Do Self-Help Books Work?

Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways To Stop Procrastinating by Brian Tracy
Reviewed by: Saloni Raya

“The book is super thin and reading it meant more time for Grey’s episodes(!), and that’s probably why I picked it. It doesn’t make any big claims, but surprisingly, helped me become more organised and much, much less lazy. Based on Mark Twain’s theory of ‘eating a live frog’, Tracy explains how important it is to finish the bigger more difficult tasks (the frog) first. We unconsciously waste our time in completing smaller, less important work. The book cascades from there: set the table, plan everyday in advance, indulge in creative procrastination, leverage your special talents, maximise power in terms of your personal relationships, and don’t compromise on family time either. By the end of it, you’ll be sure to find at least a few productivity hacks that would make ‘eating the frog’ more than worth it!”

52 Ways To Be Romantic by Timothy Michael Ricke

Reviewed by: Rasna Bhasin

 “While I’m no ‘romance expert’, I’m convinced this is the book you need, if you’re slowly losing that spark with your partner. I skimmed through the 52 sweet, funny and totally romantic tips that promise to help the reader appreciate her partner more. Little things like giving him a hug when he’s had a bad day, or holding his hand when you’re out on a stroll, can make a world of difference! I’m pretty sure reading this one will help you make your partner fall in love with you all over again. I’ve already bought a couple of copies for friends!”

50 Things To Know To Downsize Your Life by Lisa M. Rusczyk
Reviewed by: Komal Kumar

“I travel a lot for work, and I realise the importance of organising the relationships and stuff in my life. Lisa gives readers 50 pointers on de-cluttering and organising, starting with an inventory of what you already own (physically and emotionally), what you really need, and how to make the best use of limited space. I also really liked the idea of gratitude notes; I’m going to use them more often now—it makes a lot of difference when one acknowledges those we’re thankful to!”

The 18 Rules Of Happiness by Karl Moore
Reviewed by: Rashi Gaur

 “I’d already felt my mood swing towards ‘happy’ after day one of reading this book about the basics of happiness. Though the rules stated seem simple, initially, I found them tough to stick to. The author pushes you to look at the world from a different perspective. The language is simple, clean and refreshing, and you’re bound to relate to most of the scenarios Karl mentions. I’ve printed all 18 ‘rules’ and pinned them to my desk at work for instant access—it’s an easy approach to heal the negativity around us.”

Choosing Glee: 10 Rules To Finding Inspiration, Happiness and the Real You by Jenna Ushkowitz

Reviewd by: Ila Johari

“This is an amazing workbook packed with facts that we all know but need to be reminded of often. I recently lost my father, and while finding respite from life’s bitter truths, I discovered a love for fashion blogging. Like the book says—get crafty and express yourself just like you did when you were a kid. There’s another rule that resonated with me: to achieve a new phase in your life, it doesn’t take luck or circumstance. It takes action, support from people who matter, asking for help and faith in yourself. All in all, this neat read really worked for me.”