Self Help books are eye opening and inspire you to make positive changes in your life. Leaders in the self help community, such as Eckhart Tolle or Susan Jeffers, are invaluable resources for millions of readers.

If you are looking for some new inspiring reads, it is worth exploring titles outside of the self help category. Below is a list of ten “self help” books you’ve never read. These titles span several genres, but each text offers real life stories and kernels of truth to help you gain self-fulfillment and greater happiness.

1. “Heartburn” by Nora Ephron
Ephron is the romantic comedy genius behind “Sleepless in Seattle,” “When Harry Met Sally” and more recently “Julie & Julia.” Ephron’s “Heartburn” tells the story of her divorce through the lens of fiction and provides much needed comic relief for women going through divorce.

2. “Wave” by Sonali Deraniyagala
This memoir tells the story of the author’s unimaginable loss when the 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of her parents, husband and children and left her to mourn. Follow Deraniyagala through her grief, coping and healing process for a powerful read.

3. “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explores a state of consciousness called “optimal experience” or “flow.” This fascinating book explains how to become more engaged and experience deep enjoyment even during everyday tasks.

4. “The Power of Starting Something Stupid” by Richie Norton
What’s holding you back from doing what you love or changing your life? This book will help you to examine your life and remove obstacles like fear, lack of time and lack of money to take action and achieve your goals.

5. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Cheryl Sandberg
Cheryl Sandberg,chief operating officer of Facebook, explores the  gender disparity in the workplace. Sandberg offers advice for women to bridge the gender divide, advance their careers and truly “have it all.”

6. “Data, A Love Story: How I Gamed Online Dating to Meet My Match” by Amy Webb
In this memoir, a journalist and data expert takes an almost scientific approach to assessing what she wants in a match and ultimately finds love (and her future husband!) online.

7. “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain
Author Susan Cain questions why our culture disproportionately values extroverts and explores the benefits of introverted personalities. There are valuable lessons throughout from successful introverts who take time to reflect, listen and focus more.

8. “You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap): How One Woman Radically Simplified Her Life and How You Can Too” by Tammy Strobel
Tammy Strobel is a blogger and part of the growing tiny house movement. This memoir is about her struggles with low self-confidence and over consumption and how she changed her career, outlook and lifestyle to find happiness.

9. “How Proust Can Change Your Life” by Alain de Botton
Marcel Proust is the famous French novelist behind the 4,000-plus page masterpiece “In Search of Lost Time.” Alain de Botton, a modern day philosopher, distills Proust’s life and fiction into lessons on how to be a better person.

10. “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
In interviews with the Dalai Lama, psychologist Howard Cutler examines the root of happiness. Ancient Buddhist traditions meet western thought to shed light on overcoming life’s obstacles.

What are your favorite self help reads? Leave your suggestions in the comments below. Visit Laurie Marsden’s website for more advice and tips on finding happiness or contact Laurie today.