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The Self-Help Book You Should Read, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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The prospect of buying a self-help book can be tough. We can all do a bit of self-improvement. But where should we begin? Should we cop Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad and start with our finances? Or should we go for Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk to tackle our habit of overthinking? Choosing the right copy to sink your teeth into can be tricky. That’s why we got a little help from the stars. Below, the self-help book you should read, based on your zodiac sign.

The 17 Best Motivational Books (That Aren't Cheesy as Hell)


Aries (march 21 - April 19)

The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen. R. Covey

If the Energizer Bunny had a zodiac sign, it would unequivocally be Aries. These fearless fire signs are determined, willful and, of course, fiery balls of endless energy. We love them for the vigor they bring into out lives, but that seat-of-your-pants attitude can go catawampus if not harnessed. This renowned bestseller emphasizes the importance of focusing and adopting habits that are grounding, which can come in handy for these rams.

Taurus (april 20 – May 20)

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That The Poor And Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Outside of being stubborn, Tauruses are known for two other things: having exquisite taste and being fiscally responsible, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad can certainly help with the latter. This self-help book teaches about money management and investing wisely. It’s also got a major thumbs up from Will Smith and Oprah, and judging by their bank accounts, it’s not a shabby read.

Gemini (may 21 – June 20)

You Are A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

By nature, Geminis are of two opposing minds. Quick-witted and chatty as they may be, these twin signs sure have a hard time making decisions for fear of making the wrong one. With You Are a Badass at their bedside, perhaps they can get better at trusting their judgement as the book features inspiring stories, sage advice as well as easy exercises to help you make decisions with full confidence.

Cancer (june 21 – July 22)

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice On Love And Life From Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

No one cares more about ensuring that their love and personal lives are smooth sailing quite like emotionally astute Cancers. And they’ll do anything to make sure they have a solution for any problems that may arise, including nabbing this book by Cheryl Strayed. Tiny Beautiful Things began as an advice column Strayed wrote for The Rumpus under the pen name, Sugar. It features letters from her hordes of readers, covering all subject matters from cheating lovers to losing family members. Ever the caregivers for their loved ones, Cancers can certainly pass on some of the gems laid out in this page turner to their beloveds. And uh, prepare to cry. A lot.

Leo (july 23 – August 23)

The Gifts Of Imperfection: Let Go Of Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be And Embrace Who You Are by Bréne Brown

Approval-seeking Leos will benefit from reading this fan-favorite which spells out the importance of looking within instead of from the outward approval of others. So, what if your pic got 20 fewer likes than last week’s? Who cares if no one noticed your new jacket? If you bought it because it makes you happy, then that’s all that matters. It may be tough for these prideful lions to take heed, but the sooner they do, the better.

Virgo (august 23 – September 22)

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

We’d be surprised if these supremely analytical earth signs don’t already have this pick in their arsenal. Atomic Habits advises on “habit formation, [and] reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results,” a cause any perfectionist, solution-oriented Virgo can get behind.

Libra (september 23 – October 23)

The Power Of Chowa: Finding Your Inner Strength Through The Japanese Concept Of Balance And Harmony by Akemi Tanaka

Symbolized by scales, Libras are always in constant pursuit of balance. While they’re busy making sure that everyone around them is happy, it’s easy to forget yourself and that’s where The Power of Chowa comes in. The book is all about prioritizing and making sure you’re dividing your energy equally between yourself, your loved ones and your work. Hear that, Libra?

Scorpio (october 21 – November 21)

Think Like A Monk: Train Your Mind For Peace And Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty

Being super secretive, super detective and super protective can be exhausting, so why keep up the pursuit when you can chill out? While the influence from action-packed Mars will never truly go away, you can learn to find your Zen with this bestseller derived from Shetty’s days as a monk. This page-turner dissects ways you can stop overthinking, why comparisons kill love and how to use your fear productively so can you live your best life and—fingers crossed—be more trusting.

Sagittarius (november 22 – December 21)

The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits by Wim Hof

Of all the zodiac signs, Sagittarians are probably the most restless. These adventurous and explorative spirits are all about the next trip, next job, next…everything. This book by Wim Hof can help them get centered while still feeding their penchant for taking risks. And while the ice baths are totally optional, something tells us these “try anything once” archers will be up for those too—along with the breathwork the famed book talks about.

Capricorn (december 22 – January 19):

Drop The Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu

Dufu practically wrote this book with Capricorns in mind, but don’t quote us on that. Geared toward high-achieving women who feel like they have to balance both family and career seamlessly, Dufu shares the secret to having all: letting go. While this may sound super foreign to the hardworking, highly-ambitious sea goats, there is absolute truth to what Dufu is saying. Sometimes the key to making it all work is letting go of some things—whether that’s dropping an item from your to-do list or reevaluating your future goals.

Aquarius (january 20 – February 18)

Soulpreneurs: Live Your Purpose, Lift Your Platform And Leap Into Prosperity by Yvette Luciano

When it comes to leadership, Aquarians have no issue letting everyone know who’s boss. These innovative and forward thinkers know they’re ahead of any trend and sometimes their way of parsing information can come off a bit…arrogant. This book by Yvette Luciano may help our favorite water bearers communicate better and get their ideas across so people understand the sincerity and heart behind each of their ideas.

Pisces (february 19 – March 20)

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Long before manifestation and vision boards were all the rage, Byrne’s The Secret was the book telling us to visualize our goals and trust in the law of attraction. And who better to put that wisdom to use than Pisceans—the most creative sign in the zodiac? Ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, these water signs tend to revel in the ethereal anyway, so while the science in this book has been widely disputed, they can certainly connect on the spiritual aspects.



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Resident Hufflepuff, Beyonce historian, self-proclaimed tea sommelier

Steph is a native of Zimbabwe who is both enamored and genuinely baffled by the concept of silent letters. From 2020 to 2022, she served as Associate Editor at PureWow covering...