Blog

Self-help books have been around for a long time. Readers of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will remember Mr. Collins reading aloud from Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. It was a late 18th and early 19th century book that advises women on how to conduct their lives.

Since then the self-help book industry has grown exponentially. When someone asks me to recommend a self-help book, I try to consider what they are really looking for? Inspiration, healing, self-improvement or general guidance of personal conduct? Here is the way I think about self-help books. First, by the background of the author and second by the focus of the book.

Spiritual or Secular Authorship

Spiritual authorship titles are usually written by clergy of organized religions or devout practitioners of spiritual movements. The secular titles are written by professionals (doctors, psychologists) or by an individual whose life experience conveys some expertise.

Specific or General Focus

A book with a specific focus proposes to help the reader with a specific problem: addictions, overcoming obstacles like intense fears, changing your career or finding a mate. General focus books try to help the reader with a more holistic approach.

-

When bad things happen to good people

By Harold S. Kushner

Rabbi Kushner writes about suffering and loss.

The gift of years : growing older gracefully

By Joan Chittister

A Benedictine sister writes about growing older.

-

The four agreements : a practical guide to personal freedom

By Miquel Ruiz

Shamanic teacher and healer presents a code of personal conduct.

The power of now : a guide to spiritual enlightenment

By Eckhart Tolle

Spiritual teacher Tolle shares his philosophy for living.

-

How to win friends and influence people 

By Dale Carnegie

Salesman's 1936 longlasting bestseller improves communication skills.

First things first : to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy

By Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill

Businessman Covey and team write about time management.

-

The examined life: how we lose and find ourselves

By Stephen Grosz

Psychoanalyst Grosz  discusses techniques to apply to everyday lives.

The road less traveled : a new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth

By M. Scott Peak

Psychiatrist Peck explains principles that lead to a lifetime of sustained growth.