Self-Help Books

Self-Help Books describes a diverse selection of titles that focus on self-discovery and self-improvement. The self-help genre is characterized by literature that shares research and advice to promote self-understanding and prompt changes in one's outlook or behavior, thus improving one's quality of life. The Self-Help Collection features texts that discuss topics ranging from business and personal finance to interpersonal relationships, mental health, and sexuality.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey

Publication year 1989

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Future

Tags Self-Improvement, Business & Economics, Leadership, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Philosophy

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Aug 1989) by Stephen R. Covey is one of the most influential self-help books of the late twentieth century. To date, the title has sold over 40 million copies and has been a New York Times bestseller. Covey was named as one of Time Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Americans of 1996. His book is classified under the categories of Business Management, Organizational Behavior, and Personal Success in Business... Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Summary

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

by Sean Covey

Publication year 1998

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Tags Self-Improvement, Education, Education, Business & Economics, Parenting, Psychology, Psychology

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey was first published in 1998 but was revised in 2014 to meet the changing needs of its audience of tech-savvy teenagers. (This study guide refers to the 2019 Simon and Schuster trade paperback edition.) While the genre is self-help, the book’s focus on young adult readers is evident from Covey’s informal tone, which he uses to narrate entertaining stories about teenagers, as well as the... Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Summary

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

Publication year 1988

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Guilt

Tags Action & Adventure, Latin American Literature, Inspirational, Fantasy, Philosophy, Philosophy, Self-Improvement, Religion & Spirituality

The Alchemist, first published in 1988, is a novel by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho and translated by Alan R. Clarke. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd from Andalusia who dreams of a treasure buried beside the pyramids in Egypt. Heavy with allegory and including many magical elements, the novel has been described as adventure, fantasy, magical realism, and philosophical fiction as it encourages the characters (and the reader) to fulfill their Personal Legends.The... Read The Alchemist Summary

The Anxious Generation

by Jonathan Haidt

Publication year 2024

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Apathy, Loneliness, Gender Identity, Mental Health, Childhood & Youth, Place, Community, Education, Science & Technology

Tags Education, Education, Science & Nature, Sociology, Parenting, Psychology, Psychology, Mental Illness, Self-Improvement, Health

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The Artist's Way

by Julia Cameron

Publication year 1992

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Literature, Religion & Spirituality, Self Discovery, Fear, Hate & Anger, The Past, Art, Language

Tags Self-Improvement, Psychology, Arts & Culture, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Religion & Spirituality, Psychology, Philosophy, Philosophy

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The Art of Gathering

by Priya Parker

Publication year 2018

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Tags Psychology, Sociology, Self-Improvement, Business & Economics, Relationships, Psychology

Priya Parker’s book The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters (2018) is a series of chapter-length essays that provide a guide to organizing effective gatherings as well as a persuasive argument for thinking about them as tools for social transformation. As a highly experienced group facilitator, advisor, podcast host, and expert in conflict resolution, Parker brings a specialist’s insight to her topic. At the same time, she organizes and presents the... Read The Art of Gathering Summary

The Art of Happiness

by Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler

Publication year 1998

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Religion & Spirituality, Conflict, Perseverance, Fear, Forgiveness, Grief, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Hope, Joy, Loneliness, Regret, Mental Health, Future, The Past, Family, Friendship, Teamwork, Self Discovery, Community, Education, Order & Chaos, Truth & Lies

Tags Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Psychology, Self-Improvement, Asian History

In 1998, the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) and psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler released The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. Combining spiritual teachings and clinical framing, the book has become an example of where popular psychology, applied ethics, and secular spirituality converge. The book targets a broad audience seeking practical ways to decrease suffering, enhance interpersonal connections, and develop a more stable, compassionate mindset—regardless of whether they have a religious affiliation.A collaborative project... Read The Art of Happiness Summary

The Art Of Loving

by Erich Fromm

Publication year 1956

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Loneliness, Love, Sexual Identity, Fathers, Friendship, Marriage, Mothers, Self Discovery, Community, Economics, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Psychology, Philosophy, Self-Improvement, Love & Sexuality, Relationships, Sociology

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