Feature Image Credit: @thestylishdork

For the readers who are looking to sprinkle in some self-care this summer, we’ve rounded up the perfect picks for you. Whether you’re looking to detox from social media for a bit or take a long look into the past, these ten titles will help you achieve your goals. Read on for tips and tricks to find out how to be the absolute best version of yourself.

What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey

Oftentimes we question ourselves, as well as others when emotional reactions seem to be unwarranted. Usually, the default question is, “Why did I/they do that?” However, these types of questions foster judgment and negativity; instead, what if we asked, “What happened to you?” This powerful book takes a poignant look at how past trauma can have a profound effect on present behavior. Through personal conversations and re-visiting prior experiences, Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry encourage the reader to shift into a space of clearing out the clutter to make room for healing.

Gaslighting by Deborah Vinall

Gaslighting has been around for years but only recently has it been talked about so publicly. However, a lot of people don’t quite understand the term or even recognize when it is happening. It’s a harmful form of control, manipulation, and deception that can cause damage for years to come. Imagine someone bringing the firewood, lighting the match, and igniting the flames with fuel, then denying that they were responsible for the fire. That is precisely how gaslighters work, and with this book, you’ll be able to recognize it quicker and set boundaries that will help you avoid getting burned by one.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Taw

Being able to set healthy boundaries is an important life skill that enables us to prioritize what matters most and to be able to say no to the things that don’t serve us. However, it’s not always so easy to do, especially for people pleasers. In this relatable self-help book, therapist Neda Glover Tawwab takes a deep dive into why it’s so hard to just say no and what we can do to flip the script. Her approach is to get to the root of the problem, based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to begin to undo the damage caused by burnout, codependency and power struggles to start fresh by saying yes to you.

Was I Assaulted? by May Saengpraseuth Alirad

This book gets right to the point; clear by the question that is the title. It may seem like the answer should be an obvious “yes” or “no,” however, many times it’s not quite that simple. Author Alirad understands the struggle all too well from surviving sexual assault herself on more than one occasion. After 30 years of dealing and healing, she wanted to share her stories and her approach to moving forward with a renewed sense of self-worth. This book will provide the reader with tools to begin to break free from the chains of the past to create a peaceful future.

Speak Your Truth by Fearne Cotton

As a well-known radio personality with a popular podcast, public speaking always came easily to Fearne Cotton. So, when she was told that she might need throat surgery and would be unable to talk for two weeks, she began to wonder who she was without her voice. Even more than that, she started thinking about how many times we are silenced or stifle our words because we are afraid to say what’s really on our minds. In this book, you’ll start to recognize the power in your voice and how to gain confidence when speaking up.

Finding Your Best Self by Lisa M. Najavits

Two of the most challenging concerns that many people deal with daily are trauma and addiction. Unfortunately, these two can often go hand-in-hand. Whether you are currently facing these issues, or know someone who is, this workbook takes an honest look at these challenges and provides practical resources to peel back the layers and get to the root of the issue. Using science and real-world examples, this book will take you on a journey of self-discovery, allowing you the space to create coping mechanisms, set goals, and move from a cloudy past into a sunny future.

Burn After Writing by Sharon Jones

In this digital age of social media where oversharing is the norm, it can be challenging not to get caught up in it. Beyond just being a big news feed, social channels have turned into places where people freely express their feelings, no holds barred. But what if there was a place to express yourself in the same way, just without the world wide web being privy to that private information? To salvage some social sanity, Burn After Writing was born. This book allows a safe space to share all of your secrets and reflect on who you are, not the image that the apps portray.

Light in the Darkness by Kimberly Resch

Over the last few years, the world as we know it has been turned upside down. When these unprecedented times are coupled with unhealed trauma, it only makes sense that several people will reach their breaking point. However, it is incredibly challenging to start the healing process when you’re unsure where to even begin. In this book, Kimberly Resh does a phenomenal job helping the reader re-connect to the true self, taking a closer look at how prior events might still be affecting us today, and how to move through it in a way that will untie some of those knots to provide freedom from the past.

Self-Love Workbook for Women by Megan Logan

In a time where there’s so much focus on self-care, it’s no surprise that more women are starting to make time for it. However, many times what is lacking are the steps to get there. In this powerful workbook, the author will be your tour guide on the ultimate journey toward self-love. Starting with the most important relationship – the one with yourself – the reader will be prompted to make healthy changes to cultivate a more positive way of living. Through fun quizzes and interactive activities, not only is this book confidence-building, but it also provides a fun way to step into your power.

Be A Happier You! by Willomina Clark

Stress has a habit of creeping up and before you know it, you’re overwhelmed with bills, deadlines, and piles of laundry. Combined with work worries, relationship drama, and little to no time for yourself, it creates a recipe for chronic stress. When a person finds themselves in this dark place it can be challenging to find the light. However, there is hope, and making your way out can be simpler than you think. This easy-to-read book does a great job of helping you identify your stressors, tackle them one at a time, and find a way to better manage things with just a few simple changes.