Life moves fast, and some days it feels as if everything is happening all at once.
Whether you're juggling a packed schedule, navigating personal challenges or simply trying to get through the week with some peace of mind, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
In those moments, carving out space to pause and reset isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. Sometimes, the best place to turn for guidance, inspiration or escape is a good book.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you’re craving a reset, these six carefully chosen titles will help you refocus. From practical advice on self-improvement to transporting stories that whisk you away, we cover all your reading needs for this summer.
Books that help you refocus, reset and recharge
1. "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt
Haidt is a renowned psychologist who dissects how the rise of technology, especially phones, has shaped a generation in his book "The Anxious Generation."
This book explores the psychological shifts in young people and offers solutions for parents, educators and policymakers to create a healthier, more balanced future. If you're curious about the intersection between mental health and culture, Haidt's book is both urgent and thought-provoking.
Amazon: Paperback $11.95 / Kindle $12.99
2. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
Touted as one of the most practical self-help books in years, "Atomic Habits" teaches readers how to use small, incremental changes to achieve massive transformation over time.
Whether you’re eager to break a bad habit, create a positive new one or simply improve your daily routines, Clear’s strategic, science-backed advice will show you how to make lasting progress.
"Atomic Habits" includes practical tips that anyone can implement to start overcoming a lack of motivation and willpower, along with how to get back on track if you’ve fallen off course.
The book is motivational and an easy read, so you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to develop and maintain healthy habits.
Amazon: Paperback $19.85/ Kindle $12.99
3. "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
If you’ve been feeling as if life is spiraling out of control or you're overwhelmed by trying to manage every aspect of it, Robbins’ "The Let Them Theory" is for you.
The book teaches readers an empowering mindset shift to let go of control and focus on what truly matters.
Robbins delivers no-nonsense advice for getting out of your own way and letting go of what you have no control of to find rest, peace and empowerment in your actions.
Amazon: Hardcover $15.68 / Kindle $17.99
Feel-good fiction and thrillers to take you away
4. "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden
Need a gripping escape? "The Housemaid" delivers a twisty psychological thriller that will draw you in and keep you guessing.
After a young woman is hired as a housemaid for a seemingly perfect family in a luxurious home, buried secrets come to light.
This book is packed with tension, twists and turns, making it the perfect page-turner in which to immerse yourself. You’ll read it in a weekend.
Amazon: Paperback $6.96 / Kindle $3.99
5. "Say You'll Remember Me" by Abby Jimenez
Jimenez crafts a charming, complex romance in "Say You'll Remember Me."
This emotional yet humorous story begins with Samantha's picture-perfect first date, only for her to pull away due to her fear of commitment.
With themes of fate, love and personal growth, this heartwarming novel is perfect for anyone seeking both laughter and tears.
Amazon: Paperback $29.95 / $12.99
6. "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros
Escape into the mythical world of the Empyrean with "Onyx Storm," the much-anticipated third installment in the series by Rebecca Yarros.
Follow Violet Sorrengail as she navigates the treacherous landscapes beyond Aretia in search of allies. Combining breathtaking action with deep emotional stakes, this fantasy epic is a must-read for fans of the series or lovers of fantastical adventures.
Amazon: Paperback $26.69 / Kindle $14.99
The bottom line
Books have the power to change perspectives, reduce stress and reignite inspiration. Whether you're looking to sharpen your focus, gain control over daily chaos or escape into a world that takes you far from your worries, these six books are excellent companions for any chapter of your life.
For those seeking actionable advice or motivational resources to reset their priorities, why not start with one of the titles on our list? Happy reading!
related content
-
Are You Ready for 65? The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period QuizQuiz Turning 65 soon? Test your basic knowledge of Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) rules in our quick quiz.
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
How to Keep Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All YearInstead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
-
11 Cities With the Cheapest Groceries in the USIf you live in one of these 11 cities, you're paying less than the rest of the country to keep your fridge stocked.
-
NordVPN’s Huge 77% Black Friday Discount Is One of the Top VPN Deals We’ve Seen This YearSave up to 77% on NordVPN with this Black Friday deal, a practical choice for improving online security and streaming access.
-
How to Get HBO Max for $2.99 with Hulu This Black FridayTake advantage of Hulu’s holiday pricing and stream HBO Max hits for only $2.99 a month.
-
Hulu’s Black Friday Deal Gets You Starz for Only $2.99Get premium entertainment for less with Hulu’s limited-time Black Friday STARZ deal.
-
The Best Christmas Movies on Paramount+ (and How to Watch Them for Less)
Settle in this holiday season with classic Christmas movies on Paramount+ and save with the service’s limited-time Black Friday deal.
-
Is Verizon’s 5G Home Internet Right for You?A look at pricing, perks and who gets the most value from Verizon’s home internet plans.
-
Why You Might Want to Keep Your Phone Instead of Trading It InUpgrading your phone doesn’t have to mean handing over the one you already use.
-
6 Quick Money Moves to Make Before the Year EndsFinish the year strong with smart money moves that can boost savings, trim taxes and set you up for a better 2026.
