13 Self-Love Books to Help You Rediscover Your Self-Worth

The word ‘self-worth’ has been thrown around a lot lately.

Most people, however, are oblivious to the fact that the path towards discovering self-worth begins with improving your self-esteem.

You can think of self-worth as the culmination of the thoughts and the feelings about yourself that come from an enhanced sense of who you are and your actual potential. In short, it can affect almost all aspects of your life, ranging from your love life to your career.

Best Self-Love Books to Improve Your Self-Worth

The following 13 books will not only improve your self-worth but also teach you about self-love and self-esteem.

1. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer

If you are looking for a book narrating a one-on-one discussion about consciousness and the self, this is the book you should read.

One of the best books by Michael Singer, founder of Temple of the Universe, a yoga and meditation center, it explores the notion of the inner self and the elements that define your identity.

He goes on to explain how the development of consciousness can enable us to dwell in the present moment and let go of the painful past, leading to self-realization and improved self-worth.

Though the book talks about self-awareness intensely, Singer is witty and light-hearted throughout the book, making you laugh every few seconds.

2. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Dr. Brené Brown

Author Dr. Brené Brown explains how you can engage the world in a worthy manner, through her captivating writing style.

Brené is a leading authority on common human traits such as shame, authenticity, and belonging, which she usually covers in her books. The book exposes the popular myth that only perfection can lead to a happy and fulfilling life.

Most people spend their lives trying to prove themselves to others, they try to be someone the society wants them to be. As a result, they fail to recognize their real self-worth.

Brené manages to explain to the readers that it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect and vulnerable. Instead of becoming someone you are supposed to be, you should focus on embracing who you are.

The book comprises 10 guideposts on the power of wholehearted living, describing how you can cultivate the courage and the compassion to connect with your inner self.

3. How to Love Yourself (And Sometimes Other People): Spiritual Advice for Modern Relationships by Lodro Rinzler and Meggan Watterson

As the title suggests, the book is about learning to love yourself irrespective of the happenings in your life.

However, authors Lodro Rinzler and Meggan Watterson have covered several aspects of life, including sex, self-worth, relationship crisis, deep friendships, self-love, and maintaining an open mind through it all. Both authors argue that you are worthy of self-love and the love of others regardless of the vicissitudes of your life.

Neither Watterson nor Rinzler is an expert in the matters of the heart. Therefore, this book isn’t a hands-on guide on how to make someone fall in love with you.

However, it vividly explores the idea of self-love, providing you with the tools and practical anecdotes that help you embrace all manifestations of love. So, even if you are not a spiritual person, you will love this book.

4. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

You may appreciate the wisdom shared by most spiritual authors, life coaches, therapists, and even your friends, but when a holocaust survivor shares such knowledge, it is bound to give you goosebumps. That’s what you are likely to experience when reading this book.

In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl, a neurologist and psychiatrist-turned-holocaust-survivor, talks about his horrible experiences in Auschwitz. At the same time, he explains that suffering is an inevitable part of life and you must not let it stop you from enhancing your self-esteem and self-worth.

The moment you start reading this book, you immediately start to put your own life into perspective. After all, none of your daily problems can ever come close to surviving a death camp. It changes your mindset profoundly.

5. Falling in Love With Where You Are: A Year of Prose and Poetry on Radically Opening Up to the Pain and Joy of Life by Jeff Foster

Just like “Man’s Search for Meaning,” this book also talks about accepting pain and agony just the way you enjoy the moments of joy and triumph.

Author Jeff Foster articulately combines poetry and prose, capturing readers’ attention. He insists that you should find comfort in your present situation, irrespective of how it may seem because it is a part of your life.

In other words, “Falling in Love With Where You Are” encourages you to be kind with yourself, embrace your imperfections, and learn to deal with so-called taboos without fear.

Can you imagine a better way to rediscover your self-worth? Jeff’s unique writing style inspires you and sometimes even provokes you to start the journey towards self-healing.

6. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

Spiritual maestro and internationally renowned writer, Don Miguel Ruiz, presents his ideas on leading a fulfilling life and recognizing your self-worth in this book. No wonder “The Four Agreements” was a New York Times bestseller for over 8 years!

The book presents the readers with the ancient Toltec wisdom that is strikingly similar to most modern ideas about self-worth, self-love and leading a happy life.

For example, Ruiz claims that all children are inherently happy. However, parents often subject them to false or pretentious worth-standards. As a result, they never learn to identify their actual potential or self-worth.

The book details the four agreements, including “Be Impeccable with your Word,” “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” “Don’t Make Assumptions,” and “Always Do Your Best.” Ruiz argues that living these four agreements is probably the most challenging thing you will ever do. However, it is well worth the effort.

7. You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job: And Other Reminders of Your Awesomeness by Workman Publishing

“You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job” is perhaps the most unusual book on this list. More than 20 artists and designers, including Emily McDowell (who did the cover art) and Mary Kate McDevitt, have worked together to create this book. It comprises almost 200 quotes and lyrics written in a hand-lettered style of art.

The idea behind this book is to encourage readers to say thank you or pat themselves on the back even for their smallest daily achievement. Therefore, this book makes a great gift to appreciate your friends, family members, and colleagues. It is a good book to rediscover one’s self-worth.

8. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” is a work of fiction that offers a different take on Heaven, life and death, and finding life’s purpose.

The book tracks the life and death of a war veteran named Eddie. After his death, Eddie meets five people who explain his entire life to him. They may be his loved ones or complete strangers.

As the five characters recount Eddie’s life on earth, it makes readers reflect on their own. It reminds you of how people lose themselves in their obsession with fame and fortune. In other words, this fictional novel can inspire you to rediscover your self-worth.

If you like reading fiction, reading this novel is an excellent way to decipher the eternal question, “What is the purpose of my life on earth?”

9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Originally written in Portuguese by Paulo Coelho, the book follows the life of Santiago, an adventurous young Andalusian shepherd.

Santiago wants to find the treasure at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he discovers that his dreams and aspirations belong not only to him; they are also a part of the Soul of the Universe.

As Santiago’s journey unfolds, you learn about the importance of following your dreams and listening to your inner voice. More importantly, it teaches us never to give up on hope, no matter how dire our circumstances are.

Santiago’s personal legend is nothing but his personal goal. Unfortunately, most people never fulfill their own personal goals, whatever the reasons may be. “The Alchemist” encourages you to recognize your self-worth and pursue your goals.

10. The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein

Fear and anxiety are the cornerstones of low self-esteem, which in turn affects your self-worth negatively. In her New York Times bestseller, “The Universe Has Your Back,” Gabrielle Bernstein illustrates how to turn your fear into your faith.

Through her superb narrative, backed by her own life experiences, Bernstein teaches you to see the circumstances in your life from the perception of love.

The book also presents the readers with a range of techniques to deal with uncertainty and insecurities in general.

The compelling stories she shares ooze faith and happiness, the two fundamental elements that can help you discover your true self-worth. Therefore, this makes a good read, especially if you are going through a rough patch.

11. The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Dr. Kelly McGonigal

Willpower plays a critical role in defining your self-worth. The higher your willpower, the greater your self-worth. If you want to increase your willpower, this book is for you.

The author, Dr. Kelly McGonigal, is a Stanford University psychologist who provides thought-provoking insights on willpower.

She argues that willpower acts like a muscle. In other words, any demanding activity can exhaust your willpower, just as your muscles feel tired when they undergo a rigorous workout. It also means you can strengthen your willpower through focused exercise.

Dr. McGonigal offers practical tips and tons of mind hacks to increase willpower. She also explains how to use willpower to reach your goals. However, to experience the benefits of this book, you must apply the tricks mentioned in it. They work!

12. No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

The lack of self-discipline is a source of low self-worth. Self-discipline enables you to leverage your skills and insights to seize the opportunities coming your way. When you accomplish things, your self-worth increases.

“No Excuses!” not only explains the importance of self-discipline in detail but also offers practical tips on manifesting its power in real life. In fact, author Brain Tracy claims that you don’t need exceptional skills to lead a successful life, all you need is self-discipline.

The book covers 21 areas of life where self-discipline plays a crucial role in three parts.

In the first part, Tracy talks about the significance of self-discipline in personal life, while the second part explores the role of self-discipline in business and finances. The third part covers how self-discipline affects your overall life, including physical health, marriage, and family relationships.

13. Adventures for Your Soul: 21 Ways to Transform Your Habits and Reach Your Full Potential by Shannon Kaiser

Most people never reach their full potential because somewhere along the line they stop taking risks and start playing safe. If you ever feel like you could do more with your life or that some of your traits are holding you back, you have to read “Adventures for Your Soul.”

The author, Shannon Kaiser, is a well-known inspirational author, speaker, and life coach. She offers practical advice on loving yourself and listening to your inner voice.

The book consists of 21 chapters, talking about the various things that may be holding you back from leading a fulfilling life.

She explains the concept of ‘could versus should’ in a crisp manner. Drawing from her personal experiences, Kaiser provides specific exercises to help you figure out your life and overcome the hurdles that might be holding you back.

Conclusion

The lack of self-worth can lead to a miserable personal and professional life.

While reading the above-mentioned books on self-love may not change your life overnight, it will certainly set you on the path of self-improvement. Eventually, you will be able to rediscover your self-worth.