books
Life
12 Little Accessories That Make Reading Even More Enjoyable
These items can create a cozy atmosphere and help you stay focused.
By Jessica Kasparian
Entertainment
11 Wellness Books That Helped Us Live Better in 2023
New perspectives and hard-won advice from Aubrey Gordon, Cody Rigsby, Oprah Winfrey, and others.
By Grace McCarty
Life
‘Shitty Craft Club’ Is Our October SELF Well-Read Book Club Pick
Ready your rhinestones and glue guns.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Life
‘XOXO, Cody’ Is Our September Well-Read Book Club Pick
Peloton star Cody Rigsby shines bright with is debut memoir.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Body language
Looking Back at ‘Skinny Bitch,’ a Bizarre Portal to the Body Image Hell That Was 2005
This book calls you a dumb, lazy pig just a few pages in. It sold millions of copies.
By John Paul Brammer
Life
This Dystopian Wellness Novel Might Make You Question That Pricey Serum
Ling Ling Huang’s ‘Natural Beauty’ is our August Book Club pick.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Life
Geena Rocero’s ‘Horse Barbie’ Is Our June SELF Well-Read Book Club Pick
This juicy, poignant memoir reflects on Rocero’s life as a trans pageant queen, model, and activist.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Mr. Clean
The Path to Gender Equality Starts...With Dishes
An excerpt from Alex Manley’s new book, ‘The New Masculinity.’
By Alex Manley
Oh man
‘The New Masculinity’ Is Our May SELF Well-Read Book Club Pick
Alex Manley puts forth a version of manhood that centers abundance and care—not restrictions and rules.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Life
‘Microjoys’ Is Our March SELF Well-Read Book Club Pick!
Cyndie Spiegel’s new book is a meditation on finding small moments of contentment, even in hard times.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Life
How to Find ‘Microjoys’ When Everything Is Bad and You’re Not OK
The simplest things might get you through.
By Cyndie Spiegel
Truly, sadly, deeply
The Best Things to Read and Watch When You're Grieving
Loss can be terribly isolating, but art can be a soothing balm that helps you feel less alone.
By Rachel Wilkerson Miller
Relationships
9 Feel-Good Books That Celebrate Non-Romantic Love
Partners aren’t the only objects worthy of our affection.
By Christine Pride
Life
Aubrey Gordon’s You Just Need to Lose Weight Is Our January Book Club Pick
The former SELF columnist debunks harmful—and all-too-common—myths about fat people.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Skip skip hooray!
You Don't Actually Have to Finish That Book or Show You're Not Enjoying
The case for not wasting your precious free time on meh entertainment.
By Josh Gondelman
Culture
The 14 Best Books of 2022—Which Are Also Perfect for Gifting
Fiction and nonfiction titles we devoured this year.
By Ali Francis and SELF Staff
Health
I Highly Recommend Romance Novels If You’re Really Going Through It Right Now
They saved me when self-help couldn’t.
By Jennifer Chen
Life
'Rest Is Resistance' Is Our December Well-Read Book Club Pick
This book might finally get you to take the break you need.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
Culture
Karamo Brown and His Son on Compassionate Parenting and Sharing Feelings
The coauthors want kids to know that all emotions are valid.
By Candace Bond-Theriault
Life
SELF November Book Club: How One Athlete’s Fury Went Viral
Read an exclusive excerpt from Alison Désir’s new book, “Running While Black.”
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak