Resolution Reads: Inspiring Books for the Year Ahead

As the new year begins, many of us take time for deep reflection on our lives. It's a season for setting intentions or resolutions to guide the months ahead. After some thorough research (and a bit of “me-search”), I’ve chosen some insightful books that align with the most common New Year goals people set—here are some literary companions for your personal journey this year.

Improving Physical Health

Recommendation: Health At Every Size by Linda (Lindo) Bacon

TL;DR Why: An anti-diet approach that creates a sustainable way to care for our bodies while enjoying life.

This book challenges traditional ideas about health and weight, promoting body acceptance and sustainable health practices. It empowers readers to focus on behaviours that support well-being, regardless of body size and encourages embracing joy in everyday life. As a therapist, I’ve seen how powerful it is to shift the focus away from weight and towards a holistic relationship with your body. What struck me most was the book’s message of why to wait—why put off goals and live fully until you meet some arbitrary standard?

Saving Money/Setting Financial Goals

Recommendation: Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsht to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love* by Tori Dunlap

TL;DR Why: Easy and accessible financial tips with a focus on women and feminism.

Tori equips readers with tools to take control of their finances and build a secure future. I found her approach highly therapeutic—she goes beyond budgeting and dives into the core beliefs we carry about money. Tori’s exploration of the anxieties many women face when saving, spending, or asking for raises resonated deeply with me. It’s not just a book about money; it’s a guide to reclaiming power in areas where fear often dominates.

Bonus: Tori’s Financial Feminist podcast covers these topics in an accessible and often fun way, with a feminist lens on everything from finances to mental health.

Trying New Things: Hobbies/Skills, Career Paths, Habits & Self-Care

Recommendation: The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

TL;DR Why: An amazing book of insights that teaches you how to use perfectionism as a strength.

This was my standout read of 2024. Katherine reframes perfectionism not as a flaw but as a strength, helping readers use it as a compass toward their goals. I’ve recommended this book to clients who feel stuck in procrastination or burnout, and the insights have been transformative. Her approach is incredibly validating—it’s not about “fixing” yourself (because you are already perfect!) but embracing who you are to find peace and power. For anyone setting big goals for 2025, this is an essential read.

Bonus: Includes a fun quiz to discover your perfectionist type! Who doesn’t like a personality quiz?

Improving Mental Health

Recommendation: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

TL;DR Why: An easy read that gets you acquainted with emotions and explains why we feel them.

While there are many books on mental health, this one stands out for its simple warmth and practical wisdom. It’s been an invaluable resource for me as a therapist. Many of my clients tend to invalidate their feelings, leading to self-criticism and emotional buildup. Brené’s clear and science-backed descriptions of emotions help normalize those experiences and encourage self-compassion. Though I don’t always vibe with Brené’s style, this book struck a chord and felt different than her previous writings. I devoured this book—it made me laugh, and cry, and her stories have stuck with me ever since.

Bonus: Good choice for those of us who have enjoyed the nostalgic “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books!

Slowing Down

Recommendation: Decolonizing the Body by Kelsey Blackwell

TL;DR Why: A somatic approach to unpacking colonial beliefs that result in burnout, feeling “not enough,” and overworking.

For anyone who felt like 2024 flew by, this book is a must. Slowing down is my personal intention for 2025 as I wish to enjoy the life I have built so far. Kelsey’s book is a masterful exploration of how colonial ideals impact our bodies, especially for people of colour navigating predominantly white environments. She unpacks externalized-turned-internalized pressures of overworking and "proving" our worth, which often leads to burnout and imposter syndrome. I found her perspective on rejecting these ideals incredibly freeing. Kelsey centers the experiences of BIPOC readers while offering universal lessons that resonate deeply with anyone feeling stuck in cycles of overwork and “not enough.”

Bonus: Kelsey shares some somatic practices that provide tangible ways to reconnect with your body and listen to what it needs.

Being Kinder to Others & Self

Recommendation: Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

TL;DR Why: A beginner's guide to building self-compassion with actionable practices.

This book has been transformative for many of my clients. Kristin’s personal stories and research highlight how self-compassion reduces self-criticism, builds emotional resilience, and deepens connections with others. Her discussion on how criticizing others often mirrors how we view ourselves is a particularly eye-opening insight. I’ve personally found her approach to self-esteem and self-compassion invaluable and often share passages with my clients to help them challenge their inner critic.

Bonus: Xe Sands’ narration on the audiobook is wonderfully soothing—a great addition to a busy subway commute!

Building Intimacy & Connection with Your Partner

Recommendation: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel

TL;DR Why: Explores intimacy, connection, and rekindling the spark in long-term relationships.

Esther’s therapeutic approach of endless curiosity and humbling humour is always something I strive toward in my practice. This book is a treasure trove of insights into intimacy and connection. She explains how societal pressures and expectations can create obstacles in relationships, while also offering practical ways to rekindle the spark. Her explanations of desire, intimacy, and connection are logical yet hopeful, making this book an empowering read for anyone in a long-term relationship or thinking about a future partnership.

Bonus: Esther’s podcast Where Should We Begin offers fascinating glimpses into real-life couples working through challenges, often with humour and heart.

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