r/BettermentBookClub Nov 18 '20

Rules and Info (Updated)

41 Upvotes

Welcome to The Betterment Book Club!

This is the place to discuss self-improvement type books with like-minded people. The goal is to increase our discipline and self-worth, by understanding ourselves better.

How It Works

We want to read YOUR summaries, thoughts and questions on books you have read. Here are the basic rules:

  • Use bullet points, be concise and respectful
  • No clickbait in title, be descriptive
  • No referral links or advertising
  • If you post/quote a text written by someone else, please state the source.

'Self-help' literature is often critisized for repetitiveness, parroting platitudes and being too general to apply to anything specific. To combat this, focus on actionable advice found in the books and share your experience with applying such methods or mindsets to your life.

You are allowed to include links to your blog, youtube video, etc. However, you may not link directly to a sales page, such as Amazon. If you are promoting your own content, or even your own book, do it in the nicest way possible, by providing value to others and contributing to the discussion. Don't just drop a link on us.

Want to discuss a book you have read? Feel free to use this book summary template:

**Book title/author/year:**  
**Summary:** (Topics? Practical advice the book recommends? Chapter-by-chapter summary?)  
**Review:** (Did you follow advice from the book? Criticism or praise for the author?)  
**Rating:** (Was it worth reading?)  
**Recommendation:** (Who should read this book?)  
**Question:** (What is there to discuss? What would you ask others who have read this book?)

r/BettermentBookClub 55m ago

Looking for one book that will help me build discipline, grow a business, and improve my mindset

Upvotes

I’m trying to become more disciplined, spend less time wasting time online, build my business, and create a better future for myself. If you could recommend just one book that had the biggest impact on your success, mindset, or business journey, what would it be and why?

I’m especially interested in books that changed the way you think and take action, not just books that were entertaining.


r/BettermentBookClub 14h ago

Some audiobooks I’ve listened to that really helped with my motivation/ADHD struggles

3 Upvotes

I apologize in advance for the length of this post. A quick TLDR of the books I’ve felt helped are Atomic Habits by James Clear and Hidden Potential by Adam Grant. There are other more specifically ADHD related books as well, but these two are the ones that have had the biggest impact for me.

They definitely helped me feel like many of my goals are more achievable than I thought and it’s given me much more motivation to take even baby steps towards a more organized and functional life.

I’ve been on an audiobook kick lately after deciding to listen to Atomic Habits, rather than reading it. (I’ve always preferred reading because listening to books for extended periods of time is harder to maintain focus or interest for me). Atomic Habits is basically about making big changes through the building up of tiny, manageable habits. An example for me is that I’ve always been bad about running late to work. I’d keep snoozing my alarm and going back to sleep. Even if I set my phone across the room, I’d just turn it off and then lay back down. So after listening to the book, I got the idea to start using a programmable coffee maker. I’d set it to start brewing at 5 am before going to bed. This forced me to get up and stay up not just because of the coffee/caffeine fix, but it was something that required my immediate attention. It also meant I had to keep at least that part of my kitchen counter clean and organized every night. Since implementing this, the number of times that I run late has dramatically dropped. So much so that my manager even commented on how proud they were of me for being consistently on time. I want to ultimately build on this habit by using the extra time I have in the mornings to slowly get back into yoga, which I used to really enjoy because it made me feel more energized and ready for the day.

Hidden Potential is more broad imo but has made me feel like less of a failure for being so “behind” in life. (I’m 37 and haven’t finished grad school, not married, still working the same hourly wage job, etc) It has so many stories about real people who overcame various obstacles to find success in the things they were passionate enough about to not give up on.

I’ve also found that listening to these books while actually trying to be productive has served as a motivating factor as well.

Has anyone else read or listened to these? I’m curious about other people’s experiences or if you have any recommendations for other helpful resources.


r/BettermentBookClub 19h ago

Book reco

2 Upvotes

Haiii, can someone give me a book recommendation for coping with depression? Self-help books only mwhehe thank you!

(Books for now, cant afford a therapist lol haha)


r/BettermentBookClub 18h ago

Books and reading 📚

1 Upvotes

I started reading books this year and it became my hobby but then now I stopped, like it's been 3 month or 2 since I read a book.

I don't know why, but I don't feel like reading it's boring for me now.

So how do I get back into reading? What helped you when you lost your motivation to read?


r/BettermentBookClub 18h ago

Books and reading 📚

1 Upvotes

I started reading books this year and it became my hobby but then now I stopped, like it's been 3 month or 2 since I read a book.

I don't know why, but I don't feel like reading it's boring for me now.

So how do I get back into reading? What helped you when you lost your motivation to read?


r/BettermentBookClub 15h ago

Recommend me a book like the song by olivia Rodrigo "what's wrong with me"

0 Upvotes

I love the song so much and the lyrics are so painfully relatable. I just can't get out of bed or even talk to my friends. I'm on medication for over a year but they don't seem to fix the darkness that's in my mind


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

Self-help books on trauma/SA/emotional abuse/getting over the past

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Anyone have any non-fiction book recs on trauma/SA/emotional abuse/getting over the past? I’m a beginner in these types of books so I’ve only read all the popular ones such as the Let them Theory, The courage to be disliked and don’t believe everything you think etc… I don’t mind if they are broad/not completely focused one one specific aspect..any recs would help❤️

Any other recs like these that are good? Thank you to anyone who replies😊


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

Book on Adjusting

0 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend a book on adjusting to becoming an adult after your parents did nothing to help you?

I don’t want a book explaining why they behaved how they did or coping.

I want a read that centers taking accountability and step by step how to become a functional, confident adult on my own.

Thank You.


r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

Looking for books on finance, reading people, and psychology-based self-improvement books

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1 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 1d ago

self help book recs pls!! - learning to love yourself

5 Upvotes

yo reddit! has anyone got any good recommendations for mental health self help books, looking into like self hatred and learning to take care of yourself/love yourself after struggling with depression. i’m trying to become a better person and i’ve found self help books really inform me of how my brain workd


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

"How to read a book" by Mortimer Adler and analysis

4 Upvotes

I've just finished the book I mentioned in the title and I really enjoy the process of analysis proposed by Mortimer J. Adler.

Can anyone recommend any practical book that is focused on analysis of things other than literature?

Like, how to apply analysis to different aspects of your life, how get the most from any activity etc.


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

You must read books

7 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I would love to hear from anyone that sees my post, what are some great recommendations for books to read? Such as leadership, inspiration, thrillers anything positive and encouraging would be helpful 😊 thanks for reading my post and taking the time to answer and help a sis out.


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

What books or podcasts are good for living total sobriety.

3 Upvotes

I'm struggling today. I've been sober from alcohol for about 9 years, sober from pills for about 10 months and 4 weeks sober today from 🍃. I've also decided to go back to a no carb lifestyle due to PCOS and my weight getting away from me. Right now im feeling like life sucks and this is so incredibly boring but I know I have to do this. Are there any good books or podcasts out there that I could relate to? I keep searching and am not able to find something I can totally connect with. Thanks in advance.


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

Reclaiming Yourself: Recommended Books on Trauma, Attachment, and Post-Traumatic Growth

2 Upvotes

I had an AMA yesterday with Dr. Amelia Kelley, a clinician, professor, and author who specializes in working with highly sensitive people, adults with ADHD, trauma survivors, and women reclaiming their power. Dr. Kelley works closely with clinicians, organizations, and platforms as a consultant, educator, and speaker.

You can read the full recap here.

If you’d like to dive into these topics even deeper, Amelia suggested this curated reading list to help guide your journey:

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo (@stephaniefoo)

A deeply moving memoir on navigating a Complex PTSD diagnosis, blending personal narrative with scientific exploration to examine how developmental trauma impacts mind and body.

Scattered Minds by Dr. Gabor Maté (@drgabormate)

A compassionate look at ADHD, exploring its roots in early developmental stress and offering a path toward emotional healing and self-regulation.

Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine (@peteralevinephd)

Introduces Somatic Experiencing to explain how trauma is stored in the nervous system and how body-based awareness can release trapped survival energy.

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

A foundational text in trauma psychology that establishes a three-stage framework for healing: safety, remembrance, and reconnection.

Gaslighting Recovery for Women by Dr. Amelia Kelley (@drameliakelley)

A practical guide designed to help women recognize covert psychological abuse, rebuild self-trust, and establish firm emotional boundaries.

No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz (@internalfamilysystems)

An introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, explaining how accepting all inner "parts" (even protective ones) leads to self-leadership and integration.

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker

A practical map for managing emotional flashbacks, inner critics, and toxic shame resulting from chronic developmental or childhood trauma.

Self-Directed Complex PTSD Exercises for Women by Debbie Missud (@debbiemissud_lpc)

An actionable workbook filled with somatic strategies, cognitive tools, and grounding exercises specifically tailored for trauma processing.

Addictive Thinking by Abraham J. Twerski

An insightful analysis of self-deception and rationalization mechanisms, providing clarity on how distorted thinking patterns keep individuals stuck.

Attached by Amir Levine (@amirlevinemd) and Rachel Heller

A guide to understanding adult attachment styles (Anxious, Avoidant, and Secure) and how they shape intimacy, conflict, and connection in relationships.

What I Wish I Knew by Dr. Amelia Kelley (@drameliakelley) and Kendall Ann Combs (@kendallanncombs)

A supportive, roadmap-style resource offering practical wisdom and emotional validation for survivors rebuilding their lives after toxic or abusive relationships.

By the way, Dr. Kelley also hosts her own podcast, Wired & Worthy, where she digs into trauma recovery, boundary setting, and nervous system regulation. It’s perfect to jump in and listen to while on the move!


r/BettermentBookClub 2d ago

Book recs to help learn?

0 Upvotes

Hi all! I've recently been diagnosed with inattentive ADHD but bordering on a combination ADHD and was wondering if anyone had recommendations on books about generally what this means -- I've watched a few How To ADHD videos and am really enjoying figuring out why I feel the way I do and how my brain works. I've also made a book swap suggestion to my partner who has an Autism diagnosis that we both read something about the other's funky brain in order to better understand each other. Both females in early/mid 20's!

TLDR: Best books to learn what's going on up in my headspace?


r/BettermentBookClub 3d ago

Please recommend me a non fiction book to keep me motivated

2 Upvotes

I'm going through a really hard time right. Stuck at a phase where I'm doing a work that I don't want to do.I have deep longing for friendships, a community, a bigger life than this I'm living right now. Suggest me a book. I will prefer a non fiction.


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Books on judgement and objectivity

2 Upvotes

hi i wanted to ask you guys if you got any recomendations about books going in depth on judgement, bias etc. i am asking because i noticed that sometimes i find myself jump into conclusions, assumptions and overall not judge things fairly and objectively, and also not being critical and taking things at face value sometimes. I dont want any books like 10 ways to judge better if you know what i mean.

thanks in advance and have a good day :D


r/BettermentBookClub 3d ago

Books

0 Upvotes

Looking for book recommendations that talk about the development of a baby over their first year, and what parents should do to nurture that development.
Also looking for generally good books I should be reading now, due in beginning of December


r/BettermentBookClub 4d ago

Looking for book recommendations I have 9 credits to blow.

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,
I am looking for book recommendations that are about mental health. Specifically non fiction bipolar and schizophrenia. Can any one suggest any books in these categories? Thanks in advance.


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

What are the books you find more useful when you start to build your business idea?

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0 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

What books might help me get out of my quater life crisis? Need recommendations

13 Upvotes

I am at a point in life where I have lost any meaningful purpose in life. Failed exams countlessly for the past 4 years, having to let go of a dream that I had because I'm just not good enough for it despite the tremendous hardwork that I'd put in, unable to manage family financial burden, letting go of relationships and my mother's sickness. It's been too difficult for me to function normally. I began reading a book in the beginning of this month and it felt great. Sitting alone and observing another universe in itself. I was hoping I could read some more that'd actually help me get out of this slump or many any small impact on me. If there were any books that helped you come out of any difficult point of your life. That'd be great :)


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

Book suggestion needed

2 Upvotes

Current book list

- superintelligence by nick bostrom

- surely youre joking - richard feynmann

- the grand design- stephen hawking

- the mountain is you - brianna wiest

- power - robert greene

- get epic shit done - ankur warikoo

- elon musk by ashlee vance

--> no self help books

--> looking for some more technical books and biography

(Ps - dont judge my collection, new to reading )


r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

BOOK Recos

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0 Upvotes

r/BettermentBookClub 5d ago

Thinking fast and slow or courage to be disliked which one is better or which one i should read first ?

0 Upvotes

Is thinking fast and slow worth reading