There are a huge number of self help books available on the market, too many to read to see which one really is going to change your life for the better. I decided to look at the flip side of the self help book, to ones which might make you think a bit more about your life, possibly not in any radical permanent life changing way, but they should at least make you laugh. That’s a subtle disclaimer, some of the books are less subtle.
F*ck It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way, John C. Parkin
John C Parkin’s book pretty much started the f*ck it books revolution, using the Eastern spiritual concept of letting go of the small stuff, and a lot of the big stuff too, and recognising that things don’t matter. Many people have been inspired to find their own way with this book, and it’s a good place to start if you’ve never read a self help book. And it will make you laugh.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, Mark Manson
Mark Manson’s book takes the exhausting idea of seeing everything positively and turns it on its head. Sometimes you need to hear the honest truth, even if it is messed up. Once we face our faults, weaknesses and insecurities, we can do something about it. This book will help you work out how to lead a more fulfilling life by giving you the kick up the backside you apparently desperately need.
You’re Doing It Wrong!: How to Improve Your Life by Fixing Everyday Tasks You (And Everyone Else) Are Totally Screwing Up, Lee Thornton
According to Lee Thornton, we’re all doing it all wrong. All of it. Even the simplest tasks like brushing your teeth and drinking coffee. It’s a quick read too, although no doubt he’ll tell you you’re doing that wrong too.
You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You’re Deluding Yourself, David McRaney
David McRaney has written numerous ‘self help’ books. This one includes little experiments you can do with your friends and colleagues to find out how smart you and they are. It’s not a quick read like some of the others, but can be dipped in and out of. It also has lots of fun facts and info that will amaze and astound the people around you, which will of course prove just how smart you really are, or at the very least pull the wool over their eyes for a bit.
Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Colouring Book, Sasha O’Hara
I did try the colouring thing once. I’ll be honest, it didn’t do it for me and my seemingly ocean deep threshold of boredom. But if it is your thing, this is as good a place as any to start combining self help and colouring pencils. As this is about irreverent self help, stay within the lines or don’t, just do it your way.
The Book of Awesome: Snow Days, Bakery Air, Finding Money in Your Pocket, and Other Simple, Brilliant Things, Neil Pasricha
Neil Pasricha is probably best-known for his ‘Book of Awesome’ series, amongst other publications including journals and diaries. His mantra is that joy can be found in the simplest things. For me, that would include the smell of just-brewed coffee and the feel of freshly cut grass, the sound of bees buzzing around lavender and the taste of marshmallows. All cliches I suppose, but there you are. Of all the books, this one appealed to me the most due to its inherent simplicity. Another book that can be referred to rather than read from cover to cover, if that is not your thing. This is a book that will make you smile, inspire you, and lift you up when you need it most.
Originally published at wordscape.org.uk on January 18, 2018.
