Between them, these titles have sold over 300 million copies around the world, and sales don’t lie. These books are the cream of the crop when it comes to inspiration self-help, business, personal finance, history and fiction. Whether it’s James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which focuses on habit formation through small changes, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, which examines what it means to become an expert, or classics like The Art of War by Sun Tzu and How to Win Friends and Influence people by Dale Carnegie, which offer timeless wisdom on strategy and social skills. These books have had a profound impact on readers through their diverse insights and practical advice.
James Clear
A guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, incremental changes. The book has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Spencer Johnson
A motivational tale about change in work and life, that’s sold over 26 million copies globally and been translated into 37 languages.
Malcolm Gladwell
A transformative book that explores the factors that contribute to high levels of success. It’s a New York Times bestseller with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.
Sun Tzu
Ancient Chinese military treatise offering strategic advice. One of the most widely read military strategy books, that has been influential for centuries.
Jordan B. Peterson
Offering practical advice on how to live a meaningful life, the book has sold over 5 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages.
Viktor E. Frankl
A Holocaust survivor’s reflection on finding purpose in life. Over 12 million copies have been sold worldwide and the book has been voted one of America’s top 10 most influential books.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
A classic guide on improving social skills and building relationships. Over 30 million copies sold and translated into 36 languages.
Andre de Ruyter
A chronicle of Andre de Ruyter's challenges as the CEO of Eskom, exposing corruption and governance issues. Became a bestseller in South Africa shortly after its release, and has sold over 56 000 copies to date.
Yuval Noah Harari
A brief history of humankind from the Stone Age to the present. Over 20 million copies sold and translated into nearly 60 languages.
Daniel Kahneman
Examines the two systems of thought and their impact on decision-making. Over 2 million copies sold and a New York Times bestseller.
George S. Clason
A timeless personal finance classic offering financial wisdom through parables. Over 2 million copies sold.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy
An illustrated fable about friendship and life’s important lessons. Over 1 million copies sold within a year of release and the UK’s bestselling book for Christmas 2019.
Napoleon Hill
A seminal self-help book on the power of thought to achieve success. Over 100 million copies sold and considered a classic in personal development.
Charles Duhigg
Explores the science behind habits and how to change them. New York Times bestseller with over 3 million copies sold.
Simon Sinek
Based on a popular TED Talk with over 50 million views, the book discusses the importance of identifying your purpose to inspire action. Sold over 1 million copies.
Jamie Oliver
A cookbook focused on simple recipes using just five ingredients. Bestselling cookbook in the UK for 2017 with over 1 million copies sold.
Terry Hayes
The gripping thriller about an intelligence agent’s race to stop a terrorist is an international bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Edith Eger
This memoir of survival and resilience by a Holocaust survivor is a New York Times bestseller, praised by Oprah Winfrey and multiple influential figures.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
The book that explores the wild woman archetype and feminine psychology has sold over 2 million copies and has been groundbreaking in women’s psychology.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Norman Vincent Peale
A self-help book promoting optimism and mental well-being. Over 5 million copies sold and a bestseller since its publication in 1952.
Karen M. McManus
A young adult mystery about four high school students suspected of murder. Over 1 million copies sold and spent over 130 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
Thomas Erikson
Analyses different communication styles to improve interpersonal interactions. International bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Yotam Ottolenghi
A cookbook offering easy-to-make, flavourful dishes, this bestselling cookbook is praised for its accessible and delicious recipes.
Paul Kalanithi
A neurosurgeon’s memoir about facing terminal cancer is a New York Times bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Brené Brown
Brown explores the power of vulnerability in personal and professional life. A New York Times bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Chris Voss
A former FBI negotiator’s guide to effective negotiation. Over 1 million copies sold and a bestseller in business negotiation.
Simon Sinek
Discusses the importance of leadership and creating a positive work environment. New York Times bestseller widely used in corporate leadership training.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
Og Mandino
A motivational book on achieving success in sales and life. Over 50 million copies sold and one of the best-selling self-help books of all time.
Chinua Achebe
A novel about the impact of colonialism in Africa. Over 20 million copies sold and translated into 57 languages.
Abraham Verghese
A novel about twin brothers growing up in Ethiopia. International bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Steven Bartlett
Insights and experiences from the entrepreneurial journey of Steven Bartlett. Popular business podcast turned book, that has been well-received by entrepreneurs and anyone looking for refreshing life advice.
Why Has Nobody Ever Told Me This Before?
Dr. Julie Smith
Offers practical mental health advice and coping strategies. Bestseller in the mental health category, and praised for practical advice and accessible writing.
Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
Conversations on finding lasting happiness in an ever-changing world. New York Times bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Explores the Japanese concept of finding purpose in life. International bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Angela Duckworth
Investigates the power of passion and perseverance in achieving success. New York Times bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
How to Make Your First Million
Warren Ingram
Provides practical financial planning advice for South Africans. Popular in financial advice category in South Africa recognised for practical tips.
Bessel van der Kolk
Examines how trauma impacts the body and mind. New York Times bestseller with over 1 million copies sold.
Peter Thiel
Offers insights on startups and creating unique innovations. Bestseller in startup and business categories with over 1 million copies sold.
Susan Cain
Celebrates the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. New York Times bestseller with over 2 million copies sold.
Making Money out of Property in South Africa
Jason Lee
A guide to real estate investment specifically in the South African market. Popular in South African real estate circles, and known for practical, region-specific advice.
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