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What books does Mel Robbins recommend?
Mel Robbins made a career out of turning research into action, and her book recommendations balance that practicality with a surprising love of fiction. A former criminal defense attorney turned bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, she reached millions through the "5 Second Rule" and now shares reading that ranges from spiritual to escapist. This list of 9 titles draws heavily from Episode 276 of her podcast alongside official endorsements, and its themes are self-improvement, psychology and human behavior, and fiction and literature. Her headline pick is Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, which she calls "one of my favorite books," citing its central line: "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." She pairs it with Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening, a daily meditation she "enthusiastically" recommends gifting, and Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, which she says "reignited my creative writing aspirations."
Last updated February 2026 · Every recommendation cited to its original source.
The Alchemist
A Fable About Following Your Dream
byPaulo Coelho
2014208 Pages(3,580,036)
“One of my favorite books is the International Bestseller, The Alchemist. It's one of the bestselling books of all time... The major takeaway from this book is a quote... 'When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.'”
— Mel Robbins
Source: The Mel Robbins Podcast, Episode 276
The Book of Awakening
Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have
byMark Nepo
2000456 Pages“This book offers concise, daily meditations organized by date, providing accessible wisdom and hope through life's challenges... I enthusiastically recommend gifting this book to express care and companionship for loved ones.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: The Mel Robbins Podcast, Episode 276
bySarah J. Maas
2015432 Pages(4,252,136)
“It reignited my creative writing aspirations... The vivid, dramatic audio version immersed my family, strengthening bonds through shared fascination.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: The Mel Robbins Podcast, Episode 276
Read by Mel Robbins
byJohn Grisham
1991448 Pages“It inspired optimism... I realized a law degree allows diverse paths, encouraging me to stay open-minded about my future.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: The Mel Robbins Podcast, Episode 276
Read by Mel Robbins
The Greatness Mindset
Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today
byLewis Howes
2023336 Pages“Your limiting beliefs have held you back for far too long. Lewis Howes is here to help with The Greatness Mindset. Change your beliefs and you change your life.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: Official Book Endorsement
Read by Mel Robbins
Big Money Energy
How to Rule at Work, Dominate at Life, and Make Millions
byRyan Serhant
2021240 Pages“This book isn't just about changing your energy--it's about taking control of your life. Big Money Energy provides an actionable blueprint that readers can use to create positive change now.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: Official Book Endorsement
Read by Mel Robbins
Stories That Stick
How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business
byKindra Hall
2019240 Pages“In Stories That Stick, Kindra Hall beautifully weaves the argument for story with the best way to craft one. Advice every business owner and influencer needs to understand.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: Official Book Endorsement
Read by Mel Robbins
The Mountain Is You
Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery
byBrianna Wiest
2020248 Pages“If you are a person who's looking for an overall mindset shift then I 100% think you should get it.”
— Mel Robbins
Source: Mel Robbins Podcast Episode 276 / Social Media
Read by Mark Manson, Ryan Holiday, Rich Roll and 9 others
Atomic Habits
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
byJames Clear
2018320 PagesSource: The Mel Robbins Podcast, Episode 134
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Frequently asked questions
What books does Mel Robbins recommend?
Her 9 recommendations include The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Mountain Is You, and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
What is Mel Robbins' favorite book?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, which she names as "one of my favorite books." She singles out its message that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
Where do Mel Robbins' book recommendations come from?
Many are shared on The Mel Robbins Podcast, particularly Episode 276 and Episode 134, while others come from her social media and official book endorsements for titles by Lewis Howes, Ryan Serhant, and Kindra Hall.
Has Mel Robbins written any books?
Yes, three: The High 5 Habit, The 5 Second Rule, and Stop Saying You're Fine, all offering science-backed tools for confidence, motivation, and behavior change.
What genres does Mel Robbins read most?
Her list favors self-improvement and psychology and human behavior, but she also embraces fiction and literature and philosophy, from fantasy series to daily spiritual meditations.