Top 30+ Best Motivational Books to Read in English
Last Update on October 8, 2020 : Published on June 1, 2020
“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life”
~Mortimer Adler
Reading is one of the most basic hobbies that we all should have in our hobby list! Not only does reading keep us engaged but also helps us in developing as an intellectual being. Well… that’s not it; reading has an immense pool of benefits to offer and one such benefit is… Motivation! The most inspiring books have the power to charge you for the world and push you to conquer it. A motivational book is not just pages and words, but rather a tool that can change your life.
There are many inspirational books out there but I want to chip in my 60 cents here and suggest you 30+ best motivating books to read. Time for you to get a catch hold on the ultimate life-changing tool- A motivational book.
List of Best Inspirational Books to Read in English:
Read this List of Amazing books to feel Inspired:
| Top 10 Uplifting Books Overall |
Top 10 Motivational Books For Men | Top 10 Inspirational Books For Women |
| Make Your Bed- William H. McRaven |
The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald |
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals-
Rachel Hollis |
| The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho |
Why Do I Do That?-
Joseph Burgo |
Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life-
Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema |
| You Are a Badass-
Jen Sincero |
Siddhartha-
Hermann Hesse |
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination-
J.K. Rowling |
| Artemis Fowl-
Eoin Colfer |
Awaken the Giant Within-
Tony Robbins |
Yes Please-
Amy Poehler |
| The Little Prince-
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry |
Can’t Hurt Me-
David Goggins |
The Moment of Lift-
Melinda Gates |
| The Da Vinci Code-
Dan Brown |
The Man in the Mirror-
Patrick M. Morley |
The Woman Code-
Sophia A. Nelson |
| How to Win Friends & Influence People-
Dale Carnegie |
How to Make Sh*t Happen-
Sean Whalen |
Becoming-
Michelle Obama |
| Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet-
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle |
Get out of Your Own Way-
Dr. Mark Goulston and co-author Philip Goldberg |
The Wisdom of Menopause (Revised Edition)-
Dr. Northrup |
| The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey | Love Yourself Like Your Life- Depends On It
Kamal Ravikant |
More Than Enough-
Elaine Welteroth |
Top 10 Motivational Books Overall
Book #1 Make Your Bed
Author: William H. McRaven
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2017
Best quote from the book:
“Sometimes no matter how hard you try, no matter how good you are, you still end up as a sugar cookie. Don’t complain. Don’t blame it on your misfortune. Stand tall, look to the future, and drive on!”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Inspired by retired Navy Seal William H. McRaven’s speech this book motivates us to start working on 10 mundane tasks that render a big impact on our life. Again
Book #2 The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Quest, fantasy, adventure
Published: 1988
Number of copies sold: Over 65 million
Best quote from the book:
When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
This book comes as no surprise in the list of books that inspires you! With the power to make you think a lot over life (in a good way) this book teaches thoughtful life lessons (often in the form of riddles and puzzles) that can change your life.
Book #3 You Are a Badass
Author: Jen Sincero’
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2013
Number of copies sold: Over 10 million
Best quote from the book:
“You are loved. Massively. Ferociously. Unconditionally. The Universe is totally freaking out about how awesome you are. It’s got you wrapped in a warm gorilla hug of adoration. It wants to give you everything you desire. It wants you to be happy. It wants you to see what it sees in you.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Want to create a life that you love? This book is the perfect tool that you need. It is a perfect 27 that has some sound advice, simple exercises, and captivating stories in them. This book not only helps you to identify but also get rid of self-sabotaging thoughts and habits that might be a roadblock in your success right now.
Book #4 Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Author: William H. McRaven
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2001
Number of copies sold: Over 21 million
Best quote from the book:
Confidence is ignorance. If you’re feeling cocky, it’s because there’s something you don’t know.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
A 12-year-old boy named Artemis’s vast accomplishments and genius patterns that will definitely motivate you here. Plus, this book will leave you with hope and will make you believe that there’s good in all of us.
Book #5 The Little Prince
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Genre: Fiction
Published: 1943
Number of copies sold: Over 140 million
Best quote from the book:
And now, here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
This book is loaded with inspiration and emotions. It will teach you one of the most important messages of life, that is, to listen and follow your heart. That is not it, there is a whole bundle of inspiration that you can get from this book.
Book #6 The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown
Genre: Fiction
Published: 2003
Number of copies sold: Over 80 million
Best quote from the book:
Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
This book will not only spark curiosity in your head but will also make you think harder to solve the mysteries that are presented in it. Apart from the brain exercise that the book has to offer it will also help you to develop a mindset that will allow you to take a leap of faith in order to achieve life goals.
Book #7 Chicken Soup for the Soul
Author: Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Genre: Self-help
Published: 1993
Number of copies sold: Over 500 million
Best quote from the book:
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” “There is no right reaction. There is only your reaction.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
With its ability to change others’ perspectives on certain aspects of life this book has to be there in the best inspirational books to-read list. Well Chicken Soup for the Soul is a series of work that features a collection of short inspirational and motivational essays. What makes this book and series even better is the fact that the stories are inspired by real-life events.
Book #8 How to Win Friends & Influence People
Author: Dale Carnegie
Genre: Non-fiction
Published: 1936
Number of copies sold: Over 30 million
Best quote from the book:
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Coming from true life experiences of Dale Carnegie’s interaction with his students set this book apart from the ones based on dry theory. This book shares ideas that work in more effective human relations. The lessons shared inspires to create better business and personal relationships.
Book #9 Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Genre: Fiction
Published: 1887
Number of copies sold: Over 60 million (the entire series)
Best quote from the book:
What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is what you can make people believe you have done.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
How many of you never plan to be Sherlock Holmes when you grow up? I bet we all at some point in our lives thought to be as genius as Sherlock! This book will inspire you to take your work life seriously and dedicate yourself fully to it (without complaining). Along with this, Sherlock’s usage of irony and sense of humor makes this book worth reading.
Book #10 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen R. Covey
Genre: Non-fiction
Published: 1989
Number of copies sold: Over 25 million
Best quote from the book:
“Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and
he will become as he can and should be.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
We all are constantly trying to become a better person with each passing day of our life. Well, you can use Covey’s road map for developing better habits and a better life together.
Top 10 Motivational Books For Men:
Book #11 The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Fiction
Published: 1925
Number of copies sold: Over 25 million
Best quote from the book:
Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
The deep and crucial life lessons that this book has to offer might be a little tricky read in this list of best books to motivate. But, once you will start reading it… you will be amazed to learn the true meaning of life. It teaches you to be in the present moment and enjoy what life has offered you.
Book #12 Why Do I Do That?
Author: Joseph Burgo
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2012
Number of copies sold: Over 50 thousand
Best quote from the book:
“People with parents who constantly let them down emotionally and who failed to provide what was needed rarely feel safe in their adult relationships.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Though this book is an inspirational read for almost everyone the reason why it is placed under the best inspirational book for men category is because of the typical stereotype attached to the gender, that is, Men Don’t Cry. Well, we all experience emotional pain, while many of us vent it out, some of us engage ourselves in defense mechanisms to avoid it altogether. This does more harm than good! So, feel motivated, pick up this book, and refocus on your emotions healthily.
Book #13 Siddhartha
Author: Hermann Hesse
Genre: Philosophical fiction
Published: 1922
Number of copies sold: Over 100 million
Best quote from the book:
“It is not for me to judge another man’s life. I must judge, I must choose, I must spurn, purely for myself. For myself, alone.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Are you remotely philosophically curious? Or looking for enlightenment and inspiration in life? If yes then get your hands on this beautifully written spiritual piece. Not only will you learn about the ultimate power that resides within you but also learn the art of compassion by reading it.
Book #14 Awaken the Giant Within
Author: Tony Robbins
Genre: Self-help
Published: 1991
Number of copies sold: Over 2 million
Best quote from the book:
“Why not make cheerfulness, outrageousness, playfulness a new priority for yourself? Make feeling good your expectation. You don’t have to have a reason to feel good—you’re alive; you can feel good for no reason at all!”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Written by one of the best motivational gurus in current times this book has to make it to the list of best motivational books to read. Get inspired by him and unlock your inner potential with this book of his. Time to Awaken the Giant Within and take charge of your emotional, mental, physical, and financial life.
Book #15 Can’t Hurt Me
Author: David Goggins
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2018
Number of copies sold: Over 9 million
Best quote from the book:
“It won’t always go your way, so you can’t get trapped in this idea that just because you’ve imagined a possibility for yourself that you somehow deserve it. Your entitled mind is dead weight. Cut it loose. Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim on what you are willing to earn!”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Get your dose of inspiration from retired Navy Seal and ultra-marathon runner, David Goggins! Why? His life journey is such! From rising through ashes and becoming the best version of yourself this book will guide you to carry out your life the right way.
Book #16 The Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face
Author: Patrick M. Morley
Genre: Self-help
Published: 1989
Number of copies sold: Over four million
Best quote from the book:
“Purposes are threads of continuity that we weave into the long-term view of our lives. Goals come and go, but purposes survive because they are long-term, they pertain to why we exist part of our lives. They relate to how we perceive the theory of our lives.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Author Patrick M. Morley subtly gave the message to its raiders that the change and solutions you are looking for begins by confronting the man in the mirror. Thus, motivating many men out there to take charge of their lives. Along with this, the book addresses the 24 most difficult issues that are being faced by the man in the current era and provides possible solutions.
Book #17 Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy
Author: Francine Shapiro
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2012
Number of copies sold: Over a million (estimated)
Best quote from the book:
“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do, or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Many of us have witnessed some of the other traumatic experiences in our childhood, which still reflects in our day-to-day life. This book will inspire you to take a moment and to work on these experiences and get a better hold of your conscious behavior.
Book #18 How to Make Sh*t Happen: Make More Money, Get in Better Shape, Create Epic Relationships and Control
Author: Sean Whalen
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2018
Number of copies sold: Over 143,000
Best quote from the book:
“creating a plan, writing that sh*t down, being a good person, asking lots of questions, learning from my mistakes, surrounding myself with great people, exiting relationships that no longer aligned with me, taking care of my body and my relationships, and…”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
With the subtitle so power-boosting this book surely promises to inspire you. We all have some of the other issues going in our lives but, instead of turning it into an excuse this book will motivate you to work with it.
Book #19 Get out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior
Author: Dr. Mark Goulston and co-author Philip Goldberg
Genre: Self-help
Published: 1996
Number of copies sold: NA (e-book)
Best quote from the book:
“Those who are comfortable taking chances to know that the best way to grow is to reach beyond their grasp. Their sense of direction comes from the heart. They don’t shy away from surprise; they might even seek it out. And they seldom die with regrets. In the end we regret not what we have done but what we have not done.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
The title of this inspirational book gives a clear message, that is, break the shackles that are inhibiting you and start growing. The book addresses 40 common self-defeating behaviors and suggests practical self-help steps to transform them.
Book #20 Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
Author: Kamal Ravikant
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2012
Number of copies sold: NA (e-book)
Best quote from the book:
“Step 5: Repeat “I love myself” gently, pausing occasionally to watch your eyes. When the five minutes are up, smile. You’ve just communicated the truth to yourself in a deep, visceral way. In a way the mind cannot escape. If anyone ever looked in your eyes, knowing that you loved them, this is what they saw. Give yourself the same gift.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Busy making life so bad that you have just forgotten to live one? Stop, pause, read this book, and start loving yourself and your life first! P.S. coming from real-life instances will make you relate more to it.
Top 10 Motivational Books For Women
Book #21 Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals
Author: Rachel Hollis
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2019
Number of copies sold: NA (e-book)
Best quote from the book:
“I believe we can change the world. But first, we’ve got to stop living in fear of being judged for who we are.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Oh no! The book is not asking you to stop being apologetic! Rather, it will empower you to stop being apologetic over things when you shouldn’t like- asking for help from your partner for household chores.
Book #22 ‘Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life’
Author: Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2003
Number of copies sold: NA (e-book)
Best quote from the book:
“For overthinkers, whose feelings and thoughts about their loss linger much longer than those of non-overthinkers, the social time clock for “getting over” loss is really punishing.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
If you are involved in the constant thinking loop that is interfering in your daily life, time to deal with it healthily. Along with providing concrete strategies to overcome overthinking this book will teach you to value your mental health.
Book #23 Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination
Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2015
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Failure! We all have faced it! Even the author of the best selling books of all time faced it. But instead of shaming it off she took it sportingly. Now it is our turn to embrace it and use it as a step to lead a successful and happy life.
Book #24 Yes Please
Author: Amy Poehler
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2014
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“The only way we will survive is by being kind. The only way we can get by in this world is through the help we receive from others. No one can do it alone, no matter how great the machines are.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Humour and inspiration blended together to teach you important life lessons by Amy. Not everyone is perfect and that is okay but worrying and thinking over it won’t help. So, pump up yourself just say Yes Please without guilt.
Book #25 The Moment of Lift
Author: Melinda Gates
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2019
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“Every society says its outsiders are the problem. But the outsiders are not the problem; the urge to create outsiders is the problem. Overcoming that urge is our greatest challenge and our greatest promise. It will take courage and insight, because the people we push to the margins are the ones who trigger in us the feelings we’re afraid of.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
A journey of Gate’s interaction with different inspirational people compiled together in a book for you. Get inspired by some of the most unforgettable narratives and learn the power of connection.
Book #26 The Woman Code
Author: Sophia A. Nelson
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2014
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“A visionary is one who sees beyond his present reality or circumstance and paves the way for others who come after him to get where he himself would like to be.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Who doesn’t face challenges in life? From the moment we are born we have one or the other challenge ready for us. Well, Nelson’s book is here to navigate us through life’s challenges and reveal principles that will help us balance our life. Add the element of grace and be inspired to have a purpose in life with this book.
Book #27 The Last Black Unicorn’
Author: Tiffany Haddish
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2017
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“Everyone has their own personal pain and their own demons, and no one will talk about it, and that’s why they never get better. They’re all afraid to talk about it.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Laugh out loud and get inspired at the same time with this funny memoir of Tiffany Haddish. Her life journey will motivate you to be who you truly are and never be afraid to be someone who always wants to be, just do it!
Book #28 Becoming
Author: Michelle Obama
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2018
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”
“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Oh! This lady has my heart. But, trust me that’s not the only reason why the former first lady’s book has made it to this list! Explore the challenges and triumphs in her life that will shape you into a fearless woman just like her! Don’t just get inspired but also get the dose of strength and determination from her words!
Book #29 The Wisdom of Menopause (Revised Edition)
Author: Dr. Northrup
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2006
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“Holding our breath or breathing shallowly always stops us from feeling. And to heal anything, we have to feel it. So breathe mindfully whenever possible. I have the word breathe posted in strategic places throughout my home and office.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Menopause is a challenging phase in women’s life with many not knowing what to do at this time! Well, not anymore. Northup has covered every aspect of menopause and has explained all the changes in the right light. This book has encouraged women to view menopause as an empowering new beginning and not as a scary phase of life.
Book #30 More Than Enough
Author: Elaine Welteroth
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2019
Number of copies sold: NA
Best quote from the book:
“Treat dating like gardening instead. Plant the most promising seeds. Water them all. Taste what each has to offer. And when you find one that produces fruit you could eat every single day, give a little more love to it and start pruning the rest.”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Do you often sail in the boat of self-doubt? Time to hop out of it with the guidance of Elaine. This book will inspire you to follow your ambitions and be aware of your mission.
Other Top Books to Inspire You
Book #31 Stress Management: It is Within You
Author: Anjali Singh, Srishail Rana (Calm Sage)
Genre: Self-help
Published: 2020
Number of copies sold: A Few (e-book)
Best quote from the book:
“Time to make Smile more; Stress less the mantra of your life”
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
The book tells you that the ultimate power to manage stress lies within you. It suggests to you different ways manage your stress in easy and effective ways by just bringing a few important changes in your life. So, get inspired and say bye-bye to your stress.
Tell us Your Favourite Motivational Book
Author:?
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Published:?
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Best quote from the book: Share it with us in the comment section below.
Why is it the best inspirational book to read?
Because it is the best inspirational book for you!
With this long list of top books to inspire you now it is your turn to pick one and get your dose of inspiration!!
Keep reading and stay motivated!!!
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About The Author
Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh is a content curator in the field of Mental Health. She is currently done Ph.D. in Psychology. Her aim is to light up the world with positive vibes through her words, her idea of life is ‘Grow through what you go through’. Apart from this, she is a big-time pet lover.
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