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There was a time when healing felt abstract to me. Big ideas. Big feelings. Lots of “understanding,” not a lot of change. What actually helped me weren’t just insights—it was tangible things. Books I could underline. Pages I could come back to when my nervous system was fried. Words that made me feel less broken and more… human. So today I want to share a few books that genuinely shaped my healing—not because they were trendy, but because they stuck. These are the ones I still think about, still reference, and still recommend when someone asks, “Okay, but what actually helps?” The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené BrownIf I had to pick one book to hand to someone starting—or restarting—their healing journey, this would be it. Brené Brown is my favorite author, full stop. She’s a researcher at heart, but she writes like a real person who has lived some life. This book is a distillation of her work interviewing thousands of people about shame, worthiness, and belonging. The 10 guideposts aren’t fluffy—they’re practical, grounded, and doable. This book helped me understand that healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about letting go of who you were told you had to be. How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePeraI love this book so much. Nicole LePera is a queer author (which I deeply appreciate supporting), though this book isn’t about queerness—it’s about honest, embodied healing. It hits the honesty button repeatedly, explains the why behind trauma responses, and consistently brings things back to the body. It’s straightforward without being harsh, compassionate without being enabling. I recommend this one to people at any stage of healing. Leaders Eat Last by Simon SinekYes, it’s technically a leadership book—and also one of the best self-reflection tools I’ve ever read. Simon Sinek’s approach to leadership is rooted in safety, trust, and human nervous systems (even if he doesn’t always use that language). This book taught me a lot about my values, what I need in relationships, and what actually makes people feel safe enough to show up fully. How to get these books without Amazon (or spending much at all)Your local library (truly underrated) Interlibrary Loan – your library can borrow books from other libraries for you, often for free Libby or Hoopla – free ebooks and audiobooks with a library card Free Audible books, podcasts, and essays – many books are free (no credits necessary to purchase) and they run great sales on top titles too! AbeBooks – inexpensive used books (yes, Amazon-owned, but wildly cheaper) ThriftBooks.com – great prices, reliable, and accessible
Healing doesn’t have to be expensive to be real. Sometimes it starts with the right book, at the right moment, reminding you that you’re not behind—you’re becoming. 💛
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