I’ve had self-help books recommended to me by a therapist. I usually don’t read those books because they seem like a sugar-pill prescriptions.
The books I have found helpful, are the ones that speak straight-to-the-point, address specific needs/concerns without throwing in a bunch of tangential thoughts or fluffy feelings, are based on proven experience and/or research (don’t like unfounded theories), are not promoted on Oprah’s book list, haven’t made the talk show rounds, don’t come in pretty packages, aren’t associated with some brand or group-think philosophy, and aren’t so popular (don’t want to read an author whose fame outweighs their product). Does this rule out most self-help books?
I do find first-hand accounts depicting someone overcoming a certain situation—I love the idea of process, not quick fixes. So, I’m more drawn to autobiographies and historical non-fiction.
The best self-help books I’ve encountered teach me something new about the things I’ve already learned. Those books tend to put a new spin on topics related to education, psychology, and spirituality.
Here are two specific ones I’ve found helpful (which probably contradicts above ideals and are not necessarily self-help books):
The Way They Learn – this helped me to see how my learning style affects how I perceive others, and how I can best work with others who process differently than me.
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation – this helped me to appreciate the many facets of experiencing spirituality, and it allowed me to accept my approach and not judge one superior to another.