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Best Self Help Books

Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
James Clear Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Atomic Habits is highly praised by critics, readers, and our experts for its clear rules and straightforward tips.

Pros

Offers established guidelines on how to improve long-term outcomes through everyday strategies. Tackles common problems such as a lack of motivation, trouble setting a routine, and breaking bad habits. Offers practical tips informative to adults and teens. According to our expert, it translates complex ideas into understandable guidelines.

Cons

Some readers felt like the book became too repetitive near the end.

Best Bang for the Buck
Jen Sincero "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life"
Jen Sincero
"You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life"
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Easiest to Read
Bottom Line

According to our expert, Jen Sincero has a conversational way of speaking about self-improvement that anybody can understand.

Pros

Written by success coach Jen Sincero. Offers 27 chapters in total, each filled with creative advice and fun exercises to improve one's lifestyle. Features stories and examples on how to manage stress and anxieties about the future. An excellent choice for those with limited experience in the self-help space.

Cons

Some readers are not a fan of the terminology used throughout the book.

Mark Manson The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Mark Manson
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
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Research-Backed Tips
Bottom Line

Mark Manson's self-help book is a fun and humorous approach to help readers manage stress and everyday anxieties.

Pros

One of our expert's favorite self-help books. Provides useful insight without sugar-coating. Shares knowledge that may seem counter-intuitive initially but offers unique approaches to stress and negativity. Features useful anecdotes to help readers further understand the material. Written in approachable and entertaining language.

Cons

Some felt that the language and descriptions distracted them from the book.

Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
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Unique Perspective
Bottom Line

Ikigai defines the meaning of happiness and how readers can achieve similar values to those of a Japanese village.

Pros

Based on the residents of a Japanese village with some of the world's longest-living people. Our expert notes that it teaches readers how to find reasons to live in everyday life. Proposes gentle and attainable tips that can be readily incorporated into your living situation. An ideal choice for those who appreciate the principles of Eastern cultures.

Cons

Book has more stories than evidence, which may be off-putting for some readers.

Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart: Mappining Meaningful Connection and the Langugage of Human Experience
Brene Brown
Atlas of the Heart: Mappining Meaningful Connection and the Langugage of Human Experience
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Storybook Language
Bottom Line

Brene Brown takes you through emotions of the human experience and how to use them to create connections.

Pros

According to our expert, this book details 87 experiences that define the human heart. Authored by a renowned research professor at the University of Houston. Through data and a map metaphor, the book illustrates how positive and negative emotions help to build connections with others.

Cons

Not as versatile or adaptable as some of the other self-help books on the market.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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