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Most relevant for readers in recovery or who are interested in sobriety, but also a revealing read for daters and nondrinkers in general.
A comprehensive and mindful discussion of decision making that’s designed to benefit readers’ current and future selves. Recommended for libraries where there is interest in psychology or self-help.
Readers and writers comfortable with the style and tone of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way will be drawn to this book.
Lyons covers causes and solutions for everyday interactions and provides a persuasive argument for silence. Recommended for all audio collections.
Magnusson’s wisdom combined with McElhone’s narration is an unbeatable combination. Recommend widely to listeners looking to embrace the aging process while enjoying every bit of goodness along the way.
PREMIUM
In Each Other’s Care: A Guide to the Most Common Relationship Conflicts and How To Work Through Them
This is a well-organized and comprehensive guide for improving relationships that leans heavily on science and is best suited for practitioners. Recommended for academic libraries with family counseling programs and for large public libraries where self-help relationship books are popular.
A versatile title that is relevant for many individual life situations. Excellent for libraries from big cities to rural towns.
This book stands out next to traditionally male-dominated leadership self-help book titles, comparable to how Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi and Her First $100K by Tori Dunlap stand out in the finance book field. DeMase is the career mentor that many corporate women have needed but never had. Most public library collections and academic libraries with a career section will find this an indispensable resource.
An insightful book that could serve as part of a meditative routine or whenever someone requires some self-reflection to face life’s challenges. Some text originally appeared in articles on the School of Life website.
This readable, uplifting, research-backed guide will benefit the many highly sensitive people who are looking for ways to harness their sensitivity for the greater good, or simply for their own well-being. Highly recommended for all public library collections.
Spiegel’s relatable approach, free of toxic positivity, will resonate with readers looking for a thoughtful way to reflect on the joys of everyday life, even when times are difficult.
The revised edition is the result of the author conducting 10 additional years of research. The updated version is a valuable resource for all libraries.
Best for physicians to introduce their patients to mindfulness meditation or patients who are looking to try guided meditation for pain relief.
Containing both insight and practical practices, this is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking help on how to cope with life’s challenges. Recommended for fans of Rick Hanson’s Resilient: How To Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness.
Readers interested in self-help or philosophy books and those who enjoyed Words of Wisdom by Raymond Russ will enjoy the witty assertiveness of Kelly’s life lessons. This book is also a great choice for enticing reluctant readers and those learning how to read English based on the colloquial language used throughout the book and the briefness of the passages. Everyone will find themselves wanting to share the advice with those younger than they are, just as Kelly encourages them to do.
Unlike Rubin’s more recent books, this is more a sensory travelogue than a guide to how readers can engage their own senses more effectively. While Rubin’s many fans will be engrossed, readers new to her world of self-examination may find the sensory navel-gazing off-putting.
PREMIUM
Your Body Is a Revolution: Healing Our Relationships with Our Bodies, Each Other, and the Earth
Readers searching for a community-minded self-help title will enjoy this book, a refreshing, compassionate addition to the health and wellness space.
Although much of Bay’s guidance is directed at women, anyone with an interest in speaking, whether for a small group or an audience of thousands, can find practical techniques in this guide. This accessible blend of research and practical advice is recommended for public library collections.
Readers looking for how-to practical advice should look elsewhere. However, if read as autobiography or possibly even humorous essays, Gachman’s book delivers an offbeat offering of comfort, laughter, and peace by sharing how she is living with grief. Includes notes and suggested resources.
An accessible introduction to public relations and personal branding that can be applied to the professional realm and side hustles alike.
This book offers methods to address conflicts in all life’s areas (work, family, friendships). Recommended for anyone seeking to achieve accord or successful resolutions in the face of opposition.
A fascinating approach to tap into one’s energies to become better aligned, this is best for those who want an alternative approach to self-help.
A must-read for anyone interested in wellness trends, trauma and embodiment, and gender theory. It’s as suitable for academic libraries as it is for everyday readers tired of fighting against their desire to be or seem a specific way.
While not a replacement for a therapist, the book asks good questions to help readers open up and dig deeper, and gives stepping stones to better self-love.
For readers unfamiliar with Moore’s writing or comedy, this encouraging book dispenses practical and quirky advice packaged in quickly read chapters. For both fans and critics of Moore’s previous book, this is straightforward advice on how not to be alone by making friends.
PREMIUM
Goodbye, Perfect: How To Stop Pleasing, Proving, and Pushing for Others…and Live for Yourself
This book is aimed at women, particularly women of color, but anyone who feels sidelined in the workplace may benefit. Kabir offers specific strategies for achieving optimal confidence, purpose, and success.
Highly recommended. Best for anyone interested in personal growth, self-help, and relationship issues.
A helpful book that will assist individuals who struggle with drama addiction and/or are affected by drama addicts.
A deeply felt, beautifully written account of intersectionality, personal responsibility, and growth.
May’s observant, moving essays are a balm for souls wearied by the nonstop pulse of contemporary life, and an invitation to reconnect with the outside world. A masterpiece of mindfulness in action; recommended for all libraries.
With a diverse slate of contributors and Elise’s strong, guiding voice, this book provides the tools and the ingredients that everyone can use to live a richer, truer, and more abundant life.
PREMIUM
Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women: Real Stories from Inspirational, Artistic, and Empowered Women
LoMenzo’s book is not a step-by-step self-help manual but rather a soothing inspirational guide that readers can binge-read in one or two sittings or savor slowly.
This guide to an aesthetic popular among millennials, zillennials, and Gen Z is perfect for the community. Readers will come away with many new home environment ideas and a better understanding of how they feel about themselves.
The principles are not new, but collectively present thoughtful perspective for achieving inner peace and an increased level of personal freedom. For most public libraries.
PREMIUM
Navigating the Messy Middle: A Fiercely Honest and Wildly Encouraging Guide for Midlife Women
A wonderfully affirming volume that makes a compelling case for women to embrace the physical and mental changes happening in their lives and thrive. Best for those interested in gender studies, social history, and women’s health topics.
The focus is on caring for older individuals and does not include medical guidance or advice for working with any disabilities. Kanter’s emphasis on creating a positive lens for this special relationship is refreshing.
Stafford provides reassuring and inspiring words coaxing readers through each practice. Recommended for anyone needing to reconnect with their true inner selves and reclaim joy in today’s stressful world.
Full of encouraging words and examples to help readers feel that their goals can be reached, this is a recommended book for all collections.
PREMIUM
Quitting: A Life Strategy
Helpful for those who grapple with the idea that they must finish what they start, Keller’s book will resonate with anyone who has questioned their path or their commitment.
Dunbar writes in an informal, nonjudgmental style that many readers will appreciate. A useful book that could serve as a guide for individuals trying to address their self-doubt or mollify negative thoughts or emotions.
This deconstruction of what it means to be smart will appeal to readers who enjoy popular nonfiction in the vein of Daniel Pink’s When or The Power of Regret.
Fans of “Dear Prudence” (or advice columns in general) will appreciate this well-curated retrospective, which is elevated by Lavery’s thoughtful annotations, reminiscences, and insights.
PREMIUM
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
Hersey’s thoughtful championing of rest and resistance makes an impact. Pair with Shanita Hubbard’s Ride or Die and Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism.
Well-paired with other contemplative titles such as Katherine May’s Wintering and Casper ter Kuile’s The Power of Ritual, and an intriguing counterpoint to popular productivity-focused self-help titles such as James Clear’s Atomic Habits and Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism. An excellent, thoughtful, non-prescriptive treatise on a complicated idea.
A timely read and a great handbook for a growing societal group seeking to delay their physical decline.
This title demonstrates that the wellness industry differs from true well-being as much as spa treatments differ from Audre Lorde’s original idea of self-care for activists. A valuable addition to conversations about race, class, ableism, and diet culture.
The layout and photos in the print version are truly fabulous, but the audiobook is still a key purchase. This charismatic duo slays both on the page and in the recording booth.
PREMIUM
Glow in the F*cking Dark: Simple Practices To Heal Your Soul, from Someone Who Learned the Hard Way
Readers will easily connect with Schuster’s humor and vulnerability and cheer for her and for themselves in this lovely, introspective memoir and guide.
This book will appeal to fans of Pharaon’s Instagram page and those seeking a self-help guide to help them navigate family patterns and take control of their love lives.
Shetty’s many Instagram fans will be eager to get their hands on this book. Readers who aren’t familiar with the author will be drawn in by his experiences and wisdom and his easygoing, relatable approach to love in all of its forms.
By turns intimate and inspiring, this title will empower any woman who has ever doubted her worth or her words, giving her new ways to think about why and how she can put herself more boldly in the world.
PREMIUM
Will the Drama Ever End? Untangling and Healing from the Harmful Effects of Parental Narcissism
This book’s incisive look into family dynamics may interest those with and without narcissistic parents. Recommended for collections with a strong focus on family studies or self-help.
Though aimed at Black readers, other people of color (or those looking to better understand the Black experience in the U.S.) will benefit greatly from Clarke’s book. This is an essential and timely addition to a library’s self-help section.
This should be on the nightstand of anyone who is interested in adding self-awareness rituals to their routine.
Readers will appreciate this pairing of the Dalai Lama’s wisdom with the talent of cartoonist McDonnell in their plea for peace for humans and our planet.
PREMIUM
Choose Joy: Relieve Burnout, Prioritize Your Happiness, and Infuse More Joy into Your Everyday Life
Cliff’s embracing book combines a supporting tone with practical steps that readers looking for more joy, or even just a framework to feel better, can embrace.
A highly readable volume that offers advice succinctly and honestly. Best for a general-interest audience.
Written in a highly engaging style, Walden’s book makes a good case that finding the lessons in even tragic events can lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. Best for general readership.
A charming little book that could help soothe weary or anxious souls. Recommended for anyone looking to quiet their nighttime routines or enhance their mindfulness/meditative practices.
A practical, empowering toolkit for enhancing brain health, this book will benefit anyone interested in strategies for deepening engagement with their health and those looking for a structured way to begin.
While many books cover similar ground, this is a pleasant approach for the average person looking to make their mark. A good add-on to most collections, especially for entrepreneurial patrons.
Overall this is a valuable resource for any Austen lover to use for quick reference or to read through. Libraries whose works by the author circulate well or whose patrons enjoy titles like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You will find this a welcome addition to their collection.
Practical application of the concepts is missing from the book, and journaling opportunities or exercises at the end of each chapter would help readers incorporate Schafler’s tools into their lives. Even so, the writing is engaging, and the title will be eye-catching to library audiences.
PREMIUM
Creating Stillness: Mindful Art Practices and Stories for Navigating Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Overall, this book seems aimed at readers for whom traditional meditation may not appeal, or who are looking for a more creative path to mindfulness.
PREMIUM
This Book Is a Safe Space: Cute Doodles and Therapy Strategies To Support Self-Love and Wellbeing
Tran asserts that what has been learned can be unlearned, forging new ways of being. This insightful book provides valuable paths to pursue in the search for mental wellbeing. For all public libraries.
Pears leads an intriguing life in the musical arts and spiritual team leadership. While the content is not particularly original, she pulls from experts whose works have guided her. The spiritual tone lightly infuses a reassuring message to help alleviate distress and create joy.
This book is inclusive of all types of grief and loss, making it an excellent resource for anyone needing information on this subject.
This is not a how-to-date volume but one exploring different viewpoints for consideration. Best suited for a general audience of a certain age.
A deeply moving volume with beautiful artwork and words to consider. Best for pastoral and grief counselors, as well as general readers.
Every library should get a copy. Readers, especially Lyons’s fans, will look forward to this witty, well-researched book.
Estoria (Write Bloody: Spill Pretty) is a gifted storyteller sharing loving, spirit-fueled messages of self-acceptance. With echoes of Iyanla Vanzant, this title is for all public libraries. Empowering and transformative, it reminds all individuals to give themselves permission to dance in their own lives.
PREMIUM
The Little Book of Self-Soothing: 150 Ways To Manage Emotions, Relieve Stress, and Restore Calm
Patrons seeking a ready reference for finding calm in a hectic world will appreciate the plethora of easily implemented suggestions in this little book.
This is an approachable overview of this notable study that can be understood and appreciated by many. Waldinger’s TED talk about this subject is in the top 10 of most-viewed talks, so expect interest.
While occasionally repetitive, and while it could benefit from additional voices, this book makes for a good start on the journey to calm.
The message of this book is something to be celebrated and will undoubtedly resonate with those who identify as asexual or know someone who does.
PREMIUM
I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts: Mini-Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us
While there is helpful and funny information here, especially thought-provoking quotes from everyone from Rumi to Brené Brown, the casual tone and writing style may not not be for everyone. That said, readers looking for a fast, fun read with helpful and biblical tidbits sprinkled throughout will enjoy this book.
Bartel’s debut is sure to appeal to animal lovers. Recommend to fans of Caitlin Doughty’s Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Mary Roach’s Stiff.
A primer that is also a deep dive, appropriate and inclusive for all persons at all levels of expertise, Wall’s book is a likely candidate to join the canon of must-read guides for the serious student of the tarot.
While some readers will appreciate the author’s no-nonsense approach, others may be turned off by references to casual sex and drug use. Readers will learn that surviving divorce is a process, but contentment is possible if one is willing to do the work to achieve it.
This book is an essential read for all those concerned with memory loss and should be a part of all collections in the behavioral and social sciences.
PREMIUM
Breathe In, Breathe Out: Restore Your Health, Reset Your Mind and Find Happiness Through Breathwork
This is a powerful resource and workbook designed for readers to practice with each breath.
Each beautiful chapter develops a topic drawn from Buddhist thought, followed by a section born from interviews with contemporary practitioners and activists, a mindfulness exercise, and a concluding set of reflective queries in the Quaker style. Perfect for those who want to progress on their spiritual journey.
A hopeful and easily accessible handbook written with clarity and authenticity, for those interested in exploring Buddhist teachings or simply hoping to improve the quality of their own lives and the lives of others.
This book is destined to become a classic and should be included in any behavioral and social sciences library.
Dunlap’s honesty serves as a powerful source of motivation to do the work, not just to secure financial autonomy but to break out of stereotypes that limit women’s potential in all aspects of their lives.
This book contains an extensive, useful works cited section, but there are so many personal and professional vignettes that, at times, it becomes a slight distraction. Still, libraries looking to build a self-help collection will benefit from including this title.
Since many public library readers are embarking on new life adventures in this COVID era, this title is recommended as a first purchase for all business collections. Academic library collections that support certified financial planner preparation can also benefit with this title.
This book is recommended for those interested in self-help, trauma responses, personal growth, and psychology.
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