7 Books That Healed My Mind and Heart (Emotional Growth and Healing)
Well, my dears, let’s talk about the gifts that are books. No, not in the sense of a physical gift. Yet, heck, I’m not at all complaining if someone fancies bestowing some lovely new hardbacks (or paperbacks) upon my person!
I am, of course, talking about the books that come into your life when you need them most. These books gently rearrange your brain and heal the little cracks in your heart. If you’re very lucky, they give you the emotional recovery you didn’t even know you needed.
So, settle in with a cup of something strong (because let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of calm, right?) and let’s talk about seven life-changing books that have helped me heal, laugh, and maybe even cry (but in the good way, not the weepy-in-your-pajamas type). These books are the ones that wrapped me up when life felt a little… well, all over the place.
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Best for when: you’re stuck in a rut or overthinking.
Reading 101 Essays by Brianna Wiest felt like someone had just handed me the missing instructions for life. Brianna Wiest’s essays feel like chatting warmly with a wise friend. This is the sort of friend who’s known you for YEARS.
They understand exactly what’s going on in your head. She tackles everything from emotional healing to self-discovery to giving yourself a break. These essays made me go, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” It’s one of those books. It makes you want to wave it around. You want to tell everyone, “Read this, you’ll thank me later!” Like some sort of demented person. It’s an instant mood shift – perfect for when life feels a on the heavy side.
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Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Best for when: you’re feeling low, need support, seeking comfort.
Now, this one. This one is special. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig is a beautiful, raw memoir. It is wonderfully candid about the author’s struggles with depression and anxiety. But it’s also a celebration of life, of how even in the darkest moments, there are tiny flickers of hope. His words are tender and unflinchingly honest, and reading this book was like being wrapped in a blanket of understanding. I won’t lie, it did make me cry (but in the good way, remember). If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or life feels too much, this book will remind you- no, It’ll assure you that you’re never alone.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
Best for when: You’re sick of people taking the mick. You keep getting dragged into unwanted drama. You’re not putting your needs first.
Right, boundaries! What a concept, huh? We all know we should set them, but where do we start? Well, Set Boundaries, Find Peace is like the relationship self-help book we never knew we needed. Nedra Glover Tawwab explains how to set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty about it. Who knew saying “No!” could be so freeing? You don’t even have to be an arsehole about it, you can literally just say, “Erm, no, I don’t want to, actually.” Or, “Hmm, I don’t really want to be around someone who doesn’t listen to a word I say and is always on their phone when I’m clearly upset so I’m going to kindly do one, thanks!”
OK, that’s a tangent on my part, BUT- after reading this book, I felt like I’d been given a manual. It showed me how to protect my mental space. I learned to do this without being a total diva about it. Zero strops or rants, just firm, empowering statements about what is, and isn’t acceptable. It’s practical, it’s inspiring, and it’s essential for anyone who’s tired of feeling burnt out.
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Best for when: You’re sick of repeating patterns, need to evolve and desire a huge reality check.
We’re all doing a bit of “work” on ourselves, aren’t we? The personal growth work, the healing work, the becoming the best version of ourselves work. Well, How to Do the Work is a guidebook for exactly that. Dr. Nicole LePera takes you through understanding your patterns, healing trauma, and working toward a healthier mind and soul. It’s not a quick fix, it’s a lifelong investment in yourself, but it’s the best kind of work. Trust me, this one will make you feel like you’ve hit the reset button on your life. You’ll come out better for it.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
Best for when: You need a good pep talk, more self-belief and to romanticise your life.
Here’s a book that’s all about the energy you bring into the world. If you’re the type of person who could do with a little extra good vibes in your life (I mean, who couldn’t?), Good Vibes, Good Life is the book you need. Vex King encourages you to embrace the power of positivity. Raise your vibrations. Look after your energy in ways you might not have thought about before. I’m telling you, after reading this, I felt like I was vibrating at a whole new level. It’s all about living your best, most authentic life.
Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
Best for when: You know what you need to do, you’re just not bloody doing it!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy when I picked up a book about discipline. But, my goodness, Ryan Holiday knows his stuff. Discipline is Destiny explores how discipline goes beyond rigid routines. It involves making the choices that align with your highest self. After reading this, I discovered that I actually enjoyed the discipline of getting things done.
No, it’s not always easy—it’s bloody hard! But discipline and willpower are muscles, and if you’re not working them out, they will not get stronger.
This feeling applied whether it was writing, working, or just being a better human being. It’s a book that makes you feel like you can do hard things, and actually, you’ll enjoy doing them.
8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty
Best for when: You need guidance for your disastrous love life – whether that’s with yourself, a romantic partner or a friend.
And last but absolutely not least, 8 Rules of Love. Jay Shetty is like the gentle, philosophical friend we all need in our lives. This book is a roadmap for love—whether romantic, platonic, or self-love. It offers profound wisdom and gentle nudges. The book shares practical advice that makes you think, “This is so true… why didn’t I see this before?!” Jay Shetty’s approach to love is kind, no-pressure, and downright nourishing. If you want to improve your relationships or even just learn to love yourself better, this is your guidebook.
So there you have it. Seven books that, for me, were absolute game-changers in the healing department. These books not only helped me make sense of things. They also actively helped me feel better. They made me feel more grounded and more connected to who I am. They’re not just words on a page, they’re life rafts for when things get a little too much. A group of wise, caring and knowledgeable friends who really, so badly, want you to so well in life. To feel worthy, to do the thing, to feel the love you so deserve – because you do!
So go on, give them a read. Your heart will thank you.
And with that, may the rest of 2025 be the year you discover the magic. Experience self-love and learn something profound and new in every page. If you’re anything like me, books are the best therapy.
Happy reading, bookworms!
Your Chaotic Bookworm,
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