If you know me personally, then you know I love to read as much as I love to write.

There is just something so special about losing yourself in a good story, getting to know an author when reading through a memoir, or having an “it all make sense!” revelation while absorbing the advice and life lessons found in self-help.

Though I don’t read as often as I used to, I still include reading as part of my self-care routine. I have an ever-growing list of fiction and self-help/career guidance type books I want to tackle, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share some of the most recent books that have made an impression on me.

Here are 5 Books that Have Changed My Life for the Better

*This post contains affiliate links—thanks for supporting A Cup of Catherine!

**1) It Was Me All Along: A Memoir* // Andie Mitchell**

What a heartbreaking, yet beautiful, memoir from Andie Mitchell.

This book made me realize a lot about myself—even though our childhoods and adolescent experiences were much different from one another’s.

In fact, her recognition of her own depression sort of made a lightbulb turn on in my mind about my own struggles.

**2) Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living* // Shauna Niequist**

I love, love, LOVE this book. Shauna’s short essays are so incredibly relatable, and I love how she writes about her faith (which is quiet important to her) in a way that appeals both to people with similar beliefs or no faith at all.

Shauna helped me realize that being present—and truly absorbing the moments as they happen—is far more important than reflecting on a long list of achievements or staying busy all the time because of society’s expectations.

This book is something I will go back and reference again and again, I am sure, and it’s truly a great reminder of the important things in life that we take for granted far too often.

**3) Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead* // Brené Brown**

Brené Brown is one of my favorite authors and figures. I’ve written an entire post about her “Guideposts to Wholehearted Living” (maybe I should revisit that, by the way), and her research on shame and vulnerability has opened my eyes to so much.

I like the different sections she’s laid out in the book, and I have referenced this book numerous times when having vent sessions/discussions with my coworkers in the office.

So much of the world—among families, workplaces, academics, and public life—could be remedied if we would just consider some of the things Brené has to say!

**4) Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself* // Kristin Neff**

After hearing my therapist reference this author and book many times, I decided to buy it for myself.

There’s a lot of actual research in this one, so you’re not just reading fluff. I learned a lot about myself—how I claim to be a true empath (which I am) but have struggled with showing that same compassion forgiveness toward myself.

She also explains the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion, which I found important. While the two are related—and self-compassionate people will often have higher self-esteem—it’s far more important to recognize our insecurities and “faults” and react to them compassionately rather than have naturally high self-esteem.

If you struggle with a loud, bullying inner critic and long to break free from the stranglehold of your emotions, this book is for you!

**5) Letting Go of Leo: How I Broke Up with Perfection* // Simi Botic**

I just finished this one a few days ago, and it was so freaking relatable. Simi’s voice is remarkable—her stories are often hilarious, but they can be heartbreaking, too. I relate 100% to her black-and-white, positive-to-negative, all-or-nothing mindset, and it’s such a tough habit to break.

While my body image/food struggles were not as intense as hers, the underlying self-esteem issues and desire to please/meet expectations in order to feel loved/worthy is something I understand deeply.

This was a quick read, and I absolutely recommend it for anybody dealing with food/body issues or perfectionism in general.

5 amazing books that will change your life for the better! Share on X

[linking up with Amanda for thinking out loud]