Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of romantic love, but it can also be a wonderful time to celebrate self-love. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or just looking for ways to deepen your connection with yourself, books about self-love offer an empowering and nurturing way to mark the occasion.
From building self-esteem to embracing your own worth, these self-love books can inspire you to prioritise yourself, reflect on your journey, and practice self-compassion.
Here are some thoughtful and uplifting books to help you cultivate self-love this Valentine’s Day:
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I’ve included Amazon links to each book, but you can also read where to get e-books and audiobooks for free and how to listen to audiobooks on Spotify for alternatives. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for other digital versions.)
- 1. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
- 2. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
- 3. “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach
- 4. “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” by Kamal Ravikant
- 5. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
- 6. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
- 7. “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff
- 8. “The Body Is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor
- 9. “The Self-Love Experiment” by Shannon Kaiser
- More Books About Self-Love
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
1. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is renowned for her work on vulnerability, courage, and self-compassion. In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and let go of the pressures to be perfect. The book offers practical advice for cultivating authenticity and self-worth, inviting you to let go of shame and build a more loving relationship with yourself. If you want to learn how to show up in the world as your true self, this book is an excellent choice.
Why Read It? Brown’s book is a powerful guide to letting go of societal expectations and embracing the unique person you are. It’s perfect for anyone looking to practice self-acceptance and kindness toward themselves.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
2. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
If you’re in need of a motivational boost, You Are a Badass is the book for you. Jen Sincero’s witty and empowering writing encourages readers to overcome self-doubt and pursue their dreams. Through her practical advice, humour, and inspirational stories, Sincero teaches you how to recognize your own potential, own your greatness, and live boldly. This book is a celebration of personal empowerment and serves as a reminder that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
Why Read It? This book is all about realizing your self-worth and taking action to live a life that aligns with your dreams. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking to boost their confidence and motivate themselves to prioritize their goals.
“You are a badass at making money. You are a badass at being unapologetically yourself. You are a badass at being loveable.”
For those who want to take things further, Sincero offers an 8-week You are a Badass coaching program.
3. “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach
Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance explores the concept of embracing yourself, flaws and all, in order to lead a life of peace and joy. Combining mindfulness and Buddhist teachings, Brach discusses how the feeling of “not being enough” often leads to suffering and how accepting ourselves fully can bring us closer to inner peace. This book is an invitation to break free from the cycle of self-judgment and find compassion for yourself in all moments.
Why Read It? If you’ve ever struggled with self-criticism or felt disconnected from your true self, Radical Acceptance provides gentle, loving guidance to help you embrace who you are with open arms.
“Radical acceptance is the willingness to experience ourselves and our lives as they are.”
4. “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” by Kamal Ravikant
In Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It, Kamal Ravikant shares his personal journey of learning to love himself in the face of hardship. Through a series of practical exercises, Ravikant explores the importance of self-love and how it can positively transform your life. The book emphasizes the significance of affirmations, self-care, and the simple but powerful practice of choosing to love yourself every day.
Why Read It? This book offers a straightforward and actionable approach to self-love. It’s perfect for anyone seeking to build a daily practice of self-compassion and mental well-being.
“Love yourself. Love yourself like your life depends on it, because it does.”
5. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring read about creativity and the courage to pursue your passions. Though not solely about self-love, it’s a celebration of living a life true to yourself and embracing the magic of possibility. Gilbert encourages readers to let go of perfectionism, fear, and doubt, and to create with joy and freedom. It’s a wonderful reminder to love and honour your own creativity, whatever form it may take.
Why Read It? If you’ve been feeling stuck or disconnected from your passions, Big Magic offers a fresh perspective on how to reconnect with yourself and the things that light you up.
“Creative living is any life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”
6. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
In Untamed, Glennon Doyle shares her journey of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing her true self. Her memoir is an honest, empowering exploration of how women can learn to trust their instincts, embrace their desires, and live authentically. Doyle’s writing is raw, vulnerable, and full of the wisdom that comes from learning to love and honour yourself, no matter the obstacles.
Why Read It? If you’re seeking inspiration to stop doubting yourself and start living fully as the woman you are, Untamed is a call to release self-limiting beliefs and embrace the power of self-love.
“The braver I am, the luckier I get. The more I trust myself, the more my life works out. I am the one I have been waiting for.”
Doyle also has a podcast with her wife, Abby, and sister, Amanda, called We Can Do Hard Things.
7. “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion explores the importance of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Through research and personal anecdotes, Neff explains how self-compassion can improve your mental health and overall well-being. This book provides actionable steps to break the cycle of self-criticism and build a more loving, compassionate relationship with yourself.
Why Read It? For anyone struggling with self-judgment or perfectionism, Self-Compassion is an invaluable guide to replacing negative thought patterns with kindness and self-acceptance.
“Treat yourself as you would treat a dear friend.”
For more insights, check out Dr. Kristin Neff’s YouTube channel.
8. “The Body Is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor
The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor encourages readers to embrace radical self-love by breaking down societal norms that dictate how we should view and treat our bodies. Taylor explores how we can love ourselves fully and without conditions by dismantling shame, body hatred, and the unrealistic expectations placed on our physical appearances. The book is an empowering call to take ownership of our bodies and practice love, regardless of societal standards.
Why Read It? If you’ve struggled with body image or self-esteem, The Body Is Not an Apology will inspire you to embrace your body as it is and cultivate deep, unapologetic love for yourself.
“Self-love is not about being narcissistic or self-absorbed; it’s about knowing that you are enough as you are.”
*A second edition of The Body is not an Apology is coming out on February 9th, as well as an Your Body is not an Apology Handbook on March 16th. You can pre-order both on the Sonya Renee Taylor website.
9. “The Self-Love Experiment” by Shannon Kaiser
In The Self-Love Experiment, Shannon Kaiser shares her personal journey to self-love and outlines a 15-step program to help others do the same. Through actionable exercises and empowering affirmations, Kaiser encourages readers to release self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and love themselves unconditionally. Her compassionate approach makes this book an accessible guide to developing a deeper, more nurturing relationship with yourself.
Why Read It? This is a perfect read for anyone who wants a structured, yet loving, approach to self-love. Kaiser’s real-life examples and practical advice provide a roadmap for those looking to transform their inner dialogue.
“Loving yourself is the greatest revolution you can make.”
More Books About Self-Love
Many of the recommended self-love books here also appear on my list of 10 Powerful Books for Changing Your Life Around. So, if you’re looking for even more inspiration, start there. Also, if you have any suggestions of books on self-love to add to this list, let me know in the comments.
This Valentine’s Day, why not make a commitment to celebrate the most important relationship in your life – the one you have with yourself? Whether you’re looking to heal old wounds, boost your confidence, or simply practice kindness, these books are the perfect way to honour the love you deserve.
Happy reading, and happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Read next: 14 Famous & Romantic Love Letters for Valentine’s Day, 14 Books About Female Friendship for Galentine’s Day, 14 Short Love Poems for Valentine’s Day & Beyond and Valentine’s Day Books: 14 Great Love Stories for Romantics
More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
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