How Not to Die and 5 more health & wellness books to read in 2026
OK, real talk: We all die. But our lifestyle determines how we live—if we’re active, pain-free, clear-headed, and happy. And it’s no surprise that choices like what we eat or how we move play a big role in preventing chronic diseases and improving our daily lives. To empower us in making healthier choices is Dr. Michael Greger, author of the recently revised and updated, How Not to Die (out Dec. 9), a guide to the methods proven to keep the reaper off our backs. And even though we’re deep into holiday cookie and candy season, we can still be mindful of our health.
If you’re ready to make 2026 the year of feeling amazing, here are more wellness reads that will inspire you to optimize your health. From boosting energy at the cellular level to hacking your biology for better performance, these books on the Libby app offer the best chance to living well as long as we can.
Good Energy
by Casey Means, MD
In this bold new vision for optimizing health, Dr. Casey Means dives into the science behind metabolic health and shows how energy isn’t just about calories. To live free from frustrating symptoms and life-threatening disease, we need our cells to be optimally powered so that they can create “good energy,” the essential fuel that impacts every aspect of our physical and mental wellbeing. This offers a cutting-edge understanding of the true cause of illness.
Outlive
by Peter Attia, MD
This isn’t your typical “live longer” book, but rather, it’s about living better based on the science. Dr. Peter Attia takes you behind the curtain of longevity science and gives you actionable strategies to improve healthspan, not just lifespan. If you’re curious about how to stack the odds in your favor for a healthier, more fulfilling future, this is a must-read.
Biohack Me
by Camilla Thompson
Ever heard of biohacking? It’s all about tweaking your biology and your environment with small, incremental changes to your lifestyle and diet so you can live better and longer. Camilla Thompson is here to walk you through it all and shares simple, science-backed hacks that actually work. This book is approachable and makes optimization feel doable if you’re ready to experiment.
This Is Your Brain on Food
by Uma Naidoo
Food isn’t just fuel, it’s medicine for your mind. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a psychiatrist and nutrition specialist, explains how what you eat impacts anxiety, depression, and cognitive health and will completely change how you think about your plate. It’s packed with practical tips and recipes that make boosting brain health delicious. If you want to improve your mood and mental clarity, this is a great book to grab.
How to Be Well
by Frank Lipman
Think of this as your wellness roadmap. Dr. Frank Lipman breaks down the pillars of health into six rings that contain simple steps to what really works to improve overall health, covering everything from sleep and movement to detox and connection. His advice is holistic and realistic; it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. This comprehensive guide will have you feeling good in every sense.
*Title availability may vary.
Explore more wellness guides:
Published Dec 08, 2025
Annie Suhy
Annie Suhy is the editor of Libby Life. When she’s not working, practicing yoga, or petting cats, she’s doing paint-by-numbers and buying more plants. An avid poetry fan, her favorite collection is The Splinter Factory by Jeffrey McDaniel. She is an Aries.