Nowadays, it seems like there are so many books/blogs/apps out there that tell you how to live your life and what to do vs what not to do. It had started with regular self-help books like The Secret, The Power of Now, Chicken Soup for the Soul and [insert anything Deepak Chopra has ever written], just to name a few. I, personally, was never a fan – I once attempted to read The Secret just to see what the hype was about, and ended up tossing it across the room and later on binning it; don’t even get me started on the Chicken Soup series! However, like all reading material and general life things, to each his own. But then something interesting happened, a hyperbolic plot twist of sorts, non-self-help self-help books came to be. That, sparked my attention. Below are some of the books I found interesting and, at times, actually funny. Full disclosure: These books are super pretty to look at and make for beautiful decoration on your coffee table.

Now, amidst all the ‘How to be Parisian’ books out there, there’s an interesting gem to keep an eye out for: known simply as Love, Style, Life. Written under the pseudonym Garance Doré – yes I’m talking about that French blogger, fashion photographer and illustrator – the book takes us on a journey from how she started (as a human being) to where she is now. While her book isn’t about how one may become a Parisian (sorry Francophiles!), it speaks of all the trials and tribulations of how Garance found herself as a blogger, and then morphed into a New Yorker with a French accent. Following her every (mis)step from childhood to present day, the maverick isn’t afraid of sharing every aspect of what made her the woman she is today. A fun read, to say the least, with interesting insights into what it takes to be a fashion insider.

From prolific columnist, journalist and broadcaster to blogger, to now published author, Sali Hughes knows it all when it comes to beauty. Currently working on a follow-up, her first book Pretty Honest, proved to be a very captivating read. As someone that made it her lifelong mission to discover every aspect of the beauty industry, Sali’s know-how proves valuable to many. While many of the things she talks about may be common knowledge, and others seem to be obvious, there’s material in there that can keep you entertained for days. It also doesn’t hurt that practice makes perfect and repetition can be beneficial.

This last one might not be about fashion or beauty, but it does help you see your world through prettier eyes. No, it’s not an actual self-help book! It’s all about organization, and trust me, we all need help when it comes to this department. The infamous Marie Kondo is here to help with her latest release, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. Dubbed as the KonMari Method, this mighty book takes you on a journey through your own home and helps you see how much you can actually love your space and your wardrobe – I struggle with wardrobe organization just as much as the next person. I’ve already started applying some of her techniques and it has done wonders! Next stop: the rest of the house. *shudders*

Till next time – may your cup be filled with warm tea and your books never be a bore.