Do you want a little motivation in life? Or are you looking for something inspiring to transform and grow your mindset? Well, a good self-help book can be your one-stop solution for every need. Some words of wisdom from self-help books can benefit almost anyone.
They can offer practical solutions to real-life problems and motivate people to follow their dream careers or hobbies. Such books can also promote independent thinking and self-confidence.
Self-help books for women can cover a wide range of topics like practicing mindfulness, building organizational abilities, or embracing joy and happiness.
They can guide you on your career path or almost any aspect of your life, from friendship, relationship, parenting, and more. So, if you are searching for a good self-help book, keep reading.
Here, we will share a list of the best self-help books for women to read this year.
What is a Self-Help Book?
Before we begin our list, we will discuss what a self-help book means. A self-help book is a book that provides you with a guideline or tutorial to help you bring a change/improvement in life.
It can equip you with a proper method or approach to get the change. A self-help book can help you create changes in your professional and personal life.
So, any book that talks about self-improvement and helps you make small or big changes in your life is a self-help book.
Top Self-Help Books that are Must-Read for Women
If you are searching for the best self-help books to increase your self-confidence and expand your horizons, there are thousands of helpful books available online.
So, we have made it easier for you by listening to the top 15 self-help books for women to read in 2023.
1. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
Release Date: 27th August 2020
Untamed is a memoir cum inspirational book by Glennon Doyle. The book emphasizes the importance of listening to your inner voice and ignoring the outside world’s expectations to discover your authentic self.
It celebrates the joy of exploring your true self without worrying about what others may think. The author has neglected her happiness for years. Only at a conference did she realize her true self.
She let go of others’ expectations to discover her untamed self. This book calls on every woman to forget about others, trust in themselves, and embrace their true self.
2. “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth
More Than Enough is also one of the amazing self-help books for women to try this year. This book is by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief and TV star Elaine Welteroth.
The book describes the professional journey of Welteroth. In her book, she notes the feeling of being the only black woman in the room and how she has learned to claim her own space in the world.
She also encounters how she has turned down every voice that said – she was not enough to be there.
3. “Own It” by Diane von Furstenberg
Own It by Diane von Furstenberg is also one of the outstanding self-help books with record sales. It is a must-read self-development book for every woman. Author Ms. Furstenberg is a philanthropist and international fashion designer.
In her book, she shares her easy-to-use self-development format and inspiring words. She believes that the secret of life is owning it.
For her, own your imperfections, vulnerabilities, and challenges until they become your strength.
4. “Professional Troublemaker” by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Release Date: 2nd March 2021
Professional Troublemaker is a witty yet inspiring book by the author Luvvie Ajayi Jones. The author describes how a TED Talk show changed her entire life.
In her book, Jones used a beautiful combination of her natural humor and honest beliefs to let the readers explore how to overcome challenges and use their voices to get things done.
We all are afraid to hear no. But to achieve something truly meaningful, you must change it.
5. “Yoke” By Jessamyn Stanley
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Release Date: 22nd June 2021
Another self-development book to add to your list of top self-help books is The Yoke: My Yoga for Self-Acceptance by Jessamyn Stanley. In her first book – Every Body Yoga, she taught readers how to do yoga poses.
But in this book, she emphasizes the ‘whys.’ In her second book, Yoke, the author gifts readers thoughtful, witty, honest, and funny essays.
Her book will help you learn how to overcome some of the toughest challenges in life with the energy, flexibility, and self-awareness you develop through yoga.
6. “Keep Moving” by Maggie Smith
Release Date: 6th October 2020
Keep Moving is an inspirational book by the author Maggie Smith. It is one of the top self-help books that you must read. The book reminds you and all women that they can overcome the darkness and become wiser, kinder, and stronger than they were before.
In her book, Smith talks about new opportunities in life and transformations. The book Keep Moving contains essays and quotes celebrating the glory of strength in the weak of loss.
7. “Believe It” by Jamie Kern Lima
Release Date: 23rd February 2021
Believe It is also one of the topmost self-help books on our list that every woman must read. The founder wrote the book IT Cosmetics.
In this book, Jamie talks about how her small business idea became a best-selling sensation. In this book, she noted her entire journey of almost falling to believing in herself and succeeding in life again.
It is a journey of heartbreak and regaining strength again.
8. “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
Release Date: 23rd April 2013
You Are a Badass is a popular self-help book by Jen Sincero. Even the most confident and strong women face delma and self-doubt at some point.
But worrying about what others think will only destroy your true happiness. You Are a Badass is a perfect reminder for every woman to go ahead and chase their dreams and embrace their authentic self.
You can find your true self and learn to overcome your fear and self-doubt.
9. “Cringeworthy” by Melissa Dahl
Release Date: 13th February 2018
Cringeworthy is another must-have self-development book in the list of self-help books. We all have some cringy moments in our lives. It can be hitting a like button accidentally on the post of your ex’s current girlfriend.
Or tripping in front of a bunch of strangers. They are the most awkward moments in our lives. But in Cringeworthy, Melissa teaches her readers how they can learn from their cringe and awkward moments in life.
The book is worth exploring and helps you overcome the feeling of cringe and grow from it.
10. “First & Only” by Jennifer R. Farmer
Release Date: 9th February 2021
The life of a woman of color is not easy. We must cross twice as many hurdles and twice more struggle to get noticed. The book First & Only is a perfect guide for women of color who struggle to be seen and heard in the world.
The activist and trainer, Jennifer R. Farmer, provides a detailed roadmap for all women of color to succeed in their personal and professional lives by challenging systematic racism and healing the strength of faith.
11. “Bittersweet” by Susan Cain
Release Date: 5th April 2022
Bittersweet is an inspirational self-development book every woman must have. Bittersweet comes after
Quite is a perfect self-help book by the lecturer and author Susan Cain. The book gives an excellent argument against toxic positivity. In her book, she taught readers that bitter and sweet things in our lives can coexist.
Also, helps us to see grief as an opportunity to unveil creativity and connection instead of a blockage in the road.
12. “Self-love Workbook for Women” by Megan Logan
Release Date: 15th September 2020
The Self-love Workbook For Women By Megan Logan is a perfect self-help guide for women to develop self-love and affirmation.
It is one of the self-help books that teaches readers the importance of self-love and acceptance. The book emphasizes self-reflection and positive affirmations to boost positivity, wellness, and fulfillment.
In this book, Logan offers a detailed guide to practicing self-love and boosting self-esteem. You can also learn to become more confident and improve your connection with your loved ones.
13. “Positive You” by Shelah Marie
Release Date: 27th April 2021
Positive You is also a self-development book for young women. In this book, you will find helpful tools to boost your spirit and accept your true self.
In this book, Marie offers prompts, effective and short exercises, and positive affirmations to boost your self-esteem and mood.
It will guide you to meet your goals, open your mind to new opportunities, and find contentment and joy in everyday life.
14. “Speak” by Tunde Oyeneyin
Release Date: 3rd May 2022
Tunde Oyeneyin is a popular Peleton instructor and fitness star. Speak is an empowering and inspiring self-help book, Tunde.
In her book, Tunde talks about more than her life as a Peleton instructor. She lets her readers peak through her personal life and learn from her true life journey.
She discusses her hardships, flaws, and setbacks and how she finds her voice and follows her passion.
15. “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?” by Julie Smith
Release Date: 6th January 2022
Lastly, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before is one of the essential self-development books all women must have. Julie Smith is a psychologist by profession.
In this book, she describes her experience as a clinical psychologist all through these years. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before brings you an ocean of helpful and proven advice to deal with mental stress, anxiety, and depression.
It also teaches you to regain self-worth and confidence in life.
Reasons to Read Self-Help Books
We all have our reasons for reading self-help books. For some, it inspires them to do better in their daily lives. For others, it opens their mind and expands their horizons. But if you are still wondering how a self-help book can benefit you. Reading these reasons to read self-help books will also inspire you to give them a try-
- When you read an inspiring book full of positive thoughts and uplifting concepts, it influences your brain to think similarly. Reading such inspiring books helps you develop an overall positive outlook gradually. You begin to see yourself and the world around you with a more optimistic mindset.
- Many self-help books come with exercise and other self-improvement tips. They help you develop good habits and eliminate negative traits or habits from your life. When you read self-help books, they inspire you to grow your positive traits and live a content life.
- Another essential reason to read the best self-help books is to reduce negative self-talk. When you read self-help books, it helps you to build up a positive outlook about yourself and the world around you. They fill your mind with lots of positive thoughts and feelings. As a result, you begin to feel confident and eliminate harmful negative self-talk.
- Many self-help books come with actionable advice and guide you through self-development. Reading these inspiring books helps you make better choices for yourself and your life. You become more confident to make your own decisions and choose your life path.
- A book full of inspiration to do better and make your own choices encourages you to break through your limitations and live fully. You begin to believe in your self-worth. Self-help books motivate you to leave your comfort zone and challenge your limitations.
- Self-help books help you look at your life from a fresh perspective. They can also help you understand your best traits or skills. And understanding your best qualities will help you to expand more in life and achieve overall growth.
How We Have Picked the Best Self-Help Books for Women
We took great care while picking up these must-read self-help books for women in 2023. One cannot randomly choose books regarding sensitive topics like mental health and self-help.
For a detailed elaboration, we have listed the pointers we have considered while creating our list of the above-mentioned best self-help books for women.
- Every self-help book does not discuss women or have them at the forefront. But when addressing women’s problems, we must choose relevant books. That is why our list includes books that discuss experiences that are unique to women.
- ‘Self-help’ is an umbrella term. It includes topics such as mental health, self-esteem, creativity, faith, and more. Our list of self-help books for women tries to include these variegated topics that women will find helpful.
- We have ensured that the authors we have chosen are experts in the field. Because they must have experience and qualifications for discussing the concerned topic. Our list includes psychologists, therapists, and more.
- The important aspect of choosing a topic is its reviews and ratings. Reviews can help you narrow down your picks. We have chosen books with positive reviews and ratings.
Conclusion
Self-help books are a staple for building your self-worth and embracing your uniqueness with pride. Sadly, self-help books often have a bad reputation.
The main reason is that many people think self-help books only offer quick-fix solutions and narrow. But the truth is exactly the opposite. You can get a lot of benefits from reading self-help books regularly.
They improve your outlook toward the world around you, reduce negative self-talk, and help you focus on how to overcome challenges and accept your true self without regret.
So, select any of the above-listed books you find inspiring and try them. Also, let us know how you feel about the book and what’s your favorite self-help book in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Effective are Self-Help Books?
The effectiveness of a self-help book must rely on the reader. It would be best if you chose a book that is genuine and offers fresh perspectives. Also, it would be best if you considered the suggestions for self-development to see any results.
How Should I Choose a Self-Help Book?
Choosing a self-help book may seem challenging as you have endless options. Do not feel overwhelmed. Choose a book that has top ratings. Also, they should cover the topic you can explore with the self-development book.
Where Can I Get the Self-Help Books?
Self-development books are available in both online and offline stores. However, online stores are more convenient than offline ones. Here, you can get thousands of options, cost-effective pricing, and flexible shopping time.