Holistic Harley Winter Book Club
It’s perfect weather in Los Angeles for cozying up with a good book. These are 10 excellent books I’ve read recently. If you’re looking for more book recommendations, you can check out my previous posts: Fall Book Club and Social Distancing Book Club.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - The concepts in this book are unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. They are fun, magical, and inspiring. This book is intended for creatives, but I believe all humans are creative beings and would benefit from reading this.
Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson - This is one of the most special books I’ve ever read. If you have an extreme fear of death or if you have recently lost someone close to you, I think you will find comfort in this book. I love asking the Universe for signs, and this book really reaffirms to me that there is much more going on than just our physical existence.
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron - Things seem to be falling apart all of the time lately, but that can be a great opportunity for growth. Pema’s words always help me grow through difficult times, and this is my favorite of her books that I’ve read.
The Power of Awakening by Wayne Dyer - I’ve heard about Wayne Dyer through Gabby Bernstein because he was one of her mentors, but I had never read any of his books. I was at a bookstore in Encinitas and this book jumped out at me. I loved it, and I think it is a great complement to reading Buddhist philosophy. This book is about manifestation and limitless thinking while Buddhist philosophy is very grounding.
Soul of Money by Lynne Twist - This book was originally written in 2003, but it feels incredibly timely. It is about being conscious with how we direct the flow of money in our lives and how that can impact us for the better.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey - This is a fun, easy read because Matthew is a great storyteller, but I also found it to be inspirational. Matthew McConaughey is the type of person who squeezes every last drop out of life and has a damn good time while doing it.
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker - This was fascinating to my inner psychology/genetics nerd. It is the true story of a family with 12 children, 6 of them diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is a tragic and at times unreal story that illuminates how far we've come with mental health treatment and de-stigmatization and how far we still have to go.
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan - I read this book in two days. It’s a true story about a woman’s struggle with a mysterious illness in which she starts hearing voices in her head and becomes plagued by seizures.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel - I think Esther Perel is just fabulous. I saw her speak at the Evolution of Psychotherapy conference, and I want her to adopt me. This book is about desire in long-term relationships, and I just started reading her most recent book, State of Affairs.
It Ends with Us, November 9th and Verity by Colleen Hoover - My high school English teacher referred to books that are fun to read but don’t necessarily mentally enrich you as “brain candy.” These books fall into that category. They are all page turners and something you’ll finish in a single weekend. It Ends with Us is my favorite. November 9th happens to be my birthday and this is my second favorite book. Verity is super dark, but it’s a good suspense read.
What are some of the best books you’ve read recently? Leave them in the comments below!
