The Greatest American Books of All Time on Self Help

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 352 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Self Help

Self Help is a category of books that focuses on personal growth, self-improvement, and self-awareness. These books provide guidance, advice, and practical tools to help readers overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and improve their overall well-being. The topics covered in self-help books can range from relationships, career, and finance to mental health, spirituality, and mindfulness. The ultimate goal of self-help books is to empower readers to take control of their lives and become the best version of themselves.

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  1. 1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

    The Only Book You Need to Lead You to Success

    This iconic self-help book provides practical advice and techniques for mastering interpersonal skills and improving communication. It emphasizes the importance of understanding others' perspectives, showing genuine interest in people, and making others feel important. The book offers strategies for handling people without arousing resentment, encouraging others to share their ideas, and changing people's behavior without causing offense or arousing resentment. It also provides tips on how to make a good first impression, become a good conversationalist, and inspire enthusiasm among associates.

    The 862nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck

    A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

    This self-help book explores the concept that life is difficult and filled with problems, but we can overcome these issues through discipline, love, and spiritual growth. It encourages readers to confront their personal problems head-on, rather than avoiding them, and to accept responsibility for their actions. The book also delves into the nature of love, suggesting it is less about feelings and more about the act of will. Finally, it discusses the importance of spiritual growth and understanding in achieving a fulfilled life.

    The 1381st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

    How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

    "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown is a transformative exploration of vulnerability and its power to cultivate courage, connection, and resilience in our lives. Through extensive research and personal anecdotes, the author delves into the societal pressures that prevent individuals from embracing vulnerability, and offers practical strategies to overcome shame and fear. Brown encourages readers to embrace vulnerability as a strength and a pathway to wholehearted living, ultimately empowering them to lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.

    The 3156th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

    A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

    This self-help book provides a twelve-week program designed to help readers unlock their creative potential. It presents a comprehensive guide to artistic inspiration and spiritual enlightenment, using various exercises and activities to help individuals overcome self-doubt, fear, and other obstacles to creativity. The book encourages readers to explore their artistic talents and abilities through activities such as morning pages and artist dates, ultimately aiming to foster self-discovery and personal growth.

    The 4535th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Happiness in Marriage by Margaret Sanger

    "Happiness in Marriage" is a guide that explores the dynamics of a successful and happy marriage. The author discusses the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and communication between partners. It also emphasizes the role of sexual compatibility and the importance of contraception in maintaining a healthy relationship. The book aims to provide practical advice and insights for couples to achieve a fulfilling and harmonious marital life.

    The 4745th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. AA Big Book by Bill W

    The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism

    This book is a foundational guide for the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program and its 12-step method to overcome alcohol addiction. It offers detailed explanations of each step, personal stories of recovery, and advice on maintaining sobriety. The book also provides support and guidance for families and friends of alcoholics to understand the nature of addiction and how to assist in the recovery process.

    The 4745th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Motivation and Personality by Abraham Maslow

    A Theory of Human Motivation

    This book is a seminal work in the field of psychology, focusing on the theory of human motivation and personality. The author posits that humans have a hierarchy of needs, with basic survival needs at the bottom and self-actualization at the top. This hierarchy influences all human behavior, as individuals strive to meet these needs in order. The book also explores the concept of peak experiences, moments of extraordinary happiness and fulfillment, which are often associated with self-actualization. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior and motivation.

    The 4912th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Atomic Habits by James Clear

    An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

    This book explores the power of small habits and incremental changes in order to achieve significant personal and professional growth. The author delves into the science behind habit formation and provides practical strategies to break bad habits and build good ones. Through insightful anecdotes and actionable advice, "Atomic Habits" offers a roadmap for individuals to transform their lives by harnessing the compounding effect of small habits.

    The 5044th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

    And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman

    This book is a collection of humorous and candid essays reflecting on the struggles and joys of being a woman in the modern world. The author uses wit and honesty to discuss topics such as aging, beauty, marriage, parenting, and feminism. The book is a celebration of womanhood and a contemplation of the inevitable challenges of getting older, offering both laughter and wisdom.

    The 5263rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

    One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

    The memoir chronicles a woman's journey of self-discovery and healing after a painful divorce. She spends a year traveling to three different countries, each representing a different aspect of her personal growth. In Italy, she indulges in pleasure and learns to appreciate life's simple joys. In India, she explores her spirituality and finds inner peace through meditation. In Indonesia, she seeks to balance the two extremes and ends up finding love again. Her experiences throughout the year help her regain her sense of self and happiness.

    The 6396th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore

    A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life

    This book is a guide for personal growth that encourages readers to explore their inner selves and develop a deeper, more spiritual understanding of their own lives. The author suggests that by acknowledging the sacredness of everyday experiences and appreciating the beauty in ordinary things, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment. The book offers practical advice on how to nurture one's soul through love, work, and daily life, emphasizing the importance of self-care and spiritual development.

    The 6503rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*Ck by Mark Manson

    A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

    "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" is a self-help book that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to embrace a more honest and practical approach to life. With a blend of humor and brutal honesty, the author explores the importance of choosing our values wisely, accepting our flaws, and focusing our energy on what truly matters. Through personal anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, the book offers a refreshing perspective on finding happiness and fulfillment in a world that often prioritizes superficial success and constant positivity.

    The 6936th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

    The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

    The book is a groundbreaking exploration of the science behind female sexuality, debunking common myths and providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence sexual well-being. It emphasizes the uniqueness of every woman's sexual journey and the role of stress, mood, trust, and body image in shaping sexual experiences. The author combines psychology, anatomy, and personal anecdotes to empower women to embrace their sexuality, understand their bodies, and pursue authentic sexual pleasure. The central message is that women's sexual experiences are normal and that understanding the dual control model of sexual response can lead to healthier and more satisfying sex lives.

    The 7430th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. 10% Happier by Dan Harris

    How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works

    "10% Happier" is a memoir that chronicles the personal journey of a skeptical news anchor who embarks on a quest to find inner peace and happiness. Through his encounters with meditation and mindfulness, the author shares his struggles, insights, and the transformative effects these practices have had on his life. With a blend of humor and vulnerability, the book offers a relatable and practical approach to finding greater happiness and balance amidst the chaos of modern life.

    The 7709th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray

    The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex

    This self-help book offers insight into the fundamental differences between men and women, suggesting they might as well be from different planets. It explores how these differences can create misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships, and provides practical advice on how to overcome these issues. The book emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting these differences to foster better communication, understanding, and ultimately, stronger relationships.

    The 7873rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

    Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

    "Make Your Bed" is a motivational self-help book that emphasizes the importance of small tasks and habits in achieving success. Drawing from his experiences as a Navy SEAL, the author shares valuable lessons on discipline, resilience, and determination. Through practical advice and inspiring anecdotes, the book encourages readers to start their day by making their bed, symbolizing the completion of a task and setting the tone for a productive day ahead. It serves as a reminder that even the simplest actions can have a profound impact on one's life.

    The 8205th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. F*Ck Feelings by Sarah Bennett, Michael Bennett

    One Shrink's Practical Advice for Managing All Life's Impossible Problems

    This self-help book takes a pragmatic and humorous approach to managing life's inevitable challenges and emotional struggles. It argues against the popular notion that we should always trust our feelings, instead suggesting that we focus on setting realistic goals and accepting our limitations. With a blend of tough love and irreverent wit, the book offers guidance on a variety of topics, from relationships and parenting to work and self-esteem, providing readers with actionable advice on how to deal with life's imperfections and find satisfaction without chasing unattainable ideals of happiness and success.

    The 9459th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Stumbling On Happiness by Daniel Gilbert

    Understanding the Science of Happiness

    In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the concept of happiness and why humans often struggle to find it. Drawing on psychological research and personal anecdotes, he challenges our assumptions about what makes us happy and reveals the flaws in our ability to predict our own future emotions. With wit and insight, the author offers a fresh perspective on the pursuit of happiness, urging readers to question their own beliefs and embrace the uncertainty that comes with it.

    The 11331st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Book Lust by Nancy Pearl

    Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason

    "Book Lust" is a comprehensive guide for avid readers, offering a wide array of thematic book recommendations across various genres and topics. Compiled by a seasoned librarian, the book serves as a resource for discovering new and interesting reads, providing brief overviews and categorizing books in unique and engaging ways. Whether readers are looking for novels about the sea, memoirs about personal journeys, or intriguing non-fiction, this guide helps navigate the vast world of literature, sparking the curiosity and interest of bibliophiles looking to expand their reading horizons.

    The 11331st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download