7 of the Best Self-Help Books by Latinxs to Help You Personally and Professionally

Working on ourselves is a lifelong journey and while therapy can be too expensive for some, there are several self-help books that can provide that much-needed guidance to working on yourself. There are of books by Latinas that can help you embrace who you truly are, show you that you aren’t alone, and encourage you to go out and make a change for yourself. This past year has really taken a toll on our mental health so we found seven authors who developed guides or simply used their words to empower and uplift. These stories may teach us lessons, influence us to better advocate for ourselves, and most importantly, find our own self-worth.

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What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis

Photo: Amazon.com

Friday Khalo continues to be a strong feminist symbol in today’s society. She is obviously known for her beautiful artwork but her own personal journey seems as a strong and passionate woman. In What Would Frida Do? Arianna Davis writes about the icon’s signature style, outspoken political voice, and confidence in love and art. Frida’s story and brave spirit encourages women to be bold and stand by what they believe in and this book is a guide on how to apply those lessons to your own life.

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The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez

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Alicia Menendez suggests that women are constantly stuck in an impossible bind as they are expected to be likeable in the workplace but also they’re trying to work their way up. Strong women may be criticized for being too cold while warm women may be considered pushovers. The Likeability Trap examines the pressure that is put on women to be pleasant in the workplace, at home, and even in a public setting. Rather than telling women that they need to be more likeable, Menendez empowers them to think about how they see themselves and others in society. She encourages readers to value their talents rather than hide them and not let anything stand in your way.

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The Girl with the Self-Esteem Issues: A Memoir by Rosie Mercado

Photo: Amazon.com

Rosie Mercado is a TV personality, plus-size model, and makeup artist. Her story began when she was pregnant at nineteen, her husband walked out on her and, and she was an emotional eater on overdrive. The Girl with the Self-Esteem Issues showcases her resilience and triumph through her weight loss journey. Mercado was able to knock down whatever was in her way to realize her dreams and she is now showing women everywhere that they can do anything.

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Inward by Yung Pueblo

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Yung Pueblo is a poet, meditator, and speaker whose book Inward, is a collection of poems that explore the movement of self-love and the power of letting go. He encourages readers to truly try to know themselves and reminds them that healing, transformation, and freedom are completely attainable. “Before I could releae/the weight of my sadness/and pain, I first had/to honor its existence” he writes.

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I Am Diosa by Christine Gutierrez

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I Am Diosa: A Journey to Healing Deep, Loving Yourself, and Coming Back to Soul is a spiritual guide that encourages readers to embrace the powerful Diosa within. Puerto Rican psychotherapist, Christine Gutierrez, invites women to join her in healing wounds from the past and to discover their true selves and find their soul. This book shares stories of resilience, mantras, meditations, and guided journaling prompts providing tangible tools to soothe the soul and strengthen your spirit.

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Gordita’s Way: The Ways of an Unapologetic Latina by Felicita Hernandez

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Felicita Hernandez uses her humor to describe her love-hate relationship with food and fitness. She shares her health and wellness journey and emphasizes how she has been heavily influenced by her family and a very Latina upbringing. She breaks down the term “gordita” and fully embraces it. For years she struggled with food addiction and body image but she did a full 180 and is now making it her life’s work to empower all women to embrace themselves fully.

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Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by  Herminia Ibarra

Business professor and Cuban writer Herminia Ibarra’s leadership guide, Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader is all about making  day to day life decision that can help you become a better leader.  By practicing leadership in everyday life, you can learn the skills you need to command in the workplace and learn to better advocate for yourself. While this is meant for the workplace, there are lessons here that can help you in life in general to make those jefa moves both personally and professionally.