Books like Self-help

Self-help by Samuel Smiles reads as didactic, inspiring. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Way to wealth

Benjamin Franklin · 1758

Both explore industry

58% genome match

The Magic of Thinking Big

David Joseph Schwartz · 1900

Same self-help feel

59% genome match

Surrounded by Idiots

Thomas Erikson · 2014

Same self-help feel

59% genome match

Outwitting the devil

Napoleon Hill · 2011

Same self-help feel

59% genome match

Looking out/looking in

Ronald B. Adler · 1974

Same nonfiction feel

59% genome match

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey · 1989

Both explore character

55% genome match

The art of money getting, or, Golden rules for money getting

P. T. Barnum · 1880

Same self-help feel

57% genome match

Attitude Is Everything

Jeff Keller · 1999

Same self-help feel

57% genome match

The Art of Public Speaking

Stephen E. Lucas · 1983

Same self-help feel

57% genome match

Secrets of Closing the Sale

Zig Ziglar · 1984

Same self-help feel

57% genome match

Business Communication

Mary Ellen Guffey · 1993

Same self-help feel

59% genome match

People skills

Robert Bolton · 1979

Same self-help feel

57% genome match