Self-help books are some of the most popular nonfiction titles in Kitsap Regional Library’s collection. In fact, two of the most popular books in our 2025 Checkout All-Stars were self-help: The Next Day, by Melinda French Gates, and The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Often, the most popular books in this genre, the ones showing up on television and podcasts and on display in bookstores, have long waitlists, both for our print and digital editions. So, how do you find other self-help titles to read while waiting for your hold?
How to Find More
- Self-help books can be frequently found on the shelf with a 158.1 Dewey call number. However, they are not exclusive to this call number, so don’t be surprised if catalog searches for this subject bring up Dewey numbers besides the 158.1
- Speaking of the catalog, a simple keyword search for “self-help” yields a large number of titles. Use the filters on the left-hand side of the page to select your preferred format, book age, and the location where a book is available. It also helps to select “Content – Nonfiction” and “Audience – Adult” from the filter list.
- You will get similar results if you search for “self-help publications.” Other useful subject searches include “self-actualization” and “conduct of life.”
- NoveList Plus is a powerful tool for finding book recommendations. Click the advanced search button beneath the search bar at the top of the page, change that first pull-down option to “Subject-SU”, and search for self-help to get a list of titles in the genre. Make sure to click “Check the Library Catalog” to see if it is a book we own, or if it is something you might suggest for purchase or interlibrary loan.
- NoveList can also recommend authors that are similar to authors you like, or books that are similar to books you like. Try searching for an author or a title, then click on either the “Title read-alikes” or “author read-alikes” to get more suggestions.
- Use the BookMatch or Book-a-Librarian services for individualized help, reading suggestions, or tutorials on navigating the library catalog.
Popular Self-Help Authors
- Melody Beattie
- Arthur C. Brooks
- Brené Brown
- Stephen R. Covey
- Viktor Frankl
- Mark Manson
- Mel Robbins
- Jay Shetty
Try These Next...
Self-help or self-improvement books are designed to help readers with personal development. Here are some examples of the genre available at Kitsap Regional Library.
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