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I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always been a nonfiction reader.
Like a lot of people, my first actual adult novels were Harlequin romance books.
I stuck with romance for a long time because it felt like the safest and most predictable genre for me.
But when I started branching out, I found myself reading more, and only recently was I able to get my hands on nonfiction books that I actually enjoyed.
For me, a great nonfiction book has writing that’s easy to understand – not too formal or overly complicated.
And as far as I’m concerned, summer, with the sun shining and everything feeling fresh and lively, is the perfect season to dive into self-help, self-improvement, and personal development books.
I’ve included some of my personal favorites in this list, so if you’ve been thinking about starting a nonfiction book, these summer days are the perfect time to do it!
1. Radically Happy by Phakchok Rinpoche & Erric Solomon
Happiness isn’t something far away – it’s right here, waiting for you.
Radically Happy is a beautiful blend of wisdom from a Tibetan Rinpoche and a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur that shows you how small shifts in your thinking can lead to a deeper sense of joy.
Through mindfulness, meditation, and personal stories, this book teaches you how to tap into happiness no matter what life throws your way.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to feel lighter, calmer, and more present – whether you’re on the beach or just going about your day.
2. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry
Parenting is tough, and no one gets it perfect but this book helps you focus on what really matters: connection.
Psychotherapist Philippa Perry dives into how your own childhood shapes your parenting, how to handle emotions (yours and your child’s), and how to break negative cycles.
It’s packed with warmth, understanding, and advice that makes parenting feel less overwhelming and more about love.
Even if you’re not a parent yet, this book is a fascinating and insightful look at relationships.
3. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
Ever feel like your thoughts are running the show?
The Untethered Soul helps you take a step back and see your mind in a new way.
It’s all about letting go of the thoughts and emotions that weigh you down, so you can experience true peace.
Whether you’re new to inner work or have been on a self-discovery journey for years, this book will help you feel lighter, freer, and more present.
A perfect read if you’re craving calm and clarity.
4. Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
This book is like a pep talk from a friend who won’t let you shrink yourself to fit into society’s expectations.
Florence Given dives into feminism, self-worth, and unlearning the toxic messages we’ve absorbed about beauty, relationships, and power.
It’s bold, direct, and endlessly empowering and the very best feminist work you should check out.
If you’ve ever felt pressured to be pretty or to make yourself smaller for the sake of others, this book will remind you that you are enough just as you are.
5. If You Could Live Anywhere by Melody Warnick
Choosing where to live is a huge decision – one that shapes your happiness, career, and well-being.
If You Could Live Anywhere explores how to find the perfect place for you, beyond just job opportunities or cost of living.
Melody Warnick breaks it down with real-life stories, research, and practical advice so you can create a home that truly fits your values and dreams.
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re living in the right place, this book will help you figure it out.
6. Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Fear has a way of holding us back – but Luvvie Ajayi Jones wants us to push past it.
In Professional Troublemaker, she encourages us to speak up, take risks, and go after what we want.
With humor and wisdom, she shares her own struggles with imposter syndrome and self-doubt and reminds us that being scared doesn’t mean we shouldn’t act.
If you need a confidence boost to go after your dreams, this book is your perfect beachside read.
7. The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof
Imagine being able to control your mind and body so well that cold doesn’t bother you, stress rolls off your shoulders, and you feel more alive than ever.
That’s exactly what Wim Hof teaches in this book.
With simple breathing exercises, cold exposure techniques, and mindset training, he shows how to tap into your inner strength.
It’s science-backed and surprisingly accessible, so it’s perfect for anyone curious about pushing their limits and feeling amazing.
8. No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz
Ever feel like you have different versions of yourself – one that’s confident, one that’s anxious, one that’s critical?
No Bad Parts introduces a fascinating idea: all these parts of you exist for a reason, and instead of fighting them, you can learn to understand and heal them.
Using Internal Family Systems therapy, Dr. Schwartz shows how self-acceptance can transform your mental and emotional well-being.
This book is like a warm, gentle guide to making peace with yourself.
9. The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
Life can feel chaotic, but what if you knew – deep down – that everything is happening for a reason?
The Universe Has Your Back is all about shifting from fear to faith and learning to trust that things are unfolding as they should.
Gabrielle Bernstein shares personal stories, spiritual insights, and practical exercises to help you feel more at peace.
It’s the kind of book that makes you breathe a little easier and feel a little more hopeful.
10. There Is Never Anything but the Present by Alan Watts
If you’ve ever wished you could stop overthinking and just be, Alan Watts has the wisdom you need.
This book is a collection of his most inspiring thoughts on mindfulness, presence, and embracing life as it comes.
His writing is deep yet approachable and he makes big ideas feel simple and freeing.
It’s perfect for reading in small doses – maybe while watching the waves roll in.
11. You Are Your Best Thing by Tarana Burke & Brené Brown
This book is like a heart-to-heart conversation between friends who deeply understand the weight of vulnerability and shame – especially in the Black experience.
Tarana Burke, the powerhouse behind the Me Too movement, teamed up with beloved researcher Brené Brown to create a space for Black writers, artists, and thinkers to share their stories of resilience.
What I love most about this book is how raw and real it feels.
These essays talks about pain and also celebrates joy, love, and the deep healing that comes from being seen and understood.
Whether you’re on a journey of self-acceptance or simply looking for powerful stories that uplift, this book is a must-read.
12. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
You know that little voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough? That you need to be smarter, prettier, or more successful?
Radical Acceptance is about learning to silence that voice – not by fighting it, but by meeting it with kindness.
Tara Brach, a meditation teacher and therapist, guides you through practical ways to stop beating yourself up and start embracing yourself as you are.
What I love about her approach is that it’s not about ignoring your struggles or pretending everything is okay.
Instead, it’s about gently shifting how you respond to yourself, so you can live with more peace and authenticity.
This book is like a deep breath for the soul.
13. Happy Not Perfect by Poppy Jamie
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, and trying to be perfect all the time?
Poppy Jamie knows exactly how that feels, and in this book, she shares the tools that helped her break free.
Poppy Jamie makes everything so easy to understand – kind of like having a best friend talk you through life’s struggles with humor and warmth.
She teaches how to retrain your brain, let go of perfectionism, and actually enjoy the present moment.
If you ever feel overwhelmed by stress or expectations, this book is a great reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be happy.
14. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan keeps it simple: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. That’s it.
That’s the secret to a healthier, happier relationship with food.
This book is for anyone who’s tired of diet trends and just wants clear, straightforward advice on how to eat well.
Pollan cuts through the confusion and helps you focus on real, whole foods that actually nourish your body.
He makes eating well feel doable and even joyful. Perfect for reading on the beach while snacking on some fresh fruit!
15. Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
What if I told you that your memory could be way better than you think?
Joshua Foer, a journalist, was just like the rest of us – forgetting where he left his keys and struggling to remember names – until he decided to train with memory experts.
One year later, he competed in the U.S. Memory Championship.
This book is a fun, fascinating deep dive into how memory works and how we can strengthen it.
It’s packed with cool tricks (like the memory palace technique) that make remembering things easier.
I love how Foer makes science feel like an adventure – you’ll come away from this book feeling like a mental athlete in training.
Do you think you’re going to read any of these summer self-help books? Let me know in the comments below!
Also, if you have any other recommendations, I’d love to hear them.
If you’re looking to read more books this summer, check out these best books to add to your beach bag.
Plus, I’ve even written about the best summer romance books that everyone needs to read!
