10 Great Spiritual Self Improvement Books For Women

Self improvement books are always a good read.

For one, they can be insightful.

You discover some things you never thought about asking yourself (until now, that is).

Second, you find out that you’re not alone.

That there are others just like you who are going through the same challenges in life.

And, of course, these wonderful books give us an excuse to read.

Whether you’re after a good story or you’re looking to learn a thing or two, add these self improvement books to your library soon.

Here are 10 of my favorites.

10 of the Best Spiritual Self Improvement Books for Women

1. A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado

Texas Minister Max Lucado is easily relatable and explains how simple it is to give away your love.

It helps you learn to love yourself first so that you are able to love others.

It’s a quick and fascinating read.

A good friend recommended this particular book to me, and I loved it so much that after I finished it, I immediately read it all over again.

2. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Mandino believes that to be a good salesperson, you must believe in yourself and the work you are doing.

It is a profound spiritual philosophy about how to succeed in the world’s marketplace.

My Uncle Duke gave me this book when I got my first job out of college, and I’ve read it over and over.

It is far more than the title suggests.

This is a parable set in the time prior to Christianity and inspires us to be something bigger and better than we are.

3. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret is all about the laws of attraction and the power they hold and emit through our thoughts.

The basic idea is that our thoughts and attitudes are more powerful than we realize.

If we put that positive energy into the universe, it returns to us in some form.

Long before I read it, I’ve always been a believer in embracing a positive outlook on life, even in the most dire of circumstances.

If you give goodness, you receive goodness…boom. Like begets like, etc.

The goal, of course, is to receive the desired outcomes and live a happier, healthier, more successful life.

However, critics consider this book slightly controversial because of its bold claims without the necessary scientific data to back them up.

The way I see it…there’s no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole!

4. 10 Things I wish I knew by Maria Shriver

My parents gave me this book when I was in college, mostly because I love Maria Shriver.

However, it has proven to be a very helpful read and guide to life.

I highly recommend it, especially to younger women who are facing this big, scary world for the first time.

Shriver speaks to you like a really cool aunt or big sister would.

5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Sports columnist Mitch Albom tells this tear-jerking true story about the love between a mentor and his pupil.

The character of Morrie Schwartz is described as a cross between a biblical prophet and an elf whose life lessons are as entertaining as they are endearing.

As the reader, Morrie will remind you of your favorite grandfather, college professor, neighbor, or person who has helped guide you.

Just don’t forget your Kleenex!

6. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi is the story of a boy from India and a lone human survivor of a shipwreck.

However, a Bengal tiger, an orangutan, a hyena, and a zebra also survive the shipwreck.

It is the survival of the fittest as they exert their dominance over territory and with each other.

That is really all I can say without spoiling the story for you.

What I will tell you is that this story is not about these survivors at all—but instead, it’s about testing your faith.

It’s a modern-day parable that really made me think about stories I read in the Bible as a child.

Now that I am a mother, it means more to me.

7. The Journey of Desire by John Eldridge

This book is amazing, and it was also recommended to me by a dear friend.

I think it is especially helpful to young adults.

It teaches you that by learning your true desires, you can change your circumstances and, ultimately, your life.

8. The Holy Bible (New Testament)

One of the best self improvement books I can recommend to anyone is the Holy Bible.

Seriously!

Where else can you read about passion, folklore, myths, legends, love, murder, betrayal, and history?

Funny enough, some of the most intelligent and educated individuals whom I admire greatly agree with me on this one.

9. Men are from Mars Women are from Venus; the classic guide to understanding the opposite sex by John Gray, PhD

Psychotherapist John Gray gives us this awesome guide for marriages and relationships in this book: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

I know, you’re thinking…another self-help book? Really?

This is an oldie but a goodie.

While referring to men as ‘Martians’ and women as ‘Venusians,’ Gray explains the fundamental differences between men and women.

10. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This book is the true account of the author’s downward spiral.

This journey of self-destruction began in her twenties when Strayed’s mother died.

She explains that her mother was her soulmate…sniffle, sniffle.

After the death of her mother, she becomes a different person, intentionally making horrific decisions and ultimately destroying her life.

She cheats on her husband and becomes addicted to hard-core drugs, namely heroin.

She then randomly decides to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail).

The adventures of her hike and the issues she runs into force her to overcome her own fears and face her future.

This story is cathartic.

I surprised myself on the last page when I sobbed like a child.

What I like most about this story is that the protagonist is forced to put on her big girl pants and fix her life on her own.

Which of these self improvement books will you read first?

Go ahead: grab your favorite and prop yourself on a couch.

Read them before bed or during a break at work.

These great self improvement books have stood the test of time because of the lessons within them.

I hope you will be able to relate to their stories, too.

Let me know what your favorite self improvement book is in the comments, and share this list to encourage your friends.