Must Read Growth Books for 2026

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.”

-Unknown

What’s on your reading list for the year ahead?

With book writing in full swing this past year, my brain was filled with words, words, and more words. Between reading and writing, I shelved several more spiritual and emotional growth books, along with some fiction reads.  

This past year, I learned the importance of taking breaks from the heavier reads on occasion and enjoying more fiction. I plowed through JoJo Moyes’ “Me Before You”, and earlier in the year I enjoyed Blake Crouch’s psychological thriller, “Dark Matter”. From what I can remember, both were “clean” reads with good writing, and most importantly, I enjoyed them.

As for the growth books (which speak to my heart), I shelved several more of those, too. The ones noted below are a few of the must-reads. While these books aren’t “new”, I did find them especially insightful and meaningful for anyone looking to grow in emotional, relational, and spiritual health.

Ultimately, each of these books point back to God. They recognize that we need to seek Him in our ongoing healing journey as we become more of the person we were created to be in His image. And they also recognize the sinful nature of man and give helpful tools in navigating difficult (or toxic) people. As you read through the list below, I hope you also find them helpful and encouraging in your growth journey.

Happy 2026!

Must Read Growth Books

People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil

I highly recommend M. Scott Peck’s, “People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil”. This book helps you to better understand the multi-facets of evil in people, and why some choose to continue living a lie instead of facing the truth. Many people don’t want to do the hard and necessary work to draw closer to God and closer to others.

Peck breaks down how evil is good at hiding. People who are unable to face the evil within themselves, attack others or project their lies onto the outside world. Evil doesn’t want to face reality; it wants to hide behind a lie and project that lie out into the world. Many of the examples Peck shares come from his psychiatric practice, working with children and their parents. He also gives examples of single adults and goes into group evil toward the end of the book. This book might be one you have to read in short increments, at the same time, I couldn’t put it down, and I couldn’t stop highlighting and note-taking as I read.

From a theological standpoint, I didn’t agree with everything Peck stated. But, I can’t emphasize the importance of this book enough. You would never guess this book was published in 1983, as it relates to so much of what we see in our culture today. Thankfully, I believe what Peck talks about is more easily discussed in our culture thanks to the internet and the ability for people to voice their experiences.

Codependency: Breaking Free from the Hurt and Manipulation of Dysfunctional Relationships

If you are looking for a growth book that speaks to people-pleasing or co-dependency habits, check out Pat Springle’s book on the topic. Published in 1990, I can’t say I’ve read (or seen a book) with such extensive analysis on the co-dependent personality. What I appreciated most about this book was Springle’s deep analysis into “why” we may struggle with the toxic habits of people pleasing or co-dependency. For many of us, we’ve grown up (or believed in adulthood) that it’s up to us to save, rescue, or help others at all costs (even if that other person is hurting us). And we feel guilty if we don’t save the day.

Springle calls co-dependents to base their decisions on reality and not on what dysfunctional people demand from us. This book encourages those who struggle with co-dependency and people pleasing to establish a sense of self and recognize the behaviors of manipulative people. It is definitely a book I’ll go back and reference more than once.

Something’s Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself from Its Power

Lastly, Wade Mullen’s, “Something’s Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power” is a must read for those trying to better understand and/or navigate abuse tactics from individuals or systems. Mullen spends time breaking down specific abuse tactics- how to recognize them, how they’re used, and how they effects individuals and communities. He reiterates how leaving or escaping abuse can make someone feel “crazy” or simply “confused” trying to navigate it all. This book makes the abused feel understood, seen, heard, and validated. I wish there was more Biblical application within this book, at the same time, I greatly appreciated the work and vulnerability that went in to producing this work. Mullen did a nice job emphasizing the importance of having safe people and being a safe person to others sharing vulnerable or hard stories. For real stories to be shared, there needs to be safety in relationships.

Looking ahead to 2026, I have a lot more reading and writing planned. If you have any emotional or spiritual wellness books you’d like to pass along, feel free to comment. I’d also appreciate those “brain-break” fiction suggestions.

God bless your new year, and keep seeking God in your health and relationships! 

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Yes, I’m still working on my book! Thank you for your continued support and prayers. If you are reading this January 2026, I also have an article coming out with Just Between Us Magazine this month. I will be sure to share through Instagram @AmberJohnsonFishFullLife

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Photo by Rahul Shah: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-reading-a-book-beside-the-window-1031588/