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I really love Sundays – it honestly feels like the only day of the week when I can truly unwind.
Most Sundays, I spend almost the entire day reading, and then in the evening, I take some time to prepare for the new week ahead.
I like to kick off my week with something positive, and for me, that usually means reading a self-help book.
So, if you have some free time on Sundays and you’re looking to add uplifting and inspiring books to your reading list, you’re going to love this post.
I’ve put together a list of some amazing and truly interesting self-help books that are perfect for your self-care Sunday.
These are the kinds of books that help you unwind, relax, and learn more about yourself as you get ready for the week ahead.
On Being Human by Jennifer Pastiloff
Honestly, this book felt like a big, comforting hug.
Jen shares how being a waitress, nearly deaf, and full of self-doubt somehow led her to joy, love, and a life that finally felt like hers.
She reminds us that it’s okay to be messy, to not have it all together, and that vulnerability is powerful.
I really loved how honest she was – it made me feel seen.
This is a story about finding beauty in the unexpected and letting yourself be human, imperfections and all.
Stop Doing That Sh*t by Gary John Bishop
Gary is like that blunt but kind friend who tells you what you need to hear.
He breaks down why we keep messing up our lives – why we date the same kind of toxic people or stay stuck in bad habits – and shows us how to stop.
It’s not fluffy, but it’s real and I appreciated how direct he is.
If you’ve ever wondered why you keep sabotaging your own happiness, this one gives you the clarity (and tough love) to finally make a change.
The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips
This one is such a beautiful mix of faith, science, and healing.
Dr. Anita explains how emotions aren’t problems to fix – they’re part of how we grow.
Reading it made me feel so much gentler with myself.
She helps you understand that caring for your heart is just like tending a garden.
I loved how she blends therapy and spiritual truth – it’s so calming and hopeful.
This book felt like it was watering something inside me that had been dry for a while.
Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani
Reshma challenges the idea that we always have to be perfect and polite.
Instead, she encourages us to be bold even if that means failing.
I related so much to the pressure of always trying to do everything right.
This book helped me realize that bravery opens more doors than perfection ever will.
It’s such a great reminder that we don’t have to be polished all the time to be worthy or successful.
Bravery, even in small doses, is powerful.
Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley
This felt like a letter from a friend who really gets it.
Jordan talks about feeling stuck, confused, and not there yet and how that’s totally okay.
She shares tools to help you stop comparing yourself to everyone else and start living with purpose now, not someday.
I loved how simple and encouraging her advice is.
It made me feel like I didn’t have to change everything about my life to feel better – I just had to start being honest about what I want.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Glennon shares how she broke free from a life that didn’t feel like hers and started living in a way that felt real and wild and true.
I loved her raw honesty – she talks about motherhood, love, and being brave enough to live differently.
It made me think deeply about the rules I’ve been following without even realizing it.
Reading this felt like someone handed me permission to trust myself more and stop apologizing for who I am.
On Edge by Andrea Petersen
Andrea writes about her experience with anxiety in such a relatable way.
She shares how it shaped her life, from childhood to motherhood, and it felt like she was describing things I’ve felt but couldn’t explain.
I appreciated how she mixed science and personal stories because it made everything click.
This book gave me hope that anxiety doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you.
It just means you’re human, and there are ways to live with it without feeling broken.
Gmorning, Gnight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda
This book is pure comfort.
It’s full of little notes to start and end your day with kindness, hope, and a smile.
Lin-Manuel’s words are like a warm cup of tea or a soft blanket – quick, gentle, and always uplifting.
I kept this on my nightstand for a while and loved reading one page in the morning and one at night.
It’s a lovely reminder that we’re doing okay, even on the hard days. Such a mood-lifter.
Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old by Steven Petrow
This book made me laugh and think at the same time.
Steven shares a list of things he doesn’t want to do as he grows older, based on watching his parents age.
It’s funny, but also full of wise lessons about aging with grace, humor, and self-awareness.
I found it so refreshing – it made me feel less afraid of getting older.
It’s like a pep talk for the future version of yourself, with a wink and a smile.
Almost Everything by Anne Lamott
Anne’s writing is like balm for the soul.
In this book, she shares simple, hopeful truths about life even when things are falling apart.
I loved how she doesn’t pretend to have it all together, but still manages to offer light and love.
This book helped me breathe a little easier.
It’s about hope, resilience, and finding joy in small things.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this one gently reminds you that we’re all figuring it out, and that’s okay.
What do you think? Are you going to add any of these books to your Sunday TBR? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you want more book recommendations that will keep you glued to the pages, don’t forget to check out the related posts below.
