With a new year often comes self reflection. For most people, it’s a time to reflect on the past and look towards the future. Maybe you’re proud of the self love you’ve cultivated, or perhaps you are looking to build new habits. And while personal development can happen at any point during the year, there’s something motivating about a clean start.
At the same time, we know that self growth can be intimidating, and your personal life is, well, personal. Self care looks different for everybody. Thankfully, our 20,000+ bookselling partners from 4,000+ independent bookshops around the globe have plenty of reading recommendations to help inspire your new year—and there’s something for everyone.
These audiobooks go beyond just positive thinking, providing practical advice to help make positive change, invest in your well being, and lead an authentic life.
Full of Myself
“I listened to the audio version of Full of Myself, and hearing Austin Channing Brown’s words straight from her lips was an unexpectedly emotional experience. Her voice brought her words to life. They are direct and engaging, a call to action, and a call for healing. I anticipated a book on race and racial justice, but I was not prepared for the devastatingly accurate account of motherhood and the bodies of black women. I loved this book for the brilliant words that felt just for me and all that left me uncomfortable.”
— Jess • Watermark Books
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Strong Ground
“Brené Brown has been inspiring folks to connect with their values and tap into the power of vulnerability for years now. But not since Dare to Lead has she provided such an incredible toolkit for leaders of all industries. I am excited to see how she will address the turbulent times we find ourselves in, and I am thrilled to see someone pushing back against the current culture of shame, fear, and cruelty. I can’t wait to give this book to every leader on my list!”
— Jax • Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Writing Creativity and Soul
“A fantastic memoir for writers! Filled with practical advice, inspiring anecdotes, and moving events of Sue Monk Kidd’s writing life. Writing is hard work for anyone, even the greats! We all have to start somewhere, and Sue reminds us that our dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how filled with doubt we are.”
— Riley • Bright Side Bookshop
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We Will Rest!
“Hersey turns the meditation up to 100. This book is a loud and proud declaration of intent. Hersey mixes mantra, poetry, and testimony with the beautiful artwork of George McClaman to call us all to remove ourselves from the systems that do not seek our wellbeing. We Will Rest! invites readers to examine our relationships to our bodies, our rest practices, and our communities. As the author says, this book is a sacred object, we are sacred objects. With every page that message sinks deeper.”
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Unmasking for Life
“I need everyone to read this. If you are neurodivergent, read this. If you are neurotypical, read this. I don’t have autism, but I move through life as a high masking person, and this book was absolutely illuminating! It also helped me to have some grounding conversations with coworkers that will help us in the workplace. Genuinely affirming and life-changing information in here.”
— Michelle • Cavalier House Books
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Change the Recipe
“You may know José Andrés from culinary TV shows, as a lauded chef, or from his humanitarian work with World Central Kitchen. Any which way, get to know him better through this slim volume of essays on Andrés’s life in food and on his philosophy about helping people. From childhood food memories, to opening his first US restaurants, to his work feeding people in crisis zones, this is an inspiring, flavorful manifesto of hope for a better world.”
— Jocelyn • Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Me, But Better
“An engaging and encouraging psychology book/memoir that goes through the history of personality, and outlines the author’s journey in trying to change her personality type for the better. Thoroughly enjoyed!”
— Miki • Titcomb’s Bookshop
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The Book of Alchemy
“While this book will surely speak to those already on their creative journey, it is sure to be a force for good in anyone’s life. Who couldn’t benefit from fifteen to twenty minutes a day of reflection and journaling during these troubling times? Included within are essays from a truly incredible list of people, prompts to get the day’s journaling started, and guidance from Suleika Jaouad, whose commitment to journaling has lead to a dedicated online community. This book is sure to be a treasured addition to many book collections.”
— Aly L. • Beach Books
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Love in a F*cked-Up World
Lifelong activist and educator Dean Spade dares us to decide that our interpersonal actions are not separate from our politics of liberation and resistance. Love in a F*cked-Up World is a resounding call to action and a practical manifesto for how to combat cultural scripts and take our relationships into our own hands, preparing us for the work of changing the world.
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All the Way to the River
“Gilbert is one of my favorite writers, so of course I devoured her new memoir… I read All the Way to the River in two wild nights. Wild is the right word for it, though Gilbert tells the story from a clear-eyed place, many years after these events, after her own recovery from grief and sex and love addiction. Healing is ongoing- a journey – and it never ends. Even the Eat, Pray, Love woman had to do it all over again (for her sake, I hope it’s the last time). Sending you all my love Liz.”
— Kara • Bright Side Bookshop
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Into the Uncut Grass
“An enchanting tale of learning to listen to each other; those we agree with and those we may not. It’s about learning to work together toward compromise and a more harmonious life for all. And the audiobook is narrated by the author, which in my mind is a bonus; so calm and soothing. Like listening to a bedtime story.”
— Sherry • River Bend Bookshop
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Good Soil
“Discontented with his life as a journalist in New York City, Jeff Chu found himself drawn to theology and ended up at Princeton Theological Seminary ‘Farminary,’ a working farm where tending the land provides the opportunity to tend to one’s spirit. In his beautiful new book, Chu spans the seasons and shares the fears, growth, and questions of faith he encountered during his time there. His writing is lovely, meditative, and filled with compassion and grace.”
— SB • Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Still Life at Eighty
While reflecting on the past, Abby accepts the shape of her present. No more driving, no more dancing, mostly sitting in a comfortable chair in a sunny corner with three dogs for company. Vivid memories fall like confetti, her twenties in New York City, drinking, sleeping with strangers, falling in and out of love, believing in a better world. Sometimes dread or grief arrives, inhabits her body like a shadow, and all she can do is write it away, paying close attention to what catches her eye, sticks in her brain, keeps her in the moment.
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Defy
“What I appreciate most about Defy is that Dr. Sunita Sah not only explores the issue of defiance and why people are so hesitant to stand up for what is right; she also equips readers with the tools to speak up and say no. Dr. Sah narrates the audiobook, and I felt like she was speaking directly to me, coaching me through future moments in life when I will feel more comfortable going against the norm and making my voice heard. A must read!”
— Beth • Bookmarks
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Bibliotherapy in the Bronx
Bibliotherapy in The Bronx by Emely Rumble, LCSW, is a groundbreaking exploration of the healing power of literature in the lives of marginalized communities. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Rumble masterfully intertwines storytelling with therapeutic insights to reveal how reading can be a potent tool for self-discovery, emotional transformation, and social change.
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Ordinary Time
“Fans of Annie Jones will love this peek behind the scenes, but even for those unfamiliar with Annie’s story, these essays are deeply relatable. Perfect for people who stayed in their hometowns, who lead a quieter life, and who have struggled with their faith.”
— Claire McWhorter • River & Hill Books
View the audiobookWe hope this list inspires your 2026, helping you connect with yourself and the surrounding world on a deeper level.