The very first “personal development” book I ever read was Peace from Broken Pieces by Iyanla Vanzant. I don’t even remember how I found that book (probably Oprah) but it was the first time I’d encountered the idea that trauma wasn’t just something you endured—it was something you could heal from, something you could rebuild yourself on the other side of.
It made me realize that there were people who had gone through hard things and didn’t just survive—they shared the lessons, the tools, and the wisdom they picked up along the way. That book didn’t just change how I saw myself; in a way, it set me on the path to becoming a writer of those types of stories, even though I didn’t know it at the time.
Since then, personal development books have been a huge part of my life. But over time, my definition of “growth” has evolved. In the beginning, I was mostly focused on self-improvement—”how do I get better?”, “how do I level up?”, “how do I fix what’s broken?” Now, I see growth as something much bigger. It’s not just about growing up—it’s about growing deep roots, it’s about growing your branches in all directions, in a way that’s more holistic and connected to every part of life.
That’s why I put together this list of my favorite personal development books for spiritual people. These books aren’t just about getting better at life—they’re about growing in a way that feels aligned, meaningful, and soul-nourishing. If you’re someone who wants both wisdom and practicality, both mindset and faith, this list is for you.
1. You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay
Louise Hay was one of the first authors to introduce me to the idea that our thoughts literally shape our reality. You Can Heal Your Life is a cornerstone of spiritual personal development, showing us how negative self-talk and unresolved emotions manifest in our bodies, our relationships, and our circumstances.
Also, if you’re not familiar with Louise, she was incredible! A total maverick– Louise started Hay House (the preeminent publishing house for spiritual books) decades before that was a popular category. See if you can find a YouTube of her speaking or teaching, her voice is so soothing and she always makes me feel like everything is going to be OK.
2. What If You Are the Answer – By Me
OK I have to include my new book too because, honestly, this one is personal. What If You Are the Answer? is the book I wish I had when I was going through the biggest transitions in my life.
So often, we look outside ourselves for the answers—waiting for a sign, searching for validation, hoping someone else will tell us what to do. But what if the answers you’re looking for have been inside you all along? What If You Are the Answer is about learning to ask yourself the right questions—ones that help you grow your intuition, understand yourself on a deeper level, and finally trust that you already have what it takes to create the life you want.
3. The Astonishing Power of Emotions – Esther & Jerry Hicks
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a rut emotionally, The Astonishing Power of Emotions is a game-changer. Esther and Jerry Hicks, channeling the wisdom of Abraham (yeah, this one gets really woo-woo, just go with it) explain how our emotions serve as a kind of internal GPS, constantly guiding us toward alignment with our highest self.
The key lesson? Instead of resisting “negative” emotions, we can learn to use them as a guidepost—helping us shift toward thoughts and feelings that bring us closer to joy, abundance, and ease. It’s a radical shift from the “just think positive!” mentality to something much more nuanced and powerful.
4. Ikigai – Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles
Okay, let’s talk about purpose. Because if you’ve ever sat around wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do with your life, Ikigai will make you rethink the whole question.
This book explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, which loosely translates to “reason for being.” It teaches that true fulfillment comes from the intersection of four things:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
If you’ve been struggling with feeling lost or wondering if your passions could ever align with your career, this book is full of insights to help you uncover the deeper purpose behind why you do what you do.
5. The Power of Intention – Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s work has shaped so much of how I think about manifestation, mindset, and showing up for my life. The Power of Intention takes the concept of manifesting to a whole new level—not just wishing for things to happen, but aligning your energy and actions with the intention of what you want to create.
The biggest takeaway? We don’t attract what we want; we attract what we are. If you want more love, become more loving. If you want success, align with the energy of possibility. This book is a beautiful reminder that when we show up with clarity and purpose, life starts showing up for us in return.
6. Super Attractor – Gabrielle Bernstein
I had to include Super Attractor because Gabrielle Bernstein is the queen of blending spiritual principles with real-world practicality. This book is all about co-creating with the universe, stepping out of the cycle of fear and control, and allowing things to flow rather than forcing them.
One of my favorite lessons from this book is the idea that joy is a magnet for abundance. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to grind ourselves into the ground to “earn” the life we want—sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is raise our energy, release resistance, and trust that what’s meant for us is already on its way.
