allies who want to help build a truly inclusive, supportive workplace.
‘15 Lies Women Are Told at Work…And the Truth We Need to Succeed’ by Bonnie Hammer
Bonnie Hammer has spent five decades in the corporate world, including as a top executive at NBCUniversal, so you can trust her opinions on the various pieces of advice that women in the workplace are so often told. Spoiler alert: She rejects a lot of those catchy little phrases, like “know your worth” and “you can have it all,” as sneaky ways to hold women back, and offers a handful of “uncommon sense” tips to follow instead on the path to career success.
‘Why We Remember’ by Charan Ranganath
On the surface, this book from neuroscientist Charan Ranganath, Ph.D., may seem purely like a deeply scientific exploration of the mechanisms behind memory-making. However, once you dive in, you’ll discover that science helps provide actionable tips for improving your memory—and not only in the “remembering where you put your sunglasses” way. Ranganath’s guide can help you reframe your past and strengthen your self-awareness.
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