Best Self-help Books May 2025

The Last Black Unicorn

Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany Haddish learned to survive by making people laugh. If only she could have laughed off some of life’s biggest challenges – like being the school mascot as a teen, or spending two years as a foster child. Now, in her hilarious yet heartfelt memoir, Haddish shares “unicorn-rare” tales of her journey from hardship to Hollywood stardom, proving that, with resilience and humor, anything is possible.

Wishful Drinking

Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” is a raw, hilarious journey through Hollywood royalty, addiction, and mental health. With her trademark wit, Fisher recounts growing up as showbiz royalty, her struggles with bipolar disorder, and her battles with substance abuse. It’s like sitting down for a drink with your funniest, most honest friend who just happens to be Princess Leia. Fisher’s self-deprecating humor shines through, making even the darkest moments oddly relatable. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like a glitter-covered train wreck.

Scrappy Little Nobody

Anna Kendrick’s “Scrappy Little Nobody” is a delightfully candid peek into the life of a Hollywood star who still feels like an outsider. With self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, Kendrick shares hilarious anecdotes from her journey to fame. From awkward childhood moments to red carpet mishaps, she invites readers into her world with warmth and wit. It’s like chatting with your funniest friend over coffee, if your friend happened to be an Oscar-nominated actress. A charming, relatable read that’ll leave you grinning.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

Amy Schumer’s raw and unapologetic memoir had me laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. With her trademark wit, she dishes on everything from her awkward teenage years to her rise in comedy. I loved how she tackled serious topics like gun violence and body image with both humor and heart. Schumer’s voice shines through on every page, making you feel like you’re chatting with a hilarious friend over drinks. A refreshingly honest and relatable read.

Why Not Me?

Mindy Kaling’s “Why Not Me?” is a delightful romp through the mind of one of Hollywood’s wittiest writers. With her trademark humor and candor, Kaling shares personal anecdotes and insights on everything from romance to career struggles. Her self-deprecating style and relatable experiences make you feel like you’re chatting with a close friend over coffee. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that’ll leave you laughing and inspired to embrace your own quirks and ambitions.

What the Dog Saw

In “What the Dog Saw,” Malcolm Gladwell invites readers on a captivating journey through the hidden wonders of everyday life. With his trademark curiosity and wit, Gladwell uncovers fascinating stories about ketchup, hair dye, and criminal profiling. He challenges our assumptions, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through engaging anecdotes and sharp insights, Gladwell makes us see the world anew, leaving us pondering long after the last page. A delightful read that’ll change how you view the mundane.

Big Magic

Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” is a captivating exploration of creativity that feels like a heart-to-heart with a wise friend. Drawing from her own experiences, Gilbert offers a refreshing perspective on the creative process, urging readers to embrace curiosity and let go of fear. Her warm, conversational style makes complex ideas accessible, while personal anecdotes add depth and humor. This book isn’t just for artists; it’s for anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling life. I found myself nodding along, feeling both inspired and understood.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts

In a world that celebrates extroversion, Susan Cain’s “Quiet” offers a refreshing perspective on the often-overlooked strengths of introverts. As an introvert myself, I found Cain’s insights both validating and empowering. She deftly weaves scientific research with personal anecdotes, exploring how introverts think, work, and contribute to society. Cain’s warm, engaging prose invites readers to reconsider the value of quiet reflection in our noisy world. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the power of introspection and solitude.

Dare to Lead

In “Dare to Lead,” Brené Brown challenges us to embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. Drawing from her extensive research, she offers practical strategies for cultivating brave leadership in today’s complex world. Brown’s warm, conversational style makes you feel like you’re chatting with a wise friend over coffee. I found myself nodding along, scribbling notes, and reflecting on my own leadership journey. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to foster courage and connection in their workplace and beyond.

Everything Is F*cked

Mark Manson’s “Everything Is F*cked” is a brutally honest wake-up call for our troubled times. With his trademark blend of humor and candor, Manson tackles the big questions plaguing modern society. He challenges readers to confront their own bullsh*t and find meaning in a world that often feels meaningless. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s refreshingly real. I found myself nodding along, cringing, and laughing out loud – sometimes all on the same page. A thought-provoking read that sticks with you.