Book Recommendations: What’s On My Nightstand
I love to read. I always have. Anyone who knows me knows that recommending books is one of my favorite pastimes. Making a top five list is a monumental task. There are just so many to choose from! In fact, it was so difficult that I ended up with ten (and if that’s not enough, check out the books in the picture). Happy reading!
1. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is the leading trauma expert in the world with over 30 years of experience. In this book he delivers a compelling case for why trauma is one of the West’s most urgent public health issues and what to do about it. This is one of my favorite books as it explains how the brain works and how trauma affects the brain and body. Be warned, this is not a light read but well worth the time. *Be advised that the content could be triggering for those with an untreated trauma history.
2. Daring Greatly by Dr. Brene Brown
If you are wondering how you can live a more wholehearted life and show up more fully at work and at home, this book is for you. Brene Brown balances research with storytelling brilliantly to deliver a book that explores how shame gets in the way of showing up and being seen. Brene’s call to courage will leave you inspired and motivated to make change in your life. If you love this book check out her other works: Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, Dare to Lead, and the Gifts of Imperfection.
3. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman
Humans are wired for connection. Often couples get stuck in toxic relational patterns and struggle to find new strategies for communicating and relating to each other. Dr. John Gottman is a leading researcher in the world of couple’s therapy. This book provides a great introduction into the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” that doom relationships, how to avoid them, and tips on what great couples do to keep their marriage thriving. If you love this book check out his other great works: Eight Dates, The Relationship Cure, Man’s Guide to Woman, What Makes Love Last?, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, and The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples.
4. No Drama Discipline by Dr. Dan Siegel
This book is designed to help caregivers turn difficult parenting “survival” moments into opportunities to help children thrive. Leading neuro-psychiatrist, Dan Siegel, and parenting expert, Tina Payne Bryson, have developed The Whole Brain Child to deliver strategies for raising happy, resilient children based on the latest neuroscience research.
5. Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children by Thich Nhat Hanh
This book is great for integrating the art of mindfulness in the home. The author presents a compelling case for why children should start the practice early and how it can transform homes and communities.
6. Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child The Heart of Parenting by Dr. John Gottman
Dr. John Gottman explores the relationship between parent and child and gives tips on how to strengthen the bond for lasting change. The author also provides a series of exercises to assess emotional awareness and parenting styles and how it affects the parent-child relationship.
7. Rising Strong by Brene Brown
This is the follow up book to Daring Greatly and provides readers with tips for how to “rise strong” after a failure or setback. The author’s humor and style make this an easy and enjoyable read while also providing research to back up her statements.
8. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This book is about discovering and developing the creative within from an expert on the creative process. The author provides exercises to help break through writer’s block and self-doubt to help uncover the potential within.
9. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This book is short but powerful in its case for discovering meaning in life in the midst of suffering. Viktor Frankl wrote this memoir based on his time in a Nazi concentration camp. He argues that suffering in life is unavoidable but one can cope with life’s hardships through finding meaning in the suffering. This meaning provides purpose and drive.
10. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
Everyone has a purpose in life and this is Oprah’s call to action to help you find it. And, according to her, “Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible.” Her podcast “Super Soul Sessions” also features speakers with life lessons that are sure to inspire.