15 Books to Read When You’re Working on Self-Love

Look, self love is more than just face masks and telling yourself you’re a bad bitch in the mirror (though, honestly, both are solid strategies). Real self love is deep, sometimes uncomfortable, and often requires you to unpack years of nonsense you didn’t even realize you were carrying. But don’t worry—I’ve got you. Whether you’re knee-deep in a quarter-life crisis or just trying to level up your confidence, these self love books will help you step into your power, embrace your weirdness, and actually like yourself.

15 Books to Read if You’re Working on Self Love

For Shifting Your Mindset

Because let’s be real—sometimes the biggest roadblock to self-love is your own brain. These books will help you rewire your thoughts and stop treating yourself like an unpaid intern in your own life.

• The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
  Embrace imperfection. Own your weird. Stop caring about what your great aunt thinks.
• Radical Self-Love – Gala Darling
  A mix of magic, affirmations, and a little punk rock energy to help you love yourself unapologetically.
• Self-Compassion – Kristin Neff
  Because sometimes, you need to talk to yourself like you would your best friend—not your worst critic.
• You Are a Badass – Jen Sincero
  Life-changing pep talk in book form. Read it, highlight the hell out of it, and go be great.

For Healing & Emotional Well-Being

Self-love isn’t just about confidence—it’s about healing. These books will help you stop spiraling at 2 AM and start actually addressing what’s underneath the chaos.

• How to Do the Work – Dr. Nicole LePera
  Therapy, but make it DIY. Break past patterns and start healing for real.
• The Mountain Is You – Brianna Wiest
  For when you keep getting in your own way but also kind of love the drama.
• What Happened to You? – Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
  Healing trauma through understanding, not shame. Oprah approved.
• When Things Fall Apart – Pema Chödrön
  Zen wisdom for when life is a dumpster fire and you need some inner peace.

For a Little Spirituality (Without the Woo-Woo Overload)

If you want to get in touch with your higher self without moving to a yurt in Sedona, these are for you.

• Untamed – Glennon Doyle
  Your permission slip to stop people-pleasing and start living for yourself.
• The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
  Ancient Toltec wisdom that basically says: stop taking things personally and chill out.
• The Body Is Not an Apology – Sonya Renee Taylor
  Radical self-love for your body, exactly as it is.
• Women Who Run with the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés
  If your soul has ever felt like a feral forest witch, this one’s for you.

For Actually Doing the Work (a.k.a. Journaling & Habits)

Reading is great, but doing is better. These books help you take action, whether that means journaling your way to clarity or finally breaking that doomscrolling habit.

• The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
  Morning pages, creative unblocking, and figuring out WTF you actually want.
• Good Vibes, Good Life – Vex King
  Manifestation without the toxic positivity BS.
• The Self-Love Workbook – Shainna Ali
  If you need a little structure and some guided exercises, this one’s a gem.

Final Thoughts: Read, Reflect, Repeat

Self-love isn’t a one-and-done thing—it’s a practice. Some days you’ll feel like a radiant goddess, and other days you’ll just want to crawl under a weighted blanket and ignore everyone. Both are valid. The important thing is that you keep showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard. And if all else fails? Grab one of these books, make yourself a cup of tea (or a strong cocktail), and dive in. You’ve got this.

Which book are you starting with? Let’s talk self-love in the comments! 💖