Turning 40 is a pivotal moment in life. It’s a time of reflection, reinvention, and embracing who we truly are. Whether you’re looking for motivation, practical life advice, or an inspiring novel, the right book can provide powerful insights and encouragement. I love reading and I wanted to share this list with you!
These five books offer wisdom, growth, and the reassurance that your best years are still ahead.
1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
“When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.”
This book is a must-read for any woman ready to step into her power. Glennon Doyle’s memoir is about breaking free from societal expectations, embracing your true self, and living unapologetically. Through her personal experiences, she challenges women to stop conforming and start trusting their instincts.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever felt like you were living for others instead of yourself, Untamed will inspire you to reclaim your voice and your life.
“This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”
It’s a perfect reminder that midlife is a time to trust yourself, embrace your own path, and stop seeking validation from others. 💪✨
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
By the time we hit 40, we’ve built habits—some great, some not so much. Atomic Habits is all about making small, meaningful changes that lead to massive transformation. Whether you want to improve your health, mindset, or daily routines, James Clear provides actionable steps to make change easy and sustainable.
Habit stacking is a technique from Atomic Habits by James Clear that helps you build new habits by attaching them to existing ones. Instead of trying to create a habit from scratch, you “stack” it onto something you already do consistently.
How It Works:
🔹 Identify a current habit – Something you do daily (e.g., making coffee, brushing your teeth, checking your phone).
🔹 Attach a new habit to it – Something you want to start doing (e.g., stretching, journaling, drinking more water).
🔹 Use the formula: “After [current habit], I will [new habit].”
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking to build better habits and break old ones, this book will show you how small shifts can create lifelong results.
3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
“Stop wasting your energy trying to control what other people do. Just LET THEM.”
One of the most freeing lessons in life is realizing we can’t control others—we can only control ourselves. In The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins teaches the power of letting go. If someone doesn’t treat you the way you deserve? Let them. If someone doesn’t support your dreams? Let them. This simple yet powerful mindset shift can bring more peace and clarity than you ever imagined.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever struggled with relationships, expectations, or letting go of what you can’t change, this book will help you release the weight of others’ actions.
4. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
“Your identity is a mirror covered with dust. When you first look in the mirror, the truth of who you are and what you value is obscured.”
Blending ancient wisdom with modern life, Jay Shetty shares insights on mindfulness, gratitude, and the power of perspective. This book teaches you how to let go of negativity, find purpose, and cultivate peace in a chaotic world. It’s perfect for anyone looking to shift their mindset and build a more meaningful life. I loved this book but I also found myself trying to figure out what my purpose is.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or searching for deeper fulfillment, this book offers tools to help you reset your mind and focus on what truly matters.
5. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
“Never underestimate the big importance of small things.”
A breathtaking novel about regret, second chances, and the choices that shape our lives. The Midnight Library follows a woman who gets the chance to see how her life could have turned out differently. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that reminds us that every choice—no matter how small—leads us somewhere meaningful.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever wondered “What if?” this book will remind you that you are exactly where you need to be.
Final Thoughts
These books are more than just great reads—they’re powerful tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and embracing midlife with confidence. Whether you’re looking for motivation, clarity, or simply a great story, each of these books offers something valuable for your journey.
Be sure to check out my reading page on my blog.
Which of these books have you read? Do you have a favorite book that changed your perspective after 40? Are there any that you would add to this list? What are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments!
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