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Books to make you smarter
25
items I have always been a reader. Motherhood has made it more difficult to focus on reading for pleasure but I’m working on getting back to this favorite restorative activity with some great fiction novels, self-care books, and life optimizing manuals. He...
Sections
7
Inspiring Fiction
Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Poetry
Healing from Trauma
Social Philosophy
Memoirs and Biographies
Inspiring Fiction
I love a good fiction book that gives me something to think about, stretches my mind, or offers me a new perspective. These books have stood out to me and are among the top books that I've read and recommend and purchase for others.
I got this book for my high school graduate thinking it would offer some insights into life, love, and friendships. It did not disappoint.
How Should a Person Be?: A Novel from Life
This book ties together the stories of several individuals living in times of great strife. Beautiful storytelling and weaving of tragic times in our history.
The Wind Knows My Name: A Novel
I first read this book in my early 20s and it could not have come to me at a more useful time. Kingsolver's masterful storytelling depicts a family in Africa in the late 1950s who came to share their religion with the community, but learned a lot mor...
The Poisonwood Bible|Paperback
People know Margaret Atwood for The Handmaid's Tale, but in my opinion, this book is a better representation of her storytelling and insight into people's behavior, the consequences of mean girl behavior well into adulthood, and the courage to heal a...
Cat's Eye|Paperback
Self-Discovery and Empowerment
This book reads like a how-to manual of self-discovery and healing. Highly recommend.
Story Work: Field Notes on Self-Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative
Journaling can be transformative, but what if you don't know where to start and what to write? This book gives you some clues and a foundation to get started, or to take it to the next level of self-awareness. So helpful and practical.
The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life
I wish I would have picked this up years ago. Creative approaches to thinking and observing what's around you can be a catalyst to healing, if you know what to look for.
The Artist's Way Starter Kit
Poetry
I will be honest - I'm not the biggest fan of poetry. This section of my home library is arguably one of the smallest, or one of the most carefully curated. Here are some that have made the cut on my bookshelf.
The wisdom packed into the poetry and prose in this book is enough to heal some of the most painful life and love experiences. The power of the pen is evident throughout the pages of this book. A must read for anyone needing some reassurance that hea...
Remember Love: Words for Tender Times: Wade, Cleo
Yet another masterpiece from Cleo Wade. Her raw vulnerability and quiet determination shine through the challenges as she offers her unique loving perspective to reflect on and learn from.
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life|Paperback
Margaret Atwood's novels always give me something to think about, so I decided to check out some of her poetry. I love this collection of personal reflections and challenging me to do some of my own introspection.
Dearly: New Poems|Paperback
Amanda Gorman spoke at President Biden's Inauguration, and her poise, insight, and determination was breathtaking. She has a gift that she shares with the rest of us. It is our privilege to receive it with grace and gratitude.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country|Hardcover
Pablo Neruda’s poetry is essential reading for lovers and dreamers.
The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems|Paperback
Julia Alvarez has a way with words. Her prose feels like poetry to me (In the Time of the Butterflies is one of my all time favorite books!). This poetry digs into your emotional core, but gently and lovingly.
Homecoming: New and Collected Poems
Healing from Trauma
There are self-help books and there are books that help you understand yourself better and recognize the impact of your experiences on your communication and relationships. Here are some that have had an impact on me. We are a work in progress, and b...
This guidebook for setting boundaries and managing emotions with difficult family members and life experiences is invaluable for people who did not learn these skills as a child. So really anyone.
Lifeskills for Adult Children by Woititz
This book blew my mind. Things that I didn’t realize I knew were put into words about how hard it can be to overcome trauma and how it can live within us.
Everyone should read this book to learn more about the impact of trauma on people’s lives, hea...
The Body Keeps the Score - by Bessel Van Der Kolk (Paperback)
Forgiveness is an often maligned and misinterpreted decision to let go of the pain associated with being harmed. This exploration of forgiveness helped clarify my thinking about the practice of letting go of sorrow and shame while recognizing boundar...
Forgiveness: An Exploration|Paperback
Anxiety can be really debilitating and a lot of people don't understand what can really help. This author does understand and can really help.
Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose
Social Philosophy
How do we challenge ourselves to learn and grow, develop greater empathy and understanding of others, and find common ground with people from different places? These books have given me some insight into my own beliefs while also helping me broaden m...
The provocative title notwithstanding, this book is a masterclass in the study of arrogance, entitlement, lack of accountability, and the societal norms that allow and encourage these behaviors.
Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James
This book changed my life. As an introvert I could relate so well to the experiences of the author and the insights that helped me realize why extraverts get all the attention but introverts are often more insightful. Extraverts and Introverts alike ...
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking|Paperback
I love this set of essays on the application of emotional intelligence. Such important and useful insight to help with work, personal, and family relationships.
HBR's 10 Must Reads on Emotional Intelligence (with featured article
What makes a person successful? Gladwell analyzes the habits, upbringing, and culture of successful individuals to identify commonalities and clues to digest and learn from some of the greatest leaders of our time.
Outliers: The Story of Success|Paperback
Memoirs and Biographies
This one isn't an easy read. CW: eating disorders, abuse, and death. But Jennette's account of her childhood and early adulthood is one of reflection, healing, and identity-shifting that is worth your time.
I'm Glad My Mom Died
Busy Philipps is funny, raw, honest, and apparently everyone's friend! I enjoyed her account of her adventures and setbacks and have loved following her career path since then as she's navigated a lot of personal growth and change.
This Will Only Hurt a Little
Debbie Gibson was a breakout star in my early teen years, and I was all for it! She knew how to express what so many teen girls were going through in her music but also her Electric Youth perfume! I am a decades-long fan, and it was a privilege to re...
Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music
Leadership
Brene Brown’s newest book focuses on leadership and confidence. I’ve read almost all of her books and this one does not disappoint. Building on her research of vulnerability, she provides a space for reflection to hone your idea of effective leadersh...
Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit|Hardcover