In a society where sometimes a cup of Starbucks makes your wallet squirm, it is so refreshing to know the fact that self-care and growth, isn’t over-priced.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it—ordered an $8 Venti iced latte, to get a well-deserved break, only to sip and scroll, wondering why we’re feeling stressed in the first place. The sugar and caffeine craving vanishes after 15 minutes; and what are you left with? Nothing! The self-doubt and the *feeling stuck* feeling—that still stays!

But some BookTok recommendations proved that you don’t need a therapist-level budget, or a pricey hardcover copy to bridging the gap between your current and desired self. So instead of a coffee whose high lasts minutes, or to the max, an hour, you could invest in these self-help books whose lessons may last a lifetime.

Here are the favourites, all BookTok approved, that cost lesser than a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato in Venti size, but prove to be much more useful.

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is one of the most iconic self-help classics, and perhaps one of the best books ever written on attracting wealth. It talks not just about materialistic wealth, but overall abundance in general. It offers 13 principles for success, which were drawn out after the author spent 25 years interviewing and analyzing more than 25,000 people.

Image Credit: Shanaya Mahida

I read it very recently, and it is marvellous. I highly recommend reading this one. And guess what? I got it for only $3.50 from a local bookstore.

2. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

This book helps you understand how your own thoughts shape your what you call your ‘destiny’. The author states an argument that your subconscious mind, doesn’t take into account if your thought is false or true, it just takes it in.

Image Credit: Yogendra Singh from Pexels

Available for only $5.49 on Amazon, as I checked it, this is the definition of a “low-budget, high-impact read”. It makes the term “manifestation”, which we see thrown around everywhere on social media, feel more scientific and real than the fluff it seems like.

3. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

Though a brief and short book, it is still worth reading. Like ‘The Power of the Subconscious Mind’, it teaches you how thoughts bend your reality. Small but meaningful—it is perfect for a beginner’s introduction to the self-help genre. One thing to watch out for is that it uses philosophical principles, lesser science and older, poetic English, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

It’s typically ~$5–$7, and if you’re someone who enjoys manifestation, journaling, reflection and introspection, then this book is for you.

4. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Yes, not technically self-help, it’s an ancient Chinese military guidebook, but many people have adopted its principles for its strategy, negotiation tactics, discipline and mindset shifts.

Image Credit: Kallemax from Wikimedia Commons

Even the popular book ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene, is known for using quotations from this powerful masterpiece.

Available for only $5-$7.5 on Amazon, most suitable for the quiet warriors. This is for anyone who wants to master their emotions, make smarter not harder decisions, and learn resilience and discipline.

5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

This is “Financial Literacy 101”, if you’re looking for a more storytelling tone which ‘Think and Grow Rich’ doesn’t offer. It’s digestible, and not overly-preachy, it lets the story do the trick.

Image Credit: arisepeter from Pixabay

Although, it’s written in the old-school “thy” and “thou” , but perfect for you if you’re new to investing, budgeting and managing your finances. Still, you may consider looking it up first before deciding to buy it because it teaches all these financial skills with parables and fables, which may not necessarily be your style.

It is often sold under $7, and I found this as a calm, wise place to start.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re in queue debating whether you should spend your dollars on a $8 drink, you may wanna reconsider it with something way more long-term.

Whether you want to detach from the outcome, start decluttering your thoughts, sharpen your financial knowledge—these self-help reads are the perfect place to start. Happy reading!