I was the kid who got into trouble for reading past lights out – reading by moonlight probably didn’t do my eyesight any favors.. whoops. I’m still a huge reader and if you’re one of my clients, you know it isn’t unusual to have me text you randomly with a “omg you HAVE to read this book!” message.
If you aren’t (yet!) one of my clients, here’s your official “omg you HAVE to read this book!” list:
IF YOU’RE CREATIVE (but especially if you think you aren’t or have lost your mojo)
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. You guyssss…. this book is great. Not only will it look pretty on your shelf, it will inspire you to tap into your creativity. What I learned from this book is that everyone is creative, not just creative types, and that as humans, we have a deep need to create. You will definitely get at least one new mind-blowing idea from this book.
IF YOU WANT DEEPER CONNECTIONS
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Ok so, my clients typically find that I recommend “everything by Brene Brown!” because her work is truly amazing. This book is about courage and basically how everything you want in life will come from you being vulnerable. It’s an intimidating idea but a very inspiring book. She’s a scientist, so everything she presents is straight out of her research, no BS.
IF YOU ARE A PERFECTIONIST
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I promise the rest of the list isn’t Brene Brown. This is THE book for perfectionist who are looking to make a change. Perfectionism is getting in the way of everything you want in life, and this will not only help you realize that, it will help you see that your imperfections aren’t what is wrong about you. Read it!
IF YOU WANT TO GROW A PAIR (of ovaries)
Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. I wasn’t so sure about this book at first! She’s a little out there, and a large part of it talks about her experience as a street performer. I didn’t think we had much in common. Turns out, we do and I also learned a lot from her – getting out of my own head for awhile and also just learning a lot about asking for help from other people (I am not good at this – at all!). Let me put it this way, if you’re not the kind of person who could ask a stranger for a tampon if you needed one, read it. And if you are, read it, you’ll love it.
IF YOU’RE A WRITER (or want to be)
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. One of my absolute favorites of all time about writing and life in general. My first copy was from the library and I kept it (don’t worry, I paid the fines). Then it fell apart. I’ve since bought two more copies. If you’re a writer, want to be a writer, or dream of being a writer, this is required reading.
IF YOU’RE A GREYS OR SCANDAL FAN
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I was totally skeptical of this one but Shonda lays down interesting stories about her life and the things she learns when she embarks on a year of saying yes to things that scare her like public speaking, events, playing with her kids, losing weight, and more. You’ll definitely be inspired, and you’ll love the inside scoop if you’re a fan of Shondaland.
If you read one of these, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts. Shoot me a message & let me know what you think!