Saturday 11 February 2012

Are Self-Help Books Helpful?


I'm trying to be more well rounded.  So, I'd like to talk about more than just Young Adult books on The Sweet Bookshelf.  I think there are so many good books out there from all different genre's.  I enjoy many different kinds of books and I don't want to be limited in what I talk about here. I want to talk about all good books I like! Who's with me?

I kind of enjoy self help books. I peruse the isle of my book store or even Amazon for them. Is that weird? I think more people read them than are admitting to it. I've said before that I read to be entertained, I still do, but sometimes I want to learn about a certain topic or need a bit of help in a certain area. Reading helps, more than you know.

My Mom is a self help book junkie.  She is always reading one self help book and one fiction novel.  I also enjoy cookbooks. Not self-help, well maybe? I like the pictures. I like to find a good recipe from time to time.  I'm also curious as to what self help books others are reading.  Do they really help?

I think it depends on what you read, obviously.  In my, somewhat limited, experience with self help books they have helped.  I'm very selective with this genre though.  I'm not like my Mom in that respect.  I don't read everything I can get my hand on with the subject I need help on. I choose one or two books that I think will really help. I've actually found some really good ones.

I hope that you will open your eyes to trying something new, and try a self help book. I've actually got a few here that I think you'll really like.


He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt
You probably thought it was just a movie didn't you? Well, it was a self help book first that they turned into a chic flick. I still laugh that they were able to do that. The book is hilarious, let me just say that. I laughed so hard in bits that people were looking at me weird.  I bought this out of desperation in 2006 when a string of short term boyfriends were getting me down. I needed to get over it.  This book totally opened my eyes. The author takes letters written by old clients and just spells it out for them! HARD CORE! He lets them have it. You actually see how ridiculous it is to still be pining over someone when they are clearly not into you. Loved it!

It's Called a Break Up Because It's Broken by Greg Behrendt
By the same author, I just had to have it.  This helped me so much with a breakup. I felt relationship challenged and this book helped put me back on track. Thanks Greg!


The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Seriously you guys, this OPENED my eyes to communication! You don't need to be dating anyone, or married for this book to be effective.  It's just about learning how to communicate in ways that the significant people in your life can understand. I wish my husband would read this!! He took the quiz though, so that helped. At least I know where I'm headed with him. It's a really short book too. 

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
They are making this one into a movie also. I find that hilarious. This book is the ONE STOP SHOP in baby books.  It helped me through my pregnancy, because let's face it, I was clueless! This makes a perfect baby shower gift. 


The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason
Written in the 1920's and still one of the most prominent financial books ever written. I had to read this for my Finance class in University, and LOVED it. It's only about 160 pgs but there are 11 ancient Babylonian tales revealing the way to financial success.  It is so simple, we don't usually think this way. We make money to be complicated, when it's really not.  If you're looking for a good money book, this is it!

Have you read any self help books? Do you have an recommendations for me?

6 comments:

  1. Awww, it's not just self-help. I read for information and research. For instance, I just ordered about 30 books on yoga from my local library because I want to increase my knowledge to help my yoga students and get better at the practice. The librarian said "I'm sensing a theme here" when I picked them up. It's just what I do. Glad to see you're expanding your horizons. Mom :-)

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  2. How funny! I was just thinking about self-help books yesterday. A little positive thinking and encouragement always helps. :)
    I'm not sure I'd ever review one (because like you said, more people read them than they admit to) but I wouldn't be so put-off to read one.
    Interesting post!

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  3. @Mom so true! It shouldn't be labeled as self help per say. Gaining information on any subject is a good thing! I just got one on Being Your Best Life Coach. I think it is going to be good.

    @Mia I think I might start reviewing them if I read them. I want my readers to be aware of any good books I read, not just a certain genre. But, not many people do!

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  4. I found He’s Just Not That Into You to be very helpful to me when I was younger and I was still trying to understand the inner workings of the male brain. I actually think, if I remember right, that the reason why I bought it was because the guy who wrote it was working on Sex and the City. I know there is an episode of SATC where they talk about the whole “he’s just not into you” deal.

    Also, I am not pregnant, nor have I ever been but I am almost certain I will go see the movie for What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I’m also positive that I will buy the book when/if I am ever pregnant. It seems to be very helpful to moms-to-be.

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  5. See, I'm just not that into self-help. Well, that's a lie. it depends on the topic, like I wouldn't be adverse to reading The Happiness Project or books about organization, but I'm skeptical about He's Just Not That Into You and the like. I know, that sounds bad.

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  6. @April That's not bad at all! He's Just Not That Into You reads more like a funny chic lit. It's a bunch of funny letters and their answers.

    I love that there are so many different topics with Self Help. I love to see all that's out there. There's something for everyone!

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