The 12 Best Motivational Quote Books That Will Kick Your Dreams Into High Gear

By Kim Turner

When it comes to achieving success, there’s no shortage of self-help blogs, advice columns, and trendy methods claiming to have the silver bullet. While there is certainly merit to many strategies, some approaches people swear by are not practical for everyone (looking at you, 5 a.m. club).

Any path to realizing one’s goals has one thing in common: the first step is always taking the first step. And receiving the inspirational nudge you need to achieve your goals doesn’t have to involve undergoing a complete lifestyle overhaul.

We’ve compiled a list of the best motivational quote books out there. These timeless tips from the world’s most successful people will have you cruising along the road to your personal success in no time.

Little Book of Success Quotes: Inspiring Quotes to Live By

By Kathleen Welton

Buy It: $6.99

Author Kathleen Welton homes in on the perfect mix of inspiring quotes and sayings that will serve readers in all aspects of their lives. The book offers a quote for every day of the year in addition to a success journal and checklist, making it easy to hold yourself accountable to achieving your dreams.

Sample quote: “Hitch your wagon to a star.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Great Quotes From Great Leaders: 1000 Motivational Quotes to Help Create a Positive and Confident Mindset, that Will Lead to Success

By Albert Goodman

Buy It: $24.99

There’s no shortage of good advice in Albert Goodman’s impressive compilation of quotes. From scholars to inventors to those on the cutting edge of the arts and cultural scene, this book has all of the bases covered.

Sample quote: “The penalty of success is to be bored by people who used to snub you” – Nancy Astor

Finish Strong: Motivational Quotes…to Help You Go the Distance

By Dan Green

Buy It: $15.95

The hardest obstacle to achieving success is hanging in there when things get tough. Piggybacking on the success of his previous work highlighting a “finish strong” attitude, author Dan Green has compiled a collection of quotes that will give you the strength to get back up after being knocked down. Coupled with glossy photos, this coffee table book will have you ready to tackle adversity like a pro.

Sample Quote: “Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.” – Irving Berlin

Own Your Dreams

By John C. Maxwell

Buy It: $15.95

No motivational quotes list would be complete without an entry from John C. Maxwell. With over 40 years of expertise, Maxwell gives readers a roadmap to achieve their goals and how to navigate the inevitable roadblocks they’ll encounter. Own Your Dreams is an excellent choice for those who are stuck and need actionable steps.

Sample quote: “Only those who see their dream are able to seize their dream.” – John C. Maxwell

Great Quotes on Leadership and Life

By Stephen R. Covey

Buy It: $23.95

Get all of best-selling author Stephen R. Covey’s wisdom in one place with this collection of inspirational quotes with a leadership twist. The late businessman and educator is most known for his books dealing with parenting and leadership, most notably The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The Leader In Me.

Motivational Quote Books for Business Success

Great Quotes for Great Businesses: Words that Leaders Live By

By Bud Carter

Buy It: $15.99

With sage advice from some of the world’s top business minds, this book by Bud Carter is perfect for entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to improve their business acumen. Readers can look forward to nuggets of wisdom from experts like Warren Buffet, Colin Powell, and Steve Jobs.

Sample quote: “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Fired Up! Selling: Great Quotes to Inspire, Energize, Succeed

By Ray Bard

Buy It: $12.30

If you’re working in sales and need more robust encouragement to get going, Fired Up! Selling is a wise choice. The collection of quotes compiled by author Ray Bard will get you over any slump and dare you not just to dream, but to take action on your dreams. The book’s slender size, glossy pages, and rounded hardcover exterior make it a great addition to any desk or workspace.

Sample quote: “Change your thoughts and you change the world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Think Big: Quotes Notes, & Inspiration to Spark Business Success

By Bud Carter

Buy It: $9.95

Looking for business advice from billionaires? Then you’ll enjoy Bud Carter’s second entry on this list Think Big. The book compiles succinct, straight to the point business insights from some of the heaviest hitting entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leaders in their field.

Motivational Insights from Powerful Women 

Quotes for Nasty Women

By Linda Picone

Buy It: $9.53

This book compiled by author Linda Picone turns the term “nasty woman” on its head, paying homage to women who go against the grain. Inside you’ll find quotes from historical figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton to renowned feminist leaders like Gloria Steinem.

Sample quote: “A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not to be done.” – Alice Walker

Great Quotes from Great Women: Words from the Women Who Shaped the World

By Peggy Anderson

Buy It: $11.99

This compact edition from Peggy Anderson packs a lot of wisdom in a small package, perfect for gifting to your favorite shero. The quotes pulled from luminaries like Michelle Obama, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt will inspire you to go for your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

Sample Quote: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou

Grit and Grace: Uncommon Wisdom for Inspiring Leaders Designed to Make You Think

By Pauline Weger, Alicia Williamson

Buy It: $12.79

Get recharged with the groundbreaking ladies featured in Grit & Grace. This book extracts gems from 90 powerful women across diverse fields, from business to entertainment. After reading hot takes from Tina Fey, Delores Huerta, Ava DuVernay, and Vera Wang, you’ll be ready to slay the day.

Sample quote: “Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential.” – Jane Goodall

In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs

By Grace Bonney

Buy It: $9.99

Get real world advice and inspiration from the incredible women in this New York Times bestseller. In the Company of Women compiles the experiences and wisdom from women of all walks of life, dropping gems on how they made it. Their stories will give you the added encouragement to find your happiness and pursue your passions.

Sample quote: “My best asset cannot be measured or copied or calculated—it’s my mojo. I always lay that on the table first.” – Jodie Patterson