Best Books of all Time about Toxic Positivity (Our Recommendation)

Last Updated: November 28, 2023

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The books and popular media have emphasized the potential value of positive thinking for several decades, and there is evidence demonstrating its contribution to improving mental health. However, positive thinking is not a universal remedy for all of life's challenges.

Toxic positivity imposes positive thinking as the sole solution to problems, insisting that individuals avoid negative thoughts or expressing negative emotions.

Just like anything done excessively, when positivity is used to conceal or suppress personal experiences, it can have adverse effects. By disregarding the existence of certain emotions, we may deny what is happening and fail to recognize our own feelings.

While it is true that positive thoughts can reduce suicidal ideation and enhance self-esteem, having solely positive thoughts in one's mind is not natural. Negative emotions are also a part of our growth, and we should not evade them. Being conscious of them and managing them appropriately contribute to our personal development and overcoming challenges.

Toxic positivity is never intentional; it emerges after an extended period of attempting to be a positive person or simply striving to distance oneself from negative thoughts.

Here we have enlisted some of the best books that have addressed the issues related with toxic positivity.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Don't know who did this, but it's pretty cool. pic.twitter.com/aWhZKZSYNY

— Mark Manson (@IAmMarkManson) April 14, 2019

Published in 2016, the bestseller self-help guide by a star author Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck is definitely the first in our list of best books on toxic positivity.

The book starts with the narrative of how our societies these days are overwhelmingly focused on positive expectations. How people are pressured to become happier, richer, smarter and more attractive. Till the end of the book the readers will realize that expecting positive results all the time itself has a negative impact and it is better to stop trying to be positive all the time.

Good Vibes Good Life by Vex King

A Sunday Times Bestseller, from the author Vex King, Good Vibes Good Life is widely appreciated for its positive and uplifting message.

In the book the author has addressed the concept of toxic positivity and provided insights on how to navigate it. He acknowledged that while maintaining a positive mindset is beneficial, there is a danger in suppressing or denying negative emotions in the pursuit of constant positivity.

The book has emphasized the importance of acknowledging and honoring one's authentic emotions, both positive and negative. Readers are encouraged to embrace a balanced approach to their emotional well-being, understanding that it is natural and healthy to experience a range of emotions.

Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman

Written and published by renowned psychotherapist Whitney Goodman, a publication of 2022, Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy is a powerful guide for the people who are looking for a source to control emotions.

Through this book, the author has shared the latest research along with everyday examples and client stories that shows how damaging toxic positivity is to ourselves and our relationships. The book has also presented simple ways to experience and work through difficult emotions.

The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey

Written by Jessica Lahey who is also a teacher and a mother, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed is a New York Times bestselling creation that explored the idea that failure is not something to be looked down on.

The book's core message aligns with the notion that overemphasizing constant success and shielding children from failure can be detrimental to their development. With such a message this book is also examining toxic positivity.

Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett

Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive is a self-help book by Marc Brackett.

The book explores the importance of understanding and embracing a wide range of emotions, including those that are typically seen as negative. In a way this book implicitly expresses that too much exaggeration of positive attitude is not a natural human trait and advocates creating an emotionally safe and supportive environment where individuals, including children, can express and navigate their emotions in a healthy way.