Can't Hurt Me
German, 2023, David Goggins
Boom in personality literature: current highlights from the bestseller lists
21.10.2024
Translation: machine translated
The current bestseller lists reveal a clear trend: books on personal growth and self-development are in demand like never before. I have picked out a few top titles for you and present two of them in more detail.
The bestseller lists reflect what currently moves readers: the desire for personal development, self-reflection and a fulfilling life is very popular. The variety of approaches is striking: from practical guides and philosophical reflections to scientifically based works. The bestsellers promise not only inspiration, but also concrete tools for a better self-image and a happier life.
Top 9 books for your personal development
These books currently dominate the bestseller lists of Spiegel and SBVV:
"Can't Hurt Me" - David Goggins (Spiegel non-fiction hardcover, 49 weeks; SBVV non-fiction, 15 weeks; riva Verlag)
"101 Essays that will change your life" - Brianna Wiest (Spiegel non-fiction hardcover, since 131 weeks; Piper Verlag)
"Die Fragen deines Lebens" - Biyon Kattilathu (Spiegel non-fiction hardcover, since 3 weeks; SBVV non-fiction, since 17 weeks; Kailash)
"Altern" - Elke Heidenreich (Spiegel Sachbuch Hardcover, since 22 weeks; SBVV Sachbuch, since 1 week; Hanser)
"Mitte des Lebens" - Barbara Bleisch (SBVV non-fiction, since 2 weeks; Hanser)
"Das Kind in dir muss Heimat finden" - Stefanie Stahl (SBVV non-fiction, since 9 weeks; Kailash / Sphinx)
"Stop Overthinking" - Nick Trenton (SBVV Sachbuch, since 10 weeks; Finanzbuch Verlag)
"Power: The 48 Laws of Power" - Robert Greene (SBVV Sachbuch, since 12 weeks; Hanser)
"Exhausted?" - Anna Katharina Schaffner, dtv (SBVV non-fiction, since 13 weeks; Arkana)
From overcoming oneself to life issues and relationship topics, the bestseller lists have a lot to offer. The longevity of some titles as bestsellers is remarkable. "101 Essays That Will Change Your Life" by Brianna Wiest, for example, is already in its 131st week on the Spiegel hardcover non-fiction list. And some books such as "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins, "Die Fragen deines Lebens" by Biyon Kattilathu and "Altern" by Elke Heidenreich even appear on several lists at the same time.
Two titles with very different approaches but similar aims stand out from the lists: "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins and "101 Essays That Will Change Your Life" by Brianna Wiest. While Goggins' book encourages you to test your limits and take on new challenges, Wiest's work offers valuable insights and suggestions for everyday life. Both books aim to support readers in their personal development, but take very different approaches.
"Can't Hurt Me" - David Goggins: Overcoming boundaries
In "Can't Hurt Me", former Navy SEAL and ultra-athlete David Goggins shares his impressive life story and the methods that helped him to overcome personal and physical limits. The book, which has been on the Spiegel bestseller list for 49 weeks and on the SBCV non-fiction list for 15 weeks, is more than an autobiography - it is a call to overcome oneself. Goggins presents a concept he calls "The 40% Rule": the idea that most people only realise 40% of their true potential. He challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and train your mental toughness. With practical exercises and powerful testimonials, the book offers concrete approaches on how you can redefine and overcome your own limits.
"101 Essays That Will Change Your Life" - Brianna Wiest: Daily Inspiration
In contrast to Goggins' intense approach, Brianna Wiest's book, which has stayed on the Spiegel bestseller list for an impressive 131 weeks, is a collection of short but profound essays on different areas of life. Each essay is designed to broaden your perspective and get you thinking about your life and goals. The topics range from self-love and relationships to career and personal success. Wiest's approach is to present everyday wisdom in a new light, providing fresh insights. The book is particularly suitable for readers who are looking for daily inspiration and encouragement for self-reflection. The short chapters make it easy to integrate reading into everyday life and work on your own development step by step.
Whether you are looking for motivation, self-reflection or practical life tips - in this selection you will find a variety of ways to develop yourself.
Header image: Cottonbro/Pexels
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.