Here are 100 books that Be the Unicorn fans have personally recommended if you like Be the Unicorn. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Bianca D’Alessio Author Of Mastering Intentions

From my list on rebuilding, rising, and redefining your power after adversity.

Why am I passionate about this?

Every person faces moments that test their strength, their identity, and their belief in what is possible. For me, those moments became the foundation of Mastering Intentions. These five books reflect the power of mindset, discipline, and self-awareness to transform challenge into clarity. They each carry a truth I live by: that you can rebuild from anything when you move with intention. Each of these authors has, in their own way, taught me how to align thought with action, faith with focus, and purpose with power. If you are navigating transition, rebuilding after loss, or simply ready to step into a new chapter, these books will help you rise stronger and more grounded than before.

Bianca's book list on rebuilding, rising, and redefining your power after adversity

Bianca D’Alessio Why Bianca loves this book

This book is one of the most effective guides to meaningful, lasting change.

James Clear explains how transformation happens through small adjustments practiced consistently over time. His philosophy aligns with a core belief in my own life and work: growth is created by what you do daily, not occasionally.

Clear breaks down the power of systems, discipline, and identity-based habit building. The book proves that success is rarely about dramatic breakthroughs. It is the result of steady, intentional actions that accumulate into extraordinary impact.

Mastering the next right step is the foundation of personal and professional excellence.

By James Clear ,

Why should I read it?

40 authors picked Atomic Habits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The #1 New York Times bestseller. Over 4 million copies sold!

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving--every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the…


If you love Be the Unicorn...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Michael Cupps Author Of Time Bandit

From my list on make the most of your time.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Michael Cupps, author of Time Bandit and creator of a framework that helps people take back their time through prioritization, habit building, and aligning their actions with what matters most. I’ve spent decades leading sales and operations teams in high-pressure environments, and I’ve seen how time either slips away or gets owned. I’m passionate about helping people cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and build lives filled with purpose, not just productivity.

Michael's book list on make the most of your time

Michael Cupps Why Michael loves this book

This book drills down into the power of clarity. By continually asking, “What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”, it teaches ruthless prioritization.

I’ve found this question to be one of the most powerful tools in my daily practice—and in coaching others.

By Gary Keller , Jay Papasan ,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked The ONE Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

YOU WANT LESS. You want fewer distractions and less on your plate. The daily barrage of e-mails, texts, tweets, messages, and meetings distract you and stress you out. The simultaneous demands of work and family are taking a toll. And what's the cost? Second-rate work, missed deadlines, smaller paychecks, fewer promotions-and lots of stress. AND YOU WANT MORE. You want more productivity from your work. More income for a better lifestyle. You want more satisfaction from life, and more time for yourself, your family, and your friends. NOW YOU CAN HAVE BOTH-LESS AND MORE. In The ONE Thing, you'll learn…


Book cover of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

Roger Patterson Author Of Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

From my list on how to become the leader you want to be.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leader. I see things through leadership lenses. Everything rises and falls on leaders, so if we want to prosper, we must raise strong leaders. Having led for 30 years and taught leadership for 20, I know that if we want to improve our education systems, have great choices in politics, grow healthy organizations, and build strong families, we must have strong leaders. So, I wake up every day to be a better leader and help the leaders on my team grow in their leadership. For some it is easier than others, but everyone can grow their influence and their leadership capacity.

Roger's book list on how to become the leader you want to be

Roger Patterson Why Roger loves this book

As a young, emerging leader, I needed a framework and handles to help me understand the task of leadership. I devoured Dr. Maxwell’s book and began to memorize the one-sentence statement that accompanied each leadership law. For instance, the Law of Navigation says, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.”

If you don’t have this one, it is a must-read!

By John C. Maxwell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the life-changing principles of Influence, Empowerment, Intuition, Respect, and Legacy that will transform your leadership-and your life.

Leadership has become increasingly complex in recent years. The times are difficult, and it can be challenging to get people to work together. Businesses, government, families, communities, and teams are all crying out for good leaders to help them. This is where the principles outlined in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership can help.

Based on the revised and updated 25th anniversary edition of the bestselling book, this workbook uses case studies, self-evaluation, and group discussion questions to help you boost your…


If you love William Vanderbloemen...

Book cover of Dark Fae Outcast

Dark Fae Outcast by Autumn M. Birt,

Trapped in our world, the fae are dying from drugs, contaminants, and hopelessness. Kicked out of the dark fae court for tainting his body and magic, Riasg only wants one thing: to die a bit faster. It’s already the end of his world, after all.

But while scoring his last…

Book cover of The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day: Revitalize Your Spirit and Empower Your Leadership

Roger Patterson Author Of Leading from the Second Chair: Serving Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams

From my list on how to become the leader you want to be.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a leader. I see things through leadership lenses. Everything rises and falls on leaders, so if we want to prosper, we must raise strong leaders. Having led for 30 years and taught leadership for 20, I know that if we want to improve our education systems, have great choices in politics, grow healthy organizations, and build strong families, we must have strong leaders. So, I wake up every day to be a better leader and help the leaders on my team grow in their leadership. For some it is easier than others, but everyone can grow their influence and their leadership capacity.

Roger's book list on how to become the leader you want to be

Roger Patterson Why Roger loves this book

This is the companion book to The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Here is where the pastor in Dr. Maxwell emerges because he shows his readers the depth of leadership lessons and stories in the Bible.

Consider doing what I did…Make a flash card with the name of the leadership law on one side and the biblical character and the sentence that accompanies that leadership law on the other. Further, these daily readings will help you grow spiritually as you navigate your leadership journey.

By John C. Maxwell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Leadership can be a heavy load, wearing you down over time. In The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day, you will learn the daily habit that can transform your leadership and organization from the world's #1 leadership expert.

John Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker, gives the roadmap to becoming a more principled and effective leader. Each chapter offers simple to read and understand laws of leadership, inspired by Maxwell's The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, the bestselling leadership book of all time. These pages are filled with practical insights and memorable tips…


Book cover of Endless Knight

Victoria Evers Author Of Insidious: The Marked Mage Chronicles

From my list on young adult villain romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever found yourself rooting for the bad guy? Well, you’re not alone. As a lifelong villain-advocate since witnessing Dorothy steal the Wicked Witch’s rightful property, I have found myself lured to the Dark Side of fiction. After all, a villain is the hero of their own story. They’re flawed, uninhibited, and authentic to the core. These factors make for compelling stories and even more compelling romances. It’s what drives good characters to embrace their “shadow selves,” and it forever inspires my imagination. I mean, what’s the point in world domination if there’s no one to share it with?

Victoria's book list on young adult villain romance

Victoria Evers Why Victoria loves this book

Action, romance, the apocalypse, all rolled into a tale of reincarnation with a Hunger Games twist. Intrigued? You should be. After The Flash (an event that rids the planet of most water and life), the remaining survivors have more to fear than starvation and thirst. As it turns out, the characters on tarot cards actually exist, and these magically gifted individuals must compete in a match to the death until only one is left standing. The story centers around Evie, who learns she is the Empress, as she’s hunted down by the game’s most lethal player, Death. Evie may not remember her past lives, but Death certainly does, especially the part where the two were once married…and she may have tried murdering him. All's fair in love and war, right?   

By Kresley Cole ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Endless Knight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.

Shocking secrets

Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies

With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must…


Book cover of Shadow and Bone

M.E. Corey Author Of Out of Blue Comes Green

From my list on coming-of-age self-deprecating narrators.

Why am I passionate about this?

Coming-of-age stories fascinate me because they are all so different. While we each experience many of the same events, each person’s story is unique. I like to read about how they first understood love or how they met their best friend. I like to try on their life for a bit, walk around in their shoes, and then return to my reality with the person I’ve worked so hard to become. The more I read other people’s stories of growing up, the more I feel we all harbor the same worries about ourselves and our future. We all struggle with similar problems while becoming who we’re meant to be.

M.E.'s book list on coming-of-age self-deprecating narrators

M.E. Corey Why M.E. loves this book

I relate so much to how Alina initially feels about the claim that she’s the sun summoner. How can I be special? I’m no one. And her connection to Mal is so intense. It reminds me of my connection to my childhood friend, who was my everything.

When we were separated, I was so unsettled. I wrote letters constantly, just like Alina, and I doubted we would ever be together again. When Alina takes control of her powers, I understand her reluctance to embrace her new life and her resistance to becoming a Grisha. After all, why would any of that matter if she couldn’t be with Mal anymore? 

By Leigh Bardugo ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Shadow and Bone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

See the Grishaverse come to life on screen with Shadow and Bone, now a Netflix series.

Enter the Grishaverse with Book One of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom.

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold—a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.

Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue…


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Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

Book cover of Nubia

Tim Hanley Author Of Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes

From my list on heroines who have yet to hit the big screen.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a comic book nerd forever and a comic book historian for the past fifteen years, specializing in the history of female superheroes and writing books about Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, Catwoman, and more. A lot of amazing heroines have been featured in adaptations that have introduced them to a larger audience, but there are so many other great characters still waiting to get their chance to shine. I’m excited to share a few of them that I really love with you here, as well as spotlight a diverse collection of creators and characters that deserve a closer look.

Tim's book list on heroines who have yet to hit the big screen

Tim Hanley Why Tim loves this book

In recent years, DC has branched out into standalone YA graphic novels that reimagine their characters, and Nubia: Real One is my favorite one yet. In the mainline comics, Nubia was Wonder Woman’s long-lost twin sister, but here McKinney and Smith reimagine her as a teenager in the southern United States, dealing with her Amazon powers as she reckons with injustice and police brutality. The book was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and McKinney and Smith’s desire to create a heroine that resonates with the issues faced by young, Black readers, and they deliver a fantastic story.

By L.L. McKinney , Robyn Smith (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Nubia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Nubia has always been a little bit different. As a baby she showcased Amazonian-like strength by pushing over a tree to rescue her neighbour s cat. But despite her having similar abilities, the world has no problem telling her that she s no Wonder Woman. And even if she were, they wouldn t want her. Every time she comes to the rescue, she s reminded of how people see her: as a threat. Her moms do their best to keep her safe, but Nubia can t deny the fire within her, even if she s a little awkward about it…


Book cover of The Devouring Gray

David Ferraro Author Of The Alchemy of Moonlight

From my list on Gothic with dark and haunting family secrets.

Why am I passionate about this?

Horror has had a place in my life since my parents let me watch horror movies at far too young an age. But horror comes in many forms, and I’ve found that my love for atmosphere supersedes that of cheap thrills. In Gothic literature, atmosphere is everything. Done right, it paints an unsettling picture that builds tension for readers hoping to get lost in a disquieting world. A lover of classics, I was drawn to Gothic texts, from Dracula to the works of Edgar Allen Poe, and my Gothic novel The Alchemy of Moonlight is a love letter to the pioneers who shaped these shadowy worlds for generation of readers.

David's book list on Gothic with dark and haunting family secrets

David Ferraro Why David loves this book

Roiling fog and shadows cloak the evil at the heart of this tale of hidden pasts and restrained magic.

Strange occurrences and vague prophecies push our cast of characters together, even if they would rather not be, creating an unsettling dynamic between the forces at work in the small town of Four Paths.

Violet doesn’t seem to fit in, but as a descendant of one of the founding families, it’s her destiny to confront what awakens in the woods, as well as her ties to a mysterious and dark legacy. In my opinion, this book is a perfect marriage of a Gothic novel and YA.

By C L Herman ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devouring Gray as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

On the edge of town, a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds loosening...

Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn't have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she's descended from one of the town's founders doesn't help much, either-her new neighbours treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder…


Book cover of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Yuri Kruman Author Of Be Your Own Commander in Chief: The Authoritative Guide to Creating a Life of Clarity, Meaning, Impact, & Success in Times of Chaos

From my list on help you find your neurodiverse zone of genius.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, executive coach, and neurodiversity advocate, I’ve spent years helping individuals unlock their unique potential—especially those who think differently from the norm. My passion stems from personal experience navigating life as a neurodivergent individual while building systems that empower others. Through my work in leadership development and personal growth (Be Your Own Commander-in-Chief), I’ve seen firsthand how embracing diverse perspectives leads to innovation and success. This list reflects books that have inspired me on my journey.

Yuri's book list on help you find your neurodiverse zone of genius

Yuri Kruman Why Yuri loves this book

Range resonated deeply with me because it celebrates the power of diverse experiences—something I’ve always valued in my own life and work.

Epstein’s argument that generalists thrive in complex, unpredictable environments felt like a validation of my own neurodiverse strengths. I loved how he used real-world examples to show that breadth often beats depth when solving problems or innovating. This book encouraged me to lean into my varied interests instead of feeling pressured to specialize narrowly.

By David Epstein ,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Range as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Fascinating . . . If you're a generalist who has ever felt overshadowed by your specialist colleagues, this book is for you' - Bill Gates

The instant Sunday Times Top Ten and New York Times bestseller
Shortlisted for the Financial Times/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
A Financial Times Essential Reads

A powerful argument for how to succeed in any field: develop broad interests and skills while everyone around you is rushing to specialize.

From the '10,000 hours rule' to the power of Tiger parenting, we have been taught that success in any field requires early specialization and many…


If you love William Vanderbloemen...

Book cover of Karl's War

Karl's War by Neil Spark,

Karl's War is a coming-of-age-meets-thriller set in Germany on the eve of Hitler coming to power. Karl – a reluctant poster boy for the Nazis – meets Jewish Ben and his world is up-turned.

Ben and his family flee to France. Karl joins the German army but deserts and finds…

Book cover of I Know I Can!

Artika Tyner Author Of Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire

From my list on children celebrating diversity.

Why am I passionate about this?

The library has always been my favorite place to visit. As a child, I would travel the world through books. I learned about different cultures and studied other languages. Through these experiences, I gained a deep appreciation for cultures around the world. I also learned an important lesson that inclusion is the thread that weaves together a rich multicultural tapestry. Fast forward to today, I share these lessons through my work as an author, leadership scholar, and law professor. My booklist reflects a celebration of diverse cultures, introduces learning tools for becoming an inclusive leader, and provides an invitation to join me in taking intentional action for justice and equity.  

Artika's book list on children celebrating diversity

Artika Tyner Why Artika loves this book

This book celebrates diversity through the power of positive affirmations.

This is a reminder that our words have power, something I love to embrace and encourage. I see this book as a reminder to all that we can speak encouraging and motivating words in order to unveil the talents of our children.

I also appreciate the way it includes not only a joyful story but fantastic illustrations and the integration of different languages.

By Veronica N. Chapman , Daveia Odoi (illustrator) , Paige Davis , Tapiwa Washington , Nina Katherine Elon Payne , Jashonai Kemper-Payne , Jonathan Scott Chapman (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Know I Can! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Knowing you can do something makes you unstoppable! Children must grow up believing in themselves and in their potential for greatness. ”I Know I Can!” is a beautiful children’s book that strengthens the self-esteem of everyone who reads it!

”I Know I Can!” is the story of a courageous little girl named Faith who dreams big and has the courage to take action! While giving a speech at her high school graduation, Faith, the class valedictorian, shares her childhood dreams, and the lessons that served as the foundation for her courage.

”I Know I Can!” is also available in Spanish…


Book cover of Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Book cover of The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
Book cover of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

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