Self Improvement Books & Book Recommendations - Fable

“The trick to reading self-improvement books is to heed one of the primary tenets of the recovery movement: ‘Take what you need and leave the rest.’”
- Marianne Power

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What are Self-Improvement Books?

Self-improvement books are designed to offer guidance and help readers find the confidence to pursue a new path in life. These books are a great resource for those who wish to improve their lives and become a better version of themselves.

In the 20th Century, self-improvement books became an increasingly popular genre. Books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, and "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay became bestsellers and inspired people all over the world.

What are the Top Self-Improvement books on Fable?

You can find both ancient and modern self-improvement literature on Fable. This section will help you find some of the best and brightest titles in our bookstore.

Freelance journalist and blogger Marianne Power offers a piece of very important advice to remember as you explore the self-help genre:

“The trick to reading these books is to heed one of the primary tenets of the recovery movement: ‘Take what you need and leave the rest.’”

Self Improvement Book Recommendations

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By Stephen R. Covey

Enjoy and learn critical lessons about the habits of successful people that will enrich your life's experience.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

By Mark Manson

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

Fooled by Randomness

By Nassim Nicholas Taleb

An investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision-making in a world we don’t understand.

Radical Acceptance

By Tara Brach

Writing with great warmth and clarity, Tara Brach brings her teachings alive through personal stories and case histories, fresh interpretations of Buddhist tales, and guided meditations.

The Attention Revolution

By B. Alan Wallace

Writing with great warmth and clarity, Tara Brach brings her teachings alive through personal stories and case histories, fresh interpretations of Buddhist tales, and guided meditations.

The Body is Not an Apology

By Sonya Renee Taylor

Poet and activist Sonya Renee Taylor has written an inspiring manifesto to encourage people of every size, shape, and color to embrace a philosophy of radical self-love, and to reject messages that tell us our bodies as they are aren’t enough.

Rich Dad Poor Dad

By Robert T. Kiyosaki

The primary takeaway is that those who aren’t good with their money and have less are that way because they work for money, whereas those who are good with their money amass more of it because they learn how to make money work for them.

A Radical Awakening

By Shefali Tsabary

Renowned clinical psychologist teaches women how to transcend their fears and illusions, break free from societal expectations, and rediscover the person they were always meant to be: fully present, conscious, and fulfilled.

The self-improvement genre has been around as long as there has been writing. The earliest self-improvement books were written in ancient Greece and Rome, where philosophers wrote about the importance of self-control and self-mastery, including Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu, and The Enchiridion by Epictetus.

The Fable bookstore also contains a number of classic self-improvement books you can read for free.

Explore these titles today and start reading for free, only on Fable!

Meditations

By Marcus Aurelius

True to the Stoic philosophy that influenced him, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the ability of people to control their attitude towards the experiences of pleasure and pain.

The Enchiridion

By Epictetus

While based on Epictetus’ Discourses, it’s not a philosophical treatise as much as it is a short handbook with practical suggestions on how to live a good and satisfying life.

Tao Te Ching

By Lao-tzu

A series of 81 short poetic sections written in a fluid, ambiguous style, leaving them open to wide interpretation about subjects ranging from advice for those in power to advice for regular people to adages for daily living.

The Art of War

By Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu’s ancient treatise on the art of war has exerted enormous influence over both Asian and Western soldiers, covering subjects ranging from morale and discipline to the correct use of spies.

Join self-improvement book clubs on Fable

Self-improvement takes time and consistency; keep up with your newly formed positive habits with our reading clubs and panel discussions to help sustain beneficial routines.

Fable makes it easy for self-improvement fans to share their thoughts and connect with others through self-improvement book clubs.

With our platform, you can host every aspect of an online discussion at a single destination, to reach readers and build safe online communities regardless of location or time zone.

Living with Intent by Mallika Chopra

Read along with Mallika Chopra on the messy journey to feel healthier, happier, more connected and of purpose.

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland

Read with Rowan Trollope, the CEO of Five9, to see problems and opportunities from new angles.

The Full Body Yes by Scott Schute

Learn how to feel more fulfilled, happier, and more joyful with Scott Shute.

The Power of Now by Eckharte Tolle

Read one of the most influential spiritual books of our time.

Discussion on mental wellness with Omar Dawood, Chief Medical Officer at Calm

Listen to Omar Dawood talk about mental fitness and how we can train our mind to cope with anxiety.

Learn about leadership and managing stress with Jeff Lawson, CEO of Twilio

Jeff Lawson shares key learnings from his personal growth, from a developer to a highly successful global CEO.

Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson: Give Yourself Permission to Be Human

The software leader and visionary shares key insights from his new book, advice for managing stress, and delivering creativity in the workplace.

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With the Fable app, you can join or start your own online book club. Browse the free book clubs hosted by our favorite bookworms

“The trick to reading self-improvement books is to heed one of the primary tenets of the recovery movement: ‘Take what you need and leave the rest.’”- Marianne Power