13 Books To Learn About Self-Love

Life is about relationships, and one of the most important relationships you can have is with yourself. Why? “If you can’t love yourself how can you love anybody else?” is a platitude often said regarding this universal truth, although it needs some clarification, let’s say it this way:

“If you don’t care enough for yourself to develop into a person that’s decent to look at and talk to, why would anyone like you?” And you do want to be liked, at least by someone, don’t you? Learn to love and care for yourself with these books.

Who contributed to this article?

Lorea M. Sample from LoreaSample

Bridget Fonger from Superhero of Love, LLC

Calvin Rosser from Life Reimagined

Renee M. Powers from Feminist Book Club

Venus Nicolino from Dr. V

Dr. Chris Donaghue from Dr. Chris Donaghue

Kati Morton LMFT from Kati Morton LMFT

Tina B. Tessina from Dr. Romance’s Guide to Finding Love Today

Charlotte McKee from Big Cloud

Adina Mahalli from EnlightenedReality

Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku

Katie Bisson from Xometry

Kathryn Vigness from Kathryn Vigness

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#1 Unlearning Unworthiness by Lorea M. Sample

This book is a must read because it not only points to our personal points of inner-greatness, but it is a compassionate and relatable read that calls you into accountability of rising from within and becoming on your own terms.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#2 Superhero of Love: Heal Your Broken Heart & Then Go Save the World

If your heart is aching from a fresh break-up or even an old wound from a love lost, this book will hold your hand through the process of coming to the other side of that pain more powerful than ever.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#3 Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha

If you struggle with self-compassion, this book is incredible. In helping you become a more adept observer and friend to your thoughts, Tara Brach provides you with the tools you need to overcome your feelings of deficiency.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#4 The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

Personal Recommendation: I was incredibly impressed by the breadth of this book. It goes well beyond the usual, privileged trope of JUST LOVE YOURSELF OK?! to include intersectional context for how and why body shame is so invasive and how to combat it. An excellent read with actionable tips that could’ve easily been much longer!

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#5 Bad Advice: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of Bullshit

Pop culture tells you you can’t love anyone until you love yourself. Well, Dr. V calls BS. Bad Advice offers a fiercely smart wake-up call from relationship expert and larger-than-life TV personality, Dr. V. She’s tackling some of self-help’s most damaging truisms and unpacking strategies for real transformation. According to Dr. V, pop culture consistently tells us to love ourselves… but no where does it say how… until now.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#6 Rebel Love: Break the Rules, Destroy Toxic Habits, and Have the Best Sex of Your Life

Rebel Love welcomes all sexualities and identities no matter where you fall on the spectrum and empowers people to be authentically who they are both in and out of the bedroom. Dr. Chris’s prescription for hotter, healthier sex — the two go hand in hand — encourages you to stop participating in patriarchal stereotypes, broaden your sexual horizons, and have amazing sex. Best of all, he shows you how with real-world examples and inspirational case studies.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#7 Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health

Everyone struggles with mental health issues from time to time, but the greatest level of misunderstanding comes from knowing the difference between mental health and mental illness, figuring out whether we need professional help and, if so, how to find it.

Are u ok? walks readers through the most commonly asked questions about mental health and the process of getting help. From finding the best therapist to navigating harmful and toxic relationships and everything in between, licensed family therapist and YouTube sensation Kati Morton clarifies and de-stigmatizes the struggles so many of us go through, and encourages readers to reach out for help. What are the red flags of a mental health issue?

How do you go about making a first therapy appointment? How do you know if your therapist is a good fit for you? What are the best ways of talking about mental health with your family, friends and colleagues? There are so many questions and concerns, and in the down-to-earth, friendly tone that makes Kati Morton so popular on YouTube, Are u ok?informs and reminds us that we can get through the difficult times and we are never alone.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#8 THE REAL 13TH STEP by Tina Tessina Ph.D.

The Real Thirteenth Step is a powerful exercise and information-packed manual to accompany the journey of people in recovery. Readers will learn how to develop the three central skills of true autonomy-risk taking, problem solving, and coping with failure-and how to apply them to every aspect of their lives: relationships, work, decision-making, stress, and the temptations of addiction.

Discover the six steps necessary to create real inner change: techniques so powerful, they’re called magical tools. These tools are taught through exercises proven in therapy and workshops to help clients gain control of their lives and remain free of relapse. With the exercises and guidelines in this book, readers can learn what they need to complete their recovery and achieve self-confidence and autonomy. Dr. Tessina invites you to move beyond recovery to a satisfying life of joy and healthy relationships.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#9 Body Positive Power – Megan Crabbe

This is such an empowering read and teaches you to break free from the shackles of societal pressures that teach us to hate ourselves if we’re not super skinny, with flowing hair and perfect skin. It’s an all round positive book on acceptance, inclusion and diversity in all bodies and it’s hard NOT to give yourself a bit more love after reading this book.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#10 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

In this book, Manson guides readers on how to stop trying to always be positive, and how doing so can actually lead to true happiness. He’s all about being real and practical about the bad things in life. The book talks about how the key to happiness is not specifically optimism, but rather, learning how to handle negative events. It’s all about embracing the bad and working with it, not trying to ignore it.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#11 You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

The book is on holistic healing – health disease does not exist in isolation.. It is backed up by your belief systems and emotional patterns.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#12 Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

This book takes real-life examples and forces you to hold a mirror in your face to determine how you can grow personally and professionally. It also provides comic relief during the discussion of tough topics in life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling personally or professionally in addition to any woman who just needs a good read.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

#13 Growing Wild: Answering the Call to Rise While Staying Rooted in Love

Growing Wild follows Kathryn’s life from the farm, as a heartbroken girl longing for answers and certainty, to adulthood where she seeks external acceptance and her happily ever after.

In her quest for identity, she shapeshifts through roles as the fixer, the grad student, the professional, the wife, the mother, the philanthropist, and the caregiver. Checking all the boxes and doing all the right things to create her perfect life, Kathryn realizes she still isn’t there–which brings her to confront her deepest fear: that she’ll never be enough.

Before buying a book make sure to compare price and outlet, we have included links below to several large book outlets for different regions in the world:

Search for the audiobook here (Audible)

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