1. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

This is my favorite memoir I’ve ever read. The former iCarly star recounts her childhood struggles with an overbearing (to put it lightly) mother, eating disorders, and harmful relationships. Pushed into the world of acting for the sole reason of pleasing her mother, McCurdy then grapples with what it means to do things for herself when her mother dies of cancer, leaving McCurdy free from her control. This memoir is beautifully written and tells a heartwrenching story of struggle, approval, and freedom.

2. Educated by Tara Westover

Born into a Mormon survivalist family, Westover never entered a classroom (or doctor’s office) until she was 17. Knowing nothing about world history or other essentials, her admittance to Bringham Young University is more than a new chapter in her life: it’s an opening into a world far bigger than she could ever have imagined. Westover throws herself into education, learning with the vivacity of one who has been starved her whole life. As she questions her own worldview, Westover opens new doors, all the while grappling with the knowledge that she can never go back.

3. Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life by Alice Wong

Alice Wong is an Asian American disability rights activist, and Year of the Tiger tells her story. Laced with her vibrant personality and accompanied by art from disabled and Asian American artists, this memoir features a collection of Wong’s works regarding disabilities and Asian American identities. So many skills and elements go into being an activist, and this book explores the most effective ways to make positive change while maintaining a strong personal identity.

4. Uncultured: A Memoir by Daniella Mestyanek Young

Daniella Mestyanek Young grew up in a cult. She was deprived of many necessities and abused relentlessly. But when she’s only 15, she escapes The Children of God, enrolls in a Texas school, and builds a new life. Before she fully adapts to life outside the cult, she joins the US military, where she finds experiences that are eerily similar to her childhood. I adored this memoir in a way that makes you ache from her pain and resolve to improve the world in any way you can. This book is not for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend giving it a read if you’re in a good emotional space to do so.

5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

6. Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

At the young age of 23, Suleika Jaouad received a leukemia diagnosis, bringing her plans to be a top-notch war correspondent in Paris to a crashing halt. After a long fight, and against all odds, she wins her recovery battle. But when her life is so deeply wrecked by her illness, where is she supposed to go from there? Jaouad sets out on a solo road trip across the United States to fight the (perhaps tougher) battle of mental healing. I found this memoir to be deeply thought-provoking, and it was one of the first books I thought of when crafting this list.

7. Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen

This is a more obscure option, but I think about it all the time (and I read it, like, 10 years ago!). Maya Van Wagenen, with little to no social standing at her school, finds a popularity guide from the 1950s. With little to lose, she follows its advice to a T to see where it gets her. The discoveries unveiled by her social experiment hold excellent teachings about identity, popularity, and self-confidence. Even though this book centers around a high school social setting, its teachings apply to all ages, and I recommend it to you regardless of your age.

8. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Of all the habit-based books out there, this is perhaps my favorite. Duhigg’s writing is clear and thorough (if a bit long-winded), and the depth he achieves in this book is unmatched. The Power of Habit dives deep into human psychology and neuroscience to teach about how your small, everyday choices have a major impact on your life. This is such a vital tool for improving your life, making this book a perfect read during your 75 Hard challenge.

9. Essentialism by Greg McKeown

You can think of “essentialism” as an elevated version of “minimalism.” In this book, McKeown highlights the significance of identifying what actively adds value to your life. He gives practical tips for enjoying more of what you love while eliminating all the other noise that stands in your way and stresses you out. If you feel that your life is cluttered with commitments and time sinks that hold little value, Essentialism is the perfect book to help you cut back on distractions to hone in on what is essential.

10. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

To learn about human attention spans in the modern age of social media, Deep Work is a great introduction. In this book, Newport explores ways to increase both the length and depth of your attention span so you can focus longer and do more meaningful work during this time. I personally found some of his suggestions a bit out of touch with the modern world. But nonetheless, this book contains some vital information. I would recommend it, especially if you find yourself distressed by a too-short attention span.

11. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Perhaps one of the most commonly recommended books on productivity, I am here to confirm that Atomic Habits is, indeed, worth the hype. If you’re new to the concept of habit-building, this is a must-read. In this book, Clear breaks down the psychology behind building good habits and breaking bad ones. After all, habits are the foundation of our everyday lives, and changing your life often starts with the infinitely small task of changing your habits. Atomic Habits provides a clear guide of improving your everyday experience, one atomically small step at a time.

12. Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

Feel-Good Productivity is my favorite productivity book I’ve read. I heard about Abdaal through his YouTube channel, and his charismatic, thoughtful nature shines through in his book as well. A doctor-turned-entrepreneur, Abdaal knows a thing or two about balancing the two necessities: hard work, and enjoying your life. He talks about productivity through a refreshing lens of creating more time for doing what makes you happy rather than working for work’s sake. If you’re looking for a fresh take on joy, this is the book for you.

13. Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities by Nick Walker

To know more about neurodiversity, this is the book I will immediately point you toward. Pulling from queer theory and disability studies, Walker focuses on autism in this exploration of how we conceptualize neurodiversity. Neuroqueer Heresies shines a spotlight on the deeply-rooted ableism in our society, challenging biases and providing a new framework to view neurodiversity. If you are neurodivergent, I strongly recommend reading this book; it is deeply healing in a way you might not even know you need. And if you’re not neurodivergent, I likewise urge you to read with an open mind to learn more.

14. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

I read one of Roxane Gay’s essays for a Queer Theory class in college, and I immediately picked up Bad Feminist from the library to read more. Bad Feminist is a collection of essays about feminism. More specifically, it contains Gay’s thoughts, experiences, and commentary on being a woman of color and how modern culture treats these identities. This essay collection receives perhaps the highest praise I can give any book: I read it many years ago and still think about it on at least a weekly basis. If you’re looking for entertaining, thoughtful, heartwrenching commentary on modern feminism, this is your book.

15. Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene Carruthers

This book spotlights the Black women who have historically been change-makers and leaders in so many social justice movements. Going beyond individual action and pushing for community as the driver of social change, Unapologetic provides powerful insight into how we truly make change and what it means to seek justice. This book brims with impactful passages, and it is a must-read to better understand social justice movements through time.

16. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

The modern American education system loves to teach us that racism is over. In The New Jim Crow, Alexander shines a light on how racism still exists and is embedded in our legal system. Criminal justice in the United States is deeply flawed, and this book analyzes how mass incarceration targets Black men, specifically. If you’re looking for an in-depth study of modern racism and where to prioritize your advocacy, I would highly recommend reading The New Jim Crow as a good place to start.

17. The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes, and Mourning Songs by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarashinha

This book explores the impact of COVID-19 on the disabled community through a series of essays portraying different angles and perspectives on the matter. This format will open your eyes to many different topics that you may not have otherwise considered, making The Future Is Disabled an excellent read for disabled people and allies alike. As we transition to a post-pandemic world, these discussions are particularly timely and relevant, so this is a good book to pick up to learn more about the world in which we live.

18. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown

Here is a heartwrenching collection of sources that look into a dark and hidden part of United States history. Exploring the “battles, massacres, and broken treaties” impacting indigenous populations in the late 1800s, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee gives a voice to untold stories. Dee Brown has included a large collection of primary sources, enabling affected indigenous people to tell their own stories in their own words. I strongly recommend this book to those who seek to learn more about real American history.

19. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score is perhaps the most commonly recommended book on healing from trauma. Bessel van der Kolk provides the physical symptoms of mental trauma, how these affect your life, and how to heal. A wealth of scientific information, this book teaches about the trauma we hold and how to move forward. Regardless of whether you are actively struggling with trauma, this could be a good read for you to learn more about how your body and mind work in tandem.

20. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Fun fact: This was the first “self-help” type of book I ever read. Honestly, it’s a bit cheesy. But it brings forth a charming, relatable energy that can make it easy to connect with. Sincero provides personal anecdotes laced with sage advice to show how just going for it can pay off. Inspiring, comedic, and relatable, You Are a Badass can be an excellent introduction to the wide world of self-improvement. I recommend this book to anyone who is new to this space and wants an easy stepping stone.

21. The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story For Work and Life by Paul Millerd

This book provides a refreshing take on the modern idea of a “career.” Forge what you know about corporate ladders and pre-defined notions of success. Instead, Millderd suggests an alternative approach without sacrificing success or happiness. The Pathless Path celebrates non-linear life paths, encouraging readers to make changes when they are unhappy with their current situation. By following your curiosities, you might find a more fulfilling, albeit unconventional, life. This can be a truly therapeutic read for those who feel like they’re lost and/or behind in life.

22. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra

This is an excellent read for those who are more spiritually inclined. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success provides a framework for a happy life while minimizing stress. Chopra’s seven Laws explore how we experience desires and how those desires can be achieved through clarity, calmness, and concentration. If you’re looking to weave a more spiritual perspective into your pursuits, you may find value in this quick read.

23. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Cradle to Cradle is a cornerstone of environmentalism. In a world where wasteful production methods, planned obsolescence, and environmental destruction are the norm, McDonough and Braungart offer an alternative. This book discusses how production can be completely redesigned in a way that harms neither people nor the environment. In this model, products are created in such a way that no materials are wasted and no labor is exploited. If you’re looking to change your perception of a system we take for granted, this book is perfect for you.

24. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

You may have heard of the five mass extinctions throughout Earth’s history. But did you know there’s abundant evidence that we are experiencing a sixth right now? As a result of human-caused climate change, our altered environmental conditions are lethal to an overwhelming amount of species worldwide. The Sixth Extinction lays out the facts, covering the issues that so many animals face and how they’re affected. As someone with a degree in Earth Science, this is a topic that I know frankly way too much about. I personally recommend this book for those wanting an overview of climate change’s impact on animals globally.

25. Consumed: On Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism, and the Need for Collective Change by Aja Barber

The impact of fast fashion is a hot topic these days, and Consumed will give you a better analysis than most sources I’ve seen. Covering not only the environmental impact of the fashion industry but also the impact on people who work within the system, Barber reveals the ugly truth of modern consumerism. This is an excellent book all around, and I would especially recommend it if you’re into audiobooks; Aja Barber narrates it herself, which adds extra layers of richness and authenticity to the reader’s experience.

26. The Fruitful City: The Enduring Power of the Urban Food Forest by Helena Moncrieff

So many neighborhoods and cities brim with fruit-bearing trees, but we utilize so little of this food. In The Fruitful City, Moncrieff explores modern cultural attitudes toward food production and uncovers many touching stories of how rescued fruit brings people together and enriches their lives. This book makes you think differently about the plants around you and how we could use them for good. I found this book to be charmingly quirky and unexpectedly eye-opening, a refreshing view of the world around us.

27. Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World by Jason Hickel

As an environmentalist, degrowth is a topic that I think deserves ALL of our attention and yet is discussed so rarely. Degrowth is not only an economic concept but one that has the potential to solve so many of the issues that our modern world faces, especially in the realm of climate change. Less is More is the type of book that will change the way you see the world and light a new fire in your fight against climate change. If I could only recommend one book in this entire list, this might be the one I would choose.

28. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Ah, Braiding Sweetgrass: a staple in every list of books on environmentalism. And for good reason! Drawing from Indigenous people’s relationships with the earth, Robin Wall Kimmerer teaches about how the human-nature connection is a vital part of restoring our environment and adding joy to our human experience. This book features beautiful writing and soothes the soul while providing invaluable knowledge on these topics that deserve more attention.

29. In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honoré

If you’re interested in the slow living movement, this book is a wealth of knowledge. In a world where a “wasted” minute feels like an unrecoverable tragedy, slow living might be the cultural shift we need. Honoré is a talented journalist, and he travels around the world to learn more about different “slow movements” and report his findings: chapters are dedicated to topics such as slow food, slow cities, and even slow child-rearing. While this book lacks the depth you might seek if you’re already familiar with the Slow Movement, it is an excellent introduction if you’re looking to learn something new about this lifestyle.

30. Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff

Team Human is the most thorough exploration I’ve read of the negative impact of modern technology on our brains. From the ways technology manipulates our psychology to the misinformation that runs rampant online, this book covers many detriments of our current situation. But this book isn’t all doom and gloom. Alongside his criticisms, Rushkoff offers glimmers of hope in the ways that we, as a collective, can use such powerful tools for social change, human connection, and a better future overall. Reading this book is a surefire way to improve your relationship with technology and the Internet, and I highly recommend giving it a read.

31. Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life by Annette Lareau

I read this book for a “Sociology 101” class I took during college, and its lessons have stuck with me. Lareau explores the differences in how children are raised based on both race and economic class, and the results may genuinely surprise you. This book is thoughtful and nuanced while remaining easy to understand, and I would consider it a foundational read for gaining knowledge on socio-economic disparities in the US.

32. The Optimism Bias: A Tour of the Irrationally Positive Brain by Tali Sharot

Human psychology is biased toward optimism. In this book, Tali Sharot explains all the ways our brains play tricks on us and the ways this impacts our lives. Covering topics from happiness to memory to decision-making, The Optimism Bias will help you think more critically about the involuntary assumptions you make in your everyday life. I found this book to be particularly interesting as someone with MDD, as Sharot dedicates an entire chapter to how depression disrupts the optimism bias. If you’re interested in neuroscience or the like, this book will be of great value to you.

33. Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

For those of us who have many interests, no clear life path, or a thousand unrelated goals, this book is pure gold. In a world where we’re told to stay focused on one goal and specialize in one field, Range provides evidence that the opposite might be more beneficial. Rather than specializing, becoming a generalist can expand your horizons and make you a more well-rounded and adaptable person. Epstein provides science-based evidence that being a “jack of all trades” will enrich your life in unmatched ways.

34. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Modern culture loves to tell us that uber-successful people become that way based on the merit of their actions, their drive, or their personality. What we often overlook is the underlying societal influences that shaped their success. Depending on your perspective, Outliers may be either disheartening or freeing… or, perhaps, a bit of both. Regardless of how this book makes you feel, it provides essential insight into how our world operates and the role we play (and don’t play) in shaping our own outcomes.

35. The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal

In The Joy of Movement, McGonigal asserts that exercise is not only a vital component of our physical health but also our emotional and social well-being. This refreshing take on movement as a form of joy encourages readers to go out and exercise with other people to unlock a new level of health and longevity. I learned a lot about the non-physical benefits of exercise from this book, and I would recommend it to anyone else who hopes to build more movement into their lifestyle.

36. The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson

The Elephant in the Brain digs up an undesirable part of human psychology that we are hardwired to ignore: selfishness. Shedding light on how primal selfishness shapes our desires, decisions, and actions, this book teaches a lot about how self-interest shapes so much of our lives. This is the type of read that makes you uncomfortable with how honest it is. If you can get through it with an open mind, you may find yourself with a better understanding of human socialization and psychology.