Weekly Book Recs 4-2025: Mental Health Matters

Apollo Imperium
Jan 24
5 min read

WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week

Hey, my lovely bookworms! If you’ve ever felt that cloud of anxiety or the weight of depression, know that you’re not alone—and you are so loved. Books can be such a powerful source of comfort, hope, and inspiration during tough times, so this week I’m bringing you six incredible reads to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether you’re looking for gentle guidance, relatable stories, or just a bit of hope to hold onto, these mental health book recs will remind you that healing is possible and you’re stronger than you think. Let’s dive in. 🤍✨

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1. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Memoir, Self-Help
Tropes: Real-Life Insight, Emotional Resilience, Healing
Main Characters: Lori (the therapist), her patients

What It's About:Therapist Lori Gottlieb shares her experiences both as a therapist and as a patient navigating her own emotional journey. This blend of humor, heartbreak, and real insight into therapy is an eye-opener for anyone curious about what it’s like on both sides of the couch.

Review:This book is like a warm, understanding friend who says, “It’s okay not to be okay.” Gottlieb’s storytelling is genuine and human, making it so easy to connect with both her and the patients she writes about. It’s raw, funny, and deeply empathetic. If you’re struggling and need a reminder that even therapists have their down days, this book is perfect for you.

2. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspiration
Tropes: Short Reflections, Uplifting Thoughts, Mindfulness
Main Characters: Matt Haig’s thoughts and your heart

What It's About:The Comfort Book is a collection of notes, lists, and stories that offer little doses of hope and reassurance. Matt Haig, who has been open about his struggles with mental health, compiles his thoughts on resilience, love, and life’s beauty in small, easy-to-digest pieces.

Review:This book is exactly what the title promises—comforting. It’s one of those reads you can pick up whenever you need a little pick-me-up or a gentle reminder that things do get better. Haig’s words are simple yet profound, perfect for days when you don’t have the energy for a full chapter but need something to help soothe your soul. Keep this on your nightstand or coffee table for those moments when life feels overwhelming.

3. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Memoir, Mental Health
Tropes: Survival, Personal Journey, Hope
Main Characters: Matt Haig, depression, hope

What It's About:In this deeply personal book, Matt Haig recounts his own battle with depression and anxiety and shares the lessons he learned while finding his way back to life. It’s an honest, hopeful read that sheds light on how to live with mental illness and find moments of joy even in the darkest times.

Review:If you’ve ever felt lost in your own mind, Reasons to Stay Alive will feel like a lifeline. Haig’s words are candid and relatable, showing that even in moments of deep despair, there are glimmers of hope. His reflections remind you that you’re not alone and that healing is a journey worth taking. It’s beautifully written, raw, and inspiring—a must-read for anyone facing their own mental health battles.

4. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Non-Fiction, Advice, Personal Growth
Tropes: Candid Advice, Compassion, Real Talk
Main Characters: Cheryl Strayed (as Dear Sugar), letter writers

What It's About:Compiled from her “Dear Sugar” advice columns, Cheryl Strayed offers advice to readers dealing with everything from grief to lost love, anxiety, and feeling stuck. Her responses are tender, brutally honest, and laced with hard-earned wisdom.

Review:Tiny Beautiful Things is like sitting down with the world’s wisest, most compassionate friend. Strayed’s responses are raw and full of empathy, making you feel seen and understood, even when she’s talking to someone else. Her stories are about navigating life’s messiness and finding beauty in the chaos. If you’re looking for a mix of comfort and a push to keep going, this book will resonate deeply.

5. How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera

Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Self-Help, Psychology
Tropes: Healing, Self-Awareness, Actionable Steps
Main Characters: You and your inner work journey

What It's About:Dr. Nicole LePera, also known as “The Holistic Psychologist,” offers a guide for readers to do the inner work necessary for emotional healing and growth. This book combines psychology, mindfulness, and actionable exercises to help break negative patterns and build a healthier mindset.

Review:This book is so empowering. Dr. LePera doesn’t just tell you what healing looks like; she shows you how to achieve it step by step. The exercises are easy to follow and help you feel more in control of your mental health journey. If you’re looking for a book that blends practical tips with a holistic approach to healing anxiety and depression, this is a fantastic choice for 2025’s self-growth plan.

6. It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine

Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Self-Help, Grief, Mental Health
Tropes: Grief, Acceptance, Authentic Healing
Main Characters: Megan Devine, grief, healing

What It's About:Written by psychotherapist Megan Devine, It’s OK That You’re Not OK challenges the usual “quick fix” approach to mental health and grief. It offers validation for those who are struggling and emphasizes that healing is not about “getting over” pain, but learning to coexist with it.

Review:This book is a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s tired of hearing, “just be positive” or “time heals all wounds.” Megan Devine gets it—sometimes, things aren’t okay, and that’s normal. Her writing is validating and real, offering comfort and understanding while guiding you toward gentle steps of healing. If you need a book that respects the depth of your pain while helping you navigate it, this one is gold.

Which one of these reads is calling out to you for your journey of healing and self-care in 2025? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your #SelfCareReads posts @apolloimperium! 🤍✨📚

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