I picked up this book because I wanted to find out the exact meaning of the word ‘ikigai’ – I was curious because it has no direct English translation and, like any writer, I’m intrigued by fascinating words. To my delight, I came away with more than just the meaning of the word after reading the book.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life by Francesc Miralles

• Authors – Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self-help, non fiction, philosophy, psychology, personal development, health, spirituality, productivity
• Content warnings – N/A
• Type – Standalone
• First publication – April, 2016
• No. of pages – 208
• Goodreads rating – 3.74

$16.00

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‘Ikigai’ Overview

‘Ikigai’ explores what it means to have a purpose or meaning in life drawing from relevant research in psychology, spirituality, and philosophy with commentary from lived experiences. 

The authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles travel to Okinawa, Japan to discover the secret behind Okinawa residents’ longevity. There, they find a way of communal living filled with purpose, happiness, and good health that they share alongside interviews with the Okinawans and practical tips for a good life.

‘Ikigai’ Book Review

Basically, “Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that loosely translates to mean ‘the reason to live’, ‘the thing that makes life worth living,’ or according to the authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, “the happiness of always being busy.”

Now, this seemed a little contradictory to me because ‘always being busy’ does not (at all) inspire happiness in me so I was curious as to how this concept became so popular. I was even more intrigued when the authors tied ‘ikigai’ to longevity: 

“Those who study why the inhabitants of this island in the south of Japan [Okinawa] live longer than people anywhere else in the world believe that one of the keys—in addition to a healthful diet, a simple life in the outdoors, green tea, and then subtropical climate (its average temperature is like that of Hawaii)—is the ikigai that shapes their lives.” – Prologue

A purpose that makes life worth living and in fact, extends it, was a fascinating concept to me because a few years ago, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about having no real purpose in my work. This lack of contentment even seeped into my personal life where I stopped finding joy with people close to my heart and in my hobbies. So the way the authors – and the Okinawans – defined “ikigai” was relatable and personal: 

“According to those born on Okinawa, the island with the most centenarians in the world, our ikigai is the reason we get up in the morning…Having a clearly defined ikigai brings satisfaction, happiness, and meaning to our lives.” – Chapter 1

The authors expand on this concept drawing from Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Shoma Morita’s Morita therapy that focus on finding the meaning of life (the former) and working with one’s feelings and desire to find purpose in life (the latter). 

I found those theories interesting, but my favorite part of the book was the chapter about ‘flow.’

“…the heart of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research into the experience of being completely immersed in what we are doing. Csikszentmihalyi called this state “flow,” and described it as the pleasure, delight, creativity, and process when we are completely immersed in life.” – Chapter 3

I could relate to this state of immersion because it happens when I’m reading a book that takes me far into a world of its own or when I’m writing a piece that captures my attention that the world falls behind and only the sound of tapping keys remains. The ‘flow’ got me thinking about the “ikigai” and how it’s described as “the happiness of always being busy.” I’ll admit, it made me realize how always being busy and being happy is entirely possible, because I’m happy when I read or write – I was just defaulting into the idea that ‘always being busy’ means being stressful and under pressure all the time. 

So instead of looking at “ikigai” as having to be busy, I understood it to be about enjoying being busy and unhurried–especially inspired by the centenarians from the village of Ogimi in the island of Okinawa. In an interview, an elderly Ogimi resident says that their secret to a long life is slowing down:

“Doing many different things everyday. Always staying busy, but doing one thing at a time, without getting overwhelmed.” – Chapter 6

The interviews with the people of Ogimi also highlight the importance of cultivating good habits, consuming healthy food, nurturing friendships, and being optimistic in order to lead a long, fulfilled life. 

I loved the wealth of information packed into the book, and also the glimpse into life on Okinawa island, but I felt the authors spent a lot of time on drawing from other research instead of focusing on “ikigai.” I was waiting till they shared a comprehensive guide into finding our own “ikigai” but it never came, and I felt a little let down because the book didn’t deliver what its title promised. Now, something I thought was really neat was when I learned the author duo has published a follow-up book called ‘The Ikigai Journey’ and it fills in this missing part about how to find our “ikigai” – I thought it was a motivating read and a solid follow up. 

The other concern for me about the ‘Ikigai’ book was about the learnings from Okinawans. I could see that they were lovely people with a passion for their work and community, but the profound, meaningful insight about ikigai that the authors promised from their interviews just wasn’t there. I think the genuinity of the Okinawa residents would have come through better if their interviews were framed differently, and that would’ve added a lot to the learning experience.

My rating for the book went down a little because it didn’t meet the expectations that were set out by its blurb, but that does not mean you shouldn’t give ‘Ikigai’ a chance. The research and wellness practices that the authors cover are valuable, interesting to read, and definitely actionable, so if you’re looking for a simple, inspiring read on how to improve the quality of your life, ‘Ikigai’ by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles is worth a read.

Who Should Read ‘Ikigai’

Fans of the hygge lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying the quiet pleasures of life might find “ikigai” an interesting concept to learn about because the two concepts, while kind of built for the same goal (finding happiness), suggest working toward the goal in such different ways. If hygge is about finding happiness in not doing anything, “ikigai” is about finding happiness in doing, so you’re definitely up for a refreshing read with this book.

Readers who want to find wholesome ways of living to improve the quality of your life might find ‘Ikigai’ an interesting read.

Books Similar to ‘Ikigai’

The Ikigai Journey written by the same author duo is a follow-up book to ‘Ikigai’ that helps you find your own ikigai. This book fills in the gaps of ‘Ikigai’, showing you how to find your “ikigai” among other things, so pick up for a great follow-up read!

Man’s Search For Meaning is a great read similar to ‘Ikigai’ in that it draws from lived experience to discuss the same topic – the meaning of life.  

And if you would like to read more on inspiring ways of living, give The Little Book of Hygge a chance – it talks about slowing down and finding joy in small moments in life.

If you’re looking for more self-help reads on various topics, check out all my self-help book reviews.

Final Thoughts

Building on the concept of a life worth living, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life packs a wealth of information, draws on a lot of relevant concepts, and shares with us the way of life of the people who’ve found their “ikigai.” This is a short read with actionable practices toward a fulfilling life, so pick it up for a quick dive into “ikigai” and how to live a long and happy life.

FAQs

The post Book Review: ‘Ikigai’ By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles appeared first on Bookishnerd.

This article will focus on books about dreaming in general–what they are, what they mean, and how you can understand them better with some help from books like The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud or books written specifically on dream interpretations such as The Dreamer’s Dictionary by Robinson and Corbett

Now, if you want to see my complete rationale for all of these books, check out the following:

1. A Very Short Introduction to Dreaming by J. Allan Hobson

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Dreaming: A Very Short Introduction

• Hobson, J. Allan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 176 Pages - 06/04/2011 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

$12.08

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This book is, as you might expect, is a short introduction to the world of dreams and dreaming.

it’s also a more modern text, so you don’t have to worry about old-fashioned ideas or anything like that. And it’s a great overview of dream science that doesn’t get to woo woo like a lot of other books out there.

I like this text because it was one of the first that I read when I started to learn about dreaming and became interested in interpreting my own dreams. It really helped me to understand the basics of how it all works, and to see why my own dreams might actually matter in understanding my psychology.

I recommended for anyone interested in getting their start in the world of dream theory.

2. The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

The Interpretation of Dreams: The Complete and Definitive Text

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Freud, Sigmund (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 111 Pages - 04/13/2020 (Publication Date) - Medina Univ Pr Intl (Publisher)

$3.99

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Of course, we have to cover one of the most influential books in the history of dream theory, and that is The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. Now, for a modern understanding of dream theory, this is not a book that I would necessarily recommend.

But it does have a very important place in the history of the studies of dreams. No one can deny that the theories put forth by Freud really influence the direction of psychology, and opened up a few ideas that eventually led to the science we know today, even if the science of the time was a little off.

I recommended this for anyone interested in the historical roots of dream theory and how it has evolved over time.

3. The Dream and the Underworld by James Hillman

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The Dream and the Underworld

• Hillman, James (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 243 Pages - 07/25/1979 (Publication Date) - Harper & Row (Publisher)

$12.79

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Another book that covers the historical roots of dreams and dream interpretation is The Dream and the Underworld by James Hillman.

This books does a great job of tying together various interpretations across time, from ancient Greece to modern times. And it really helps you see how different authors throughout history have approached dreams in their own unique ways.

I recommend this for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of what cultural influences can do to change our approach to interpreting dreams over time, as well as those interested in studying some more esoteric texts on dream theory from around the world.

4. The Dreamer’s Dictionary by Robinson and Corbett

Dreamer's Dictionary

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Robinson, Stearn (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 388 Pages - 08/03/2021 (Publication Date) - Grand Central Publishing (Publisher)

$7.99

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The title of this book explains it all. This dream dictionary is essentially a handbook for dreaming and dreams. It includes over 3000 interpretations of different dream symbols, categorized by topic.

This book is great for anyone who wants to start interpreting their own dreams, because it gives you a really solid foundation to start with. It also helps you develop your own personal symbol dictionary that you can draw from each time you want to interpret a dream.

5. Lucid Dreaming by Robert Waggoner

Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Waggoner, Robert (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 305 Pages - 10/01/2008 (Publication Date) - Moment Point Press (Publisher)

$19.55

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Lucid dreaming is the phenomenon of being aware that you are dreaming, and then being able to control the course of the dream.

This book is written by an expert on lucid dreaming, Robert Waggoner, and it covers everything from how to achieve lucidity in your dreams, to how to use lucid dreaming for personal growth.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about controlling their own dreams and using them for personal development.

6. Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson

Inner Work: A Four-Step Journey to Self-Transformation, Unearthing Subconscious Strengths, and Interpreting Dreams with Jungian Psychology

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Johnson, Robert A. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 242 Pages - 10/14/2009 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)

$7.99

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Inner Work is a great book about how you can use your dreams for personal growth, and it’s been highly influential in the work of modern dream interpretation.

This books dives into Jungian psychology to look at different archetypes that might appear within our dreams, which helps us understand certain things about our inner self on a deeper level.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to learn more about using their own dreams as a tool for self-growth and development. It’s very useful when used alongside other books on dream interpretation as well!

7. Learn to Lucid Dream by Kristen LaMarca

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This books is a guidebook on how to achieve lucidity in your dreams and use it to your advantage.

It has everything you need to get started with dream interpretation, such as the basics of how lucid dreaming works, step-by-step guides for achieving lucidity, techniques for controlling the course of your dreams once you’re aware that you’re dreaming, and advice on using lucid dreaming to improve different parts of life like relationships or career goals.

I recommend this book if anyone wants their own practical handbook on becoming a lucid dreamer and learning more about what it means.

8. A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming by Tucillo, Zeizel, and Peisel

A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Tuccillo, Dylan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 289 Pages - 02/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)

$9.92

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This books is a little different from most of the others on this list, because it takes a more scientific approach to lucid dreaming.

It’s written by three experts in the field of lucid dreaming research, and it covers everything from how to study your own dreams scientifically, to how to use specific techniques to enhance your lucidity while dreaming.

I recommend this for anyone who wants a more scientific look at advanced lucid dreaming and all that it encompasses. It can be especially useful for those interested in doing their own research on the subject.

9. The Dream Interpretation Handbook by Karen Frazier

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This books is a great resource for those who want to learn more about how they can use their dreams as tools for personal growth and development.

It covers everything from beginner’s guides on How To Keep A Dream Journal, tips and techniques for remembering your own dreams, advice on working with recurring dream themes or nightmares, and even some practical exercises you can try out in order to help you interpret your own dreams.

I recommend this books if anyone wants to take an active approach towards interpreting their own dreams; it really helps guide readers through the process step-by-step!

10. The Wisdom of Your Dreams by Jeremy Taylor

The Wisdom of Your Dreams: Using Dreams to Tap into Your Unconscious and Transform Your Life

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Taylor, Jeremy (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 354 Pages - 09/23/2009 (Publication Date) - Tarcher (Publisher)

$5.99

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The Wisdom of Your Dreams by Jeremy Taylor is a book about the symbolism and meaning of dreams. The author provides an in-depth analysis of different dream themes, such as fear, love, and death.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to learn more about dream interpretation and how it can be used in their own life. This books dives into the symbolism of dreams, which is a great resource when learning how to interpret your own personal dreams!

11. Our Dreaming Mind by Robert L. Van De Castle

Our Dreaming Mind

• CASTLE, Robert L. Van De (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 07/19/1995 (Publication Date) - Ballantine (Publisher)

$28.48

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Our Dreaming Mind is a great books on dreams, and it’s written by the expert in dream research Robert L. Van De Castle!

It covers everything from what happens during different stages of sleep that are crucial to getting quality rest, all the way through to how you can use your own dreams for self-growth.

I also like this one because it covers the history of dreaming, and the influence that it has on art, psychology, religion, and our culture. For sure, you will likely step away with this book with a greater appreciation of dreaming in general.

12. The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung

The Collected Works of C. G. Jung, Volume 9 (Part 1): Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jung, C. G. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 496 Pages - 03/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Princeton University Press (Publisher)

$22.56

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This books is a classic because it was written by C.G. Jung, who is known as the founder of analytical psychology.

In this books he discusses his theory on the collective unconscious and how it manifests in dreams. He also talks about different archetypes that can be found in dreams, such as the mother, child, hero, etc.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to explore dream symbolism a little further and learn about some of the deeper psychological aspects that Dreams can reveal about ourselves!

13. Man and His Symbols by C.G. Jung

Man and His Symbols

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jung, Carl Gustav (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 510 Pages - 02/01/2012 (Publication Date) - Dell (Publisher)

$12.99

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Lastly, I recommend this books for anyone who is interested in C.G Jung’s work and theories on dreams!

In it he discusses how Dreams can be a gateway into exploring our hidden selves, as well as the symbolism that exists within them which reveals deeper meanings of ourselves.

This was essentially Carl Jung’s magnum opus, his greatest achievement, as he tries to really understand the history of mankind’s symbolism. It really is a classic, and one that everyone should read.

The Bottom Line

I hope you found this information interesting. While dreaming isn’t necessarily a subject that everyone must know about, it is one of those interesting things that can really give you direct insight into your own mind.

I found that it makes me super insightful, and even if it’s a bunch of hogwash, I have found some personal reflection opportunities that have really been good for me.

I hope that these books will help you find the same thing. Enjoy!

The post 13 Best Books on Dream Science and Dream Interpretation appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Racism.

And what’s even worse is that it’s become ingrained within every member and facet of our global community. If you don’t think racism has crept its way into your life, take a step back and look at your situation. You may find that your life is pretty good. Aside from everyday struggles, you can still sleep peacefully at night knowing that your tomorrow will be just another day.

You might not have to worry about getting unjustly mistreated or cursed upon by random strangers. Or that you’ll still get properly compensated for a job well done. Or perhaps lose a potential job you are the best candidate for over your name alone.

And if you don’t have to experience any of these, that’s great. Because nobody should have to. We should all receive equal treatment no matter the color of our skin or where our families come from. However, that’s not the case at all, and it’s been long overdue that we’ve addressed this issue. But where should we even begin?

We should start by reading and listening to the stories of those who have encountered this beast head-on. We need to educate ourselves and get woke! And these books are chock full of great information to help us get started.

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Saad, Layla F. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 244 Pages - 01/28/2020 (Publication Date) - Sourcebooks (Publisher)

$8.85

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This book is an in-depth deep dive into examining your white privilege, racial stereotypes, anti-blackness, and much more. If you’re ready to look inside and closely critique your beliefs in the hopes of becoming a better human being…this is a great place to start.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• DiAngelo, Robin J. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 186 Pages - 06/26/2018 (Publication Date) - Beacon Press (Publisher)

$9.99

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White fragility is defined as the sensitivity and defensiveness white people experience when confronted with issues pertaining to race. These actions do not ultimately “defend the white race” but instead further impoverish people of color and promote continued racial inequality. If you’re struggling with opening up on race issues, give this book a try.

So You Want to Talk About Race

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Oluo, Ijeoma (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 266 Pages - 09/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Seal Press (Publisher)

$13.99

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Talking about race or bringing up race-related issues is a sensitive topic. However, it shouldn’t be. We should be able to have open mature conversations to help further understand and love the differences between us. Ijeoma Oluo’s book helps us to be more frank with each other while preventing miscommunication and offending others.

How to Be an Antiracist (One World Essentials)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Kendi, Ibram X. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 543 Pages - 08/13/2019 (Publication Date) - One World (Publisher)

$9.99

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Standing by idly while others are being prosecuted based solely on race is not enough. Sure, you’re not getting involved and taking sides. But that’s the problem. In order to eradicate racism, we must come together as a collective unit to do so. Learn how you too can be a full-fledged Anti-Racist in Ibram X Kendi’s newest book.

How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Fleming, Crystal M. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 238 Pages - 09/18/2018 (Publication Date) - Beacon Press (Publisher)

$11.99

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This is a witty page-turner that very easy to read through. But it carries a very solemn message. There is a racial divide between white people and persons of color. Dr. Fleming really addresses the concept of systemic racism and offers practical suggestions on how you can tackle it head on.

Race and Racisms: A Critical Approach, Brief Edition

• Golash-Boza, Tanya Maria (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages - 07/09/2015 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

$60.00

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In order to combat racism, we must first know and understand our enemy. In this text, Professor Golash-Boza addresses how the idea of race was orginally created, the evils of structural racism, how racism creates socioeconomic divide, and much more. This is a truly convincing and academic take on racism.

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Anderson, Carol (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 286 Pages - 05/31/2016 (Publication Date) - Bloomsbury USA (Publisher)

$9.99

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Although this book acknowledges the overcome and current struggles of African Americans through US history, it more so focuses on the other side of the coin. Carol Anderson instead focuses on the incendiary reactions of white people following African American triumph. Understanding how to eliminate these retaliations is pivotal in moving forward together as a people.

The Wretched of the Earth

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Fanon, Frantz (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 324 Pages - 03/12/2005 (Publication Date) - Grove Press (Publisher)

$8.48

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This work by Frantz Fanon is one of the most powerfully moving pieces I have ever read. It’s an absolutely brilliant psychoanalysis of oppressed people on their path to liberation. This work has been held in the highest regard by many and has had major impacts on racial equality activists around the globe since its publication in 1961.

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The Making of Asian America: A History (Printing may vary)

• Printing may Vary
• Lee, Erika (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 560 Pages - 08/16/2016 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

$11.63

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One of the fastest growing populations in the United States is Asian Americans. And Americans of Asian descent have been around for essentially the entirety of US history. However, their story and voice has been lost. Erika Lee helps bring their stories back to live with this book.

Earlier, I stated that racism has penetrated every facet of our society–including those who should be our protectors and civil servants. Does that mean all cops are completely terrible people?

Absolutely not.

One of my childhood heroes was actually a local Black police officer. I went through some troubles as kid and through my late teens–let’s call it a rebellious streak. And Officer Metcalf was always there to offer great advice and shoulder to cry on free of judgement. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without him.

But…not every officer shares the same dedication and character he had. In fact, police racism can be extremely terrifying. And it’s completely indicative of the systemic racism plaguing our world today. And in order to combat police racism, we need to study and understand it right at the source. Here are a few books to help us do just that:

The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America's Law Enforcement

• Hardcover Book
• Horace, Matthew (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages - 08/07/2018 (Publication Date) - Legacy Lit (Publisher)

$28.20

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Written by Matthew Horace–a retired Black police officer who served for 28 years–this book is an eye-opening account of just how deep racism in the US police force runs. One of the biggest shockers Horace describes is when he was held at gunpoint face down on the ground by a fellow white police officer. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for what happens behind the little blue curtain.

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Fight the Power: African Americans and the Long History of Police Brutality in New York City

• Hardcover Book
• Taylor, Clarence (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages - 12/20/2018 (Publication Date) - NYU Press (Publisher)

$68.55

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Police brutalizations of African Americans are nothing new. Unfortunately, they’ve been happening since the inception of America’s police force. In this book, Clarence Taylor takes us on a trip through time–from the 1940s onwards– detailing the experiences of African Americans at the hand of NYC’s predominantly white police force.

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Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color

• Ritchie, Andrea (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages - 08/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Beacon Press (Publisher)

$10.93

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Women of color can have additional problems when dealing with police brutalizations. In Andrea Ritchie’s book, she covers some of the additional struggles women have had to undergo including sexism, dehumanization, and rape. This book covers some pretty heavy issues in graphic detail. Normally, I would suggest this to only very mature audiences. However, this book’s voice needs to be heard by both late-teens and adults.

It’s not good enough to just educate ourselves about racism. After all, our children are also subjected to the same monster that we as adults are. However, it can be very tricky and difficult to talk to children about racism–especially for families of color. But it’s a bleak reality that’s unavoidable.

Thankfully, there have been several absolutely incredible authors who have confronted this issue head-on. So many great books have been written to help guide parents through this big talk with their kids. Here are some of my favorites:

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Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness (Ordinary Terrible Things)

• Hardcover Book
• Higginbotham, Anastasia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 64 Pages - 09/04/2018 (Publication Date) - Dottir Press (Publisher)

$11.74

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Teaching children about racism is a monumental part of promoting a loving, safe, and open society. But it sure can be awkward and challenging to do. This book is written primarily for white children and families in order to help them target and eliminate white supremacy where it’s seen. This is one of the most controversial selections on this list.

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Hair Love

• Hardcover Book
• Cherry, Matthew A. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages - 05/14/2019 (Publication Date) - Kokila (Publisher)

$9.57

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Written by former NFL wide receiver Matthew Cherry, this book isn’t so much as conquering racism but appreciating and loving who you are. The book explores the relationship between an African American father, daughter, and the love of their natural hair.

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Resist: 40 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice

• Chambers, Veronica (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages - 08/18/2020 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)

$7.99

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Resist is a children’s book suitable for older children. It outlines how important figures throughout history stood up against the bullies of their time and fought against social injustice. While this book covers many topics, it does address racism, slavery, and inequalities. And this book’s been officially endorsed with the forward written by Senator Cory Booker.

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All the Colors We Are/Todos los colores de nuestra piel: The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color/La historia de por qué tenemos diferentes colores de piel

• Hardcover Book
• Kissinger, Katie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages - 02/11/2014 (Publication Date) - Redleaf Press (Publisher)

$11.10

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All the Colors We Are has been around for over 220 years teaching children about the scientific reasons behind different skin tones. Through proper education, this book has been an essential resource in helping tear down racial stereotypes and myths which leads to future racism.

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The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist

• Hardcover Book
• Levinson, Cynthia (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 40 Pages - 01/17/2017 (Publication Date) - Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

$10.62

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This is the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks and proof that one child can make a major difference in the fight for civil equality. You see, Audrey was the youngest person to be arrested and put in jail for protesting and picketing “white-only” stores during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. And even though her story was put-together in a cute little picture book, her story is very real and a great example of standing up for what is right.

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The Stone Thrower

• Hardcover Book
• Ealey Richardson MFA, Jael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages - 05/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Groundwood Books (Publisher)

$14.64

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Growing up in 1960s Ohio, Chuck Ealey had a dream of one day becoming an NFL quarterback. But no matter how much he excelled both in his studies and physical abilities, he was turned away because of the color of his skin. Chuck eventually overcame his struggles and went on to become a professional football player in the Canadian Football League. This book teaches children that they can be anything they want to be if they just put their minds to it and work hard.

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All American Boys

• Reynolds, Jason (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages - 08/29/2017 (Publication Date) - Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Publisher)

$8.71

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All American Boys is a Coretta Scott King Author Honor book and winner of the Walter Dean Myers award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. In this book, the story follows two teens–one white, one black–as they each must struggle with a violent act that has terrorized them and rocked the nation. When Rashad falls victim to racial police brutalization, Quinn captures the entire thing on film. And while Rashad must deal with the struggles of being victimized by the police, Quinn suffers from doubts and confusion about the man who raised him–the officer who delivered the beating.

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The Hate U Give Collector's Edition: A Printz Honor Winner

• The Hate U Give Collector's Edition Hardcover – September 4, 2018
• Hardcover Book
• Thomas, Angie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 512 Pages - 09/04/2018 (Publication Date) - Clarion Books (Publisher)

$12.17

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This story revolves around Starr Carter who is the sole witness to the police killing of her unarmed best friend Khalil. And now, the media is smearing Khalil’s name and character to justify this slaying. Starr is faced with the tough choice of speaking of and exposing the truth or remaining quiet and complacent.

Daddy, There's A Noise Outside

• Hardcover Book
• English (Publication Language)
• 24 Pages - Fathers Incorporated (Publisher)

$56.20

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In Kenneth Braswell’s book, an African American family is awoken by strange noises outside their window. Now, it’s up to the parents to explain to their children the protests that were taking place in their inner-city neighborhood.

My Vision Quest: The Power Of Dreaming Big (Braving The World Book 5)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jones, Eevi (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 22 Pages - 05/15/2020 (Publication Date) - LHC Publishing (Publisher)

$2.99

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My Vision Quest by Eevi Jones is a wonderful story that helps to explain to children of all ages, genders, and races that they can indeed fulfill their big dreams and visions. Through believing in the power that they hold inside, this story teaches kids that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. And best of all…50% of this series’ proceeds will be dedicated to Pencils Of Promise to help provide little ones with access to quality education, regardless of their gender, race, or social economic backgrounds.

One of the absolute best ways to spread awareness about racism is to get vocal. Let your voice be heard! I’ve scoured the airwaves and found some of best anti-racism podcasts. These can be rather eye-opening especially when hearing about actual personal stories people have lived through.

The Groundings is a great podcast which helps explain past movements and how they ultimately help decide what’s going on today. In this particular episode, Annie Olaloku confronts Afro-pessimism and “anti-blackness theory”.

In this New York Times talk, Black women share the everyday racist and stereotype struggles they face everyday in life. It’s been long overdue that these women get the proper respect they deserve.

Comedic writer Ashley Nicole Black has since turned her attentions to her podcast Sip On This where she takes on all sorts of issues from social encounters, dating, and career advice. However, in one episode, she features her mother’s advice for raising confident Black children and talking about race with White children.

Check It Out Now!

This speech by senior Air Force leader CQ Brown, Jr. is by far one of the most powerful things I’ve heard in a very long time. It’s captivating, eye-opening, heartfelt, and a true example of what quality leadership should sound like. I salute you Sir and wish you the best.

We’re not born inherently racist, it’s a learned behavior. But I think it goes a bit further than that. While there are some despicable individuals out there who teach and vilify hate towards those who are different, I want to believe that the majority of society is for the equal treatment of others. But why is it despite an overall general “goodness” that racism is still alive and thriving?

Many of us have been unwillingly indoctrinated through systemic racism. It’s not that people are actually racist, but instead simply doing racist things or experiencing extra privilege without even knowing. Now, is ignorance an excuse or reason to continue this trend? Absolutely not. However, by acknowledging the existence of systemic racism, we can fight together to dismantle its deeply rooted grip.

This process will not be an overnight battle. It will be a continuous struggle that we as a people undivided must stand against vehemently to take away its power. And just fixing your current way of thinking isn’t enough. This message of love, respect, unity, and desegregation needs to be spread to our children and the generations that follow.

And these are just a few of the available resources that you can find to help better us a unified people. If there’s something that should be on this list and isn’t, please let me know in the comments below.

Cheers,

The post 22 of the Best Books on Racism and How to Combat It appeared first on Bookishnerd.

I wanted to sort out my feelings and see if I could learn more about being a bigger person from folks that had (hopefully) figured it out better than I did, so I ended up picking up a book on forgiveness called ‘The Kite Runner’. I was moved and impressed by how it handled a sensitive subject beautifully, thoughtfully and effectively as well, considering I was able to patch up things with my friend.  

I knew there was still a lot more to learn about forgiveness so I picked out a few reads, both fiction and nonfiction, to find out how they tackle the subject and what more insights were in store for me. So here are my best books on forgiveness, spread across a few genres including YA, Adult fiction, self help, and memoirs. These books are full of inspiring thoughts, practical tips, and healing stories that’ll help you understand and nurture forgiveness, empathy, and kindness all in one. Let’s find out how.

Different genres handle the topic of forgiveness differently, so I separated my reviews into nonfiction and fiction so it’s easy for you to go through them cohesively. Let’s get started with nonfiction books on forgiveness to find out what forgiving means and how to go about it.

These books approach forgiveness analytically trying to piece together what forgiveness means from social, emotional, religious, and spiritual perspectives. Some books also document personal experiences and anecdotes on the act of forgiving, helping you really empathize with and learn from people who choose to forgive. Let’s get started.

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The Choice: Embrace the Possible

• Author – Edith Eger
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Psychology, Biography, Self Help, Holocaust, War, World War II
• Content warnings – Death, genocide, antisemitism, Rape, Suicide, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, pedophilia, sexual assault
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 289
• First publication – September, 2017
• Goodreads rating – 4.58

$11.88

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This memoir is one the hardest reads of my life but I’m so glad I read through the many horrors in the book, because abandoning it halfway would have been disrespectful to the author and dismissive of the inhumanity she had to suffer. 

The Choice took me to Auschwitz, 1944. Young Edith, barely 16 years old, is separated from her family (who are sent to gas chambers) and forced to dance for Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor responsible for a vast number of lost lives. Suffering through and enduring horrors that I don’t dare repeat here, Edith makes it out of the death camp. 

She goes on to become a prominent psychologist, helping people like her work through their trauma and move on with their lives and I couldn’t help but be awed at the incredible strength and compassion she showed when rebuilding her scarred life. 

Her resilience and endless grace is what helps her heal from her own psychological scars left by unspeakable crimes that were committed in Auschwitz, and how she forgave that excruciating past with such strength and compassion was nothing short of incredible. 

For me, this book is more than a memoir. It’s a lesson in history and a reassuring reminder that even after facing unimaginable horrors, healing and finding joy is entirely possible because the strength to forgive can make us better people, helping us move past life’s bleakest moments.

I won’t promise this is an easy read, but Edith’s relentless strength shines through the darkness of it all, that instead of dwelling on the horrors you come across, you are bound to be inspired and moved by her story of resilience and forgiveness. 

Book Of Forgiving

• Author – Desmond Tutu, Mpho Tutu
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, self help, spirituality, psychology, religion, personal development, philosophy, relationships, faith, social justice
• Content warning – N/A
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 230
• First publication – January, 2013
• Goodreads rating – 4.24

$16.80

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and has been famously involved in helping South Africa heal after years of apartheid, so I was naturally curious to see what he (and his daughter) wanted to share about forgiveness. 

Reading this was just as challenging as the last entry, since the stories the book carried about people who displayed forgiveness in unforgivable situations, were filled with so much raw honesty and the kind of pain that’s tough to put into words. That said, reading it was a refreshing and empowering experience because Tutu says forgiveness is not about letting go – but about not letting people off the hook. 

I was fascinated by this take on forgiveness because everything I had learned about it so far had some element of letting go. But Tutu’s path to forgiveness also included acknowledging damage done, holding the perpetrator accountable, and figuring out the best way to get on with your life. So as I understood it, Tutu does encourage letting go, but it comes from a place of empowerment where we lay the responsibility at the foot of the person who caused us pain.

For a short book, The Book of Forgiving packs a punch. It shares this four-step process for forgiveness which is about empowering ourselves as much as it’s about healing. The lived experiences of people who forgave so many atrocities might make this a little tough to read, but ultimately, they are proof that forgiveness is not only freeing but also achievable. I definitely recommend picking this book up for an insightful, inspiring, and outside-the-box guide on forgiveness, healing, and moving on toward a better life.

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Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?

• Author – Timothy J. Keller
• Genre/Sub-genre – Christian living, theology, nonfiction, faith, christianity, counseling, spirituality, religion, discipleship
• Content warnings – N/A
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 272
• First publication – November, 2022
• Goodreads rating – 4.62

$11.48

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Written by a pastor, this book draws on Christian teachings about forgiveness to share a religious perspective on the topic that I hadn’t really thought about before. Not going to lie, I really did feel like this book was an educational, inspiring read on forgiveness. 

Keller looks at what has been said about forgiveness in philosophy and history, acknowledges the universally accepted need for forgiveness, and then explores how to actually forgive. To give us a guide to forgive, he turns to the Bible and explains how to forgive from a theological perspective. He doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the scriptures; instead, he shows us how to adopt the Christian teachings of forgiveness in practice, allowing the reader to follow a clearly-defined path toward forgiveness. 

Keller doesn’t pretend forgiving is easy though and what I liked about it the most is that he doesn’t make you feel bad about finding it tough to forgive. In fact, he champions forgiveness that doesn’t sacrifice justice or humanity, and breaks down how to go about it. 

The book outlines how forgiving is an act of strength and honestly, I’m all here for it: “…forgiveness is always expensive to the forgiver, but the benefits – at the very least within your heart, and at the best in the restoration of relationship and a witness to the power of the gospel – outweigh the cost.”

Not only did this read help me examine the way I look at forgiveness, it also helped me understand how to navigate conflicts with grace and understanding. So if you’ve ever asked yourself the two questions laid out in the title – ‘why should I forgive?’ and ‘how should I forgive?’ – this book can help you find the answers to both.

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The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable

• Author – Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, self help, psychology, personal development, spirituality, inspirational, christian
• Content warnings – Racism, sexism, violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 224
• First publication – March, 2020
• Goodreads rating – 3.69

$9.64

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I picked up this book for my forgiveness books binge because the premise was interesting with its collection of personal stories. Pratt has interviewed 22 people who had to forgive other people and even themselves for acts of cruelty they’ve experienced in any capacity, and what they had to say about forgiveness was truly inspiring.

The narratives were so intimate that I almost felt like I was eavesdropping on conversations that I’m not privy to, revealing each narrator’s desire and struggle to forgive, and their approach to forgiveness. The author adds her own commentary to each story, giving a third person POV to the extremely personal narratives that are shared.

One story that stayed with me is about a series of killings in Rwanda, where a majority group tried to obliterate a minority group. The murders had halted with the involvement of a third party, but bringing the perpetrators to justice had not been easy because there were just too many people involved. So instead of taking the legal route, the perpetrators and the survivors were motivated to take the moral high road, asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness after a face-to-face confrontation organized by local councils. I was moved beyond words with this story because I couldn’t fathom how a series of horrific acts could be forgiven this way, but it just went on to show how forgiveness has immense power to heal and help us move on from any atrocity.

Pratt also shows how forgiveness doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach as she examines all 22 stories of people who had to forgive different kinds of pain and hurt. I did feel like the author tried to insert herself too much into the stories which grated on me a little bit after the first few stories, but all in all, this collection of personal narratives is worth a read if you’re struggling with forgiveness. 

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Total Forgiveness

• Author – R.T. Kendall
• Genre/Sub-genre – Christian living, faith, spirituality, nonfiction, self help, religion, theology
• Content warning – N/A
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 224
• First publication – April, 2001
• Goodreads rating – 4.32

$10.49

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Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall is another book drawing on theology and spirituality, and I have to say I found it an engaging, educational read. He focuses a lot on ‘unforgiveness’ – our tendency to hold on to grudges, regret, and shame – and I found it to be a fresh perspective in my reading experience on forgiveness. 

Kendall shares real-life instances of forgiveness and unforgiveness that are immensely helpful in understanding his message of total forgiveness. He makes it clear how holding on to grudges can weigh you down emotionally, physically, and spiritually, pushing the reader to practice forgiving others with practical, applicable tips. 

This practicality and relatability in the book come from Kedall’s personal experience with forgiveness and his familiarity with Biblical teaching because he combines experience and theology to help the reader understand ‘unforgiveness’ and to inspire total forgiveness. 

I was fascinated by the idea of ‘unforgiveness’ because I could relate to it, because of some grudges from the past I still hold on to and some regrets that often come to my mind on a rainy day. My key takeaway from the book about these petty emotions was that they need to be rooted out if I am to achieve total peace of mind. 

So check this book out if you’re reeling from regrets and holding on to grudges you want to let go of, because Total Forgiveness teaches how to work through the ‘unforgiveness’ in us and be free of negative thoughts affecting your peace. 

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Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything

• Author – Iyanla Vanzant
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self help, spirituality, personal development, nonfiction, faith, relationships, psychology
• Content warnings – N/A
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 325
• First publication – November, 2013
• Goodreads rating – 4.10

$12.45

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Vanzant’s book with its 21-Day Forgiveness Plan was a game-changer in my forgiveness books binge because for me, reading it felt like I was on a personal journey of self-discovery and healing. 

The way this book is structured, you could either read it in one go or you could spend 21 days reading each chapter. I suggest the latter if you can allocate the time because Vanzant takes you on the journey of forgiveness across all 21 days, sharing a single exercise in forgiving each day.

I really loved how the guide wasn’t just talk – the author gave us practical tips like journaling and ‘tapping’ that can actually be implemented super easily. What stood out to me mostly though, was how she talked about forgiveness in all sorts of relationships – family, work, romance, and even the relationship you have with yourself, showing how simple acts of forgiveness can go a long way in fostering healthy relationships and empowering oneself.       

Vanzant’s writing is easy to follow, even when she’s discussing emotionally intense themes. Her practical exercises are crafted to clear out your energy and manifest what you really want, so even though it might be tough to look at forgiveness with cheer rather than introspection, this book helps you approach the subject with positivity and an upbeat mindset. 

I spent the actual 21 days reading this book and I can promise you I completed the book feeling content and free, so if you want a practical, step-by-step guide on forgiving, you should give this one a try. 

Fiction books carry forgiveness as a theme and help us understand what it means to forgive by giving us characters we can relate to. They give us a well-crafted story and by extension, an immersive experience of forgiving, redemption, and moving on. Let’s see how it works.

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The Kite Runner

• Author – Khaled Hosseini
• Genre/Sub-genre – Redemption, guilt and atonement, father-son relationships, social class disparities, friendship, betrayal, cultural conflict, generational impact
• Content warnings – Graphic rape of a child, child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking & sexual slavery mentioned, suicide, on-page public executions, hanging mentioned, gun violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 371
• First publication – May, 2003
• Goodreads rating – 4.34

$10.51

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The Kite Runner has been on my TBR forever and when I realized it’s a perfect fit for my reading marathon on forgiveness, I picked it up immediately – only to cry my way through an achingly tender story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. 

Amir, the son of a wealthy man, and Hassan, their servant’s son, have been inseparable growing up with Amir reading to illiterate Hassan and Hassan protecting the timid Amir from bullies. All is well until one fateful kite-fighting tournament when Amir betrays Hassan so he could win and make his father proud – trust me when I tell you I haven’t disliked a main character as much as I disliked Amir then.

It did appease me a bit to see that he grapples with intense guilt throughout the story and I loved how Hosseini made the adult Amir take a long journey – both literal and metaphorical – for redemption and forgiveness from his childhood friend.

The way Hassan forgave Amir even without an explicit apology was a teaching moment for me too, because it led me to think that if Hassan can forgive his friend after a betrayal like that without a second thought, surely I could forgive my friend, too. 

The story has beautiful character development too—the moment I actually stopped hating Amir was when he stood up for Hassan’s son, Sohrab. His actions showed me that while the past is not reversible, it is entirely possible to learn from it and choose to do the right thing the next time. So as much as I disliked Amir’s character, I have to say I’m fully on board with his arc as he actively seeks forgiveness and redemption and finally learns to forgive himself through Hassan’s grace.

The broken friendship between two boys connects the themes of family, war, and secrets that tear relationships apart and along the way, makes The Kite Runner a devastating yet healing story about friendship and forgiveness. This is a great book to learn how forgiveness is capable of healing and transforming people, but pick this up only if you’re ready to cry a river – I mean it. 

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Reminders of Him: A Novel

• Author – Colleen Hoover
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fiction, contemporary, new adult, contemporary romance, adult, chick lit, drama
• Content warnings – Car accident, injury/injury detail, death of a partner, death of a child, grief, abandonment, imprisonment, physical violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 320
• First publication – January, 2022
• Goodreads rating – 4.42

$9.57

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I had read Reminders of Him before, but my forgiveness books binge made me look at this book in a new light because I was re-thinking how forgiveness is possible in a tragedy like this story, if at all. 

Kenna, our FMC, is a young mother who has never even held her little daughter, Diem, as Kenna was already serving time when Diem was born. My heart said Kenna needs to meet her daughter, get to know her better, and be a part of her life, but when I thought about the heartbreak Kenna caused with her tragic mistake that killed Diem’s father, Scotty, I was left wondering if she should be redeemed at all. 

But as the story progresses, Hoover gives us the chance to truly understand that Kenna is also a victim of the tragedy because she lost the love of her life, a chance at a happy family with Scotty and his parents, and the right to be near her daughter. 

I could sympathize with the Landry’s (Scotty’s parents) too because they lost their only son and now, the woman whose mistake led to his death is back in their lives. I didn’t like how they got a restraining order against Kenna when she didn’t even try to contact Diem, but in their shoes, I guess I can understand where their anxiety is coming from. 

Hoover really threw me in a loop because I didn’t know whom to root for – Kenna, with her persistent hope and kindness even when she’s wronged OR Landrys with their love and fiercely protective nature toward Diem. 

In the end though, we come to understand that nothing is as black and white as we think they are, and in a tragedy this size, anyone is a victim, deserving of kindness and understanding. 

This is an all-consuming story that shows how difficult forgiveness is and then goes on to show how worthy it is to forgive, even something we see as impossible to forgive. So pick this up for a read full of love, second chances, and the power of forgiveness and you won’t regret it.  

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The Storyteller

• Author – Jodi Picoult
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, historical fiction, Holocaust, historical, contemporary, World War II, adult
• Content warnings – Nazism, infidelity, facial scar, death, assisted suicide
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 461
• First publication – February, 2013
• Goodreads rating – 4.29

$9.24

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Jodi Picault is a writer I can always count on to tear my heart to bits and then piece them back together with her soul-searching stories, so picking up The Storyteller was a no brainer for me. This was a story about survivor’s guilt and forgiveness, tackling incredibly sensitive topics like Holocaust, death of a parent, and assisted suicide. 

I loved reading about the unlikely friends, Sage and Josef, how their friendship grew, and how it was put to the test as long buried secrets came to surface. For me, Sage and Josef truly felt like real people. I could sympathize with her grief of losing her mother and how being physically scarred was a constant reminder of that grief. I was convinced by Josef’s reasons behind his request to Sage, no matter how bizarre it was. 

Josef wanting to break away from his past self was heartbreaking, because it made me think about how long he’s had to live with the burden of what he did in the past, and how long he’s had to hide his past for fear of rejection from people around him. Even though I had trouble coming to terms with the fact that Josef and what he represents (or at least, represented) could be forgiven, I was awed at how Sage handled it. 

She was already battling survivor’s guilt after her mother’s death, and to take on a part of her new friend’s secret and then the appalling request… Sage sure is a stronger, more resilient person than she seems at first because she finds it in herself to show kindness to this elderly stranger who is tragically connected to her own family. 

I can’t say more without spoiling it, but Picault weaves a story where the truth has so many perspectives, showing that understanding and kindness can truly make space for forgiveness – even if seemingly impossible at first glance.  

So go for this book if you want an emotional read that shows you that forgiveness is possible for even the harrowing of crimes – only if we make an effort to be compassionate and understanding. 

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The Language of Flowers: A Novel

• Author – Vanessa Diffenbaugh
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, romance, contemporary, book club, adult fiction, adult, chick lit, realistic fiction
• Content warnings – Child abuse
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 323
• First publication – August, 2011
• Goodreads rating – 4.09

$9.63

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Despite the title that gave the impression of being lighthearted, this book wasn’t an easy read at all. It was full of heartbreak, loneliness, and trials caused by the failed foster care experience of Victoria Jones, our MC. 

I’m not even sure if I like Victoria because she grew up to be stubborn and irritable, always putting up walls to keep people from getting close to her. But then again, as a child, she has experienced nothing but abandonment and mistrust owing to a care system that has not been able to care for her, so despite my initial dislike, it was difficult not to feel for her. This was because the story alternates between the past and the present, giving heartbreaking answers from Victoria’s past as to why she might be behaving in a certain way in the present. 

What I understood from her childhood, where she was seemingly abandoned, was that she needed to be able to break away from that past to move on with her new life. I loved that Elizabeth, her foster mother, apologized for her own part in Victoria’s childhood struggles because that acknowledgement itself was enough for Victoria to start forgiving her past and consequently, herself. 

The way flowers became a means for Victoria to communicate was absolutely beautiful, because it showed that she’s ready to connect with people and move on with her life. For someone who was hardened by circumstances, Victoria’s ability to relate to others with the gracefulness of flowers managed to soften her as a character, making me root for her in the end. 

If you’d like a read about forgiving oneself and moving on from a difficult past, The Language of Flowers would be a great pick, but be prepared to get sucked into a story about a difficult childhood and healing found through forgiveness – and of course, flowers. 

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Where She Went

• Author – Gayle Forman
• Genre/Sub-genre – Young adult, romance, contemporary, fiction, realistic fiction, music, new adult, teen
• Content warnings – Alcohol consumption, recreational drug use (smoking), grief and loss
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 264
• First publication – April, 2011
• Goodreads rating – 3.98

$7.21

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Where She Went is the sequel to a book called If I Stay and I’ve read (cried about) both of them as an impressionable teen. Now, I don’t want to talk about the first book a lot because the second book is the one that explores forgiveness as a theme, but I feel like a brief recap might help put two and two together. 

If I Stay follows Mia, who loses the will to live because a horrific car wreck takes the lives of her entire family, and how Adam, her boyfriend, convinces her that her life is worth living. He puts their relationship on the line as he tries to persuade her, and this is where the second book’s plot shapes up. 

Where She Went starts out a few years later with Mia and Adam split up and now belonging to wholly different worlds. Mia is studying music in Juilliard, still processing her grievous loss a few years ago. Adam is a famous rockstar, hurt and angry after their messy breakup that he still hasn’t moved past.

A chance meeting in New York forces them to confront the unresolved feelings they both have been avoiding, allowing them to begin healing and to forgive each other. I liked how realistically their confrontation was portrayed even though it was sometimes ugly and difficult to read. I don’t mean the language was difficult – it wasn’t. It’s just the emotional heaviness in the book was sometimes too much that I actually had to take a break from reading it.

But for the record, I loved Where She Went. I loved how, for both Mia and Adam, their music helped vent out emotions and process them. Though belonging to different genres, Mia’s soulful music and Adam’s angry lyrics became tools for them to help navigate difficult emotions, eventually helping them voice out their hurt and truths they’ve been hiding from each other. 

This is a book that tells you how difficult the process of forgiveness is, but it doesn’t deter you from the act of forgiving at all. It shows us that healing and starting anew is possible – only you need to be willing to face the emotions that come with confronting the past wrongs to make them right.

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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel

• Author – Rachel Joyce
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, contemporary, British literature, adult fiction, literary fiction, adult, novels, travel
• Content warnings – Domestic abuse, alcoholism, suicide, hospitalization, terminal illness
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 320
• First publication – March, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 3.93

$8.00

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A member of my book club suggested that I read Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry when I asked for book recommendations on forgiveness. I’m so glad I read this because Harold’s story talked about lifelong commitment, friendship, humility, self-forgiveness, and kindness in such a heartfelt way that I couldn’t help but sympathize with all the characters.

Harold’s journey to deliver a letter to his dying friend at a hospice six hundred miles from home was such an unusual start, I was immediately hooked. Harold is tired, full of self-hate, and incapable of fixing his broken marriage, so I was super curious to find out if this journey would help him heal and change him for the better. 

Harold’s determination to continue on with the belief that his journey would save his friend’s life was so heartwarming, and I loved that he had the courage to reflect back as he went forward. I also loved seeing him meet different people, reminisce about his past, learn to cherish good memories, let go of the bad ones, and finally, learn to forgive himself and his loved ones. And as I followed Harold along his journey, I found myself thinking about confronting the past in order to let go of it and also the power of making amends. 

This is a book about love and life, exploring the complexities of loss, regret, and finding inner peace, so if that sounds like a read you’re looking for, Harold’s story is a must-read.

Chlorine Sky

• Author – Mahogany L. Browne
• Genre/Sub-genre – Poetry, young adult, contemporary, fiction, realistic fiction, coming of age, sports, young adult, african american
• Content warnings – Sexual assault, bullying
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 192
• First publication – January, 2021
• Goodreads rating – 3.83

$12.99

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This is a unique YA novel written in simple, beautiful verse, so I was curious to find out how this genre and this particular style of writing would bring out the theme of forgiveness. And let me just start out by saying that Browne didn’t disappoint on any account.

I love reading about friendship, and set in the turbulent years of growing up, this story made for a heart-wrenching and healing experience at the same time. That’s probably because Sky and her emotional journey of being cast away by her best friend and learning to move on from that hurt took me back to my own high school years and friends from back then I no longer call friends. 

I think most of us can relate to a friend breakup because there’s always that one close friend who grows up differently, pushing us in opposite directions until we are far too apart to be called friends. Sky has it even harder, because her best friend Lay Li abandons her when Sky is no longer ‘cool’ enough for Lay Li. 

Chlorine Sky takes us along for the ride as Sky grapples with the insecurities about her looks and interests intensified by the abandonment and the bullying that follows, showing us how she comes to truly understand who she is and the kind of relationships she deserves. I couldn’t be happier for her when she found the confidence in herself to move on from the hurt, make new friends, and even find love. 

This poignant coming-of-age story was a reminder for me that cherished friendships can turn sour and if they do, we need to learn how to move on and heal from it – like Sky does. 

Reading this book was such a soulful experience for me, because of the style of writing, delicate subject, and how relevant it was to the issue I was having that made me dive into this list in the first place. If you’d like to dive into a read about growing up and apart, moving on, and forgiving the past, Sky’s story might hit the mark.

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The Summer of Lost Letters

• Author – Hannah Reynolds
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, young adult, historical fiction, contemporary, historical, young adult romance, mystery, realistic fiction
• Content warnings – Xenophobia, antisemitism, genocide, death, sexual content
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 384
• First publication – June, 2021
• Goodreads rating – 4.06

$13.01

Buy on Amazon

Family secrets and betrayals are sometimes the hardest to forgive, and that’s what Hannah Reynolds explores so delicately in The Summer of Lost Letters. I picked up this book because I thought the premise about discovering family history was interesting, but I quickly realized it’s also about forgiveness and coming to terms with a past that cannot be erased. 

Abby gets hold of a bunch of old love letters belonging to her grandma who passed away recently, written by an ‘Edward’ in Nantucket. The contents in the mysterious letters don’t add up with the grandma Abby knows, so she decides to investigate. 

What she finds is a love story that turned sour without a happy ending, and a lot of past secrets that can hurt the present relationships of Abby’s family and Edward’s family. There are some heavy, painful memories coming up as Abby digs deeper, and as she finds more well-kept secrets, the more challenging it becomes for her to process her grief of losing her grandma and this hidden past she uncovers. That said though, she and her reluctant helper, Noah, work through misunderstandings and a lot of ‘she said-he said’ to piece together a truth they both acknowledge and come to terms with. 

This is part summer read and part love story between Abby and Noah so it’s a lighthearted read, but I loved how the heavier themes of family secrets, forgiveness, and moving on were explored as Abby and Noah dug into their family histories and learned about the painful pasts they both have come from. 

So if you want a light read peppered with summer vibes, family dynamics, and moving on, The Summer of Lost Letters might be up your alley. 

Heartbreakers and Fakers

• Author – Cameron Lund
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, young adult, contemporary, young adult, romance, young adult, fiction, romance, coming of age, high school, realistic fiction
• Content warning – Infidelity, sexism, bullying, body shaming
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 352
• First publication – June, 2021
• Goodreads rating – 3.83

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

I picked this up for my forgiveness read-athon because it was tagged on Goodreads as a book about forgiveness. The premise did sound like every other popular YA romance, but I decided to trust the tags added by reviewers and that’s how I ended up with a YA novel that delivered a lot more than the romance and the angst. 

The book was a kicker right from the start. The popular highschool student Penny drunkenly kisses Kai, her long-time enemy and her best friend Olivia’s boyfriend, while Penny’s own boyfriend, Jordan, is in the picture. The plot was quintessentially highschool that I actually got caught up in the drama and forgot why I was reading the book. So for example, Penny and Kai start fake-dating to win back their exes (still not sure how the logic worked here), Penny and Olivia’s friendship takes a hit thanks to the accidental kiss, and Olivia and Jordan seem to be getting closer. Like I said, drama. 

But this tangle of relationships caused by misunderstandings and petty feelings set the stage for Penny to self-reflect and realize that popularity and the perfection she was after is not what she truly wants. As her character arc pans out, she learns the importance of forgiveness, in both asking for it and granting it, allowing her to build her relationships anew, with more self-awareness and humility.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this just for the teenage drama in the story, but I can’t deny that forgiveness had a central role to play because it was the key to start mending broken relationships. Go for this book if you want a heartfelt, nostalgic and at times a little ridiculous story about relationships, growing up, and forgiveness.    

And that wraps up my list of best books of forgiveness. Through it all, I think I came to a much better understanding of asking for forgiveness and granting it. This list contains books from a few genres including contemporary fiction, self-help, young adult fiction, and religious fiction, so you might find what exactly is the best book for you to explore the extremely delicate and essential practice of forgiveness. Happy reading folks!

Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything is a must-read non-fiction book on forgiveness because it provides practical solutions to cultivate forgiveness in our lives. Iyanla Vanzant’s 21-Day Forgiveness Plan is a great start to understanding your relationship dynamics with the people around you and yourself, learning to open your heart to more love, gain new clarity in your life, and discover a new level of personal freedom, peace, and well-being.

Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him is a great recommendation for fiction lovers out there. This contemporary romance, woven around a young mother reaching out for her daughter she’s never met after serving time for a tragic mistake, is all about second chances, forgiveness, and redeeming love. 

The Choice is another great read when it comes to books on forgiveness. This beautifully written, moving memoir is a practical guide to healing from a painful past and finding the greatest gifts of freedom and forgiveness.

If you want to read about learning from the past, handling trauma, and moving on toward a better place, ‘What Happened to You?’ is a really good book to pick up. Check out my full book review of ‘What Happened to You?’ to see if you’ll like it!

I’ve covered a few more sensitive and insightful topics with a collection of self-help books and reviews: you might find a few interesting books to keep your TBR full!

The post 15 Best Books on Forgiveness to Practice Empathy appeared first on Bookishnerd.

While there are a lot of Bible translations out there, many of which are easier to read for those who speak another language or for children, or even for the average adult, the NLT is the go-to for a lot of people.

Personally, I didn’t even know how many versions of the Bible there were until I started researching this article. But there are an insane number of translations, and I’m not just talking about other languages here.

Seriously, there are so many English translations alone.

From everything from the old King James Bible or the William Tyndale Bible, to all of the many modern variations today. How do you know which one to read?

Well if you’re looking for versions that are easy to read, I recommend that you keep reading. While I have mentioned that the NLT is the most common for those looking for an easy version to read, there are situations when you might want some of these others.

So strap yourselves in and get ready because it’s about to get biblical.

As always, here is a brief list of all of the major editions that I recommend, followed by my full breakdown of every single one. Feel free to read on if that strikes your fancy.

Holy Bible Text Edition NLT

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Anonymous (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 5160 Pages - 06/01/2008 (Publication Date) - Tyndale House Publishers (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

As I mentioned at the top, the New Living Translation is one of the most popular forms of English language translations for the Bible. It is exceptionally easy to read, and is translated into modern, normal English.

A lot of biblical translations are a little hard to understand these days because a lot of words that used to mean one thing now mean something different. The New Living Translation make sure to account for this, and accurately translates the Hebrew and Greek words to fit with our modern understandings.

But is the NLT a reliable translation? Absolutely. The NLT is considered one of the best translations of the original Hebrew and Greek, while remaining easy to understand.

Now I will say that there are more accurate versions of the Bible out there, but these are not at the same reading level as the New Living Translation. The new living translation keeps things simple while remaining as accurate as possible, but the simpler you get, the more difficult it is to convey the exact message from the original translation.

For that reason, the new living translation is just one of the options that I present here.

This version is commonly used by those who use other versions of the Bible, such as the King James Bible, or the New International Version.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (with Cross-References): Old and New Testaments

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• ESV Bibles (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 6070 Pages - 02/09/2011 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)

Buy on Amazon

Now if you want a more accurate version of the Bible, the English standard version is one of the best you can get.

It is a literal translation of the Bible into contemporary English, as specified by an enormous team of scholars and writers. It strives for pinpoint accuracy, down to the word, and has done so without losing the original meaning of each of the passages.

The English Standard Version has become a standard for biblical readers and translators around the world.

The Illustrated Children's Bible: Contemporary English Version

• Hardcover Book
• Thomas Nelson Publishers (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 1735 Pages - 07/19/2025 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson Inc (Publisher)

$59.98

Buy on Amazon

The Contemporary English Version is another one that is incredibly easy to read.

In fact, this one might be easier to read than my previous recommendation of the New Living Translation. But the Contemporary English Version is for those who are less literate, or for children. It is simple language and syntax to a large degree, making it much easier to understand for most readers.

What this does, however, is that it causes simplicity to take a slight edge over word-for-word accuracy. So sometimes it might not follow the literal translation of a phrase, but conveys the same meaning in simpler language. That is why it is less commonly used than the New Living Translation, but I still recommend it nonetheless.

This translation is definitely one of the best if you’re trying to get your young one to start reading the Bible. It was developed for a 3rd-grade reading level.

This version is also great if you have a learning disability, or if English is not your first language. That said, if English isn’t your first language, perhaps you would prefer a version of the Bible that is in your language. But I digress.

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The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha

• NRSV Bible Translation Committee (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 1712 Pages - 08/15/1991 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

$32.11

Buy on Amazon

The New Revised Standard Version is one of the most popular versions of the Bible, especially among Protestant circles.

Like many of the other items on this list, the New Revised Standard Version does not use any archaic language, but is relatively easy to understand. But it does try to follow the original text meaning pretty closely, sticking to a word-by-word literal translation.

It’s largely considered to be one of the highest quality translations and is widely used by the United Methodist Church and many other Protestant congregations.

The NRSV’s main goal is to provide an accurate text that is faithful to the original languages while still being easy to read. And in most cases it manages to do this, though there are a few outdated word choices here and there, such as the use of “thou” instead of “you”.

NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Zondervan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 11575 Pages - 09/15/2020 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)

$4.99

Buy on Amazon

The New International Version is another of the most common Bible translations that are easy to read. Like the others, it focuses on simplicity, while trying to remain as accurate as possible.

This one in particular focuses largely on Greek manuscripts, like the Codex Vaticanus (B) and Sinaiticus (Aleph), but is considered similar to the ESV, although the ESV is generally thought of as a more literal translation.

So basically, if you’re looking for an easy to read and reasonably faithful translation, this one will do it, just like many of our others. But if you’re looking for something more accurate, the ESV might be a better option.

NKJV, Holy Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Nelson, Thomas (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 6499 Pages - 07/03/2005 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)

$2.99

Buy on Amazon

As the name suggests, the New King James Version is based directly on the original King James version of the Bible. It takes that original language and updates it for our modern syntax and vocabulary, particularly removing old words that were common in Shakespeare’s time, such as “thee” and “thou”.

For those who are fans of the King James Bible, this is definitely one of the best options on the list. I, for one, grew up with the King James Bible, so I enjoy reading this one as an updated, more modern version of that Bible that I am most familiar with.

However, if you are not familiar with the King James Bible, you may prefer one of the other Bibles on this list that were specifically designed with ease of reading in mind.

But I will admit, this addition holds a special place in my heart, because it’s kind of a natural progression of the rich history of English language Bibles.

All of this research got me thinking, why are there so many English translations of the Bible?

Foreign languages make sense, because obviously the Bible is best when it can be understood in everyone’s native tongue. But why so many for just one language?

There are a lot of factors that go into translating a book, such as a focus on literal translation, or a focus on translating the intent of the message, or a focus on the ease of reading, which is obviously the topic of this post.

Plus, languages change over time. A translation that was good several hundred years ago (like the King Jame’s Bible) might not be as accurate or easy to understand given our current language.

In truth, there is no “best” version of the Bible. The best version of the Bible for you is whatever you prioritize. If you prioritize literal accuracy, then you will enjoy one particular type of Bible. If you enjoy ease of reading or connecting to the message of the Bible, then you might enjoy another one.

Overall, it’s up to you which version is the best.

I’ve covered six different versions of the Bible that are all easier to read, but there are many other additions as well. What are the reading levels for those additions?

Check out this handy table for a brief look at which one is the best for younger or less experienced readers:

As I mentioned above, the Bible you choose will depend on your priorities. When it comes to finding the easiest version of the Bible to read, I still recommend the New Living Translation in the #1 spot, but I would still use the following as my breakdown:

• Best Overall: The New Living Translation
• Best for Accuracy: The English Standard Version
• Best for Children: The Contemporary English Version

But there are many reasons why you might want to try the others.

Perhaps all you want to do is compare versions, which can be a great way to gain new insights on a particular passage.

I actually do this all the time, I look through my New Living Translation and King James Bible to see how they differ in their wording. (side note: I also love to read chronologically, it’s fascinating)

Comparing the two actually results in some pretty interesting insights that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

So I definitely recommend you do this.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this breakdown of the easiest versions of the Bible for reading.

Let me know in the comments your thoughts, and what you’re reading these days. I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers!
Same

The post What is the Easiest Version of the Bible to Read? appeared first on Bookishnerd.

I like to read a lot. That’s probably no surprise to anyone who reads my work. And I tend to read a lot of psychology books to help me write characters.

Well, I’ve got a big list of them for ya.

You might be wondering why I need such a long list if I’m trying to only identify the best. Well, each item on this list covers a different aspect of psychology, so it’s hard to really pin it down to 4-5 and say they’re the best, because they really only cover one aspect of psychology, which is an infinitely complex subject.

The Best Books for Understanding Human Psychology

Here’s a quick list of everything I’ve included here, and you can continue reading for my typical breakdown of each item on this list.

1. The Psychology Book by DK

The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Big Ideas)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• DK (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 798 Pages - 06/11/2024 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)

$8.99

Buy on Amazon

I thought I’d start out with a book for beginners. Because honestly, we all have to start somewhere, and given that human behavior is such a multi-faceted concept, we need something that can dumb it down a bit when starting out.

For me, The Psychology Book does all of that for me. I love this book because it takes a lot of key concepts and breaks them down so they’re easy to understand. Plus it’s produced by a team of experts and published by DK, which is known for making a lot of complex topics simple. It flows well and is definitely my preferred recommendation if you’re new to psychology.

If you already have a basic grasp on general psychology principles, then keep on reading.

2. Games People Play by Eric Berne

Games People Play

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Berne, Eric (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 83 Pages - 07/06/2011 (Publication Date) - Tantor eBooks (Publisher)

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

This is a book that is considered a classic, as it was originally published in 1964. But since then it has sold millions of copies and continues to do so.

It covers what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of human nature: social psychology and relationships. After all, that’s really what we’re all about, right? We do so much of what we do because of other people, whether it’s for selfish or selfless reasons, it usually involves others in some way.

That’s why this is my top recommendation for people who want to dive deeper into psychology and need a good starting place.

3. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Gladwell, Malcolm (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 296 Pages - 04/03/2007 (Publication Date) - Back Bay Books (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Whether we know it or not, we are constantly making decisions, and we’re doing it all at the…blink of an eye. That is the topic of this book. Blink goes into depth on our inner psychology of decision making, and how it’s not as simple as we think. Malcolm Gladwell is also an amazing author, and one that I definitely recommend you check out if you want to learn more about human behavior.

4. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Ariely, Dan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 379 Pages - 06/06/2009 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins e-books (Publisher)

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Speaking of decision making, Predictably Irrational is a book that also goes into depth of the abnormal psychology of decisions, all of which tend to be irrational, but predictably so.

I honestly found this book enlightening, but also a little depressing, because it goes to show that not everything we do is completely rational. Instead, we make a lot of decisions based on emotions and environmental factors, which are worth knowing about if we want to understand everyday life.

5. Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People

Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Banaji, Mahzarin R. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 273 Pages - 02/12/2013 (Publication Date) - Delacorte Press (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

For the psychology student who wants to learn more about why people are so mean sometimes, when they think they’re being good and right, then I highly recommend Blindspot. It’s a book that goes into detail about why we often develop biases against certain people, groups, ideas, etc.

In today’s age, I think this is one of the more important topics that can be discussed, especially if we want to improve how we tackle issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia. So while it can get into some dark psychology, it’s one of those things that will ultimately lead to a better society and our own improved mental health.

6. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Kahneman, Daniel (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 514 Pages - 10/25/2011 (Publication Date) - Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Publisher)

$12.99

Buy on Amazon

Daniel Kahneman has two systems that he says most of us use in our own cognitive psychology. One is fast, intuitive, and emotional. The second is slower, more deliberative, and logical. In other words, they’re Kirk and Spock. This kind of goes along with some of the other decision-making books on this list, but focuses more on why we do what we do, and the supposedly conflicting forces behind it.

7. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Pink, Daniel H. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 257 Pages - 04/05/2011 (Publication Date) - Riverhead Books (Publisher)

$9.99

Buy on Amazon

Have you ever struggled with motivation? I know I have. I’ve come up with these grand ideas, get really excited about them, think that excitement will last forever…and then it doesn’t.

Well Daniel H. Pink goes into a lot of the study of these things, and how motivation is not linked to rewards or punishments, like we think it might be.

8. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Cain, Susan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 364 Pages - 01/24/2012 (Publication Date) - Crown (Publisher)

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Did you know that over a third of all humans are introverts? I certainly didn’t before I read this book, but it’s true. If you are an introvert, or regularly associate with them, you might want to read this book, which dives deep into the psychology of introversion, and tells us how introverts can thrive.

Because let’s face it. Our society isn’t really set up to help introverts succeed, so books like this are very helpful.

9. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Goleman, Daniel (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 384 Pages - 01/11/2012 (Publication Date) - Bantam (Publisher)

$10.99

Buy on Amazon

We’ve all heard about IQs, right? We know that intelligence is something that not everyone has in the same quantity. But did you know that it might not actually be the key factor in success?

Turns out, emotional intelligence, meaning the ability to empathize and build up self-discipline and the like, are far more important to success as a whole.

I like this book because it’s kind of a blend of a psychology book and a self-help book, meaning that I felt like I was really learning things that would actively help me in my own life while I was reading it.

10. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Duhigg, Charles (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 392 Pages - 02/28/2012 (Publication Date) - Random House (Publisher)

$1.99

Buy on Amazon

This was one of the first psychology books that really wowed me. It’s also a bit of a combination between a psychology book and a self-help book, because if you can master your habits, it really goes a long way towards your self improvement.

But this one leans more on the psychological aspects, and it’s fascinating stuff. Did you know that people with no short-term memory can still develop habits? Even if they don’t know where they developed those habits? Yeah, pretty mind blowing.

11. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 322 Pages - 08/18/2008 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins e-books (Publisher)

$12.99

Buy on Amazon

Have you ever had one of those times when you were working, and things just started to line up for you. You were able to keep hyper focused, time flew by, and you were enjoying what you were doing?

That’s called the flow state, and it’s the centerpiece of this book by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (I’m very glad I only have to write that down and not pronounce it).

This book is the definitive psychology book about flow, which is something I think we all wish we had a little more of. Check it out!

12. 48 Laws of Power by Dan Greene

The 48 Laws of Power

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Greene, Robert (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 864 Pages - 09/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)

$16.99

Buy on Amazon

This is a book that honestly got a little uncomfortable for me, because power is a tool that human beings have used for good and evil. This book doesn’t discriminate, but just tells us the psychology and “rules” behind what makes powerful people what they are.

It’s interesting reading, but can get a little scary sometimes. Still, better to know and understand these things than to be ignorantly fooled by someone using these principles for evil.

13. Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman

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Emotions Revealed, Second Edition

• Ekman, Paul (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 317 Pages - 03/20/2007 (Publication Date) - Holt Paperbacks (Publisher)

$10.77

Buy on Amazon

Psychologist Paul Ekman is another must read author if you want to understand the psychology of emotion. Because our human brain is full of them, from anger to happiness and everything in-between.

I love this book because it goes into depth about what is actually happening in our brain with these emotions, as well as our being able to detect it in others, especially those closest to us.

14. The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guin

The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Guinn, Jeff (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 751 Pages - 04/11/2017 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Not every book on this list is light. The Road to Jonestown is actually a harrowing story of a group of people who followed Jim Jones to the largest murder-suicide in our history.

This book examines exactly what happened to make so many people follow a charismatic leader to take their own lives, and it’s chilling. At the same time, it’s fascinating information, and a story that I think we should also keep in mind so we can guard against it in the future.

15. The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming

NLP: The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Comprehensive, NLP (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 515 Pages - 02/12/2013 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

So far I’ve presented books that are generally meant to be read and understood by the general public. But I had to get something closer to a psychology textbook on the list. This book delves into the very interesting field of neuro-linguistic programming, which is a way of “reprogramming” our brains to be whatever we want them to be.

16. Triggers by Joseph Sugarman

Triggers: 30 Sales Tools You Can Use to Control the Mind of Your Prospect to Motivate, Influence, and Persuade.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Sugarman, Joseph (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 185 Pages - 10/01/2014 (Publication Date)

$4.49

Buy on Amazon

Last but not least, Triggers is a book that is meant for sales people to learn more about what makes people tick, so they can have more influence in sales. That sounds a little slimy, but all the principles are sound, and based in real science.

In fact, I would recommend that everyone read this so you understand what makes you want to buy something, because that can be super valuable information.

Being mindful of how you think is the first step to controlling it.

Now What? Next Steps for the Psychology Book Reader

It’s great to read a book like these and learn some fun facts, but you have to take it to the next level.

What you will do depends on who you are and what you want to be.

Do you want to make more sales? Start practicing the principles you learn.

Do you want to understand your weird uncle and not blow up at them on thanksgiving dinner? You should study emotional intelligence and learn what you can do, then put that into practice.

Ultimately, you want to take action, because knowledge is not power, it’s only potential power. So get to work reading, and then applying what you learn!

The post Top 16 Best Psychology Books on Human Behavior appeared first on Bookishnerd.

A well-written book can give you some of the best advice you could ask for. And it’s a whole heck of a lot cheaper than seeking a counselor, coach, or therapist.

(However, if you are having serious troubles, a book isn’t enough. Please seek professional assistance and communicate with your loved ones.)

And there’s self help books on just about everything you can imagine! So, I’ve broken down these best self help books into individual topics and giving you my favorite three in each area. If you’d like to jump to a particular topic, click on the linked text below to go right where you want to be.

• Personal Growth Books 
• Books for Interpersonal Relationships 
• Personal Finance Books
• Career Books
• Dating Books

Do you ever feel like you just stagnated? Like you’re just stuck in the same old routine with nowhere to go? If so, you may want to consider a self help book for personal growth. These aren’t necessarily focused on a single topic, but instead directed to you growing from within. They help you realize your potential and push your own personal limits to new heights.

Sale

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)

• Hardcover Book
• Covey, Stephen R. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 464 Pages - 05/19/2020 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

$16.89

Buy on Amazon

This self help book is easily one of the most popular of its kind–ever. The New York Times has labeled it as the most influential business book of the 2oth century. With over 40 million copies sold, this book teaches you 7 different habits that can help you grow and develop your leadership skills and confidence. And although this book is somewhat dated, the principles still easily apply. In this version, Sean Covey–son of the original author and tremendous author in his own respect–offers modern insight into how the habits are effective.

Sale

Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations, 2006-2012

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Hardcover Book
• Godin, Seth (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 608 Pages - 12/27/2012 (Publication Date) - Portfolio (Publisher)

$19.94

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If you’ve been around the internet long enough, there’s a strong chance that you’ve at least heard of Seth Godin. He’s a prolific blogger and thirteen times International Bestselling Author. His blog–seths.blog –is one of the most influential business blogs in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This book is a collective of some of his most poignant blog posts coupled with some never-before-seen content. And while you may have your ducks in a row, Seth explores just exactly what are you going to do with them.

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The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

• The Power Of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment
• Tolle, Eckhart (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages - 08/19/2004 (Publication Date) - New World Library (Publisher)

$8.89

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Sometimes it isn’t business advice or relationship advice you need to grow. Often it’s a spiritual paradigm shift that needed to help you grow. And there’s no better guru to read than Eckhart Tolle. This book has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 30 different languages. In this book, he takes readers on a spiritual journey to the deepest, darkest parts of your inner self–only to guide you back and forward towards your personal truth and enlightenment.

Where do you fall on the Myers-Briggs spectrum? Are you an introvert or extroverted? Or how good are your “people skills”? Honestly, I’m pretty sure mine could use some work. And that’s why these interpersonal relationship books were created–to help us be more inclusive and open to the people around us. They’re not just here to help us make friends, but to utilize our capability for empathy and compassion to further achieve our goals.

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How To Win Friends & Influence People

• Brand: BROSIS
• Language: english
• Dale Carnegie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 01/01/2010 (Publication Date) - SIMON & SCHUSTER (Publisher)

$7.42

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This book is another timeless self help classic. Written by Dale Carnegie, it’s sold over 30 million copies and has been ranked by the Library of Congress as the 7th Most Influencial Book in American history. And over 80 years later, it still remains as one of Amazon’s top selling non-fiction books of all time. This book can teach you how to make friends quickly, improve your public speaking, bring people over to your way of thinking, and become a better leader. If you haven’t read this book yet, it’s high time you should.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Lowndes, Leil (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 369 Pages - 09/22/2003 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

$8.27

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Communication is the key to success. However, it’s too often that we find ourselves unable to find the right words or even initiate conversation. In Leil Lowndes book, she teaches you everything you need to know to get your point across–from the basics of simple conversation to advanced techniques used by professional speakers and big shots. And the book’s far from a bore too! It’s witty and quirky at just the right places and something you’ll be referencing for years to come.

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Gladwell, Malcolm (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 401 Pages - 09/10/2019 (Publication Date) - Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)

$12.99

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Not gonna lie, I wasn’t a Malcolm Gladwell fan at first read. I never really saw the hype of Outliers or David and Goliath. But something changed after reading Talking to Strangers. Gladwell’s writing effectively made me doubt my own capabilities for sizing up strangers based on superficial values. And then it taught me how to look at things in new light. I personally first read this book through Audible, and after purchasing the text…I’d recommend the Audible version. It’s even more engaging and a great listen.

If there’s one thing most of us need, it’s financial advice–or maybe it’s just me. Either way, learning how to properly save, spend, invest, and control your hard-earned cash is an extremely important part of life. The following books can give you the insight you need to start making proper decisions with your money. They’re not going to tell you exactly what to invest in though. However, you will receive practical best practice lessons that allow you to start making those calls on your own.

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

• This product will be an excellent pick for you
• Reading books is a kind of enjoyment
• This product will be an excellent pick for you
• Kiyosaki, Robert T. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)

$9.99

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Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a memoir-esque self help book from Robert Kiyosaki. And it’s also the number one personal finance book of all time. It compares two fathers in his life. His own–the poor dad–and the father of his best friend–the rich dad. Throughout the book, Kiyosaki redefines what it means to be rich and clearly describes the difference of working for your money vs. having your money working for you. It’s like a modern day Aesop’s fable for your finances.

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Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together (Broke Millennial Series)

• Lowry, Erin (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 288 Pages - 05/02/2017 (Publication Date) - Tarcher (Publisher)

$9.14

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Being a millennial definitely has its perks. But… it also has some definite pitfalls. One area where many millennials fall short is with their finances. From overbearing student loans, poor credit scores, and other hardships experienced, it can be difficult to pull yourself up and get your life together. This book acknowledges the Millennial situation and helps young people cope with their financial realities. If you’re a broke millennial, this may be a great investment for you.

The Total Money Makeover Updated and Expanded: A Proven Plan for Financial Peace

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Ramsey, Dave (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 263 Pages - 05/14/2024 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)

$21.99

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This is by and far one of the best all-around finance books you’ll ever read. Dave Ramsay doles out solid advice on topics such as crushing your crippling debt, establishing a well-rounded budget, building up your nest egg, and saving for retirement. I honestly wish somebody had shown me this book earlier in my life. This would make a great gift for any college grad or young person starting out on their own.

One of the biggest reasons people look for self help books is to find great career advice. Whether it’s how to ask for a raise or turning lateral corporate movement into upward mobility, the internal workings of your job can be pretty complicated. And while there’s a bunch of different books out there giving you advice, not all of it is good. But don’t worry because I’ve found three of the best career self help books available.

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2020: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolles, Richard N. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages - 08/13/2019 (Publication Date) - Ten Speed Press (Publisher)

$11.99

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This is the world’s most popular job hunting guide in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The book is an easy read and chock full of real practical advice for succeeding in today’s world. Bolles also points out job myths and advice that doesn’t actually work. And some of it will surely surprise you. The entire premise of this book is built around Bolles’s unique self-inventory system that helps you to categorize what career is best for you.

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Achor, Shawn (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 258 Pages - 09/14/2010 (Publication Date) - Crown Currency (Publisher)

$8.99

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In order to be happy, we must first be successful. Right? Well, this book breaks down the science of that belief and turns it upside down on its head. Shawn Achor makes a remarkable point: You must be happy in order to achieve success. He does this through a legitimate study into the power of positive thinkingincluding one of the largest studies of happiness ever conducted. This is a very enlightening read that every job seeker should get their hands on.

Eat That Frog! Third Edition: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Tracy, Brian (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 145 Pages - 09/30/2000 (Publication Date) - Berrett-Koehler Publishers (Publisher)

$11.99

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If you’re a writer like me, then you definitely understand procrastination. I don’t know why we do it either. Maybe it’s just hardwired into us. Whatever the case, it’s not a tremendous habit to have. It definitely adds undue stress to what can be an already strict deadline and schedule. Brian Tracy’s book zeroes in on some of the key causes behind procrastination and how to avoid them. It also helps you to outline and develop a proper time management system. That way, you can spend less time worrying about deadlines and more time enjoying your life.

Well, this wouldn’t be any best self help books list at all if I didn’t mention some of the best dating books around. And yes, I’m far from the best to give you dating advice–just ask my cat. However, these folks actually know what’s going on. And after reading these books, none of them make you feel inadequate as a potential partner or embarrassed. I think that alone makes these books well worth digging into.

Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Todd, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 210 Pages - 04/28/2020 (Publication Date) - WaterBrook (Publisher)

$12.99

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This #1 New York Times Bestseller is written by Pastor Michael Todd–an expert in healthy Christian relationships. Now, I’m not one for religion. However, this book still left a profound mark on me with his clever insights and motivation. And for those out there whose Christian faith is a very big factor for concern within your relationships, this is an absolute must-read. Keep in mind that this book doesn’t apply to just dating either. You can learn so much from this book in any stage of your relationship.

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Love Rules: How to Find a Real Relationship in a Digital World

• Hardcover Book
• Coles, Joanna (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 256 Pages - 04/10/2018 (Publication Date) - Harper (Publisher)

$9.00

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Today’s dating scene just isn’t what it used to be. Long gone are the days of extended courting and strict tradition. Apps such as Tinder and Bumble have taken the dating world by storm! But despite their intentions, it can be difficult to find a real meaningful relationship on these apps. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible though. Joanna Coles breaks down how to effectively utilize dating apps to find real love instead of temporary satisfaction.

Deeper Dating: How to Drop the Games of Seduction and Discover the Power of Intimacy

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Page, Ken (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 265 Pages - 12/30/2014 (Publication Date) - Shambhala (Publisher)

$13.99

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The art of seduction is exciting, bold, and trickily manipulative. And it can also leave you with a sense of worthlessness and self-loathing. Often seduction practices lead you to changing or altering your own persona in order to work your way closer to another. But what happens when the curtain lifts and the true you is exposed? In this best dating book, Ken Page teaches how to look beyond seduction. He shows us how to stop playing the short game and prepare for the long haul of intimacy.

The post 15 Best Self Help Books for Every Occasion appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Starting a reading habit can be intimidating though, especially if you’re new to it or haven’t read in a while. But trust me, there’s definitely a book out there that can completely capture your heart and once you find that book, you would have become a reader without even knowing it. 

So for anyone looking to get into reading (or get back into reading) I’ve handpicked a list of 28 easy-to-read books from a variety of genres I thought were perfect for you to fall in love with reading. 

I’ve also noted down the tropes to show you the different themes and plotlines in the book and the content warnings will guide you through any sensitive content that you might want to avoid. Now, let me take you on a journey to fascinating worlds full of adorable characters and heart-pounding stories that can (hopefully🤞) kickstart your reading habit!

Best Books to Start Reading Habit List

Best Books to Start Reading Habit Reviews

I challenge myself to switch up genres often when it comes to books because different genres have just so much to offer. For example, romcoms give you all the warm feels and thrillers get you tangled in threatening secrets and sinister forces, all the while memoirs give you a peek into someone else’s life. So I’ve included a few genres I always enjoy in my list of best books to start a reading habit, and I hope you’ll find something to love about them too. 

Best Fantasy Books about Myths, Legends, and Magical Worlds

Fantasy books can transport you into magical worlds and enchanting places where magic happens and legends come true. I love this genre because I fell in love with reading because of these books (plus Famous Five books!) and I’m sure you’ll find a book that can charm you and make you want to read more. 

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

• Author – J.K. Rowling
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, young adult, magic, classics, adventure, science fiction fantasy
• Content warnings – Death, child abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, self-sacrifice, violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 309
• First publication – June, 1997
• Goodreads rating – 4.47

$0.57

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If you haven’t read this one yet, you’ve probably watched it and might’ve even heard people say “the book’s better”. Now, this is a little subjective, but I can’t deny that it’s definitely what I think too. 

The first book in the Harry Potter series can instantly transport you into the magic of childhood while getting you seriously attached to most of the characters in the book. This is THE book series that got me hooked on reading and like most fans of the series, I pretty much grew up with Harry Potter, so of course I’d recommend it to anyone who’d want to start reading. It’s a must-read for all those who want to be captured by a whirlwind of magical fantasy and feel-good friendships, alongside fast-paced adventure and mystery.

2. The Song of Achilles

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Song of Achilles, The

• Author – Madeline Miller
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fantasy, historical fiction, mythology, romance, queer, greek mythology, retellings
• Content warnings – Death, war, violence, sexual content, slavery
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 408
• First publication – September, 2011
• Goodreads rating – 4.34

$9.69

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The Song of Achilles is full of drama and zero dull moments with amazing characters and beautiful writing that you can’t help but keep reading. I knew it would become one of my all-time favorites as soon as I read the first chapter, and sure enough, it’s still my top pick for Greek mythology retellings after so many years. 

The rest of the action-packed story flowed super fast, making it an easy read for beginners, while the steamy romance between Achilles and Patroclus gave a young adult (YA) spin to the classic tale. So if you think you’re someone who’ll enjoy epic retellings of myths and legends, this book is a fantastic read and will NOT let you down!

3. Six of Crows

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Six of Crows (Six of Crows, 1)

• Author – Leigh Bardugo
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, young adult fantasy, romance, LGBTQA+, adventure, magic, high fantasy
• Content warnings – Violence, murder, blood, slavery, trafficking, addiction
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 465
• First publication – September, 2015
• Goodreads rating – 4.49

$7.51

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When I decided to read Six of Crows, I was not prepared for the mind-blowing adventure, twists and turns, and serious world-building that followed. It’s about six misfits who try to pull off an intense heist in the face of ruthless scheming and betrayal, so if you’re looking for that perfect combination of fantasy and action-packed drama along with tight-knit found-family vibes, this is an awesome choice for you.

4. The Five People You Meet In Heaven

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The Five People You Meet in Heaven

• Author – Mitch Albom
• Genre/Sub-genre – Adult fiction, contemporary, inspirational, fantasy, classics, spirituality, philosophy
• Content warnings – War, death, child abuse, terminal illness
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 196
• First publication – September, 2003
• Goodreads rating – 3.98

$6.96

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I read this book tearing up at every other chapter, but I finished it smiling and content because it was an incredibly beautiful and moving read about the impact our words and actions can make on other people’s lives. Eddie’s story is definitely one you could start your reading journey with because it’s short and fast-paced without being rushed. It’ll also open your eyes to the beauty of books because you will be left in thought about the meaning of life and death, so if you want a thoughtful first read to kickstart your reading habit, this is the book to pick up. 

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• Author – Roald Dahl
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, fantasy, childrens, classics, young adult, middle grade, humor, adventure, juvenile, novels
• Content warnings – Profanity, violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 176
• First publication – January, 1964
• Goodreads rating – 4.16

$5.39

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I cannot count the number of times I’ve read the story of Charlie and Mr. Wonka, and I think that in itself is a testament to the timelessness of this book. It lures you in, has you wanting more of Mr. Wonka’s crazy shenanigans, and keeps you dreaming of a magical world filled with warm chocolate and fun adventure. This is one perfect book to start your reading journey because the magic stays alive until the very end – and long after you’ve said goodbye to Charlie and Mr. Wonka.

6. The Raven Boys

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The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1) (1)

• Author – Maggie Stiefvater
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fantasy, young adult, paranormal, romance, fiction, urban fantasy, magic, young adult fantasy, supernatural
• Content warnings – Attempted murder, alcohol (underage), depression, child abuse, elitism, murder, ritual sacrifice, suicide (referenced), violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 409
• First publication – September, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 4.55

$9.23

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Now, let me introduce you to my favorite fantasy subgenre – urban fantasy, where supernatural elements co-exist with us in the real world. Good urban fantasies take you into cities and small towns swarming with ghosts, fairies, vampires and more, making you believe in the hidden magic (or danger! 🤯) of the everyday. That’s exactly what The Raven Boys does – it’s a YA novel where opposites attract, friendships form, love blossoms, sinister forces approach, and magic is harnessed to save the day. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and full of angsty love to keep you turning the pages.

7. The Lightning Thief

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The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)

• Author – Rick Riordan
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fantasy, young adult, mythology, fiction, middle grade, adventure, greek mythology, childrens, urban fantasy
• Content warnings – Violence, death, suicide, murder, animal cruelty
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 377
• First publication – July, 2005
• Goodreads rating – 4.30

$6.21

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There’s something so endearing and heart-warming about the Percy Jackson series and its first book, The Lightning Thief, is even more so because it has found family, friendship, and mythology all combined in one story. I loved how teenage trials of growing up were set against the backdrop of gods, war, and mature themes like familial relationships. I can’t recommend the adventures of Percy and his demi-god friends enough for anyone starting their reading journey, because the chaos and the hilarity in the story make for a refreshing break from your everyday.

Best Contemporary Romances To Make You Fall In Live [With Reading]

My one true love is the romance genre thanks to the warm, fuzzy feelings, the angst and the yearning, and dreamy happy endings that love stories are guaranteed to give us. Once you start reading a really good romance, it’s super difficult to stop until you’ve reached the happily-ever-after so I 100% recommend this genre to anyone who’s looking to start a reading habit. Who knows, you might fall in love in more ways than one💌!

8. The Fault in Our Stars

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The Fault in Our Stars

• Author – John Green
• Genre/Sub-genre – Young adult, fiction, contemporary, realistic fiction, teen, coming of age, novels, love, death, young adult contemporary
• Content warnings – Terminal cancer, loss of vision, medical treatments, death
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 313
• First publication – January, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 4.14

$7.82

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I’m at a loss when talking about The Fault in Our Stars because Green managed to write an epic love story between two teenagers who’ve been dealt a cruel hand. Stories that combine all the good elements of a romance novel, love, loss, tragedy, and fate, so beautifully are not easy to come by, and this book does it perfectly. It’s fast-moving, full of angst, and although at times heartbreaking, still an ultimately hopeful story about finding love in a hopeless place. Pick up this book to experience all of that in one go!

9. Me Before You

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Me Before You (Me Before You Trilogy)

• Author – Jojo Moyes
• Genre/Sub-genre – Contemporary romance, chick lit, adult fiction, realistic fiction, drama
• Content warnings – Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 369
• First publication – December, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 4.26

$8.09

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Me Before You takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that’ll make you want to step inside the story and console the main characters. My heart broke for them because Lou and Will are these adorable, quirky people who deserve whatever they want in life. They do get it, but not in the way you’d expect it to happen. 

This is a book about friendship, love, patience, ambitions, loss and many, many more things, but it’s bizarrely light and easy to read. So if you’re in the mood for a soulful read that’s easy to breeze through, this is the contemporary romance novel you should check out.

10. People We Meet on Vacation

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People We Meet on Vacation

• Author – Emily Henry
• Genre/Sub-genre – Contemporary romance, chick-lit, adult fiction, travel
• Content warnings – Physical injury and illness, sexual content, death, grief, anxiety, bullying, childbirth complications
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 364
• First publication – May, 2021
• Goodreads rating – 3.90

$8.80

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People We Meet on Vacation was everything I wanted it to be and more – a dreamy, feel-good love story that made me wish it was my reality. The plot, the humor, and the banter flowing throughout the novel are so on point that I read it in under 24 hours. If you’re looking for a romcom where two best friends fall in love, this book is a perfect pick with its holiday feels and a swoon-worthy love story to start your reading journey. 

11. The Unhoneymooners

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The Unhoneymooners

• Author – Christina Lauren
• Genre/Sub-genre – Contemporary romance, chick-lit, adult fiction, humor
• Content warnings – Cheating, sexual content, body shaming, toxic relationship
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 432
• First publication – May, 2019
• Goodreads rating – 3.93

$9.00

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As an avid reader of rom-coms, I’ve always enjoyed Christina Lauren’s books, and The Unhoneymooners is one of my favorites. It’s an absolutely endearing and a downright hilarious enemies-to-lovers story, so it’s fun and super easy to breeze through. If you want a feel-good summer read with holiday vibes, The Unhoneymooners is an awesome choice. 

Historical Fiction Novels That Will Leave You Yearning for More

Historical fiction novels can take you back in time, bringing the past to life in ways that we never even imagine. I’m a history buff so I love reading these books, but if you’d like to give historical fiction a chance, it just might transport you into a bygone world that gives life to the history we’ve learned, with moving stories and enchanting characters.

12. To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

• Author – Harper Lee
• Genre/Sub-genre – Historical fiction, school literature, young adult
• Content warnings – Racism, racial slurs, rape, substance addiction, murder gun, violence, animal death
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 323
• First publication – July, 1960
• Goodreads rating – 4.26

$19.25

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I loved how this book made me feel involved in Scout and Jem’s adventures, bringing the 1930s South to life with its touching story of friendship, strength, and enduring hope. It also tackles serious themes of racial prejudice and justice, which got me really thinking about how there’s a lot to learn from historical fiction because they take us to a world before we were born. If you want to read a book that touches your heart and leaves a lot to think about, To Kill a Mockingbird might be the book for you.

13. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel

• Author – Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical fiction, contemporary, queer, adult
• Content warnings – Domestic abuse, homophobia, death, suicide, alcoholism
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 389
• First publication – June, 2017
• Goodreads rating – 4.44

$9.49

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Reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is like stepping into old Hollywood glamor, where you are hooked by Evelyn’s fascinating life and her seven marriages. You will quickly get attached to her story rich with characters and relationships, and so for those craving a mix of Hollywood allure, emotional depth, and a dash of mystery, this book is a must-read.

14. All the Light We Cannot See

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All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel

• Author – Anthony Doerr
• Genre/Sub-genre – Historical fiction, world war II, adult
• Content warnings – Antisemitism, Nazism, rape, murder, torture, bullying, military violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 531
• First publication – May, 2004
• Goodreads rating – 4.32

$9.00

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In All the Light We Cannot See, you get to know a story of friendship and love, as told through the eyes of Marie-Laure and Werner during World War II. Their strength and the bond had me near tears throughout the book so I say this to anyone I recommend this book to – it’s one of the most beautifully-crafted pieces of writing I’ve ever come across as Doerr truly has a soulful and profound way with words. If you want to ease yourself into reading this book,  you could also watch the new Netflix adaptation before (or after!) you begin reading.

15. A Thousand Splendid Suns

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

• Author – Khaled Hosseini
• Genre/Sub-genre – Historical fiction, contemporary, drama, adult
• Content warnings – Domestic abuse, arranged child marriage, terminal illness, miscarriage, war, violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 372
• First publication – May, 2007
• Goodreads rating – 4.43

$9.93

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Mariam and Laila’s stories drew me into the intricate layers of their friendship, love, and the incredible strength they showed in tough times. This book is about sisterhood rich with understanding and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of political turmoil and war. I recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns to anyone interested in seeing how war affects the everyday lives of women, and I’m pretty sure it will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Heart Wrenching Stories of Pets and Their Humans

I promise you a roller coaster of feelings with these books because they can really tug at your heartstrings as they talk about the strong bonds between pets and their owners. From happy times to sad goodbyes, these stories show the love between pets and their people so if you’re a pet owner or you simply enjoy heartwarming stories about cute balls of fur, these books are absolute must-reads! 

16. The Art of Racing in the Rain

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The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel

• Author – Garth Stein
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, animals, dogs, adult fiction, adult, contemporary
• Content warnings – Terminal illness, death, grief
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 336
• First publication – May, 2008
• Goodreads rating – 4.22

$8.83

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I absolutely adored Enzo’s story in The Art of Racing in the Rain! Stein brings Enzo’s voice to life using simple and witty language to tell us the story of Denny’s life of mystery and sacrifice. Enzo also shows us how deep the connection between pets and their owners goes, so if you’d like to read a book about an animal-human bond, this book is the perfect emotional adventure for you. Keep a box of tissues handy because there will be a lot of tears, mostly caused by Enzo’s heartwarming POV.  

17. Marley & Me

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Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

• Author – John Grogan
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, memoir, animals biography, dogs, humor
• Content warnings – Grief, loss
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 291
• First publication – October, 2005
• Goodreads rating – 4.14

$9.99

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Marley and Me is all about the special connection between people and their dogs, and it’s filled with funny moments, touching anecdotes, and lots of feelings. Now, I’m one of those people who cry without fail for stories about animals, but Marley’s story moved me beyond words. He’s the sweetest little goofball, and I couldn’t put the book down before finishing it. If you’re an animal lover looking for a rollercoaster story about raising a pet, definitely give this book a read.

18. A Dog’s Purpose

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A Dog's Purpose (A Dog's Purpose, 1)

• Author – W. Bruce Cameron
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, animals, dogs, contemporary, fantasy, adult
• Content warnings – Animal death, hospital, mention of abortion
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 319
• First publication – July, 2010
• Goodreads rating – 4.45

$7.85

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I absolutely loved A Dog’s Purpose because it’s a beautiful exploration of the special bond we share with our four-legged friends. If you’re like me and enjoy stories that deepen your love for these furry companions while also sharing profound insights about life, I have no doubt you’ll love this heartwarming adventure of a book. It’s definitely one of those stories that echoes long in your heart after you finish it.

Classics To Get You Hooked on to the Habit of Reading

I know, I know – classics have a bad reputation because we’re immediately reminded of literature classes with required reading that no one reads willingly. But despite my reluctance to read assigned reading, I went through a classics phase and discovered that some stories are timeless and still relevant centuries later because, as it turns out, the human condition doesn’t really change all that much. 

Have you folks seen that TikTok trend where the birthday cake says, “I’ve no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents. And I’m frightened”? Well, that’s inspired by an all-time famous classic, Pride and Prejudice, so dip your toes into the classics genre, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at how much you relate to those characters and stories!

19. Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice

• Author – Jane Austen
• Genre/Sub-genre – Classics, fiction, romance, historical fiction, literature, historical, novels, historical romance, adult
• Content warnings – Classism, misogyny
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 279
• First publication – January, 1813
• Goodreads rating – 4.28

$6.99

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Ms. Austen practically invented the opposites-attract and enemies-to-lovers tropes with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I was swooning over their encounters because their intense dislike for each other is only matched by their need to always rile each other up (like oh my god, just kiss already!). So if you’re looking for a slow burning love story filled with deep angst and heart throbbing moments, this is the book for you to dip into classics.

20. Jane Eyre

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Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)

• Author – Charlotte Bronte
• Genre/Sub-genre – Classics, fiction, romance, historical fiction, literature, gothic, historical, school, novels, 19th century
• Content warnings – Ableism, bullying, child abuse, fire
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 532
• First publication – October, 1847
• Goodreads rating – 4.15

$7.29

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I still remember the shivers I first got when I read about the secret Mr. Rochester was hiding in his house. I also remember how much I empathized with Jane Eyre (one of my favorite heroines, ever) as she was forced to choose between desire, independence, and conscience. So if you want to root for a strong, independant heroine facing challenges one after the other in a gothic love story, here’s your sign to start reading Jane Eyre.

Non-Fiction Books To Help You Reflect on Life

Non-fiction books really give me food for thought on so many different topics. These books help me understand the bigger picture and self-help books especially have even been able to guide me on how to change my life for the better. If you’re looking to start a reading habit, and want to discover a different purpose to reading other than entertainment, I suggest you start with some of these non-fiction books. 

21. I’m Glad My Mom Died

I'm Glad My Mom Died

• Author – Jennette McCurdy
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, memoir, biography, mental health, adult, humor, contemporary
• Content warnings – Eating disorder, child abuse, emotional abuse, terminal illness, death, alcoholism
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 320
• First publication – August, 2022
• Goodreads rating – 4.48

$20.64

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I found myself engrossed in the gritty and fast-moving memoir as Jennette describes different events of her life chronologically in a detailed and engaging way. The simple and direct writing style also matched the book so well, making the content feel raw, transparent, and honest, just like she’s talking to you in person. 

While you get to know Jenette better, it’s also a great portrayal of how everyone fights their own silent battles in life, and the exploitation of child actors so I’d recommend this to everyone looking for an insider look into Hollywood and the sacrifices that go into building a career. 

22. Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

• Author – James Clear
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, self-help, psychology, personal development, productivity, business, leadership, science, health
• Content warnings – Injury/injury detail, body shaming, eating disorder
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 319
• First publication – October, 2018
• Goodreads rating – 4.37

$12.99

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Atomic Habits is an easy-to-understand guide to developing good habits and correcting bad ones. What I like most about this book is the bite-sized chapters, which make the content accessible and engaging with their actionable tips to build habits.

I learned a lot about how to set goals and plan to accomplish them in specific, manageable steps through this book. Let’s put this into perspective with building the habit of reading; it’s a good idea to start with an easily achievable step like reading for 10 minutes everyday at a set time. Clear shows us how these little steps can add up over time to make a huge difference, so pick up this book to help you build a good habit (like reading!).

23. Outliers

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Outliers: The Story of Success

• Author – Malcolm Gladwell
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, psychology, business, self help, sociology, science, personal development, leadership, economics
• Content warnings – N/A
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 309
• First publication – November, 2008
• Goodreads rating – 4.19

$10.22

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Outliers talks about extraordinary people who’ve achieved success beyond comparison and examines how they got to that point. I loved that each of the biographies of success were told twice; once in a way that conformed to our pre-existing prejudices and another in a way which challenged these thoughts. Ultimately, it’s a fresh outlook on how success happens, and I’d really recommend it to those who want to understand how to achieve success. 

Chilling Science Fiction and Dystopian Reads

You are now entering uncharted territory! Choosing a book from this section is like taking a thrilling ride into the unknown, because these books open doors to mysterious worlds full of science and technological advancement amid disruption and injustice. Check these out if you want to start your reading habit with chilling stories of danger and reckless adventure. 

24. Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games

• Author – Suzanne Collins
• Genre/Sub-genre – Young adult, fiction, fantasy, dystopia, science fiction, romance, adventure
• Content warnings – Death, murder, violence, gore, fire, ableism
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 1,155
• First publication – January, 2010
• Goodreads rating – 4.49

$19.38

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I was hooked on Katniss’s fight to survive in a tough competition from the get go, and when she became a symbol of rebellion, I was so excited (and also scared) for her. You can’t help but cross your fingers and read through the book because the story unfolds with secrets, sacrifices, and the fate of Panem teetering on the edge of rebellion. If you like stories that make you think about how societies work, this book (and the entire series, honestly) is a really intriguing and exciting read. 

25. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

• Author – Douglas Adams
• Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, space, humor, fantasy, comedy
• Content warnings – Death, mental illness, suicide, violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 815
• First publication – January, 1996
• Goodreads rating – 4.23

$8.99

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In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you’ll join Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect to explore space in a funny and quirky adventure filled with surprises. This book took me on a journey through the galaxy to show me all sorts of strange and cool things, leaving me with a lot to think about as well. If you are into quirky humor and are a nut about outer space, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a great book to help you get into reading.

26. Animal Farm

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Animal Farm: 75th Anniversary Edition

• Author – George Orwell
• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, dystopia, fantasy, politics, literature
• Content warnings – Suicide, animal death, animal abuse
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 128
• First publication – August, 1945
• Goodreads rating – 3.98

$6.49

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In Animal Farm, you will step onto a farm where animals rebel against their human owner. With the book documenting the struggles and secrets of a revolution, it is ultimately a thought-provoking story that had me reflecting on our lived realities. If you like stories that make you think about how societies work, Animal Farm is a thought-provoking, easy-to-read book that packs a lot of meaning into an ‘animal farm.’ 

Thrillers That Have You Looking Over Your Shoulder

Thrillers always pack a punch, combining suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists to keep you on the edge. In fact, I always find myself reading a good thriller in one sitting because they are super intriguing and keep me guessing what happens next. If you love that feeling of suspense that makes you doubt everything and have you glued to the book, these thrillers might as well be tailor-made for you. 

27. Gone Girl

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Gone Girl

• Author – Gillian Flynn
• Genre/Sub-genre – Mystery, thriller, crime, suspense, contemporary, adult
• Content warnings – Blood, rape, murder, animal death, death, domestic violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 456
• First publication – May, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 4.13

$12.94

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I’ve read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn so many times because it’s just that good. The story pulls you in with its suspense and twists, making you crave more of that suspenseful drama. It’s a great book to start your reading journey because the twists and turns keep you addicted until the very end (and have you questioning what you actually know about the people closest to you in life).  

28. The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train: A Novel

• Author – Paula Hawkins
• Genre/Sub-genre – Mystery, thriller, crime, suspense, contemporary, adult, fiction
• Content warnings – Blood, murder, infanticide, domestic violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 336
• First publication – January, 2015
• Goodreads rating – 3.96

$8.99

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When I started reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, I didn’t know the story would be so exciting with lots of surprises and clever writing. With Rachel at the center of a mysterious web of lies, I was second guessing the truth behind the incidents at every turn of page. It was filled with bone-chilling events that shocked the hell out of me so if you’re in the mood for a thriller that will have you questioning reality, this is a great read for you to pick up. 

And that wraps up my list of best books to start a reading habit. I’ve handpicked easy-to-read books with engaging plots you can dive in and lovable characters you can root for so fingers crossed you’ll find a good book to kick off your reading habit! 

It’s a good idea to try different genres to find the type of books that work for you – so go through my list and then consider reading more books from a genre (or genres!) that appeals to you. The trick to starting a reading habit is finding what you like, so good luck and happy exploring!  

How to Start a Book Reading Habit

The best way to start or get back to reading is to find a book you genuinely enjoy. Here are a few tips on finding a good book and making it a habit to read everyday. 

• Find your book – I recommend picking something simple with short chapters that you can breeze through. It’s also a good idea to choose a book about a topic you’re passionate about so you’re naturally interested in seeing the book to the end. You can also consider a genre you like; this could be anything from a coming-of-age story, a classic work of literature, or a fantasy novel with unforgettable world-building. 
• Re-read an old favorite – In case you can’t find a new book immediately, you can try re-reading something you’ve read before (maybe for school, maybe a book you read out of boredom, maybe something you tried to get into but abandoned halfway). It’s always nice to revisit a book that belonged to your past and see it in a new light.
• Read everyday – Reading every day keeps the story and characters fresh in your mind, so try to set aside at least half an hour of your time (if that sounds like a lot, try 10 minutes everyday) to read and keep the story and your interest going.
• Get comfy – Once you find a book to get started, simply cozy up in a comfortable chair (or a park bench if you’re the outdoorsy type) with your favorite mug of tea/coffee/hot chocolate, and you’re good to go. 
• Take your time – Dedicate a small but consistent amount of time each day for reading. Building a reading habit is a journey, not a sprint, so whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, choose a duration that feels comfortable for you. 

I’m pretty sure your journey into the world of books will be as life-changing as it was for me, so try one book and if that isn’t the right fit, go for another genre. I believe there’s a reader in all of us; it just takes the right book to break them out. It won’t be too long until you discover your own niche of books to read and once you do, you might just find yourself reading everyday and actually enjoying getting lost in a book.

What to Read First

If you feel like fantasy is your genre to get started with reading, my top (and highly biased) recommendation is to start with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It’s exciting and enchanting, hooking you in just right to keep you reading. 

If you want to read a romance, I suggest picking up a lighthearted romcom like People We Meet on Vacation for all the smile-inducing moments and fuzzy feels. 

If you’re leaning toward non-fiction, Atomic Habits is a good choice to get going because it has simple, digestible chapters and there’s a high chance you might come away with a solid plan to form a couple of new good habits. If you’d like, you can check out my full review on Atomic Habits too!

FAQs

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The authors made me an active listener in their dialogue about trauma and healing, sharing their experience alongside explanations from brain science and human behavior. Their conversation gave me quite a few ‘Aha’ moments to think about and some habits I can develop in order to heal from some trauma that I still carry. Let me show you.

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What Happened to You : Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

• Author – Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey
• Genre/Sub-genre – Nonfiction, psychology, self-help, mental health, personal development, health, science, parenting, adult
• Content warnings – Addiction, alcoholism, bullying, death by suicide, foster care, gun violence, mental health, murder, neglect, physical abuse, physical health, poverty, racism, self harm, sexual assault, slavery, suicidal ideation, traumatic loss, kidnapping, collective trauma, generational trauma
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 304
• Goodreads rating – 4.45

$21.99

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‘What Happened to You?’ Overview

This book is written as a conversation between two professionals, each with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. 

Dr. Perry, a psychiatrist with focus on neuroscience, and Oprah Winfrey, the media personality, talk about how traumatic experiences in the formative years can have long-lasting, often unexpected impact. They emphasize that instead of asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’, framing that question as ‘What happened to you?’ is a better way of acknowledging the past trauma someone has gone through, shaping them to become who they are now. 

They show us how childhood trauma manifests in the adult self, walking us through what a traumatized brain needs in order to heal with examples from case studies and lived experiences from both Dr. Perry and Oprah.

‘What Happened to You?’ Book Review

Dr. Perry and Oprah have been friends and colleagues for more than 30 years over their shared interest in childhood trauma and its manifestations. Both have done a lot of work in their respective fields to provide a space for traumatized children and adults to grow resilient, heal, and thrive, so they bring expertise as well as personal experiences to the table discussing trauma, resilience, and healing. 

The book opens with a heartbreaking narrative from Oprah’s childhood about corporal punishment and its lasting impact:

“The long-term impact of being whupped—then forced to hush and even smile about it—turned me into a world-class people pleaser for most of my life. It would not have taken me half a lifetime to learn to set boundaries and say “no” with confidence had I been nurtured differently.” – Oprah, Introduction

With that, I realized how empowering it was to have Oprah carry out this conversation about trauma, resilience, and healing because she’s overcome her own struggles and is willing to talk about them openly, with empathetic understanding.

The first thing I learned from Oprah and Dr. Perry’s conversation is how lightly we take the term ‘trauma.’ I’m guilty of this myself, throwing the word around in everyday conversation, saying something along the lines of “I went through [minor inconvenience], that was so traumatic.” While it’s true that small things like words, gestures, or non-verbal cues can cause trauma, it’s hardly the case with, say, getting caught in a downpour, getting your coffee order messed up, or having to wear facemasks to work. 

Dr. Perry acknowledges the lack of a definite meaning for ‘trauma’ and how that has posed a roadblock for its study, giving us a loose definition to work with: 

“How can we study the impact of trauma if we can’t come up with a more standard definition?… a trauma has three key aspects—the event, the experience, and the effects. The complexities of these three interrelated components are what should be considered in clinical work and studied in research.” – Dr. Perry, Chapter 4

He tells us that trauma is relative, and two people can experience the same event in two different ways, causing trauma in one person and building resilience in the other. It made me think of how college was a demoralizing experience for me while most of my classmates did well – some undergrads even made it look fun. 

That said, I don’t want to erase the struggles that all of them no doubt had, nor do I want to claim I was traumatized by college, but what I mean to say is when experience itself is subjective and dependent on so many personal and social factors, we can hardly assume the effect of a traumatizing event is similar for everyone involved. 

The next lesson I learned about childhood trauma is that it can manifest in many forms. That friend who flinches when they hear a glass shattering, that colleague who gets outraged at a minor inconvenience, or that friend with perfectionist tendencies could all be behaving that way because of the experiences they had when they were kids. 

“Most people who are in the process of excavating the reasons they do what they do are met at some point with resistance. “You’re blaming the past.” “Your past is not an excuse.” This is true. Your past is not an excuse. But it is an explanation—offering insight into the questions so many of us ask ourselves: Why do I behave the way I behave? Why do I feel the way I do? For me, there is no doubt that our strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique responses are an expression of what happened to us.” – Oprah, Chapter 8

This is why, as Dr. Perry and Oprah emphasize, it’s important to ask “what happened to you?” instead of “what’s wrong with you?” because at the end of the day, how we behave is directly based on what happened to us as a child. The habits our brain picked up back then to protect us can be damaging to us years later, so that’s why we need to process our trauma, ‘regulate’ ourselves to better respond to external cues – and that brings us to my favorite part of this book. 

“Rhythm is essential to a healthy body and a healthy mind…For some of us, it is walking. For others, it’s doing needlework or riding a bike. Everyone has their go-to options when they feel out of sync, anxious, or frustrated. The common element is rhythm. Rhythm is regulating.” – Dr. Perry, Chapter 2

This reminded me how the sound of the sea waves breaking on the beach, a slow walk down a tree-lined boulevard, or soothing instrumental music can calm me down. That rhythm of the sea, walking, and music, I realized, is my brain’s way of self-regulating, helping me come down from an emotionally-heightened state to a balanced state of mind where I can think with reason instead of emotion. 

Dr. Perry and Oprah also discuss how another factor that can help us regulate ourselves and overcome trauma is community – or rather ‘connectedness.’

“…the best predictor of your current mental health is your current “relational health,” or connectedness. This connectedness is fueled by two things: the basic capabilities you’ve developed to form and maintain relationships, and the relational “opportunities” you have in your family, neighborhood, school, and so forth.” – Dr. Perry, Chapter 9

So basically, when you’re better connected to people who care about you and people you care about, the chances are high that you can handle stressors easily and overcome trauma – all because you have support. 

Reading this reminded me of a quote I love from the novel Leaving Time: “In Tswana, there is a saying: Go o ra motho, ga go lelwe. Where there is support, there is no grief.”  The first time I came across this quote was after I had lost someone I loved, and it resonated so much with me because I knew, without doubt, that I would have let the grief consume me if it weren’t for the support of my friends and family. And now, Dr. Perry’s words affirmed what I learned the hard way, that community and connectedness are lifelines to anyone at any given point in their lifetime. 

‘What Happened to You?’ struck a few chords in me and I finished reading the book with some understanding of how trauma can affect all of us, and how a little empathy and support can go a long way. 

While reading, I did get a little lost with the graphs and charts that Dr. Perry and Oprah added to the book (I’m mostly a words person, as you can see), but it wouldn’t have been too hard if I got the physical copy instead of the Kindle version so I could refer to the graphics whenever they came up in conversation. 

Don’t let my aversion to charts stop you from reading this book though. It’s an intelligent and insightful read that will have you reading slowly and pausing every now and then to think a little bit, and I’m pretty sure you’ll come across some ‘Aha’ moments of your own, just like I did. Now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you to read this book, I’m off to walk to the beach like Dr. Perry and Oprah suggested and sit a little while listening to the waves, ideally with my best friend.

Who Should Read ‘What Happened to You?’

Anyone who’s been given a demeaning label from those around you, prompting you to ask yourself “what’s wrong with me?” should read this book at least once. It helps you understand where that label came from, asking ‘what happened to you’ instead of focusing on the guilt-inducing ‘what’s wrong with me.’ 

Even if you just simply want to understand yourself as a parent, a partner, or a child, this book is immensely insightful and impactful.

Books Similar to ‘What Happened to You?’

‘The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma’ is a popular book in the same vein as ‘What Happened to You?’ exploring trauma, its impact, and the powerful ability of human relationships to both hurt and heal.

If you’d like to read a deeply personal account of overcoming trauma and reclaiming one’s self, ‘What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma’ is a moving memoir to dive in.

Final Thoughts

This thought-provoking conversation between two professionals sheds light on trauma and how to overcome it, citing real life examples and personal anecdotes.

Though sometimes tough to read because of the sensitive subject, ‘What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing’ teaches you how childhood trauma can have an unprecedented impact on growing up as well as on adulthood. All is not bleak however, because the effects of trauma can be minimized and you can grow resilient – provided you have the right support system.

FAQs

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Because let’s face it, we’re all beginners here.

So I assembled a list of 13 (the philosopher in me really wants to comment on the meaning I instinctively ascribe to that number), and I hope you enjoy. If you want to see everything in a convenient list, then here you go, otherwise keep reading for my explanation on each one.

Philosophy 101 by Paul Kleinman

Philosophy 101: From Plato and Socrates to Ethics and Metaphysics, an Essential Primer on the History of Thought (Adams 101 Series)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Kleinman, Paul (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 289 Pages - 09/18/2013 (Publication Date) - Adams Media (Publisher)

$10.99

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If you’re looking for a great introduction to philosophy, that isn’t bogged down with so much talking and talking, then this is the book for you.

I found Paul’s style to be very direct and to the point. I never had any trouble understanding what he was talking about, and I thought all his bullet points and clear chronological order of philosophers really helped to put everything into perspective.

It’s a great introduction, as the name suggests, and so I would definitely consider starting here. That said, if you’re more of a visual learner, let’s move onto the next item…

The Philosophy Book by DK

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I’ve mentioned the “Book” series by DK before, and I can’t not mention it here. People, I think, often view DK as being more for kids, but they have advanced a lot in recent years to be more of a visual learning experience for people of all ages.

Yes, there’s still a lot of books that they produce for kids, but there are a lot of books or adults as well.

The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas, Simply Explained is a good example of something that works for all ages, honestly. It breaks down the concepts into bite-sized chunks, and provides us with lists, timelines, illustrations, tables, and a lot more to help us break down how it all works.

I love this book series in general, so I would definitely read this particular book if you’re interested in learning more about western philosophy.

A Little History of Philosophy by Nigel Warburton

A Little History of Philosophy (Little Histories)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Warburton, Nigel (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 261 Pages - 10/25/2011 (Publication Date) - Yale University Press (Publisher)

$10.99

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Whenever I’m starting to learn a new thing, I usually like to learn the history of that thing. It helps me to wrap my mind around a subject and quantify it before digging deeper.

That’s what you get with A Little History of Philosophy. It was published by Yale University Press as part of the Little Histories series.

What I love about this book is that it presents everything in a very clear chronological order, which is nice for me to get my head around it.

It also goes into some detail on some of the non-traditional thinkers that influenced the field, unlike the Platos, Aristotles and Socrates of the world.

Philosophy: The Classics by Nigel Warburton

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In fact, I liked Nigel Warburton’s Little History so much that I had to include another book from him. Philosophy: The Classics, is specifically a book designed to introduce you to the many bodies of philosophical literature.

I actually consulted this book a little bit to know what else to put on this list.

Overall, he covers thirty-two different philosophical texts, from Plato to Kuhn.

This is a lot like a group of SparkNotes summaries and breakdowns, which is incredibly helpful when digging into the different texts later. In fact, I would definitely read this one before getting into some of the others books on this list, for example…

Republic by Plato

The Republic (Penguin Classics)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Plato (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 462 Pages - 05/31/2007 (Publication Date) - Penguin (Publisher)

$10.14

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I feel like Plato’s Republic is easily the ancient philosophy book I hear the most about. It’s kind of foundational, and even though some of the principles don’t hold up as well these days, it’s still an HUGELY important step in philosophical history.

Unless you’ve been living in Plato’s cave all your life, you’ll know that Plato was one of the most well-known philosophers of Ancient Greece. But Republic is actually about his teacher, Socrates.

The book is presented as a conversation between Socrates and several others. And it really digs into just about every type of philosophy you can think of: politics, metaphysics, ethics, art, psychology, you name it.

In other words, if you’re starting to dig into the classics, there’s no better place to start than this book.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations (Penguin Classics)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Aurelius, Marcus (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 378 Pages - 04/27/2006 (Publication Date) - Penguin (Publisher)

$9.99

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What I love about Meditations is that it was written by a frickin’ Roman Emperor! That’s right, Marcus Aurelius was an emperor/philosopher, and he had a lot of deep thinking that he did.

Side note: He was also played beautifully by Dumbledore himself, Richard Harris, in Gladiator.

I actually already mentioned this book in my list of books that will make you smarter, but it’s worth repeating here, because it’s such a hallmark of philosophy.

It’s particularly good if you want some philosophy centered around leadership and self-control, which was a topic near and dear to Emperor Aurelius’ heart.

Overall, it’s one that I highly recommend for the student of philosophy, especially if you want something coming from a unique perspective on things.

Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes

Discourse on Method and Meditations of First Philosophy (Translated by Elizabeth S. Haldane with an Introduction by A. D. Lindsay)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Descartes, Rene (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 120 Pages - 09/15/2016 (Publication Date) - Digireads.com Publishing (Publisher)

$6.64

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Here’s a fun fact. It used to be that philosophy was not only the practice that we think of it today, but also the source of scientific knowledge. This led to some interesting conclusions of science, but also some wrong ones.

It was after Galileo revealed some of these problems in the system that Rene Descartes began to differentiate between the methods of philosophy, and what we know call the scientific method.

In other words, this book was a major breakthrough in the creation of the scientific method. And I think it’s no surprise that it came out in 1637, where the next 400 years of technological history would take humanity more steps forward than the previous 4000 years combined.

It’s an important piece of philosophy, even if it’s a bit overlooked in some places.

Conduct of the Understanding by John Locke

Of the Conduct of the Understanding

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Locke, John (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 125 Pages - 02/11/2015 (Publication Date) - The Perfect Library (Publisher)

$4.99

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John Locke is a name you’ve probably heard. He’s a famous philosopher that was pretty big in his day, and has left a lasting impact.

What drew me to this book is that it really talks about issues that are relevant today. For example, he talks about how many philosophers don’t spend enough time exposing themselves to foreign ideas, but instead spending all their time among people who share their thoughts and values.

In other words, he’s condeming the idea bubble. This is something probably very familiar to us all, those of us who live in a current political climate. There are a lot of bubbles happening, and I think it’s very interesting to get a look at the approach to this philosophy from someone who lived over 300 years ago.

Morality: An Introduction to Ethics by Bernard Williams

Morality: An Introduction to Ethics (Canto Classics)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Williams, Bernard (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 102 Pages - 03/29/2012 (Publication Date) - Cambridge University Press (Publisher)

$11.70

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Philosophy is not just one thing, it’s actually a collection of different disciplines. If you want a good introduction to one of those, it’s this one, an introduction to ethics. And while it would be nice to have Chidi from The Good Place teach this to us, instead we have Bernard Williams.

I will admit, this one was a little more of a slog than the others, but that’s because it gets really deep into its subject. It’s a true introduction to ethics, and one that should not be ignored.

And let’s be honest, we need some improvement in our ethics these days, especially as technology advances and we’re faced with some difficult questions.

So yeah, if you want to know more about ethics, this is easily the best book to go to.

Confessions by Saint Augustine

The Confessions

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 353 Pages - 08/14/2008 (Publication Date) - OUP Oxford (Publisher)

$4.99

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This one is pretty easy to pick up because it’s not intended as a philosophy textbook, but it’s actually an autobiography of Saint Augustine, who was a well-known Christian saint who lived in the fourth century.

The autobiography gives a lot of juicy philosophical thought on religion, God, meditation, stoicism, what it means to be human, faith, sin, etc.

In short, it’s packed with big ideas and deep thinking from a man in a unique position comparatively.

The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

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Chances are, if you took a Philosophy 101 class in college, you might have read The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. It’s a great introduction to not only the texts and history of the discipline itself, but also the very ideas and the nature of critical thinking.

It’s a great way to get introduced to the methods of thinking like a philosopher.

It also helps that Russel is a very good writer, and covers a lot of topics including logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. It’s truly a great overview.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Man's Search for Meaning

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Frankl, Viktor E. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 188 Pages - 06/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Beacon Press (Publisher)

$9.99

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Of all the people who have had a life to provoke philosophical thinking, it’s Viktor Frankl. The poor soul was a Holocaust survivor, but also a psychiatrist. So his whole experience during World War II was geared to make him think critically about life, religion, and philosophy.

He observed that those who found meaning in life in the Nazi concentration camps were often those who were able to keep going, and so he spends  lot of time dwelling on this idea of meaning.

It’s a great read, and a very sobering one at that. It really makes you think about what’s important to us, and why.

In fact, if you could only read one first-hand account from this list, I’d make Frankl’s book the one to go with.

At the Existentialist Café by Sarah Bakewell

At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails with Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir,Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger, Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Others

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bakewell, Sarah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 450 Pages - 03/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Other Press (Publisher)

$15.99

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This is the only philosophical novel I have on the list, but it’s actually a fascinating read, and a really good philosophical breakdown.

Imagine that three philosophers walk into a cafe in Paris at the same time: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Raymond Aron. They walk in, meet, and discuss existentialism.

This book allows the author to deconstruct the different thought patterns of various early-20th-century philosophers, and she does it beautifully.

The book itself is not much more than a bunch of dialogue, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s clear that Bakewell knows her subject, and she’s really good about presenting it in a way that is accessible to the rest of us.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my top 13 picks for the best philosophy books for beginners.

While this wasn’t meant to be a deep dive into all the different types of philosophy, from stoic philosophy7 to political philosophy, to practical philosophy, to moral philosophy, it should still give you a good idea of what’s needed to dig deeper.

I hope this turns you into a thinker, and teaches you some philosophy lessons.

The post Top 13 Best Philosophy Books for Beginners appeared first on Bookishnerd.

One of those things is acting. I took a couple of theater and drama classes during college, and I found it fascinating. In fact, I found it extremely useful to help me write characters in my books. If you are a writer who follows me on the site, you might find some of these books insightful into how a person thinks.

And if you’re an aspiring actor, these are definitely the cream of the crop when it comes to learning how to act. I’ve done my research, and this is definitely the best place to start when it comes to your vocational training.

So with that in mind, let’s get into the top books on acting. As always, everything is available in this handy chart if you just want to get right down to it, or you can read on and see my full breakdown of each title below.

1. Sanford Meisner on Acting by Sanford Meisner & Dennis Longwell

Sanford Meisner on Acting

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Meisner, Sanford (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 274 Pages - 11/07/2012 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)

$10.99

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Sanford Meisner was one of the best and most well-known teachers of acting. He used to run a bunch of acting classes, and this book follows one of those classes, basically giving you all of the wisdom that you need in one convenient location.

Meisner has a way of teaching that is unique, and full of humor and emotion. This book has a fantastic way of capturing that, as it is based on a 15-month acting class.

This book was written in collaboration with Dennis Longwell, who I presume did most of the actual writing based on Meisner’s notes, but overall it is a great place to start when it comes to your acting journey.

2. Audition by Michael Shurtleff

Audition: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Shurtleff, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 208 Pages - 05/26/2009 (Publication Date) - Bloomsbury USA (Publisher)

$7.59

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This guy is no joke. He was the casting director for Chicago, Pippin, Beckett, Gypsy, The Graduate, The Sound of Music, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

In other words, this guy knows his stuff when it comes to acting. He literally cast some of the greatest Broadway shows of all time. So not only does he know a lot about acting, but he knows what makes an actor good at what they do, what makes them successful.

This book is the distillation of everything you need to know to win that audition. He goes through multiple techniques, including how to use humor, create mystery, etc. He presents all of the information in this handy 12-step guide, with plenty of questions to help actors improve their craft and prepare for that big audition.

3. A Challenge for the Actor by Uta Hagen

An Actor Prepares

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stanislavski, Constantin (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 346 Pages - 04/28/1989 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)

$13.25

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Uta Hagen is a another well-renowned actress for the stage. She also taught acting for for over 40 years in a studio in New York. She’s written multiple books before, but I like this one because it’s less of a beginner book, and more of a distillation of her many years of wisdom for advanced actors.

A lot of this book is based on mindset, helping actors understand mental techniques, not only to improve their own lives, but to inhabit the lives of others through physical and psychological senses.

This book also has a number of great exercises that the author walks through in order to help you, as an actor, learn your craft.

These include things like employing historical imagination, creating a character, re-creating literal physical sensations, etc.

The scope of this book is incredible, and the author’s experience really helps to solidify everything she says as something that you should really take seriously. I highly recommend it.

4. Intent to Live by Larry Moss

The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Moss, Larry (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 368 Pages - 12/28/2004 (Publication Date) - Bantam (Publisher)

$13.99

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Larry Moss is one of the most celebrated acting instructors in Hollywood. In fact, Oscar-winning actresses Helen Hunt and Hilary Swank credited Larry Moss and his instruction as one of the important steps in their career, and they did so while accepting their Oscar at the Academy Awards.

Furthermore, Larry Moss has over a two-year waiting list for some of his advanced acting classes. He’s the real deal.

This book breaks down what he has learned over time, and what he teaches in the classroom, into a convenient resource for aspiring actors.

In fact, if I could only recommend one book on this list, it would be this one from Larry Moss. He is the guy to beat.

Not only does Larry Moss have the knowledge to become a good actor, but he is passionate about it. He has a high respect for actors in the love of the craft that shines through in the writing. I highly recommend his work.

5. The Art Of Acting by Stella Adler

Stella Adler: The Art of Acting (Applause Books)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Kissel, Howard (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 293 Pages - 11/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Applause (Publisher)

$20.77

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Stella Adler was a fantastic actress who lived in the 20th century, and unfortunately died during the 90s.

But she was an acting teacher for many of the greats, including Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, and Robert De Niro.

She had decades of experience, and the lessons that she shared with countless actors and actresses is encapsulated in this book, thanks to co-writer Howard Kissel.

6. Acting in Film by Michael Caine

Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Caine, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 172 Pages - 02/01/2000 (Publication Date) - Applause Theatre & Cinema Books (Publisher)

$19.99

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Most of you are probably familiar with who Michael Caine is, especially if you’re an aspiring actor. He is one of the most respective gentlemen in the business and for good reason. Just go watch any of his movies, and you will see why.

But did you know that he has actually written some books?

It’s true, and my favorite of the bunch is Acting in Film. It focuses on how to be an actor, specifically in the film industry. It goes into detail on things like script preparation, working with the director, understanding your character in their voice, etc.

Given Caine’s experience as an actor on film, he is certainly one to listen to when he tells you how to do it. Plus his style is just incredible.

7. True and False by David Mamet

True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Mamet, David (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 148 Pages - 09/07/2011 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)

$10.99

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David Mamet gives us a unique look at acting, because he is not an actor but a playwright. So while he is involved in theater a lot, acting is not his main skill. But it does give him a good outsider perspective on it.

David Mamet completely destroys everything you think you know about contemporary acting practices and really digs into what makes the craft important and noble.

The author walks actors through the entire process of stage acting, from the audition, to the rehearsals, to working with agents and directors, etc. It’s a fantastic Bible for those interested in getting into stage acting.

8. The Actor’s Art and Craft by William Esper and Damon Dimarco

The Actor's Art and Craft: William Esper Teaches the Meisner Technique

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Esper, William (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 305 Pages - 12/10/2008 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)

$14.99

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We talked earlier about Sanford Meisner and his techniques. Esper worked very closely with Meisner, eventually developing his own program for actors that has become quite a success.

His rigorous system of exercises helps actors to build their acting skills from the ground up, in a way that works for actors of any stage, whether that is a soap opera, or whether it’s Shakespeare.

Damon DeMarco, the cowriter of this book, was a former student of Esper, and he helps to break down his experience as a student and re-create it for us in this book. Overall, a great book to have on your shelf, especially if you aspire to the Sanford Meisner’s schools of thought.

9. An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski

An Actor Prepares

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stanislavski, Constantin (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 346 Pages - 04/28/1989 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)

$13.25

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Now it’s time to get a classic on here.

This book is a guide written in 1936 by Constantin Stanislavski who was born in 1863, and died only two years after this book was published. He was a Russian actor, famous for his work in theater, and essentially the creator of method acting.

But he is most famous for his techniques on how to learn to act. This book focuses on how to prepare yourself, how to train, what techniques you should use in order to become one of the best actors out there.

We often forget that acquiring any skill takes a lot of practice, and we can learn how to be more effective with that practice. This book is a great way to start learning how to do that.

10. The Power of the Actor by Ivana Chubbuck

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Ivana Chubbuck is a acting teacher who is amazing at what she does. In fact, she has a technique named after her: the Chubbuck Technique, which is a common technique today in 21st century acting.

As an acting coach, she has helped countless individuals develop their craft, and she has developed her own curriculum that distills the theories of other acting masters, and takes it to the next level by showing how you can use in her pain and emotions to fuel your acting.

Her twelve-step technique is incredibly useful, but I like this one because of the behind-the-scenes accounts by many other actors who have mastered their craft, giving us hope and guidance for how we can become better actors.

11. The Golden Rules of Acting by Andy Nyman

The Golden Rules of Acting

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Nyman, Andy (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 129 Pages - 12/06/2012 (Publication Date) - Nick Hern Books (Publisher)

$13.35

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Simon Pegg said this about this book: “Christians have the Bible, now actors have this book. At last, everyone is happy.”

This book is a vast collection of incredible advice, support, and encouragement for actors at any stage of development.

It’s great for winning those auditions and understanding what the auditioners truly want.

It is also a bit of a mindset book, since this is a hard craft, and you need everything you can to be able to make it.

If you are serious about acting, this is definitely one that I would pick up.

12. To the Actor: On The Technique of Acting by Michael Chekhov

To the Actor: On the Technique of Acting

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Chekhov, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 222 Pages - 09/07/2019 (Publication Date) - Digireads.com Publishing (Publisher)

$6.99

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Chances are you’ve heard of Anton Chekhov, the originator of the “Chekhov’s gun” concept. Michael Chekhov was Anton Chekhov’s nephew, and he was a student of Constantin Stanislavski who we talked about in an earlier book.

Chekhov discovered that he disagreed with Stanislavski on a couple of techniques, and eventually formed his own acting school where he taught actors about how to use physicality and imagination to create characters, rather than through emotional examination.

Plus, Chekhov would eventually go on to instruct incredible actors like Clint Eastwood, Yul Brynner, and Marilyn Monroe.

This book was originally published in 1953, so by now it is a classic. If you want to know one of the leading schools of thought when it comes to crafting your acting journey, this is definitely one to pick up.

13. The Empty Space by Peter Brook

The Empty Space

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Brook, Peter (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 146 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Nick Hern Books (Publisher)

$8.99

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This is another book that is slightly different because it focuses more on theater in general than specifically on acting.

That said, it is a great resource for those who want to understand the magical craft that is bringing a scene to life. Peter Brook is a legend of theater, having written and directed many different plays. And this book has remained a pillar of thought in the world of theater since its original publication in 1968.

The book centers on Peter Brook’s idea that “I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage.” In other words, theater is something magical that happens. As an actor, you don’t need to depend on fancy trappings, but can tell a story from any venue, any stage.

It’s a great school of thought that you should definitely look into if you’re planning on being a stage actor.

14. Acting As A Business by Brian O’Neil

Acting as a Business

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• O'Neil, Brian (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 171 Pages - 04/08/2014 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)

$6.99

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A lot of people talk about the art of acting or the craft of acting, but very few people like to focus on the business. The reality is, if you want to make a living as an actor, you have to do both. You have to focus on the craft of acting and the business of acting, otherwise you will not make it anywhere.

This book by Brian O’Neill is a handbook for actors who want to make it in the business. It walks through how to create a resume, how to join various unions, how to get an agent, how to find work, and how to navigate the different customs and cultures between theater in New York and film in Hollywood.

15. The Actor And The Target by Declan Donnellan

The Actor and the Target

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Donnellan, Declan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 305 Pages - 02/21/2013 (Publication Date) - Nick Hern Books (Publisher)

$11.40

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You’ve heard of the phrase “stage fright” right? Well, it’s not something the actors just get over. Plenty of high-profile actors continue to experience stage fright, even after years and years of experience.

This book by Declan Donnellan is one of the best books on how to get to the heart of your fears, then use that as fuel to release your talent on stage.

It’s a fresh approach to acting, from an author who is a celebrated director in the field.

16. A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston

A Life in Parts

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Cranston, Bryan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 289 Pages - 10/11/2016 (Publication Date) - Scribner (Publisher)

$9.99

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I’m guessing you’ve also heard of Bryan Cranston, one of the most respected actors working in Hollywood and New York today.

This book is a little different, because it doesn’t focus so much on the craft of acting. Instead, it’s a memoir. It walks through Brian’s Cranston’s life, going from whatever jobs he could find from soap operas to Power Rangers, to one of the most iconic villains of all time: Walter White from Breaking Bad.

It’s a fantastic and classic story of the American Dream in action, going from rags to riches with nothing but perseverance and hard work.

If you want a healthy dose of inspiration, this is definitely the book for you.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list was interesting for you. I sure had a lot of fun researching it and learning just a little more about acting.

For those of you who are writers like me, I highly recommend checking out these books to help understand your characters better.

And for the actors, you should definitely check out these books to get started on your career.

Go break a leg!

The post Top 16 Best Books About Acting: The Definitive List appeared first on Bookishnerd.

The step-by-step guide itself was impressive in its own right, but what I liked about it the most is how simple and actionable it was, plus how James Clear explained everything so convincingly. So now, let me walk you through how he managed to convert a skeptic (me!) into a believer of tiny habits.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

• Author – James Clear
• Genre/Sub-genre – Non fiction, self help, psychology, personal development, productivity, business, leadership, science, health
• Content warnings – Fatphobia, injury/injury detail, body shaming, eating disorder, medical trauma, addiction, ableism
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 309
• Goodreads rating – 4.37

$12.99

Buy on Amazon

‘Atomic Habits’ Overview

James Clear sets out that picking up a good habit is thought to be tough not because we lack willpower or commitment, but because we don’t have the right systems built to support a habit to form and sustain. So to build these systems, he suggests following the four ‘Laws of Behavior Change’ that can help start and maintain a good habit. They are: 

1. Make it obvious
2. Make it attractive
3. Make it easy
4. Make it satisfying 

He suggests inverting these laws to break a bad habit: 

1. Make it invisible
2. Make it unattractive 
3. Make it difficult
4. Make it unsatisfying

Clear provides detailed explanations on how these laws work and he accompanies the guided chapters with anecdotes and personal experience, making it easy to see how the practices he’s proposing have a very real impact.

‘Atomic Habits’ Book Review

I (reluctantly) started on ‘Atomic Habit’ back when I was in a reading slump, hoping I can pick up reading everyday again. I figured if the book is as good as a lot of readers said it was, it just might convince me to get back to my TBR. 

So there I was, expecting a noncommittal read and eager to (hopefully) get back to the books I abandoned halfway, and James Clear hit me with an opening narrative so intriguing that I couldn’t help but get hooked on the book. 

He explains his foray into habit forming came after a huge setback during highschool, where he suffered a severe injury playing baseball. Wanting to get back on track, he started practicing small habits like sleeping well, studying consistently, and keeping tidy. I’ve got to say, the results were really inspiring:

“…improving by 1 percent isn’t particularly notable—sometimes it isn’t even noticeable—but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding…” – Chapter 1

It’s a little bit of a genius move; put this way, I could see how much impact a small habit can have, especially if they compound over time – which is exactly what Clear suggests. 

So I thought of trying out the ‘atomic’ method of habit forming, going by Clear’s laws of behavioral change. Let’s see how I did!

1. Make it obvious

With the first law of behavioral change, Clear suggests that if we are to be intentional about habit forming, we have to make our habits obvious. 

I loved the example he cited to show the benefit of making it obvious – the ‘Pointing and Calling’ safety practice from the Japanese railway system. This involves all the railway staff pointing and calling out specific details like arrival time, speedometer reading, and signal status. This habit seemed a bit weird to me, but making these safety details obvious by speaking them out loud has actually helped reduce errors up to 85 percent. So Clear’s suggestion here is to make the habit so obvious that you can’t miss it at all:  

“Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity. It is not always obvious when and where to take action.” – Chapter 5

I felt like I could relate to this because I often complain I’m not motivated to do something, so I experimented with the first law of behavioral change by trying to make a habit of walking everyday. 

I work at my desk all day, tapping away at my keyboard and often when I stop for the day, it’s too late to go out for a walk or I’m just not too excited for it. So to carve out a time and to ‘make it obvious’ to get up and go, I followed Clear’s habit stacking formula.

I make myself a cup of coffee everyday around 5 in the evening, so I paired my coffee break with a 20 minute walk. I placed my running shoes right near my desk so when I get up to brew a cup, I’d put the shoes on and go on to make coffee. And since I’m already wearing shoes, what I’m thinking is I might as well step out of the house to take a walk for ten minutes and then back home. 

Believe me, I didn’t think it’d make a difference at first either, but against all expectations this actually worked. Apart from a couple of days where there was a ton of rain, I’ve been out as soon as I’ve had my coffee. And now, when I’m having coffee at a completely irrelevant time, I get the urge to get up and walk which means two things – I’ve successfully hardwired my brain to go for a walk after coffee, and I probably should have stacked walking with another habit 😅.

2. Make it attractive

The second law of behavioral change works by making a habit attractive so we get tempted to do it. 

Clear mentions that this is the practice that fast food companies follow to make their product so irresistible we always crave for more. Years of research have been poured into enhancing the flavor and mouthfeel of these foods; the science behind that is that our brain is attracted to hyperpalatable food so we are likely to go through a couple packs of potato chips or keep ordering thin crust pizza topped with gooey melted cheese.

So how does this fit in with making a habit attractive? Clear suggests we could heighten the appeal of a habit to immediately draw us to it, using ‘temptation bundling’:

“Temptation bundling works by linking an action you want to do with an action you need to do. In Byrne’s case, he bundled watching Netflix (the thing he wanted to do) with riding his stationary bike (the thing he needed to do).” – Chapter 8

I adopted this technique to get more nutrients in my system. I’ve been warned by the family doctor that I take in way less micronutrients than I’m supposed to and unfortunately, most foods I’m supposed to consume for micronutrients are not the most appealing. So, inspired by Mr. Byrne in Clear’s example, I resolved to watch Netflix only when I’m eating healthy. At first, this meant my time watching Netflix went down drastically, but a show I wanted to watch so badly got released and I had to go for some leafy greens and whole grains just to watch it. 

How did I manage to not watch Netflix until then, you ask? Well, I just got my partner to change the password to our family account and asked him to not share it with me under any circumstance (unless I was having the right food). This is also a couple of Clear’s techniques in action; the first is getting an accountability buddy to make sure you stick to your resolve and second is the reverse law of making a habit difficult (by adding the barrier of the password).

3. Make it easy

With this one, James Clear suggests applying the ‘Law of Least Effort.’ He elaborates that when deciding between two similar options, we tend to lean toward the option that requires the least effort. Humans are hardwired to find ways to do things so it delivers best possible value for low effort, so Clear suggests programming our habits that way as well. 

“The idea behind make it easy is not to only do easy things. The idea is to make it as easy as possible in the moment to do things that payoff in the long run.” – Chapter 12

Now, our brains can resist doing the right thing even if we make it attractive (remember me avoiding Netflix so I won’t have to eat spinach?); this is where ‘make it easy’ comes in. So to put the third law of behavioral change into action, I tried to make a habit easy with the 2-minute rule. This rule pushes you to do something for two minutes and not a second more, BUT you do it everyday. 

I’ve always wanted to build the habit of freewriting because I feel like I lose ‘my own writing time’ since I’m always writing for a particular reason. I’ve tried journaling and morning pages, but I’ve always fallen off the wagon (or page!) probably because I perceive both as big tasks. So I challenged myself to free-write everyday for two weeks to see how I do with the 2-minute rule. 

To my surprise, I felt no hesitation starting free-writing when my alarm rang signaling the time to write, because I limited it to two minutes only. I’ve been free-writing for over a year now, and I have this sense of fulfillment whenever I open my notebook. Funny thing is, I get the urge to write whenever I see my designated notebook – I’m not very sure what kind of brain conditioning happened there, but I’m not complaining!

Oh and by the way, the reverse rule of this helped me cut down my screen time because I activated an app blocker that cuts you off from accessing certain apps for a period of time. All my social media apps are blocked from 6 am to 6 pm, and it’s a pain to unblock it even if I wanted to. So I don’t check on social media at all during my working hours, and it has made me productive because I’m less distracted.

4. Make it satisfying

The final law of behavior change is to make a habit satisfying. Now, the challenge with this, as Clear explains, is how we can’t exactly see the progress we are making, especially with small habits. Waiting until the habit compounds is not exactly motivating at the moment, because we never know how long it will take to make a difference. 

“Making progress is satisfying, and visual measures—like moving paper clips or hairpins or marbles—provide clear evidence of your progress. As a result, they reinforce your behavior and add a little bit of immediate satisfaction to any activity. Visual measurement comes in many forms: food journals, workout logs, loyalty punch cards, the progress bar on a software download, even the page numbers in a book. But perhaps the best way to measure your progress is with a habit tracker.” – Chapter 12

I tried tracking my newfound habit of walking, with a visual habit tracker. It felt like a hassle at first, but I resolved to make a tick on the tracker that I hung on the corkboard above my desk immediately before sitting down to work after my walk (habit stacking!). I have to say, ticking off each day feels really good because I’ve successfully done something I couldn’t get myself to do before. With the tracker, I’ve also got the added challenge of maintaining my streak because I don’t want to leave a day unticked. I have missed a day or two, but then I remember what Clear said: 

“No matter how consistent you are with your habits, it is inevitable that life will interrupt you at some point. Perfection is not possible. Before long, an emergency will pop up—you get sick or you have to travel for work or your family needs a little more of your time. Whenever this happens to me, I try to remind myself of a simple rule: never miss twice.” – Chapter 15

So I try to never miss two days in a row, and so far, I never have.

When I read this chapter, I realized I’ve been using this law of making it satisfying without realizing it, with my language learning habit. My current streak on Duolingo is over 400 days long, and knowing the pain of losing the streak (I lost my earlier streak at 342 days😅) I fight tooth and nail to get my language lesson in everyday before midnight. 

There you have it, all the laws of behavioral change in action. This is exactly what I meant when I said James Clear’s book is simple and actionable. When I started reading, it didn’t seem to take a lot out of me to start forming a habit so I thought “I might as well try” and that went on for three months before I finally admitted to myself that ‘atomic habits’ actually work. 

One thing I have to mention though, I felt the content could have been a bit shorter considering it’s self-help. James Clear had made the book digestible with chapter summaries and simple graphics, but I still felt like it took forever to finish the book (it could be me, I was in a reading slump after all). 

Considering I managed to get out of my slump plus build a few good habits along the way, I suggest giving ‘Atomic Habits’ a try (even if you have a less than enthusiastic attitude to forming habits like me). Inside the book, you are highly likely to find nuggets of wisdom that appeal to you, and simple ways of tricking your brain to do good that make you want to try out a new habit just for the fun of it.

Who Should Read ‘Atomic Habits’

Anyone who wants to pick up good habits or to break a bad habit should read this book, as it can give you that gentle push you’re looking for. 

If you want to understand what influences human behavior and how we form habits, this book is a solid starting point.

Books Similar to ‘Atomic Habits’

Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a refreshing take on life, perspectives, and how we tackle challenges when they come our way. If you need a self-help read backed by science, experience, and wisdom punctuated by ruthless humor, this book is an awesome choice.

If you’d like to read more about how small actions compound into creating a big impact, The Tipping Point is a captivating read that can change the way you approach personal challenges and professional tasks. 

Also, if you’d like to find more self-help recs, my collection of self-help book reviews and lists of recommendations can point you in the right direction!

Final Thoughts

James Clear’s Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones is exactly the book you need to read if you want to develop a good habit and break a bad one. Clear promises no magic, but instead, he shares with us a whole lot of convincing anecdotes, digestible research findings, and simple, actionable tips to make any big habit possible. So if you want to read any self-help book on developing habits and improving yourself, let it be this one.

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