6 books – from satirical thrillers to sharp and witty chick lit – take on the most outrageous trends and expose the sinister side of the wellness movement.
We are living in an age of constant self-improvement. From Doechii’s “snatched” face-taping to Hailey Bieber’s “clean” products, the celebrity wellness industry is everywhere, with the usual suspects like Gwyneth Paltrow and the Kar-Jenners offering a different version of nirvana—for a fee. The so-called wellness industrial complex has perfected a compelling story: buy this, do that, and you’ll unlock your best life, turning personal well-being into the ultimate luxury good. But to truly understand this phenomenon, we must look beyond the glossy marketing and in the pages of a great book. This reading list ventures far beyond the typical non-fiction titles to explore the darker, more complex side of wellness. We find the true horror in a haunted retreat, the sharp critique in a witty chick-lit novel, and the historical echoes of our current moment in a sweeping historical fiction. Each book on this list offers a different lens, inviting you to question what lies beneath the promise of your best self.
youthjuice by E.K. Sathue
★★★☆☆
A surreal and creepy story that asks the real questions, like, “What exactly is in my moisturiser?” A copywriter at a luxury skincare company becomes obsessed with a new, mysterious product. The more she uses it, the more she’s drawn into a terrifying secret. This is a chilling tale of ambition, beauty, and the horrifying truth lurking inside a very pretty bottle.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Lianne Moriarty
★★★☆☆
Nine stressed-out strangers head to an exclusive health resort, hoping for enlightenment. Instead, they get Masha, the eccentric guru with a secret agenda and methods that are, shall we say, a touch unconventional. Turns out, nothing says “inner peace” quite like being held captive by a terrifying Russian woman. It’s a gripping and hilarious reminder that not all wellness journeys end with a green smoothie.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
★★★★☆
In a society where everyone becomes “pretty” at sixteen, one girl dares to question the plastic-perfect status quo. This dystopian classic explores a world obsessed with cosmetic perfection, asking if being beautiful is worth losing your identity. It’s a timely reminder that the price of fitting in is often far higher than a quick nip and tuck.
Wellness by Nathan Hill
★★★★☆
This novel follows a couple over decades as they try to make sense of love and life in a world obsessed with quick fixes. From a photographer obsessed with his art to a scientist who studies placebos, they question the promises of modern happiness. It’s an expansive and witty look at the stories we tell ourselves to find meaning and, well, wellness.
At Least You Have Your Health by Madi Sinha
3.9 ★★★★☆
A doctor leaves her hospital job for a new career at a trendy wellness clinic, where the wealthy elite are treated with vitamin drips and crystal healing. She’s soon tangled in a dangerous mystery. This smart, suspenseful read is a witty commentary on the absurdities of the wellness industry and the unsettling truth behind its high-end façade.
Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes, Jo Piazza
3.5 ★★★☆☆
When a CEO is told she’s “too fat” for her own company, she plunges headfirst into the absurd world of the fitness elite. From naked yoga to cult-like workout classes, she’ll try anything to keep her job. A wickedly funny novel that skewers the wellness industry’s most ridiculous trends, proving that the pursuit of the “perfect” body can be a true workout for your sanity.