Books That Have Shaped My Life
Do you love reading as much as I do? As my friend and mentor Laurel Emory says, “It’s my secret weapon!”
To me, reading a book, whatever genre, style, or content, is like finding treasure no one can ever take from me. The story I get to absorb and the time I give it is all mine to have and hold and experience only the way I can… no one gets an opinion about how I have processed it, how I remember it, or what I do with that information in my heart and mind—it’s ALL MINE.
I usually have books lying around like magazines ready to be picked up whenever there is a moment—in place of social media or TV. Here’s what I’ve been reading over the past year:
Curl Up and Read – Book List
Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most
Drawing from major world religions and impressively truthful and courageous secular figures, this book is a guide to life’s most pressing question: How are we to live? It’s deep, thought-provoking, and I love it! I read it with two of my favorite ladies on earth, Kyle and Whitney, through a virtual book club. I hope to do the same with the Matchbox Women Community. This book requires journaling and reflection time—so my thing! In addition to the hard copy, I also listened to this on Audible. Narrated by Kelly Corrigan, it helped me absorb the deep and reflective content. This dual approach was perfect for me!
Phantastes by George MacDonald
This has been on my to-read stack for some time. George MacDonald, a fantasy writer from the 1800s, inspired C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle. I love how fairy tales help us see present-day realities in a fuller, more nuanced, or unexpected way. I also hope to read his other popular titles: Lilith and The Princess and the Goblin. Another favorite fantasy book is Saving Tir Na Nog by Kimberly S. Ruff. Pick this one up if you love faeryland and faery tales of Ireland.
Rich As F*ck by Amanda Frances
Yes, there are bad words in this book, but it makes it even better—IMHO! Amanda Frances, a self-made multi-millionaire, tells us “It’s time for you to have more money than you know what to do with. This is your blueprint.” Hell-yeah!! Your money is part of your agency —open yourself up to it! There is more than enough money for us all! You are meant for more. Go get this book.
Have you heard of a Rule of Life? Studying what a Rule of Life is and those written by Saints, like Benedict, and others is part of what cemented my business direction of brand work. Brands, like Rules, outline the precepts and ‘rules’ by which you or a collective of people promise to live, move, and make decisions by. It’s about daily rhythms, priorities, and promises to oneself and others, like God, or those you work alongside or serve. St. Benedict wrote his Rule 1,500 years ago for the monks he lived alongside, and it is still alive and lived out today.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
This is a very quick read and is more like an essay than a book, in my opinion. Keller uses logic to connect truth from the Bible to our ever-present worry over what others think of us, building a resume, or people-pleasing with a route to humbleness—it’s a liberating work!
Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller
This book came highly recommended by my friend, mentor, and coach, Laurel Emory. Timothy Keller, a prolific author, recently passed away. I shared a quote of his not too long ago. He was an intellectual and spiritual man—a combo to look up to. I’m reading this because I don’t want to miss a thing. I want the richness of everything I’m doing or participating in to pass me by.
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
This book is written for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Its message is that we tend to project our natural expectations about who God is onto him instead of fighting to let the Bible surprise us with what God himself says.
The Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
Our world is overloaded with everything we’re built to crave. The fix for scarcity brain isn’t to blindly aim for less but to understand why we crave more in the first place, shake our worst habits, and use what we already have better. Then we can experience life in a new way—a more satisfying way.
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
A thought-provoking book exploring how modern comforts are reducing our resilience and how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to greater physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life by Gary John Bishop
This short read is worth it, in my opinion—plus, I like when an author cusses a bit… it makes them feel more authentic. Chapter Six was my favorite: “I Am Not My Thoughts: I Am What I Do.” This book offers a simple breakdown of retraining your mind, what you tell yourself, and choosing action whether you feel like it or not.
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
This book was refreshing, real, and such an intimate sharing of Shauna’s struggle to overcome unexpected trauma leading to a cross-country move. Her short chapters make it an easy read, but her vulnerability leads you deep into your own experience of life with fresh and loving eyes.
Have a Listen – Audiobooks
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Brene Brown explores the idea that true belonging and self-worth come from embracing who we are, imperfections and all, rather than striving for perfection or approval from others. She discusses courage, compassion, and connection as important elements of living a fulfilling life and offers practical guidance for nurturing these qualities.
Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
I love the authenticity of this book! It’s about identifying and combating the lies we believe about ourselves and the world. It encourages readers to embrace honesty and integrity in their lives, fostering personal growth and well-being.
Hormone Intelligence by Dr. Aviva Romm
This book sheds so much light on what it means to be a healthy woman at any age. It’s perfect for guiding yourself or the young women in your care through various life stages.
Do you have any current reads or listens you’d recommend? Let’s share our book treasures!
