When I shared my first roundup of personal growth books a year ago, it quickly became one of my most popular posts, so I’m bringing it back with a whole new list of 12 incredible books to inspire your 2025 journey! This mix of essay collections, self improvement books, and memoirs tackle everything from nurturing meaningful relationships to embracing stillness, navigating stress, and rediscovering the beauty in life’s smallest moments. No matter what your intentions or goals are for this year, I think you’ll find something that will spark your curiosity and give you the practical tools and encouragement you need to pursue them. So grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and pick your next read!
1. The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile
Read this if…you love romanticizing the mundane in your daily life and you want your routines to feel more meaningful and intentional
What’s it about? The Power of Ritual explores how incorporating intentional practices into our daily lives can create deeper meaning, connection, and a sense of sacredness. Drawing on ancient traditions, modern habits, and personal stories, Casper te Kuile shows how simple activities—like journaling, exercising, or sharing meals—can be transformed into rituals that nurture our relationships with ourselves, others, and nature.
2. Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
Read this if…you want something to read with your bestie that will give you a fresh perspective on the importance of friendships
What’s it about? In Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close, Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman delve into the complexities and joys of sustaining long-term, meaningful friendships. Through personal anecdotes and research, the two friends explore the emotional depth and work required to navigate challenges, foster trust, and build resilience in relationships. With honesty and humor, they offer a heartfelt look at how true friendship evolves and why it deserves as much care and commitment as romantic or family bonds.
3. Quiet by Susan Cain
Read this if…you’re an introvert who has ever felt out of place in a world built for extroverts
What’s it about? In Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain explores the unique strengths and contributions of introverts in a society that often values extroversion. Drawing on research, personal stories, and historical examples, Cain highlights the power of solitude, deep thinking, and quiet reflection in fostering creativity and innovation. This book will leave you feeling seen and valued and help you embrace the beauty of your introverted qualities.
4. Everything, Beautiful by Elle Frances Sanders
Read this if…you’ve been feeling a little disillusioned or disheartened
What’s it about? This part-journal, part-essay collection is an invitation to rediscover wonder and joy in life’s small, often overlooked details. Sanders explores how beauty exists in the imperfect, the mundane, and the fleeting moments of our daily lives. The book is also a thing of beauty in itself, filled with gorgeous illustrations on every page. It’s perfect for reading a few pages a day as a reminder to slow down, look closer, and find magic in the world around you.
5. Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Read this if…you’re that person who always says, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”
What’s it about? One of the most essential, yet also most overlooked, elements of good health is getting a good night’s sleep.In Why We Sleep, neuroscientist Matthew Walker explores the critical role sleep plays in every aspect of our physical and mental health, from boosting memory and creativity to regulating emotions and immunity. You’ll be left a new appreciation for a good night’s sleep and the practical tips you need to up your sleep hygiene game.
6. My Inner Sky by Mari Andrew
Read this if…you’ve been navigating a lot of big emotions lately and want something that feels like an encouraging letter from a friend
What’s it about? My Inner Sky is a heartfelt collection of essays and illustrations by Mari Andrew, exploring the many emotions that shape our lives—joy, sorrow, hope, and everything in between. Andrew reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the beauty of finding light even in life’s darkest moments. This collection will inspire you to embrace all of your emotions with compassion and curiosity and find meaning in every season of your life.
7. A Renaissance of Our Own by Rachel Cargle
Read this if…you’re looking for the courage to imagine new possibilities for yourself and the world
What’s it about? In A Renaissance of Our Own, Rachel Cargle shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Through Cargle’s reflections on her experiences as a writer, activist, and entrepreneur, this book will challenge you to question societal norms and find the courage to carve out a life that honors your unique values and vision for your life and the world.
8. The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
Read this if…you want to cultivate a healthier response to stress
What’s it about? Stress is an inevitable part of life, so rather than making futile attempts to avoid it completely, The Upside of Stress focuses on the power of shifting our perspective on stress to transform challenges into opportunities. McGonigal provides practical tools and insights for harnessing stress and Thinking of stress as a powerful force that can enhance resilience, performance, and growth when approached with the right mindset, Kelly McGonigal With practical tools and insights, the book empowers readers to harness stress for greater meaning and success in their lives.
9. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Read this if…you want to find ways to strengthen your relationship with your partner
What’s it about? Attached explores the science of attachment styles and the impact they have on how we form and sustain relationships. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller break down the three main attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—offering insights into why people behave the way they do in love. With practical advice and self-assessment tools, this book can help you build stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling connections by understanding your own attachment patterns and those of your partner.
10. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Read this if…you keep finding yourself caught in a vicious burnout cycle
What’s it about? This book explores the root causes of burnout, particularly in women, and how societal pressures exacerbate stress. The authors introduce the concept of the stress cycle and provide actionable steps to help you manage your mental and physical well-being. Through science-backed insights and practical advice, they offer a roadmap to break free from chronic stress and reclaim joy and balance in life
11. You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy
Read this if…you want to be able to connect more deeply with people
What’s it about? Murphy explores the lost art of listening in a fast-paced, distracted world, highlighting its vital role in building meaningful connections. Drawing on interviews with experts and real-world examples, she reveals the common barriers to listening and how to overcome them. You’ll come away feeling inspired to become more present, empathetic, and engaged in your conversations. And let’s be honest, we could all use some practice becoming better listeners.
12. I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeleine Dore
Read this if…you constantly feel guilty for not being productive enough
What’s it about? This reflective and relatable book challenges society’s obsession with productivity and the guilt that comes with feeling like we’re not doing enough. Dore shares personal stories, interviews, and insights that reframe our relationship with time and embrace the unpredictability of life. By encouraging self-compassion and flexibility, she offers a refreshing perspective on finding meaning and self-worth beyond our to-do lists.
I hope these books inspire and encourage you as you embark on your own personal growth journeys throughout this year, and if one of your goals is to read more books, check out my post all about rediscovering your inner bookworm!
What other books are on your 2025 TBR list? Let me know in the comments!
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