Self-Help Worth Helping Yourself To
For Pajamas Media, I compiled my list of the nine best self-help books. Here they are:

A Guide To Rational Living by Albert Ellis, Ph.D., Robert A. Harper, Ph.D.
Reading this book about the methods of Albert Ellis, the father of cognitive behavioral therapy, could save you the tens of thousands you would’ve spent on some shrink’s couch.

The Six Pillars Of Self-Esteem, by Nathaniel Branden
This book should be required reading for every girl in America, since, if I had to name the top cause of miserable relationships, it would be women with low self-esteem.

The Truth About Addiction and Recovery, by Stanton Peele and Archie Brodsky
No, addiction is not a disease, but a choice – for short-term vs. long-term orientation. If Stanton Peele were as famous as Doctor Phil, there’d be far fewer addicts in this country.

The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work, by John Gottman
The best, data-based book on how to avoid getting divorced. Deep-friendship is key, contempt is THE relationship killer.

She Comes First, by Ian Kerner
He Comes Next, by Ian Kerner
A few words about a job called blow.

Freedom From The Known, by Krishnamurti
From birth to death, and in relationships, he blows away all the pap people believe without thinking too much about.

Open Marriage, by George O’Neill and Nena O’Neill
Not about having sex with the neighbors, but about having a fulfilling, synergistic relationship between two high functioning people.

The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck
Skip the second half – just read the first half on love and relationships. Yeah, it’s “pop psychology.” It’s also wise and good, and a very easy read.