Self-Help books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Self-Help series?"

"There are four books in the Self-Help series, published between 2000 and 2008."

Q: "What is the first book in the Self-Help series?"

"The first book in the Self-Help series is Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness, published in 2000."

Q: "Do I need to have read Dave Pelzer's memoirs before reading his self-help books?"

"No. The self-help books stand on their own and are written to be accessible to readers who may not be familiar with Pelzer's memoir series. He draws on his personal history to illustrate points, but the books focus on practical guidance rather than autobiography, so you can read them independently."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness	2000	Dave Pelzer	Buy
2	Dave Pelzer’s Life Lessons: From a Man Who Knows	2000	Dave Pelzer	Buy
3	Help Yourself for Teens: Real-Life Advice for Real-Life Challenges	2005	Dave Pelzer	Buy
4	Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life	2008	Dave Pelzer	Buy

After the success of his memoir series, Dave Pelzer turned to self-help writing as a way to extend the conversation he had started with readers. Help Yourself, published in 2000, was the first of four books in this vein, offering advice on building resilience and finding purpose framed through his own experience. The tone throughout is direct and personal rather than clinical, which reflects his background as a motivational speaker.

The books cover a range of audiences. Help Yourself and Dave Pelzer’s Life Lessons were written for general adult readers, while Help Yourself for Teens, published in 2005, addressed younger readers facing their own difficulties. Moving Forward (2008) focused on taking active steps to change circumstances, drawing on themes from his speaking work. Together the four books form a readable introduction to his perspective on recovery and personal responsibility.

Pelzer has always been more storyteller than theorist, and his self-help books reflect that. They work best for readers who respond to personal narrative and want practical encouragement rather than structured programs or therapeutic frameworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Self-Help series?

There are four books in the Self-Help series, published between 2000 and 2008.

What is the first book in the Self-Help series?

The first book in the Self-Help series is Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness, published in 2000.

Do I need to have read Dave Pelzer's memoirs before reading his self-help books?

No. The self-help books stand on their own and are written to be accessible to readers who may not be familiar with Pelzer’s memoir series. He draws on his personal history to illustrate points, but the books focus on practical guidance rather than autobiography, so you can read them independently.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order