The BEST Self-Help Books to Pick Up On Amazon Right Now
Go on, help yourself!
We’re talking self-help — not that you need any, because we think you’re perfect just the way you are! But if you are looking for inspiration to clean up your mind, your routine, your home, or your body, here are some of the best self-help books on Amazon (including some of the Hip2Save team’s personal favorites) that’ll do the trick.
Keep in mind that you can save yourself some money by checking them out for FREE from your local library or by browsing through a local book store for gently-loved versions for cheap!
Grace Not Perfection & A Simplified Life by Emily Ley
Busy wife, mom, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Emily Ley created these two books in order to accomplish one main goal — simplify. She identifies strategies, systems, and methods for permanently clearing the clutter, organizing your priorities, and living intentionally in 10 key areas of life.
“I love them both because they are all about living an intentional life while being a busy working wife, momma, sister, daughter, etc. We do a lot and we have to give ourselves some grace sometimes! They are the only books I have ever re-read!”
The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Did you know that all it takes to change your entire life is only 5 seconds? Seriously! In this book, Mel Robbins uses the science of habits, riveting stories, and surprising facts from some of the most famous moments in history, art, and business to explain the power of a “push moment” and how to harness that skill to become your best self.
“It’s the only thing that gets me out of the bed in the morning… literally! This book taught me how to harness the power 5-second decision making to get up and on with my life in the most fulfilling way possible.”
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The author Napoleon Hill set out to interview over 500 successful people (including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Charles Schwab) and compiled his research to form 13 steps and 17 principles of success in this book, some of which include building a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), channeling the power of the subconscious mind, and dealing with adversity. With over 4,600 5 star reviews, this book is a no-brainer for anyone looking to grow their financial well being!
You Are a Bada** by Jen Sincero
This book is so much more than a cheeky title. In this refreshingly blunt how-to guide, you’ll be served 27 bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, life-changing insights, easy lifestyle exercises, and the occasional swear word. By the time you put this funny read down, you’ll be thinking, “Wow, I AM a bada**!” 😉
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
There’s a reason this book has been in print for 80 years and has over 7,000 Amazon reviews with 4.7 stars — it has rock-solid, time-tested advice! This bestseller will teach you 6 ways to make people like you, 12 ways to win people to your way of thinking, 9 ways to change people without arousing resentment, and countless other tips and tricks to achieve your maximum potential!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
If you haven’t heard of the KonMari method of cleaning and organization, you’re missing out! This practice developed by Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Her book also has a deep-rooted message in finding the things in life that “spark joy” and letting those objects and experiences be our main sources to evoke happiness.
“Kondo teaches us that life isn’t in the accumulation of stuff; it’s in the fulfillment of joy.”
12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
Have you’ve ever wondered what the number #1 most read book on Amazon charts is? Well, it’s this book right here! Dr. Peterson distills the world’s wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life, based on discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility. He explains the hard-won truths of ancient tradition and pairs it with cutting-edge scientific research.
But don’t let the information overload preemptively bore you — this book is actually quite hilarious!
The Obesity Code by Jason Fung
Dr. Fung flips the script on what most people believe about weight loss by challenging popular claims about proper nutrition. He lays out five basic steps in a set of lifelong habits to improve your health and control insulin levels, along with how to use intermittent fasting to break the cycle of insulin resistance. In the end, his teachings provide the roadmap to reaching a healthy weight and maintaining it for good!
Hip Tip: We just featured this book in our Hip2Keto Book Club!
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
We LOVE Dave Ramsey and all that he has done for thousands of people across the world with his simple, straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. With this book, you’ll be able to design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt (meaning cars, houses, everything!), recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths, and secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!
#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
This one is for powerful women out there! Ultimate girl boss Sophia Amoruso shares her story that started with her dumpster diving for vintage finds to launching her successful retail company Nasty Gal. She gets down to the nitty-gritty by offering insights on entrepreneurship, career advice, and how she organically grew her business from the ground up.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
12,000 reviews with an average of 4.6 stars can’t be wrong. This highly-rated tale talks about listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity, and following our dreams. Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and changing people’s lives.
Letting Go by Dr. David R. Hawkins
This book’s simplistic title reflects the overall theme presented by Dr. Hawkins — let go of anything that blocks your path to happiness, love, joy, success, health, and, ultimately, enlightenment. A series of mechanisms described in the book help you become free of negativity.
While it’s a beneficial read for anyone looking to let go of inner blocks, it also an invaluable resource for all professionals who work in the areas of mental health, psychology, medicine, self-help, addiction recovery, and spiritual development!
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Creator of Chic Media and TheChicSite.com, Rachel Hollis fearlessly bares it all in this book about encouraging women to live with passion, hustle, and to awaken their slumbering goals by sharing experiences from her own life. You’re sure to be enlightened and entertained with her writing style encompassing honesty, humor, and direct, no-nonsense advice. She speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF on a mission to empower women to live the joy-filled and exuberant lives they are meant to have.
“It is so relatable and makes you laugh out loud as you read her true life stories about being a wife, mother and a working woman. I love that she covers all sorts of topics from sex, to dating, to normal everyday stuff like trying to keep your life organized. Each chapter addresses a lie that we tell ourselves like “I’m Bad at Sex”, “I Don’t Know how to be a Mom”, or “I am Defined by My Weight”. This book is a MUST for every woman to read!”
Do you have a favorite book that promotes positive personal growth?
Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for the recommendations – will check some of these out!!
The 5 Second Rule is LIFE CHANGING!
Hi Katie! I’m glad you’re a fan of 5 Second Rule too! It’s amazing how the 5 second countdown is so simple yet so powerful!
Agree! I’m in the middle of listening to the audiobook and I’m loving the positive changes in my life already!
You can also pick any of these books up at the library for free. For anyone who has recently moved but not quite “feeling” your new location, I’d highly recommend the book “This is Where you Belong”
I agree. The library is a great place to check out books for free. And if they do not have the book they can get it from interlibrary loan or even order a copy for you.
I’m putting some of the titles on hold at my local library – nothing easier. One of the best deals around!
I recommend “Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg for anything grieving a loss.
Jordan Peterson’s book is very catchy and readable but filled with scientific errors, sadly. He’s a decent writer but a really bad scientist. I don’t recommend it at all.
Jordan Peterson is a misogynist and fearmonger, and as Wehaf says, a bad researcher, so I don’t recommend any of his work.
I’d agree that it’s smart to utilize your library instead of buying all of these. Also, definitely read reviews before buying. A few of these have loads of 1-star reviews, for good reason. I would avoid “You Are A Bada**”, unless you agree with the author that depression = a choice you make and a convenient excuse to be lazy. I actually picked it up at Dollar Tree a couple years ago & not really worth $1.
I recently read You Are A Bada$$. Since then I have gotten myself out of a bad relationship and gotten a promotion at work. Not giving all the credit to Jen Sincero, but she definitely got me motivated. Plus she’s super funny!!
I listened to it as an audio book and the author is funny and there are tidbits of good advice and anecdotes. Glad it spoke to you Lisa, but overall I would agree with Rebecca and couldn’t finish it.
Loved this post! Thanks for some great recommendations.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jara!
Great post, thank you!! I also usually take a list like this and see what I can request from my local library:) Grace not perfection and Total Money Makeover both are amazing,-Id highly recommends
Own your day own your life be Aubrey Marcus is a great book!!
I love the Alchemist, have read it so many times throughout the years. I love the Sara books series by Esther and Jerry Hicks, I just bought the 3 books from ebay so i don’t have to go library and worry about returning them every time. Thrift stores are good places to buy books too but I could not find these series after looking for months. I also love The Shack. the book and the movie.
Thank you for this post 🙂
I love this post! Self-help books are my jam, lol. I read most of these already and I would definitely recommend You Are A Bada$$, Total Money Makeover and Think and Grow Rich. I read Total Money Makeover years ago and it changed my life; I am well on my way to being debt free. I just finished reading The Four Agreements and I would recommend that book also.
Congrats Mika!! Becoming debt-free is such a rewarding journey and one to certainly be proud of when accomplished!
Thanks for this list. I was just thinking I need to start reading like I used to and cut back on tv. Summer reading and library here I come📖
That’s great! Let us know what you think of any of the books you end up reading
“You are a bada**” by Jen Sincero is incredible. I loved that book, it was recommended by my therapist. YES, she does say that you can choose to get rid of your depression and that’s obviously false if you have a medical diagnosis. I have bipolar and anxiety so no, I can’t just CHOOSE to be better. I think she’s just trying to get people to not wallow in self pity and take control of their lives. I highly recommend the book…just ignore that chapter.
Thank you so much !!!! Dave Ramsey did change my life!!!
Hi lily! I literally just finished reading Total Money Makeover last night. I’m sooooo excited to be on the road to being Debt free! We are just in the first steps but we have already seen a huge change. I absolutely loved this book 🙂
Thank you!
I find that Marie Kondo book to be so overrated lol
Yep. I agree. Glad it was from the library.
I can’t believe you’d recommend the Jordan Peterson. Yikes.
The Bible is the greatest self help book on the planet! It will change your life and those around you;) It’s definitely changed my life:) God bless you!
I’ll second that! I don’t know what I would do without Jesus. If you’ve never read the Bible, check it out! Romans is a great place to start.
I agree; Romans is a good place to start. My faith in God was the only thing that brought me any peace when my husband was re-diagnosed with cancer, this summer. God is good! My husband had a stem cell transplant and is alive! Life is short (event though the daily grind is long.) Hug your loved ones.
That’s wonderful! I am so happy for you and your husband. My mom was diagnosed with a rare T-cell lymphoma in 2013 and not given good odds. I’m happy to say that, 6 years later, she’s cancer free!!
Amen, thank you for being bold enough to comment this! ✝️
Love The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch!
Yes!!! I loved that book! <3
Alot of these are available on hoopla as free audiobooks. You just use your library card to access them.
As probably one of the few men on here lol I’m so happy to see you recommend Jordan Peterson’s amazing 12 Rules for Life. Don’t listen to much of the misunderstood propaganda from the left about this book, this is a great read for any male (or female to catch a different perspective) to better himself as a man, father, and husband. Ladies, get your husband/boyfriend/sons this book!
I agree that Dr. Jordan Peterson’s book is amazing. I would venture to say that anyone who sees him as a misogynist and fear-monger has not really listened to his lectures or read his written material to any significant degree. Listening to him and reading his book has been life-changing for so many people. Check out his interview with Cathy Newman on YouTube to see for yourself how he can be misrepresented and oversimplified by some.
I totally agree. Those who call Dr. Jordan Peterson a misogynist are misinformed.
‘Girl boss’ want to read that n ’12 rules of life’ as well
The Power of Now and A New Earth, helped me immensely, after the loss of my son.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I have a book on Amazon right now, but it’s not self-help! (It’s history.)