“In her new book, author and podcaster Mel Robbins explains how to keep people’s drama and opinions from messing with your life. Robbins delves into how she learned to let others do what they’ve gotta do without trying to manage them. She also interviews mental health professionals about why this concept (which she calls the ‘Let Them Theory’) is so freeing.

I’m a self-proclaimed people pleaser and a clinically diagnosed anxious individual (generalized anxiety disorder, to be exact). When I can’t know everything about life’s circumstances—or do anything about them—I ruminate. This book taught me that I’m wasting tons of precious energy on what I can’t control. But, by reminding myself to just ‘let them,’ I can release the need to influence how others act and what they think of me.” —Sam Brodsky, Staff Writer at Wondermind

“This memoir follows an introvert who decides to act more extroverted for a year as she challenges herself to talk to strangers, travel alone, host a dinner party, and more. I read this book when I was a 20-something introvert living in a new city by myself. I felt isolated and afraid that I’d never actually experience life if I didn’t take some kind of move forward.

Since reading Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come, I’ve graduated from all the levels of improv at my local theater and I’ve made dozens of incredible friends by putting myself out there—as the author did. I’ve also never been more excited to try things, even if it means I fail at them. To leave you with a quote from the book, ‘I really like my comfort zone, but I also know I’ll be OK if I leap into the unknown or the scary for a little while.’” —Chanel V., 29

“There can be a lot of stigma around not drinking, which makes it even more difficult to drink less. That’s why this workbook, from journalist and sober-ish human Hilary Sheinbaum, features prompts and exercises that make cutting back on alcohol less daunting. It‘s full of tools to help you reflect on your relationship with alcohol, set goals for going dry, and document your journey.

And it works! Going Dry helped me feel more confident turning down a drink and limiting alcohol in general. For example, if I’m the only one not drinking with friends or coworkers, someone always asks me why. I used to get a drink just to avoid those awkward questions, but Going Dry empowered me to check those social pressures. With this book’s assistance, I’m doing Dry January again this year, and I might keep going after the month ends.” —Victoria N., 33

“Growing up, I was a perfectionist, which translated into a major fear of failure. But reading Mindset changed the way I thought about failure. The book, written by the psychologist and researcher who coined the growth mindset theory, taught me that I was only pushing myself within my comfort zone. In order to grow and succeed, I needed permission to fail and to learn from those failures. Instead of looking at life as a win-or-lose situation, I needed to see it as one where I could win or I could learn. Since reading Mindset, I have been much more inclined to say yes to opportunities that I may have dismissed. I owe a lot of my newfound courage to the book.” —Jamie K., 29

“Since the pandemic, the topic of self-care is mentioned frequently in sessions, and I love having this storehouse of self-care tips to recommend. With sharp wit, a deep understanding of the need to de-stress, and clear descriptions of over 200 self-care exercises, Borges’s book is several therapy sessions worth of information in one accessible package.” —Ryan Howes, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Pasadena, CA

“Sarah Blondin is one the most loved/cherished meditation teachers on the internet. She wrote this book and it’s clear every single word came from her heart. I recommend the audiobook, as there is a calming and soothing presence she creates with her voice, and it adds to the poetic intelligence and nature of the text. This book will help an individual detach from the busyness of the day (typically accompanied by the related anxious thoughts) and center themselves in the body—more specifically in the heart space, where we give and receive love. The question, ‘What is self-love?’ has now gone viral. Well, Sarah answers this question in the most brilliant way. A pro tip is to listen to this text before bedtime.” —Nina Polyné, PsyD, a psychologist based in San Diego, CA

“If you’ve ever wondered, Why am I like this?, this book might have the answer. Maybe it’s obvious, but a lot of our default behaviors—like being passive, people pleasing, or avoiding the things we know we need to deal with—started as a childhood coping mechanism. In this book, an actual therapist shares her own story and the stories of some very relatable clients that will make you feel seen. She also includes journal prompts and thought exercises that can help you work through your own shit. I have SO many pages of this book dog-eared to come back to when I feel like I’m sliding back into old habits, and I recommend this one to all my friends dealing with family drama.” —Ashley Oerman, Deputy Editor at Wondermind 

“This book has changed my life. It gave me practical strategies for getting my obsessive worrying under control, explaining strategies that actually work. Dr. Leahy talks about ‘uncertainty training.’ He says that chronic worriers believe that we cannot stand uncertainty, and so we worry until we get certainty about something. But certainty cannot always be had, especially with the future. And so, learning to live with uncertainty and become comfortable with it is necessary. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it becomes easier over time, miraculously. And then you stop worrying because you are OK with not knowing.” —Jordan S., 41

“Hands down, this is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of creating better habits and kicking bad ones. The book goes into easily understandable neuroscience of how habits are created and offers very practical tips and solutions to incorporate new habits into your life. I also love the idea of just being ‘1% better every day.’ So accessible!” —Shauna M., 39

“What I love about this book as an unconventional self-help choice is that it’s a collection of letters Rilke really wrote to a younger poet, only you never see the full correspondence, just Rilke’s answers. This means, as a reader, I feel Rilke is speaking directly and personally to me. While we don’t see the letters to Rilke, we know they’re from a young man deciding between a career in the army and a career in literature. This same basic question—follow your creative heart or make the practical choice?—is one I continue to come back to in my own career as my priorities shift and there are fluctuations in the world around me. I return to this book of letters yearly because the questions and the answers feel evergreen to me.” —Julia S., 31

“This is an empowering and approachable book to help people change their relationships with their thoughts via a process based on acceptance and commitment therapy. This approach teaches people to separate themselves from their thoughts, become more aware of their difficult emotions, and make changes that feel manageable and sustainable.” —Jessica Stern, PhD, clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Health

“I read this book when I was having a difficult time adjusting to a new city. This book helped me realize that it was mostly my own thoughts that were stopping me from doing the things that would make it all better—making new friends, learning the language, and adopting new traditions. And it helped me get over myself so I could go out and do all of that! The world gets so much bigger once you shift the focus of your thoughts away from yourself and towards the people or things in your environment. Read this book if you’re looking for a dose of tough love.” —Margarita Bregolat, former Marketing and Coordinating Lead at Wondermind

“This is my most recommended self-help book. Many of my clients say they see their lives in the pages of this book, which gives practical guidance, empathy, and a way to find understanding and even compassion for the emotional limitations of their parents.” —Ryan Howes, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Pasadena, CA

“This is one of those books I return to over and over again when I need a good pep talk. In a super accessible and engaging way, Gilbert points out all the fears, anxieties, and other roadblocks that tend to keep us from dreaming big and taking risks. It’s impossible to read a few chapters of this book and not come away feeling inspired and ready to create something awesome.” —Casey Gueren, VP of Content at Wondermind 

“This is great for anyone who wants to learn how to fully invest in their passion and make it a reality. It teaches you how to stop making excuses for not writing that book or starting that business. I learned how to prioritize my craft and balance it with my other life responsibilities, which, in turn, made me happier and more creative.” —Marisa Bramwell, former Senior Producer at Wondermind

“This is a fantastically eye-opening book that allows one to find peace and fulfillment in their life through practicing gratitude and intention every day. I took notes on almost every page! It’s well-written, and it has very easy ways to immediately apply what Jay Shetty talks about to your life. While the whole book is great, what I loved and what changed my life came right in the first chapter. A quote from Charles Horton Cooley that exploded my brain: ‘I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.’ That quote changed my perspective on how I show up in my life and opened me up for all the excellent nuggets Jay Shetty reveals throughout the rest of the book.” —Shauna M., 39

“This is an excellent workbook that walks readers through exercises to help them identify their values, learn analogies for understanding their thoughts, and track difficult emotions and experiences related to anxiety that may be holding them back.” —Jessica Stern, PhD, clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Health

“While actual therapy helped me find the source of my social anxiety, this book was super handy for dealing with the day-to-day symptoms as they popped up. There are tons of helpful tips and tools you can use to reframe negative thoughts telling you that you suck or everyone can see that you’re blushing hard. Also, just reading other people’s experiences made me feel less alone, which is another bonus since social anxiety thrives on you feeling like the most awkward human on the planet.” —Ashley Oerman, Deputy Editor at Wondermind 

“It’s been a few years since I read this book, but the stories have stuck with me ever since. Unlike other science-forward self-help books, The Brain That Changes Itself is easily digestible with minimal jargon and offers a number of insightful and thought-provoking stories that’ll have you questioning everything you think you know about the brain. This book helped me realize that the brain is so much more complex than I gave it credit for. We can rewire our brains (to a certain extent), and this gave me the motivation I needed to change the way I think about my own mental health.” —Marilyn La Jeunesse, former Newsletter Editor at Wondermind

“ADHD 2.0 offers a solid strengths-based approach to ADHD, countering the often condescending, negative-symptom focus of the traditional medical model. It provides a fairly updated view of a uniquely wired brain, with a nice balance of scientific insights and personal stories. I find it helpful to refer to my clients, as it includes practical elements like a list of paradoxical ways ADHDers experience the world. This is one example of how the authors help normalize the unique experiences of neurodivergence.” —Kat Herbinson, RCC, founder and clinical director of The ADHD & Relationship Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

“Otsuka comes at ADHD from a very similar angle that I did: As a mom advocating for her child to get a diagnosis who, in the course of that, starts looking back on her own life and recognizing some of those same symptoms in herself. Many women like us fly under the radar our entire lives because we  have ‘atypical’ symptoms. So her story of being diagnosed as an adult felt very relatable to me. She’s all about reframing neurodivergence in a more positive light. I’m not big on the ‘ADHD is your superpower’ angle, but I do appreciate how she helps you look at the positive aspects that it brings to your life. Are you always the ideas person? Are you incredibly creative? Are you really empathetic? Are you great under deadline? Those kinds of things.” —Leslie A., 48

“This book by YouTuber and ADHDer Jessica McCabe is like a conversation between friends. When she shares her personal stories, you relate to her and realize that you’re not the only person having these problems. It helped me feel less alone. It’s also quite humorous—so unlike some complicated medical books about ADHD, it’s way more pleasant to read. I’m thankful for the structure too: Every chapter is divided into sections, so you can skip to the part you’re most interested in. I particularly like the toolbox section, where other people with ADHD share tips and tricks that worked for them. It gives you multiple options—so if one tool isn’t working for me, I can try another.” —Margarida M., 22

“I first encountered Dr. Barkley’s model of ADHD and the executive functions back when I was in grad school. This is a great resource, because it’s got really good research-backed strategies that can actually help you, like, tomorrow. It’s scientifically sound, but it’s very readable and very accessible. He doesn’t over-explain it. The early chapters talk more about the theories and science behind it if you want to understand that more, but you’re not bogged down by it throughout the entire book.” —Cheryl Chase, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in learning and attention disorders based in Independence, Ohio

“This self-help book is perfect for someone who is trying to make active changes in their life and looking for realistic tips and self-care practices. She pairs everyday actions with why they are helpful for people with ADHD. Dr. Hamdani is witty and vulnerable, and it feels like a friend is giving you encouraging advice and explaining how it’s worked for her. This book is such an easy read. I love flipping through the pages and finding something to try that day. I can always find something new to take away. It’s a great reminder to take care and prioritize your own self-care.” —Katie White, ADHD advocate

“Celebrating the strengths of ADHD is really important, especially for couples. The authors focus on highlighting the strengths of the partner with ADHD, like creativity or problem-solving. Getting that reassurance and appreciation from your partner for the things you do well—instead of feeling like you’re always getting criticism for being late or messy—is really good for the relationship. So much of ADHD literature is about what to fix. I love that these authors also prioritize celebration.” —Rachel Honig, MHC-LP, a counselor specializing in ADHD based in New York City

“With the hundreds of to-dos that we have with work and family and everything, it’s hard enough for someone who has five-star executive functioning to keep their head above water. So how do you do it when you’ve got executive functioning challenges? This book is full of actionable tips. The underlying theme is self-compassion. Not setting too-high expectations, and not beating yourself up if your house doesn’t look like it’s ready to be in a photo shoot. One of her taglines is that messiness is not a moral failing. Like, if there are dishes in the sink at the end of the night, that’s fine. Unless it upsets you, in which case she gives you ways to address that.” —Leslie A., 48

“I think I found this in a used bookstore, and the premise seemed interesting—to think about ADHD in an evolutionary way. The author does a good job of outlining the difference between ADHD ‘Hunter’ traits vs. the more neurotypical ‘Farmer’ traits. I had never heard of it framed that way before, but it felt true on so many levels and made a lot of sense. Most of all, it felt empowering to see my ADHD that way instead of pathologizing it as a disorder. Like, Fuck yeah, I’m a hunter! He also points to examples of historical figures who likely had ADHD and present-day people who have been diagnosed, and talks about how their ADHD has contributed to their success.” —Kathy Z., 37

“This is about the fascinating research into exercise and its effects on the brain, and it has a chapter specifically about ADHD. I recommend it to clients all the time. The research is pretty definitive about exercise being a huge boon for ADHD brains. That’s the major take-home message, but it’s even more fascinating when you dive into it deeper as well—the different types of exercise and how they impact the brain differently, and even the timing of different types of exercise in relationship to productivity.” —Marcy Caldwell, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and founder of The Center for ADHD in Philadelphia

“This workbook offers key insights about how ADHD symptoms in women can differ and why women are often diagnosed later in life. It examines how women experience the symptoms and effects of ADHD and offers helpful exercises to increase understanding and coping skills. The book offers real life stories and relatable examples too. It’s one I recommend to clients.” —Sharon Saline, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences based in Northampton, Massachusetts

“I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to organize and declutter in a way that works for ADHD brains. If the Marie Kondo method left you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, you’re not alone. Many of my ADHD clients experience deep shame and self-judgment because their spaces aren’t perfectly neat or tidy. The truth is, most organizing tips were designed by and for neurotypical minds. This book shifts that narrative. It encourages us to clean and organize differently, letting go of Martha Stewart-level perfectionism and embracing more realistic, ADHD-friendly approaches (like visual systems). There are also practical tips for tackling digital clutter, like managing that overflowing email inbox. Pro tip: Listen to the audiobook while you declutter so you can apply the strategies in real-time. Tackling it chapter by chapter helps you avoid the hyperfocus trap of marathon cleaning sessions.” —Liz Slonena, PsyD, an ADHD psychologist and founder of Mindful Hypnosis Counseling & Consulting in Asheville, North Carolina

“If you’re looking for a quick startup guide for all things ADHD, I highly recommend this book. Jesse wastes no time in this quick read, going over a lot of helpful tips and tricks to manage your ADHD. What makes it really stand out to me is the sheer quantity of tips in such a small book. It’s definitely worth reading.” —Andrew Robinson, LCSW, a therapist specialized in ADHD and autism and owner of Neurospicy Counseling in Missouri

“This is the first book I ever read about ADHD. I re-listen to it on Audible about once a year, when I need a refresher or just feel down or misunderstood about my diagnosis. It’s a deep dive into ADHD and the feelings and impact that come along with it. Tamara is a great storyteller, and every line feels like she took it from a personal experience of mine. She is also a mother of neurodivergent children and can speak to that perspective as well. This book always leaves me feeling so much more empowered about my brain, and every time I read or listen to it I learn or relate to something even more.” —Katie White, ADHD advocate

“This one is probably not the trendiest selection—but of all the books out there, it’s often my go-to. It’s laid out really well and has really good ‘snackable’ content, so it’s not too dense and it doesn’t overwhelm people. It’s very tip-based and has a lot of exercises and homework for things to practice.” —Rachel Honig, MHC-LP, a counselor specializing in ADHD based in New York City

“After reading numerous books on the topic, I discovered that ADHD Is Awesome provided a very enlightening approach on how to deal with my own condition. Penn and Kim take you on a deep dive into their adventures (and misadventures) while providing practical tips on how you or your loved ones can thrive with ADHD. I suggest listening to the audiobook at least once, as it feels more like being a part of a comedic podcast.” —Colin M., 49

“ADHD After Dark examines the impact of ADHD on sexual intimacy and relationships, and it’s by my all-time favorite ADHD author, Ari Tuckman. It’s a research-backed look at the emotional, physical, and communication differences between ADHD and non-ADHD partners, and offers practical strategies for dealing with these differences. I love Ari’s books because of their compassionate and accessible tone that takes complicated research and makes it easy to understand and make use of.” —Marcy Caldwell, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and founder of The Center for ADHD in Philadelphia

“Meredith offers an honest look into all things ADHD—from personal anecdotes to stories from members of her community. She sheds light on a lot of the hot topics surrounding ADHD, like people pleasing, working memory, and rejection sensitive dysphoria. And she provides great strategies and tips in the book as well. You don’t want to miss this one.” —Andrew Robinson, LCSW, a therapist specialized in ADHD and autism and owner of Neurospicy Counseling in Missouri

“This book is written by a couple. It’s about their journey of discovering that Roxanne has ADHD, and how they learned to manage the challenges that may come with it. I loved the real-life examples that I could relate to, which helped me feel seen and understood. They also share many ideas to help navigate relationships—whether you have ADHD yourself, or are the neurotypical partner trying to understand your loved one who has ADHD.” —Shane B., 51

“Boseley approaches her adult ADHD diagnosis from a journalist’s point of view. She reflects back on her life and is watching everything fall into place. It has deep dives into science, but it’s also funny and relatable, and has an emphasis on self-compassion. She does a really good job of talking about how to get over the feeling of failure that so many of us have, as well as how having ADHD can impact your relationships with people—your partner, your parents, your colleagues. It’s like an introduction to a part of yourself that you haven’t understood, but now you’re finally starting to get a grasp on.” —Leslie A., 48

“This book completely changed the way I think about the idea of trust. It helped me understand how our early experiences of trust (or mistrust) with others have powerful impacts on the way we trust others and how we learn to trust ourselves. It also showed me how childlike trust and adultlike trust are very different, and how as adults we can work on building trust in healthy ways, even when we’ve had difficult past experiences. As a therapist, this is a book I find myself suggesting to almost all of my clients at different points throughout therapy!” —Zarmina Khan, MEd, a psychotherapist with Bloom Psychology

“It helped me understand my depression as a chronic illness that can progress—it makes taking care of yourself harder, which makes depression worse, which makes taking care of yourself harder. But it showed me the reverse is also true. Whatever small way you can manage to take care of yourself (taking your meds, keeping that appointment, eating something, going outside, anything) will make it a little easier to do the next thing. It helped me see a way out of the nothingness pit.” —Taylor B., 33

“Wow! After reading this, I never looked at sleep in the same way. Not only do I now intentionally harness the power of sleep, but it also encouraged me to advocate for greater sleep awareness. As a health teacher, I now spend maybe three hours in class teaching sleep to my sophomores. We create sleep advocacy podcasts as one of our assignments and it might be the material that most resonates with my students.” —Andy M., 53

“I am a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman who finally understood this aspect of myself in my mid-40s. This book helped me see myself with a whole new viewpoint and understand how to lean into my strengths as well as support the challenges that my neurodivergence causes.” —Tan P., 48

“I read Come As You Are on the recommendation of my therapist after I’d expressed shame, guilt, and insecurities around my sex life. This book takes a science-backed approach to explain how and why almost nothing in your sex life is abnormal, and looks at how women are more conditioned from a young age to feel guilt and shame around their sexuality. I felt empowered and confident to explore more intimately with my partner post-read, and have recommended this to all my girlfriends now too!” —Cassie F., 34

“From the standpoint of someone who also endured trauma and a resulting mental health disorder, I thought Hunger did an incredible job at capturing the never-ending quest to feel enough—or safe in one’s body, which is something that many trauma survivors experience.” —Sara R., 35

“This self-help book has been extraordinarily clarifying for my clients (and for several friends!) who have unsatisfying or frustrating relationships with their parents. The author helpfully categorizes common annoying parental tropes (e.g., the parent who always seems to make every issue about themselves, or the parent who explodes when things don’t go their way) into different types of emotional immaturity. It then talks about the two types of responses that children often have to these parents, and how these responses may make forming healthy adult relationships difficult. Finally, it provides strategies for how the reader can improve their relationship with their emotionally immature parents, as well as how they can identify emotionally mature adults with whom they form relationships. —Mary Houston, LCSW, a therapist based in Durham, North Carolina

“At age 33, I started to question if I drank too much. I saw an Instagram post with a stack of books, one called Sober Curious. The title alone captured how I felt—I was curious about being sober, but not all in. I read the entire book on the plane home from vacation, resonating with Warrington’s desire to reclaim hungover hours and explore creative projects. The plane landed, and I committed to having only one drink a week. Six months later, I did a full Dry January. By February 2020, I fully quit. Warrington, a childless-by-choice New Yorker, reminded me of myself. Seeing her successful life after quitting booze inspired me to do the same.” —Kerry H., 38

“What My Bones Know was the first book I’d read that portrayed my experience with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). When I was diagnosed, it was impossible to accept things could have been ‘bad enough’ growing up to make me like this. But Stephanie Foo’s memoir was key for me in taking the steps I needed to heal as well. I was able to take the book to therapy and point to lines and say, ‘This. This is what I’ve been trying to say!’ I’m still early in all this, but I wouldn’t even have gotten this far without this book.” —Avery F., 36

“As a child, throughout high school and college, and even well into my 20s, I always thought something was wrong with me because I craved and needed quiet time. Rest, breaks from talking and listening, time to unplug, and even naps. I wondered why I was like that, and how I could try to change to be more ‘fun’ and ‘outgoing,’ or even ‘up for anything.’ When I read Quiet by Susan Cain it was one of the first times I felt seen. That it was normal, even healthy, to want and need downtime. It helped me better understand myself and, most importantly, better accept and embrace who I am.” —Allison K., 41

“It taught me what it means to have solidarity in the queer community and how liberatory politics can derive from that. I have been struggling with how therapy focuses on my personal happiness in a broken world and this book taught me how I can heal through sacrifice for a greater project and community care.” —Ty U, 33

[Editor’s note: This book can be hard to find, but you can also access the full-text free here.]

“The Dispossessed changed my perspective on working and life, the value of my efforts, and how it can either alienate or connect me to other people. All of Le Guin’s work is amazing, especially from The Hainish Cycle, but this one holds a special place in my heart.” —Dang B., 35

“Self Care is a satire about a wellness industry start-up and I read it when I was at a particularly toxic job in the same industry. It highlighted for me things I’d gotten fed up with but hadn’t been able to articulate, such as the toxic positivity and hypocrisy. Once I realized how much I related to the characters (sometimes in awful ways) I wound up quitting my job shortly after.” —Jackie R., 28

“I know everyone is burned out on burnout (haha), but as someone who was (and still is to some extent) extremely burned out, this book gave me the specific language and context to talk about it. My parents love to tell me ‘Welcome to adulthood!’ whenever I complain about work, but Can’t Even outlined a lot of the specific problems millennials have faced, from being sold the false promise of ‘never working a day in your life’ as long as you follow your passion to getting those passions exploited by jobs via low wages and overwork.

“As for how they changed my life, well, I’m now on the bargaining committee involved in unionizing my workplace and even if I’m still burned out, I feel less hopeless about it than ever.” —Frances T., 31

“I had just graduated college and was admittedly a little lost about what the future held for me. I graduated into an economy that didn’t really have much opportunity. I had a little part-time job at Barnes and Noble. I felt like Sal, a writer like myself, was on this self-discovery journey and it helped me feel a little less lost and alone. It gave me perspective, community, and a sense of self.” —Caroline R., 36

“Anam Cara is a profound exploration of the Celtic understanding of the soul and the deep connections we construct with ourselves and others. Through poetic prose and timeless wisdom, O’Donohue invites readers to access the sacredness of their inner life and the transformative power of friendship. As a psychotherapist, I have found this book to be a powerful tool, particularly in a world that glorifies romantic love at the expense of the other kinds. It offers profound insights into self-discovery and healing, providing a rich source of inspiration and reflection.” —Britt Frank, LSCSW, therapist and author of The Science of Suck

“I read this book after graduating college and was kind of panicking about my friendships and relationships changing as the structure of our lives shifted. The points about putting love first in an unselfish way in relationships (over jealousy, over FOMO, over fear) were very helpful to me.” —Ruthie D., 25

“It’s a treatment of suicide that is very, very frank by modern standards (even though it’s not ‘realistic’)—it shows pride and pressure overwhelming someone and the worst possible way to cope. I read the play at a time in college when things were pretty bleak, and the depiction of the aftermath of Ajax’s death—which solves nothing and results in more petty squabbles—led me to let go of some stresses that had seemed crushing or inescapable.” —Daniel G., 29

“As a psychiatrist, my patients often think that a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder is going to completely derail their lives. I can think of countless conversations with patients and families on the inpatient psychiatric ward and in my clinic with college students often experiencing their ‘first break’ and the fear and stigma they felt with hearing the word ‘schizophrenia’ or even symptoms like ‘paranoia’ or ‘psychosis.’ Thanks to the beautiful story of Elyn Sachs, who walks through her life in this memoir from the first time she heard voices to her journey to becoming an esteemed lawyer and professional, I have been able to show a counter-example, one of strength and growth in spite of a life-changing diagnosis. This book shows how someone can experience chronic mental illness and not just survive, but thrive.” —Jessi Gold, MD, psychiatrist and chief wellness officer for the University of Tennessee System, and author of How Do You Feel?

“A fictional romance about America’s first son and the prince of Wales falling in love! When I came out to my family this was the first book I read. Seeing queer representation on the page made me feel seen and I knew I wasn’t alone. McQuiston explained how even at 21, you’re still learning new things about yourself and you’re still allowed to be scared to tell others and scared you won’t be supported. This book helped me too much.” —Emma M., 16

“It was just this beautifully-crafted story of queer joy that gave me hope and opened me back up. It reminded me that not everything is bleak, that queer people can be happy and have happy stories and find joy in the world.” —Riz S., 29

“This book completely changed how I see friendship and, as a result, adult life. I’m a single woman in my 30s and an incredible amount of ink has been spilled about romantic relationships and marriage, but significantly less attention has been paid to the platonic relationships that make up our community. This book dares to ask: What if you took the task of maintaining your friendships as seriously as you did your career, your marriage, etc.?” —Samantha R., 32

“As someone who is friends with lots of creatives, I know several people who cite this 12-week program as the way they got out of their creativity rut—even if they didn’t complete all 12 weeks! Many of the exercises in the book are about self-reflection, putting yourself out there, and reminding yourself that perfection is not the goal. Despite the title, you don’t have to be an artist to do The Artist’s Way! I’ve done a few weeks of the program as a therapist and found them extremely helpful, especially the morning pages.” —Houston

“It’s about a man who survived the Holocaust and finding meaning by facing suffering with dignity. When I read it in grad school, it spoke to me because it had me think about holding on to some kind of hope, no matter how small. By just having a little amount of light in the dark, it can help you pull through very difficult times. I try to hold hope no matter how bleak things seem to be because it helps to keep going.” —Briana Mills, LMFT, a therapist based in Los Angeles, California

“I casually picked up The Midnight Library having no idea that it would change my perspective on life! My whole life, I’d always crushingly and annoyingly lived by this quote from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: “Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living.” BUT The Midnight Library, which literally takes its main character through all the different paths her life could’ve taken, taught me to be happy where I am and that sometimes the grass really isn’t greener on the other side.” —Emma Wright, Chief of Staff, Wondermind 

“I’m very much not a poetry person, but when I first came across Morgan Harper Nichols’s Instagram feed filled with hopeful reminders on beautiful illustrations, I became a fan of her writing. I picked up this book of her poems at a time in my life when I was completely flailing—unhappy at work, lonely as hell, sidelined by a literal pandemic, and more uncertain about the future than I had ever been. During that time, I almost used this book like a tarot deck, flipping to a random page and always getting a reminder that felt so perfect for what I was feeling. Just like her Instagram feed, these poems aren’t filled with toxic positivity or “look on the bright side” messages. It’s validating and hopeful while still acknowledging that sometimes things really suck. I’ve gifted this book so many times I’ve lost count!” —Casey Gueren, VP, Head of Content, Wondermind 

“This coloring book isn’t too intricate, so it’s fulfilling to be able to have a finished product in a relatively short period of time. The pages are pretty to look at and make me laugh! ” —Ashley S., 41

“As a teacher, I like using this watercolor workbook from Emily Lex to paint after a long day. Sometimes I paint in it while listening to music or watching TV as a way to keep my mind and my hands busy. It calms me. I can zone out and just focus on what I’m painting without needing to plan what to paint, which helps my stress levels.” —Amanda G., 25

“My clients appreciate the intricacy of Johanna Basford’s designs. This level of detail requires a focus that can be very therapeutic because it helps them stay in the moment instead of zoning in on their anxious thoughts.” —Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, ATR-BC, clinical psychologist and art therapist 

“Whenever I have something on my mind that gives me anxiety or I feel like I have to escape a chain of uncomfortable thoughts, I turn to this book and start coloring. Focusing on coloring the mandalas keeps my mind calm and present. It also gives me time to myself with no devices around!” —Janani, 21

“This coloring book is one of my favorites because of Yumi Sakugawa’s unique illustration style: fantastical and multidimensional patterns, shapes, and figures. Also, the relatable affirmations transport me into a calming, meditative state, leaving me feeling joyful and empowered.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist  

“Using Bobbie Goods coloring books and pages, like these ones here, feels therapeutic because they’re not too detailed and they help me check out of reality for a while. They calm my anxiety by shifting my focus to the colors I’m using and the stroke lines of the markers.” —Dina B., 22

“I used to just roll out of bed and log on to work right away, but now I give myself time every morning to actually eat my breakfast while coloring in this coloring book. Having that time allows me to start my day off doing something for me that’s low-pressure. I like books, like this one, with smaller areas to color so I can hyperfocus on staying inside the lines and really get into a great flow.” —Vanni L., 27

“I like this book because it makes me laugh. At first glance, it’s one thing, but if you take a moment to actually read it, there’s more to it (all the cursing, like, “I’m a mutha fuckin’ narwhal”). It’s the little things, like this, that remind me why life is worth living. Also, coloring in this book brings me back to a child-like state of mind (minus the cursing).” —Jen C., 34

“Any coloring book with lines from Schitt’s Creek, like this one, brings me joy since the show brings me joy too. I can’t help but love coloring the quotes in.” —Ashley S., 41 

“I use coloring books in sessions with clients to support their nervous system regulation, increase mindfulness, and help them feel comfortable being vulnerable. My clients appreciate this coloring book from Chetna Mehta because the imagery encourages them to practice mindful self-compassion, which can be difficult to do on their own.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist

This coloring book, recommended by Wondermind reader Jojo F., 31, is filled with hilarious commentary you might have thought at work this week. There’s “Some people need a high five in the face with a chair” (relatable!!!) and “That idea is garbage” (relatable x 100). It’s the perfect way to let off some steam during that Zoom meeting that could have been an email.

“The authors interweave clinical accounts as well as their personal stories to illustrate the many intersectional ways Asian Americans experience mental health and intergenerational trauma. They provide hands-on tools for self-regulation, exploration, and understanding that guide the reader through developing more self-awareness and insight into their mental health. Finally, they offer tangible exercises that help readers begin to honor and name traumatic experiences from their past. This is an important book and one of the few created to support Asian American communities.” —licensed psychologist Jenny Wang, PhD

“Self-care is critical yet often ignored in all of our lives. It becomes profoundly important for Black men given the various oppressive and mentally taxing factors they are up against, like disproportionate incarceration rates and police brutality. Within this social context, this book walks Black men through strategies to understand and address intergenerational trauma that can be passed from generation to generation and can be interrupted with the proper tools.” —Corey Yeager, PhD, LMFT, psychotherapist, life coach, and author of How Am I Doing? 40 Conversations to Have with Yourself

“This book is technically a memoir but has self-help ideas that may improve mental health. It’s a powerful account of how the author experienced abuse and trauma within her family of origin and yet few people intervened or spoke of these topics openly. It illustrates how, for many marginalized communities, abuse is often unrecognized and underreported. This is one of the few books written about complex PTSD within an Asian American context, and it would be powerful for readers who may have had deeply problematic or painful childhoods. It can also provide a sense of hope that no matter how our parents or past has hurt us, it is still possible to restore our sense of self and relationships to have a life worth living. The book is also a story of recovery and healing as the author learns to understand complex PTSD and embrace this aspect of herself with less harshness and much more compassion and love.” —Dr. Wang

“If you’re the artistic type, Elle’s work is for you. She teaches the reader how to understand your experiences on a deeper level, return to the self, and find and preserve your peace. She offers a variety of approachable self-help practices, and you can pick what sounds authentic and interesting to you. A highlight of the book: the transformative journal prompts.” —licensed clinical psychologist Nina Polyné, PsyD

“In this interactive title, Dr. Walker talks about Black mental health in a practical and educational way, blending the two together seamlessly. This book also gives the reader an opportunity to self-reflect and find their own version of healing and mental wellness that works for them.” —Dr. Yeager

“Dr. Thema’s writing style helps you hear some hard truths while remaining compassionate, and she assists you in meeting yourself on a deeper level while exploring your past in a meaningful way. To do all that, she offers tips for identifying signs of feeling disconnected from yourself after surviving trauma (which includes but is not limited to suffering injustices, systemic oppression, and racism), encourages you to validate your emotions, and provides methods to reconnect to the most authentic version of yourself. Her writing style is one of inclusivity and inspiration. This is a book you can go back to over and over when you need a reminder to come home to yourself.” —Dr. Polyné

“This book is a transformative guide for anyone seeking to understand their family patterns and heal from the deep wounds of intergenerational trauma. Dr. Buqué does a beautiful job explaining the deep layers of trauma and how it impacts us mentally, emotionally, and physically and provides readers with practical strategies rooted in a holistic framework to help us all heal.” —Minaa B., LMSW, licensed therapist, social worker, and author of Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World

“This is an essential addition to any wellness bookshelf, particularly for BIPOC communities. To help readers understand the importance of culturally informative care, this book speaks to the complexities of wellness culture, shedding light on its systemic exclusivity and the various ways communities and populations are often neglected or marginalized. It brings home the point of how crucial it is to understand the broader societal influences on individuals’ mental health and well-being, and this book provides invaluable insights into how certain wellness practices and ideals may perpetuate disparities and inequalities.” —psychotherapist Sarah Ahmed, MSW, RSW

“This book is a great resource for readers who identify as Christians or have a deeply rooted spiritual belief system. It explores trauma in a clinical way and highlights faith, which isn’t as widely recognized as a healing method compared to traditional therapeutic strategies, like talk therapy. Trauma impacts you not only emotionally or mentally but also on a spiritual level, and your spiritual well-being is linked to your sense of purpose and self-worth. Trauma can make you question your survival, purpose, and value in life. It can also prompt questions about the existence of God and the reason behind your suffering. Healing from trauma on a spiritual level involves finding purpose and value in one’s life and the ability to move forward despite the inevitability of hardship.” —Minaa B.

“This title is an affirmation for those on the journey to heal yourself and heal others. Avila walks you through the path of Curanderismo, the roots of our ancestors’ healing practices. Whether you are new to the craft, intermediate, or a life-long practitioner, this book will remind you of the beauty and honor of re-connecting with our Indigenous ancestors’ healing ways and welcome you in acknowledging what has been dormant in our blood.” —therapist Michelle Mojica, LCSW

“Through compelling narratives and insightful analysis, My Grandmother’s Hands explains the intricate interplay between racialized trauma and its manifestations in your mind, body, and community. Additionally, it provides invaluable guidance on healing practices, inviting the reader to engage in body-focused exercises and ancient mindfulness practices to connect to your ancestors’ wisdom. It also offers ways to improve your interactions with others and mend your heart and the wounds you may collect as you live.” —Ahmed

“Pinkola-Estés takes the many legends and myths of wild women in different cultures and breaks down what it means for women to connect to their power and strength. This book is for you if you’ve experienced having your power suppressed by the patriarchy and want to connect to your intuition. In it, the author retells the legend of La LLorona, which parents used to share with their kids as a safety warning, in a whole new way through the lens of women and Indigenous people. This and other myths and legends of wild women are found throughout the book, each reminding you of your power and strength as feminine beings and helping you to reconnect to your wildish nature, where your power emanates from.” —Mojica