The Universe Has Your Back

From fear to faith is the shift best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein sets out to teach, along with what she calls a divinely guided life. Through stories and lessons, she aims to clear the blocks that stand between people and happiness, security and a clear sense of direction, and to help them give up the need for control. Chapters carry titles such as Obstacles Are Detours in the Right Direction, The Universe Speaks in Mysterious Ways and Be an Instrument for Love. Bernstein frames the goal as a commitment to love, which she says is where the happiness and safety people long for lie. Published in 2016, it reached number one on the New York Times best-seller list.

Life and Limb Gel founder Chelsea Frank, who says she often reads books with spiritual or unusual perspectives, named it among the books that shaped her outlook.