10 Books to Support Your Mental Health This Summer
Summer Reads That Actually Help You Feel Better
You know those books that just get you—the ones that meet you right where you are, whether you're overwhelmed, heartbroken, burnt out, or just trying to find your footing?
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and spend a little more time with yourself. Whether you’re reading poolside, curled up on the couch during a thunderstorm, or listening to an audiobook on a road trip, books have a quiet way of helping us heal, reflect, and feel less alone.
Here are 10 books that are great companions for your mental health this summer, plus a few thoughts on why reading can be such a powerful self-care tool.
Why Reading Is Part of Self-Care
Reading can be more than just a break from the day—it can actually support your emotional wellbeing.
It helps you unplug and slow your racing thoughts.
It invites you into someone else’s story, which can offer fresh perspective on your own.
It activates your imagination, which is deeply soothing for the nervous system.
And sometimes, it just gives you the exact words you didn’t know you needed.
So, if you're craving a little clarity, comfort, or just some quiet reflection time, these books are a great place to start.
10 Books for a Summer of Self-Discovery (and Sanity)
1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
If perfectionism has been running the show lately, this book is like a soft reset. It’s full of gentle truths that remind you it’s okay to be human—and messy—and still worthy of love.
2. Wintering by Katherine May
This one feels like a warm cup of tea on a hard day. It’s about honoring the slower seasons in life, the ones where everything feels a little tender and raw. Beautifully written, and perfect if you're in a quiet chapter right now.
3. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Ever wonder what it’s like on the other side of the therapy room? This memoir from a therapist who goes to therapy is full of humor, vulnerability, and so many “oh wow, me too” moments.
4. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
This is one of those books that helps you breathe a little deeper. It's all about letting go of the constant pressure to fix yourself, and instead learning how to befriend your inner world.
5. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
A heavier read, but deeply insightful. If you've been through trauma or are trying to better understand your emotional reactions, this book connects the dots between our past, our bodies, and our healing.
6. Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
If your inner critic has been especially loud lately, this one will help you turn down the volume. Packed with practical tools and research, it's a great guide for being kinder to yourself.
7. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Imagine the advice column you actually want to read—wise, raw, a little messy, and completely heartfelt. Each letter and response feels like a hug and a gut punch, all in the best way.
8. This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan
Curious, brainy, and totally different from your usual self-help fare. Pollan explores the effects of caffeine, opium, and psychedelics through a lens of culture, consciousness, and how we relate to our minds.
9. It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
Grief doesn’t come with a rulebook—but this book comes close. It’s validating, honest, and a must-read if you're going through a loss or supporting someone who is.
10. How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
Despite the title, this isn’t about being lazy—it’s about reclaiming your time, your attention, and your energy. A beautiful reminder that it’s okay to slow down and not be productive all the time.
Final Thoughts: Let Reading Be Your Summer Reset
You don’t have to finish all ten books. You don’t even have to finish one. The point isn’t productivity—it’s presence. Let yourself linger in a chapter that speaks to you. Highlight a line that stays with you. Reread the page that makes you feel less alone.
Books can’t solve everything, but they can make the messy parts of life feel a little more manageable.
And if you find yourself needing more than the page can offer—I’m here. I offer therapy across Texas for individuals and couples who want to feel more like themselves again.
Let’s chat. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation anytime.
Because support—like a good book—is always worth reaching for.
