Self love books have a way of meeting you right where you are. Whether you are running on empty, stuck in a loop of overthinking or just craving a little encouragement, the right book can help you rebuild your confidence and remember what makes you special. These are the 10 best self love books for women that I come back to again and again, plus exactly who each one is best for.
Quick answer: The best self love books for women are The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. Start with Brené Brown if perfectionism is wearing you down, Jen Sincero if you need a confidence boost and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst if you want a faith-based read.
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Why Self Love Books Help When You Feel Stuck
Table of Contents
I know what it’s like to lose hope in yourself and feel like you just can’t get your mind in the right place. Daily stress has a way of wearing you down until you lose sight of what brings you joy. I’ve been there.
The one thing that always brings me back is reading. A good self help book gives you new language for what you are feeling and simple tools to work through it. Sometimes the answer is so obvious you wonder how you missed it. Other times your mind gets blown wide open by ideas you never would have imagined. Pair a few pages a day with these simple self care tips that give big results and you will be surprised how quickly your mindset starts to shift.
The Best Self Love Books at a Glance
| Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Gifts of Imperfection | Brené Brown | Letting go of perfectionism |
| The Universe Has Your Back | Gabrielle Bernstein | Turning fear into faith |
| Present Over Perfect | Shauna Niequist | Burnout and busy moms |
| The Power of Now | Eckhart Tolle | Quieting an anxious mind |
| I’ve Been Thinking | Maria Shriver | Quick daily reflection |
| Girl, Wash Your Face | Rachel Hollis | Motivation and goal setting |
| Uninvited | Lysa TerKeurst | Healing from rejection |
| You Are a Badass | Jen Sincero | Building confidence |
| The Untethered Soul | Michael A. Singer | Letting go of negative thoughts |
| The Four Agreements | Don Miguel Ruiz | Not taking things personally |
10 Self Love Books for Women That Will Change Your Life
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
If you are a recovering perfectionist this is where I would start. Brené Brown is a researcher who studies shame and vulnerability, and here she lays out ten guideposts for what she calls wholehearted living. It reads like a long talk with a wise friend who gently reminds you that you are enough exactly as you are. The 10th anniversary edition adds a new foreword and tools to help you make the work your own.
Best for: perfectionism, people pleasing and building self worth
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2. The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabby Bernstein teaches you how to swap fear for faith and trust that life is working out for you, even when everything feels uncertain. The chapters are short and practical, which makes it an easy book to pick up on a hard day. If you love affirmations, this one pairs perfectly with my daily gratitude affirmations.
Best for: anxiety about the future and spiritual self help
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3. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
This collection of essays is for every woman who has said yes to too much. Shauna shares her own journey away from constant busyness and the pressure to keep up toward a life built around rest, connection and what truly matters. It is especially good for moms who feel stretched thin and need permission to slow down. If mornings are where your day falls apart, my morning wellness routine is a great place to put this mindset into practice.
Best for: burnout, overwhelm and faith-based readers
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4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This modern classic has sold millions of copies around the world for a reason. Eckhart Tolle teaches you to step out of the nonstop stream of thoughts about the past and the future and actually live in the present moment. It is a deeper, more spiritual read so I like to take it one chapter at a time. If stress has you running on autopilot, read my tips on staying positive through everyday adult stress too.
Best for: overthinking, anxiety and mindfulness
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5. I’ve Been Thinking by Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver gathers short reflections, prayers and meditations that you can read one at a time. Each piece takes just a few minutes, which makes it perfect for your nightstand or your morning coffee. I love pairing it with a quick entry in a one line a day journal.
Best for: daily reflection and busy schedules
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6. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Each chapter tackles a lie Rachel once believed about herself and shows how she pushed past it. It is upbeat, honest and full of tough love for the woman who has put her own dreams on hold. Read it when you need a nudge to start setting goals for yourself again, and pair it with my guide to finding your purpose.
Best for: motivation, goal setting and stepping outside your comfort zone
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7. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
If you have ever felt left out, less than or lonely, this book feels like a hug in written form. Lysa opens up about her own painful experiences with rejection and walks you through finding your worth in God’s love instead of other people’s approval. Pair it with these Bible verses to calm an anxious soul.
Best for: Christian readers and healing from rejection
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8. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Funny, bold and a little sassy, this is the confidence boost every woman needs at least once. Jen Sincero helps you stop doubting yourself, rethink the limiting beliefs you picked up along the way and start going after the life you actually want. Heads up, there is some colorful language. For more feel good inspiration check out these choose happiness quotes.
Best for: confidence and self esteem
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9. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
This book completely changed the way I think about the voice in my head. Singer explains how to notice that inner chatter without getting swept up in it and how to let go of the emotional baggage that keeps you stuck. It is spiritual without being preachy. If you like practical mindset shifts, try these simple brain hacks for happiness next.
Best for: letting go of negative thoughts and finding inner peace
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10. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Short, simple and so powerful. Rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom, the book lays out four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. They are easy to remember and they apply to almost every situation, from work drama to family life.
Best for: setting boundaries and not taking things personally
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How to Choose the Right Self Love Book for You
Not sure where to start? Match the book to what you need most right now.
- For confidence and self esteem: You Are a Badass or Girl, Wash Your Face
- For perfectionism and self worth: The Gifts of Imperfection
- For anxiety and overthinking: The Power of Now or The Untethered Soul
- For faith-based encouragement: Uninvited or Present Over Perfect
- For busy moms with five spare minutes: I’ve Been Thinking or The Four Agreements
- For a spiritual reset: The Universe Has Your Back
Simple Ways to Make Reading Part of Your Self Care Routine
Self love is built in small daily moments. These habits make it so much easier to actually finish the books you start.
- Read 10 pages before you check your phone in the morning. Waking up a little earlier makes this so much easier.
- Turn it into a ritual with a cup of relaxing tea and your coziest matching loungewear set.
- Write down one takeaway in your journal after each chapter.
- Pick one idea from each book and practice it for a week before moving on.
- Pair your reading with a gentle reset like the 75 Soft Challenge.
Self Love Books FAQ
What is the best self love book for women?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is the best self love book for most women. It is research based, easy to read and focused on accepting yourself as you are. If you want something more upbeat and motivational, go with You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
What self love book should I read first?
Start with the book that matches what you are struggling with most right now. Choose The Four Agreements if you want something short, The Gifts of Imperfection for perfectionism and The Power of Now if your mind never seems to slow down.
Are there Christian self love books?
Yes. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst and Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist are both written from a Christian perspective and weave faith in throughout. Girl, Wash Your Face also touches on the author’s personal faith.
What books help with self worth and confidence?
You Are a Badass, Girl, Wash Your Face and The Gifts of Imperfection are three of the best books for building self worth. Each one helps you spot the negative beliefs holding you back and replace them with healthier ones.
Do self love books really work?
They work best when you put what you read into practice. Choose one idea from each book and try it for a week. Reading is not a replacement for professional support, so if you are struggling with your mental health please reach out to your doctor or a licensed therapist.
Do self love books make good gifts?
Absolutely. A self love book is a thoughtful gift for a friend going through a tough season. Find more ideas in my holiday gift guide for moms, and if you are shopping for the men in your life, check out these inspirational books every man should read.
More Self Care Posts You Will Love
- 6 Simple Self Care Tips That Give Big Results
- My Morning Wellness Routine
- Gratitude Affirmations: How This Daily Habit Can Improve Your Life
- How One Line Journaling Can Help You Embrace Mindful Parenting
- The Benefits of Waking Up Early
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