This is a shortlist of some of the books from my library. It’s not the full Dewey Decimal Card Catalogue (who remembers that one??!! lol.) but is the highlight reel that I have LOVED and that has stuck with me. If you want to live your best life, you NEED to read all of these!
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I’ve put them in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
FINANCIAL HEALTH
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
I read this book years ago and then returned to it after my daughter mentioned it to me. Everyone should read this as soon as they get out of high school. It is a pragmatic look at making life work for you financially with relatively simple rules and steps to follow.
If you enjoy this and want a little “reality TV” of real-life families, then check out Dave’s podcast, The Dave Ramsey Show, too! Here are some other books that use his framework from differing perspectives:
HEALTH
The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner
This book is really fascinating! It summarizes the research done of the 9 communities from throughout THE WORLD who statistically live the longest. What you find are the lessons from what creates longevity, much of which we can translate into our own lives.
There are follow-up books that I haven’t read yet BUT you know they are in my stash of books at home to read!
Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal MScEd
I was introduced to this book as part of my training to be a health coach, which I completed through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. What I love about this book is that it doesn’t proclaim one right way to feed your body. There are different ways that work depending upon who you are as an individual. This also gets into the framework I use for my coaching, so if you want to discuss, drop me a note.
Home Life
Patterns of Home by Max Jacobson and Murray Silverstein
I return to this book every few years. It provides insight into the patterns to add to your home to create an exceptionally designed home.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
This is a super-fast read that reinforces how I’ve always taught my daughters to shop (not sure if they still use my advice). In short, “Do you absolutely LOVE it?” Easy enough. In this book, it’s all about organizing your home using one simple question that’s related, “Does it bring you JOY?”. It’s that easy. Everything that doesn’t, does bye bye!
The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka with Kira Obolensky
This is a turn-about from the idea that more is more. Instead of building a “McMansion” where size trumps quality, this book goes in-depth into the concept that quality comes. When a home is built beautifully and is designed carefully to reflex how you actually use it, the size is an afterthought.
Here are a handful of Sarah’s other books:
personal growth – reflection
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Like many of the authors I’m including on this list, just one book isn’t enough. Brené Brown is a revolutionary researcher who has brought about an entirely new way of looking at who we are and the importance of being real. If you want a quick introduction to her work, check out her famous TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability. Here are some of her other books:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
I have to re-read this as my first go-around was listening to it on Audible as I drove to Wisconsin. It held my attention the ENTIRE LONG AND ARDUOUS DRIVE!! You should buy every person in your family this book so they can highlight it and add notes. It is common-sense and an action plan all in one that can completely change how you go through your day.
Live by Sadie Robertson
I admit I didn’t pick this book. My daughter ordered it and it came at exactly a moment in my life when I needed its message. This book is a gift. It’s a reassurance that we all, each and every one of us, are here for a reason. It combines this young lady’s personal anecdotes mixed in with scripture from the Bible. It is lovely and uplifting. Although the author is very young, I believe her message transcends age. I’ve purchased another one of her books, Live Fearless, that I’m planning to start reading today!
gets you thinking – miscellaneous
” target=”_blank”>The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
This look at a lifestyle choice provides an alternative view of the 80-hour workweek that so much of the US culture believes is the basis for success. It’s a modern look that reminds me of how I imagine the Europeans view life, where it is to be enjoyed. Balance is hard but there are ways, many tips, and inspirational cases are provided, that may put you on the right track to living MORE and still getting a productive career to boot!
I also really enjoy Tim’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, as well as his TED Talk on defining fears. The later is a subject of an upcoming exercise I’ll be sharing on this blog.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
I can’t say that this is my favorite book by Malcolm Gladwell because I absolutely LOVE all of his books. Here are some of his others that I love. I have Talking to Strangers in my stash yet to be read.
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
Seth Godin has a cult following. His books provide so many tidbits of wisdom that can be applied to business and life in general. Here are some of his other works, you should read them all!
life is all about evolving
As I continue to read, I’ll add more to this list if I feel that they are truly impactful. There are so many others that I could add yet I really want to use this as a space to give you those that have really stuck with me for years or have hit my soul so deeply that I need to share them with you.
Please let me know if you have a book that you can’t believe I haven’t included!
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Thanks so much for your generosity of time and spirit. Live well, my friend. Namaste,
