Here are 99 books that Tiny Beautiful Things fans have personally recommended if you like Tiny Beautiful Things. 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 Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Laing F. Rikkers Author Of Morning Leaves

From my list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well.

Why am I passionate about this?

The central theme connecting the books on my list is the idea that our personal growth comes from creativity, straight talk, and honest reflection. All of these books are first-person accounts, which gives them credibility and authority, and they are quite inspiring. They encourage bravery, curiosity, resilience, and healing. 

I wrote Morning Leaves as a way of processing the loss of my younger sister. I leaned into creativity and writing as a way of clarifying my thoughts, prioritizing, and ultimately healing from the grief. This collection of books taught me to trust my instincts, nurture my creative impulses, and find a path to joy.

Laing's book list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well

Laing F. Rikkers Why Laing loves this book

This is one of the clearest books I’ve read on creativity.

Elizabeth Gilbert encourages both curiosity and discipline in writing. She also talks about the importance of timing and being ready to capture ideas when they come. Fear and self-doubt are always around, but one must be receptive and ready when the muse appears.

She tells great stories, which makes the book particularly fun and readable.

By Elizabeth Gilbert ,

Why should I read it?

23 authors picked Big Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's books for years. Now, this beloved author shares her wisdom and unique understanding of creativity, shattering the perceptions of mystery and suffering that surround the process - and showing us all just how easy it can be. By sharing stories from her own life, as well as those from her friends and the people that have inspired her, Elizabeth Gilbert challenges us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear. Whether you long to write a book, create…


If you love Tiny Beautiful Things...

Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Tap Dancing on Everest by Mimi Zieman,

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up…

Book cover of Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

Shannon Nering Author Of The Mother Vine

From my list on women telling the messy truth.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent most of my life fascinated by what happens when women stop editing themselves. As a former television reporter, health educator, and memoirist, I’ve lived on both sides of the polished story and the private reckoning in my search for truth. Writing my own memoir forced me to confront how often women are encouraged to soften conflict, spiritualize pain, or tidy up the truth to make it more palatable. I’m drawn to books that refuse that impulse—stories where healing isn’t performative, and transformation isn’t neat.

Shannon's book list on women telling the messy truth

Shannon Nering Why Shannon loves this book

I loved this book because it gave language to instincts I didn’t yet trust.

I read it long ago, and its stories stayed with me—not intellectually, but somatically. This book doesn’t explain women; it remembers us. Through myth and archetype, Clarissa Pinkola Estés reclaims the wild, intuitive self that so many women are trained to domesticate.

It taught me that messiness isn’t a flaw—it can be the sign of something alive trying to return.

By Clarissa Pinkola Estés ,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Women Who Run with the Wolves as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

First published three years before the print edition of Women Who Run With the Wolves made publishing history, this original audio edition quickly became an underground bestseller. For its insights into the inner life of women, it established Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes as one of the most important voices of our time in the fields of Jungian psychology, myth, and women's mysteries.

Drawing from her work as a psychoanalyst and cantadora ("keeper of the old stories"), Dr. Estes uses myths and folktales to illustrate how societies systematically strip away the feminine spirit. Through an exploration into the nature of the…


Book cover of Untamed

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From my list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jackie Kurtz, author of Kindness Heroes and founder of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a nonprofit I created after losing my son, Matt, in 2017. Matt lived with a natural, effortless kindness that touched so many lives, and after he died, I knew I had to carry that forward. What began as a way to honor him became a mission to recognize and encourage kindness in others. Through sharing stories, giving grants, and now writing this book, I’ve seen how even the smallest acts can create powerful ripple effects. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindness—it changes lives, often in ways we may never fully see.

Jackie's book list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

When I started Untamed, I thought all women should read it. Then I thought all parents should read it. By the end, I believed everyone should.

I found myself laughing, reflecting, and thinking, I wish I had read this soonerI had so many moments of “I never thought of it that way” and “that’s exactly what happened to me.” Doyle shares honest insights on everything from parenting and relationships to identity and breaking free from expectations.

I especially appreciated her perspective on raising kids, acknowledging emotions, and living authentically. I walked away feeling more aware, more open, and more willing to question the life I’m creating.

This is a book I’ll revisit—and recommend often.

By Glennon Doyle ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! “Packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)

In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY O: The Oprah Magazine • The Washington Post • Cosmopolitan • Marie Claire • Bloomberg • Parade •…


If you love Cheryl Strayed...

Book cover of The All-Girl, No Man Little Darlin's

The All-Girl, No Man Little Darlin's by Mary Albanese,

Unwanted Anabel finds an unexpected ally in her "crazy" Grandma Maisy who isn't crazy at all but harbors a secret past. Anabel coaxes her story out, thrilled to discover that Grandma Maisy had been a famous cowgirl in the American Wild West.

Maisy tells how she ran away from a…

Book cover of The Artist's Way

Laing F. Rikkers Author Of Morning Leaves

From my list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well.

Why am I passionate about this?

The central theme connecting the books on my list is the idea that our personal growth comes from creativity, straight talk, and honest reflection. All of these books are first-person accounts, which gives them credibility and authority, and they are quite inspiring. They encourage bravery, curiosity, resilience, and healing. 

I wrote Morning Leaves as a way of processing the loss of my younger sister. I leaned into creativity and writing as a way of clarifying my thoughts, prioritizing, and ultimately healing from the grief. This collection of books taught me to trust my instincts, nurture my creative impulses, and find a path to joy.

Laing's book list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well

Laing F. Rikkers Why Laing loves this book

I love this book because it gave me the structure to start writing.

The practice of Morning Pages opened a door and allowed me to express myself without judgment. I enjoyed Cameron’s prompts and have gone through them multiple times over the years, which has allowed me to track how I am evolving. 

Cameron shows us that creativity is a spiritual and healing act that all of us should pursue in order to feel truly human.

By Julia Cameron ,

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked The Artist's Way as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"With its gentle affirmations, inspirational quotes, fill-in-the-blank lists and tasks — write yourself a thank-you letter, describe yourself at 80, for example — The Artist’s Way proposes an egalitarian view of creativity: Everyone’s got it."—The New York Times 
 
"Morning Pages have become a household name, a shorthand for unlocking your creative potential"—Vogue

Over four million copies sold!

Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems…


Book cover of Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul

Laing F. Rikkers Author Of Morning Leaves

From my list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well.

Why am I passionate about this?

The central theme connecting the books on my list is the idea that our personal growth comes from creativity, straight talk, and honest reflection. All of these books are first-person accounts, which gives them credibility and authority, and they are quite inspiring. They encourage bravery, curiosity, resilience, and healing. 

I wrote Morning Leaves as a way of processing the loss of my younger sister. I leaned into creativity and writing as a way of clarifying my thoughts, prioritizing, and ultimately healing from the grief. This collection of books taught me to trust my instincts, nurture my creative impulses, and find a path to joy.

Laing's book list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well

Laing F. Rikkers Why Laing loves this book

This book by Melody Beattie sits by my bed and is usually the last thing I read at night.

I love that it is structured as daily entries, and her topics help me think about subjects I might otherwise not have considered. The way she writes is both very personal and quite spiritual.

I feel that I have learned how to better express myself by listening to her voice. She is clear and open and powerful. I find her work to be grounding and centering, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. It's the perfect way to transition from busy days into more peaceful nights.

By Melody Beattie ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Journey to the Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the spirit of her bestselling "The Language of Letting Go", America's most beloved inspirational writer guides us on a sacred journey as we learn to expand our creativity, embrace our powers, and open our hearts. Writing with the same warmth, honesty, and compassion that has attracted such a loyal following, Melody Beattie now charts a new path toward spiritual growth and renewal. In 365 insightful and delightfully warm daily reflections, "Journey to the Heart" will comfort and inspire us all as we begin to discover our true purpose in the world and learn to connect even more deeply with…


Book cover of The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Laing F. Rikkers Author Of Morning Leaves

From my list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well.

Why am I passionate about this?

The central theme connecting the books on my list is the idea that our personal growth comes from creativity, straight talk, and honest reflection. All of these books are first-person accounts, which gives them credibility and authority, and they are quite inspiring. They encourage bravery, curiosity, resilience, and healing. 

I wrote Morning Leaves as a way of processing the loss of my younger sister. I leaned into creativity and writing as a way of clarifying my thoughts, prioritizing, and ultimately healing from the grief. This collection of books taught me to trust my instincts, nurture my creative impulses, and find a path to joy.

Laing's book list on creativity, self-awareness, and living well

Laing F. Rikkers Why Laing loves this book

This book is a collection of conversations between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

I picked it up because of my interest in joy and was curious about their perspectives. I found their words to be accessible and practical. It is a book that I give as a gift because I think all of us can learn from their experiences and wisdom.

By Dalai Lama , Desmond Tutu , Douglas Carlton Abrams

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Book of Joy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two spiritual giants. Seven days. One timeless question.

'The ultimate source of happiness is within us.' DALAI LAMA

'We grow in kindness when our kindness is tested.' DESMOND TUTU

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy.

To celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we…


If you love Tiny Beautiful Things...

Book cover of Performance Anxiety

Performance Anxiety by Jonathan Lerner,

Lerner's memoir of approaching adulthood in the mid-sixties is deliciously readable, but deceptively breezy. His family is affluent, his school engaging, his friends smart and fun. He has his first car, and drives with abandon. The American moment promises unlimited possibility. But political and cultural upheavals are emerging, and irresistible.…

Book cover of The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life

Sarah May Author Of She Journeys

From my list on women inspiring women on their journeys of personal transformation.

Why am I passionate about this?

For several years, I’ve been on a journey of personal healing and transformation after a traumatic marriage and divorce. These incredible female writers helped stitch my heart back together and offered beautiful insights and inspiration on the healing path. These are books of timeless wisdom for women everywhere, but especially for women who have loved, lost, hurt, and overcome. We are reminded not just of our personal strength and resilience when we glimpse ourselves in the stories of others; but we remember that we are part of a powerful collective of teachers, leaders, luminaries, mothers, healers, and trailblazers. We are never alone. 

Sarah's book list on women inspiring women on their journeys of personal transformation

Sarah May Why Sarah loves this book

Dr. Edith Eger, holocaust survivor, psychologist, and author of the best-selling memoir, The Choice, distills some of her biggest lessons into this incredible book.

A manual for finding freedom and healing, even after the unimaginable, Dr. Eger gives us a profound gift by asking us to look at our own thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that may cause suffering.

One of my favorite quotes: “What a beautiful reminder that the things that interrupt our lives, that stop us in our tracks, can also be catalysts for the emerging self, tools that show us a new way to be that endow us with new vision. This is why I say that in every crisis, there is a transition. Awful things happen, they hurt like hell. And these devastating experiences are also opportunities to regroup and decide what we want for our lives. When we choose to respond to what’s happened by…

By Edith Eva Eger ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Gift as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'An incredible human being with an extraordinary story to share' Dr Rangan Chatterjee

'A beautiful, life-changing manifesto' Brene Brown

'I will be forever changed by Dr Eger's story' Oprah

'Her story is a testament to our true human potential. She's a gift' Nicole LePera

Each moment in Auschwitz was hell on earth. It was also my best classroom. Subjected to loss, torture, starvation and the constant threat of death, I discovered tools for survival and freedom that I continue to use every day.

In her darkest moments, Edith Eger discovered that the most damaging prison was the one in her…


Book cover of The Pivot Year

Sarah May Author Of She Journeys

From my list on women inspiring women on their journeys of personal transformation.

Why am I passionate about this?

For several years, I’ve been on a journey of personal healing and transformation after a traumatic marriage and divorce. These incredible female writers helped stitch my heart back together and offered beautiful insights and inspiration on the healing path. These are books of timeless wisdom for women everywhere, but especially for women who have loved, lost, hurt, and overcome. We are reminded not just of our personal strength and resilience when we glimpse ourselves in the stories of others; but we remember that we are part of a powerful collective of teachers, leaders, luminaries, mothers, healers, and trailblazers. We are never alone. 

Sarah's book list on women inspiring women on their journeys of personal transformation

Sarah May Why Sarah loves this book

A short meditative passage to be read for every day of the year.

Brianna’s writing is soulful, inspired, and hits the bones like only the truth can. The perfect read for a huge life change or transition, especially divorce, this book is a divine guide. And while I love this one specifically for its daily inspirations and insight, all of Brianna’s books are incredible.

The book begins: “I hope that this is the year you change your life in only the way that you can, with the power only you have. I can’t do it for you. The words can’t do it for you. They can only encourage and guide you like an old friend, a message from far beyond and deep within.”

By Brianna Wiest ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Amazon #1 Best Seller • An international bestseller translated in more than a dozen languages

"She speaks to your soul.”– Hoda Kotb, in People Magazine

This year-long guide will be a helpful companion for anyone who needs an extra dose of motivation...it might just help you finish that project or land that new job by encouraging a different way of thinking.”– Harper's Bazaar

“Wiests' collection of everyday meditations, one for each day of the year, drew us into her world and compelled us to remain long enough to start to understand how to elicit more from yourself than you perhaps…


Book cover of Living a Marxist Life

Todd Dufresne Author Of The Future Belongs to Those Who Fight

From my list on waking up from dogmatic slumber.

Why am I passionate about this?

A dozen years ago or so, I started teaching climate change instead of consumer culture. That’s because the very same Marxist critique of capitalism helped explain both the problems of unsustainable consumption and climate catastrophe. I did this work for my students, and I did it for me – and it "woke me from my dogmatic slumber," a term Kant used when he was shocked out of complacency by Hume.  Because once I really understood the seriousness of climate change, I realized that nothing about the way we live – and think – will remain the same as before. So I addressed it in a 2019 book and in the new one.

Todd's book list on waking up from dogmatic slumber

Todd Dufresne Why Todd loves this book

I’m a big fan of this risk-taking work.

I enjoyed how punchy it is, how short the sections are, and how accessible it is. I also like that we get occasional glimpses into the author’s own life as a Marxist, and appreciate the analytical smarts that went into it.

By Andrew Pendakis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Living a Marxist Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The last ten years have seen a dramatic upsurge of interest in socialist theory and politics. As a recent Washington Post op-ed put it, "We are living in a new social democratic moment". People are increasingly drawn to Marxist theory but find it difficult to imagine how it can be integrated practically into an everyday life pervaded by capitalist norms and social practices. Often intuitively, they agree with Marx's critique of capitalism, but don't know how to bridge the gap between their sense of dissatisfaction with the present and a revolutionary solution which can feel indefinitely postponed and remote.
Living…


If you love Cheryl Strayed...

Book cover of Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness

Becoming Fearless by Brenda E. Smith,

This page-turner, thrilling adventure thoroughly immerses readers into a dramatic and isolated Tanzanian wilderness, where the author vividly recreates every sensory detail from her memory. You'll hear a lion's roar near your remote tent site, feel the jolts of fear when agitated hippos surround your inflatable raft, feel aching shoulders…

Book cover of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Kelly Winegarden Hall Author Of Love Works

From my list on bringing empowered organizations to life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was born into a family and community of hardworking, service-oriented people with attraction to abundance, entertaining friends, and giving gifts. To earn money, I started selling gift wrap and greeting cards around eight years old, babysitting most of the kids in my small Iowa town at some point, and working summers in the fields at age 12.

As my career unfolded, I had a great seat at the table in multinational corporations, global business teams, private-equity-sponsored growth companies, and a disruptive innovation venture. My effectiveness as a colleague and a leader has been dramatically enhanced by the stories great writers share, and I only hope someone else is helped by the stories I’ve captured in Love Works.

Kelly's book list on bringing empowered organizations to life

Kelly Winegarden Hall Why Kelly loves this book

This book literally changed my life and my relationships with myself and others forever. Before this book, I was living my life through the filters of my stories of right and wrong, how things ‘should’ be done, and doing my best to trust my instincts and intuition. I underestimated the power of words, including my words. I made assumptions about people and situations, and autopilot guided my path through the best and worst of challenges and opportunities.

This book, along with the Fifth Agreement, opened my mind to the human condition of subconscious programming. I read the book, listened to the book, and listened to the book while reading the book to deeply embrace the truths presented.

Thanks to all books published by the Ruiz family, which share the Toltec traditions with the world, I have found grace and compassion for the weight and impact of my own stories,…

By Don Miguel Ruiz ,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked The Four Agreements as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

•  A New York Times bestseller for over a decade
•  Translated into 46 languages worldwide
 
“This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.” — Oprah Winfrey

“Don Miguel Ruiz’s…


Book cover of Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Book cover of Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
Book cover of Untamed

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