Motivation can be elusive. One day it’s blazing, the next it’s barely a flicker. When our inner drive feels dimmed in the pursuit of healing and personal growth—by stress, setbacks, or self-doubt—sometimes the most powerful way to reignite it is to step into someone else’s story. Books give us that chance. They let us borrow the courage, insight, and strength of people who’ve already walked through darkness, reshaped their lives, or simply found a better way to think about being human.
Here’s a selection of books on various topics that may help, each one offering not just advice but also an encouraging voice as you write a story of lasting recovery.
Addiction Recovery
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
Gray offers a refreshing perspective on sobriety, challenging the notion that a life without alcohol is one of sacrifice. Through personal anecdotes and research, she highlights the benefits of an alcohol-free life, providing readers with a hopeful outlook on recovery.
The Recovery Book: Answers to All Your Questions About Addiction and Alcoholism and Finding Health and Happiness in Sobriety by Al J. Mooney
This comprehensive guide provides practical advice and support for individuals seeking to overcome substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It covers various aspects of recovery, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs along the journey.
Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever by Adi Jaffe
Jaffe presents a motivational approach to breaking free from addiction, focusing on self-empowerment and practical strategies. His work encourages people to take control of their recovery journey with confidence and resilience.
Mental Health
You’re Going to Be Okay by Madeline Popelka
Popelka, creator of the @HealingFromPTSD community, shares insights from her own healing journey, offering comfort and practical advice for people addressing trauma. Her compassionate approach provides you with tools to find hope and healing.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross
Kross delves into the science of inner dialogue, exploring how our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. He offers strategies to manage negative self-talk, empowering readers to take control of their mental well-being.
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
Wiest explores the concept of self-sabotage and offers motivational insights into transforming these behaviors into opportunities for personal growth. Her empowering message resonates with readers seeking to overcome challenges with AUD, SUD, and mental health.
Trauma Recovery
The Strength in Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino
Sparacino’s collection of essays and poetry explores resilience and healing, encouraging people to find strength in their scars. Her words inspire individuals to embrace their journey and transform pain into power.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
Haig offers a collection of reflections and meditations aimed at providing comfort during challenging times. His gentle prose encourages you to find solace and meaning, fostering emotional healing and resilience.
The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke Harris
Burke Harris examines the profound impact of childhood adversity on long-term health and well-being. Her compassionate approach provides readers with insights and strategies for healing and resilience.
LGBTQIA2s+ Community Support
The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation by Raquel Willis
Willis’s memoir chronicles her journey through grief, identity, and activism, offering an inspiring narrative for LGBTQIA2s+ individuals seeking community and understanding. Her story emphasizes the importance of visibility and self-empowerment.
Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue by Nicholas Teich
Teich provides an accessible introduction to transgender issues, offering insights into the experiences and challenges faced by the transgender community. His work promotes understanding and support, encouraging inclusivity and empathy.
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate by Jeannie Gainsburg
Gainsburg equips readers with the knowledge and tools to be effective allies to the LGBTQIA2s+ community. Her practical advice helps build advocacy and support, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Mindset Transformation
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Clear presents a practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. His approach focuses on the power of small changes leading to significant personal transformation, empowering you to take control of behaviors and outcomes.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck explores the concept of “fixed” vs “growth” mindsets and how adopting a growth mindset leads to greater success and fulfillment in various aspects of life.
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Robbins offers strategies for taking control of one’s emotions, finances, relationships, and life, aiming to help individuals achieve lasting positive change.
Discover Hope and Healing at Ivory Plains
The right book doesn’t lecture or demand—it nudges us to look at things differently, to see possibilities where we once saw dead ends. The same can be said of quality addiction rehabilitation treatment. At our inclusive residential rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa, we have board-certified professionals who partner with you to create a story of whole-person health. Be the main character of a new life—talk to our admissions team today to learn how we can help.
