Women's Health September 19, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock Kristen Bell’s Top 4 Book Picks That Could Transform Your Mindset and Wellness Game—Are You Ready to Dive In?

Kristen Bell—now there’s a name that sparks a smile, right? From her sharp, sassy detective days in Veronica Mars to giving voice to one of the coolest snow queens in Frozen, she’s been a powerhouse on our screens for years. But here’s the thing: beyond all that glitz and glamour, Kristen’s got a serious love for stories—those written on pages, not just scripts. It got me thinking… What kind of books does a star who’s mastered the art of storytelling keep on her shelf? Is she all about light reads to unwind, or does she dive deep into the heavy stuff? Well, during a 2020 chat on Open Book With Jenna Bush Hager, Kristen spilled the beans on the books that’ve been shaping her mindset lately—from eye-opening parenting guides to brain-bending nonfiction that challenges how we think about ourselves and the world. Ready to peek inside Kristen Bell’s personal library and maybe snag a few titles that could change your game too? Let’s dive in and find out what wisdom and wit she’s been absorbing lately. LEARN MORE

Kristen Bell has been bringing joy to our screens for decades, the actress showing her skills in Veronica Mars and later bringing major projects like Frozen (2013) to life. In recent years, she’s shined in series like The Good Place, and lately, fans can’t get enough of her performance in Nobody Wants This.

As an actor, Bell can appreciate a good story on page, and during a 2020 appearance on Open Book With Jenna Bush Hager, she opened up about some of her recent reads and recommendations. From parenting manuals to nonfiction deep dives, here, take a look at some of the books filling Kristen Bell’s shelves.

‘Ignore It!’ by Catherine Pearlman, PhD, LCSW

While on Jenna’s podcast, Kristen revealed that despite only being halfway through, the lessons she learned from Ignore It! by Catherine Pearlman, PhD, LCSW had already begun working with her kids. Pearlman’s book urges parents to simply ignore or disregard unfavorable behaviors rather than engaging, bargaining and discussing them. When children realize their bad behavior no longer earns any attention or reaction, they’ll ultimately put a stop to it.

What readers are saying: “This book gave me the freedom to stop engaging with my kids’ frustrating and emotionally-draining behaviors, and it WORKED! Less negotiating, fewer meltdowns, and way more enjoyment and satisfaction for everyone. This is a quick, practical, and action-oriented read for parents of toddlers through teenagers. Highly recommend!”

‘NurtureShock’ by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

Another book on parenting, NurtureShock aims to help parents unlearn the strategies many have been taught are beneficial by breaking down the actual science behind them and the way children’s minds operate.

What readers are saying: “It’s not full of parenting advice, but rather studies and stats about child development and child psychology, which actually disprove a lot of accepted or knee jerk parenting approaches. I have found myself relating tidbits from it to other parents, to teachers, to parents-to-be, and to friends of parents! Anyone who has wondered what makes a toddler lie, why siblings fight, how to strategize your way through the teenage years, will find help here, with science as the foundation.”

‘How To Change Your Mind’ by Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan’s How To Change Your Mind dives into the evolving research surrounding LSD and psychedelic drugs. It explores the history of these substances and the way they’re used in modern day to treat a wide range of conditions.

What readers are saying: “He takes a deep dive into the history and science of psychedelics, all while weaving in his own personal narrative. It is an engaging and fascinating read; one that propels the reader on a journey through the re-emergence of this scientific field. For anyone at all interested in the topic, this is probably a must-read. Highly recommended.”

‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.Penguin Books

The Body Keeps the Score unpacks the ways in which trauma leaves lasting impacts on our minds and bodies and how certain practices can help undo some of the damage.

What readers are saying: “This is one of the most important books I’ve ever read. Don’t let the word ‘trauma’ keep you away from this one. We’ve all had emotional and physical pain that has affected our bodies more than we realize, and I took so much from reading about how these things could manifest over time.”