Books for Radical Self Care

Strand Book Store
6 min readMay 31, 2018

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In a society where we are constantly told we are not good enough, learning to love and care for yourself is a radical act. For many people, a simple visit to the Strand can boost the mood, and the perfect book can be the cherry on top of the self care cake (unless you prefer ice cream 😉). Here, we’ve paired our most popular self empowering books with little gifts, from tea to bath salt to chocolate, so you know just how to treat yourself and your shelf on your next visit to Strand.

1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

The king of giving no f*cks offers counter-intuitive insight into how to embrace our fears and failures for a better life.

Pair with: Pin: Sorry I’m Booked by Studio Strand

If you don’t give any f*cks, why not show it? “Sorry, can’t talk. I’m too busy not giving a f*ck…and reading for enjoyment. Byyyye.”

2. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

It’s easy to be hard on ourselves and doubt our own greatness, but that can stand in the way of us living our best lives. Here’s a reminder of what a badass you are.

Pair with: Ritual Kit: Self Love Kit by Grey Moon Botanica

Made by one of our very own book buyers, this self-love kit has everything you need for a quiet night of self care and relaxation.

3. Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz

Need some quirky insights and inspiration you can tear out and post on your mood board? This perfect little collection is just the thing for you. Click here to see Adam J.K. FREE on June 13 @ Artists & Fleas Soho!

Pair with: Candle: Balance by Keven Craft Rituals

Here is a calming candle to put you at ease and restore your balance on stressful days.

4. Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed

This charming little book contains quotes and advice to keep going from Cheryl Strayed, the beloved author of Wild.

Pair with: Incense: Spiritual Healing by Benjamin International

Allow this dreamy incense to provide a calming sensation when you most need it.

5. How to Relax by Thich Nhat Hanh

Feelings of stress can get in the way of our happiness and productivity. This book is the quick and easy guide to relaxing meditation.

Pair with: Bath Salt: Sea Witch Bath Brew by Grey Moon Botanica

What’s more relaxing than a bath? A bath infused with calming bath salts, of course!

6. Unf*ck Your Brain: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers by Faith G. Harper

Physical and emotional trauma can lead to anxiety and depression, but there is hope! This little guide uses scientific evidence to explain how you can unf*ck your brain and finally feel better.

Pair with: Chocolate: Salted Rosemary by Haute Chocolate

Fun fact: science has proven that chocolate can be good for your brain. Try this salted rosemary flavor for the ultimate brain boost.

7. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Celebrated author Brené Brown shows readers how vulnerability is an act of courage and how uncertainty is not as bad as it seems.

Pair with: Tea: Pure Vision by Grey Moon Botanica

This Pure Vision tea is a blend of lavender, rose, marigold and chamomile, grounded with organic black tea to create a tea that uplifts and focuses the mind.

8. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book contains wisdom and inspiration for creatives and anyone with a curiosity for life.

Pair with: Tranquility Stones by Geocentral

Many believe that stones radiate energy that can have healing properties. These five stones were created to enhance tranquility.

9. Creative Alchemy: Meditations, Rituals, and Experiments to Free Your Inner Magic by Marlo Johnson

This colorful book contains 88 meditations, rituals, and experiment to guide you in your creative process.

Pair with: Daily Masterpiece: Line-A-Day 5 Year Diary by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Feeling inspired? Try filling out a line a day for the next five years and track your growth!

10. Mindfulness on the Go: Simple Meditation Practices You Can Do Anywhere by Jan Chozen Bays

Here’s a meditation guide for those on the go! It explains how there are plenty of ways to be mindful in our daily lives.

Pair with: Candle: Savasana by Brooklyn Candle Studio

Savasana is a restorative yoga pose. This candle is perfect for doing relaxing activities in your safe space.

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Strand Book Store
Strand Book Store

Written by Strand Book Store

Independent NYC bookstore since 1927. Where books are loved.

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