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.

Publication year 1992

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Identity: Gender

Tags Gender / Feminism, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Philosophy, Philosophy, Psychology, Psychology, Fantasy, Self Help, Religion / Spirituality

Women Who Run With the Wolves (1992) is the most well-known book by author Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It became a New York Times bestseller and appeared on the bestseller lists of USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal. Other books by the same author include The Gift of Story (1993), The Faithful Gardener (1996), and Untie the Strong Woman (2011). Estés has also recorded numerous audiobooks on related topics. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology... Read Women Who Run with the Wolves Summary


Publication year 1997

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Tags Sports, Leadership/Organization/Management, Self Help, Business / Economics, Psychology, Psychology, Biography


Publication year 1975

Genre Reference/Text Book, Nonfiction

Themes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Society: Education, Identity: Language

Tags American Literature, Self Help, Education, Education


Publication year 2015

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Race, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Fame

Tags Self Help, Gender / Feminism, Memoir / Autobiography

Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person (2015) is a memoir by television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes. The book recounts the life changes that Rhimes made in 2014 when she committed herself to saying “yes” to opportunities and invitations. In 2013, Rhimes was immersed in both a successful career and a busy life, parenting three daughters. An off-hand comment by her older sister complaining... Read Year of Yes Summary


Publication year 2014

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Tags Self Help, Psychology, Health / Medicine, Religion / Spirituality, Science / Nature


Publication year 2021

Genre Essay Collection, Nonfiction

Themes Identity: Mental Health

Tags Race / Racism, Social Justice, Psychology, Self Help, Psychology, Mental Illness


Publication year 1974

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Tags Philosophy, Action / Adventure, Modern Classic Fiction, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Self Help, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Travel Literature, Classic Fiction, Religion / Spirituality

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was published in 1974. Told through the frame of a long motorcycle trip across America, the book explores life and how to best live it. The world of ideas takes center stage, providing both the conflict and resolution for living such a balanced approach to life. Perspectives from Eastern and Western philosophy and religion are referenced, highlighted, and explored, and through this exploration, the narrator addresses the pivotal... Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Summary


Publication year 2014

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Tags Business / Economics, Self Help, Leadership/Organization/Management, Science / Nature