Good Reads & Views

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Nonfiction

What it’s about: If you're familiar with Brene's work, then this book is a profound, multilayered dive into the things we avoid. It has been a wonderful tool for unraveling difficult emotions. Of all Brene's books, this is my favorite! It is an uncomplicated ideal for voicing feelings we often struggle to identify and put into words.

Is it for you? If you seek a map for understanding your feelings and making peace with them, especially the painful ones we usually try to avoid, then this book is for you.

You might also like: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

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You Are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero
Nonfiction

What it’s about: This book is easy to read, you can literally read a page or two a day in the morning and it will make your whole day better. It’s wonderfully relaxing, motivating, and inspiring. From taking stock to following up on dreams, making changes or sharpening your goals, this is a fantastic read! It’s like sitting with a very positive friend who is on board, encouraging and funny too!

Is it for you? If you are seeking a truly relatable approach to self-improvement and self-development you should check out this exceptional book.

You might also like: Badass Habits by Jen Sincero

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I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown
Nonfiction

What it’s about: In her book, Brené looks at the difference between shame and guilt, searches for the triggers to these feelings, and how to identify and triumph over these strong emotions. She delves deep to get to the core of what activates fear and shame and answers why we feel certain occurrences more strongly than others.

Is it for you? I really appreciated the layout and the structure of this book. It felt thoroughly researched offering many examples, cited sources, and other recommended reading. I highly recommend reading this book.

You might also like: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

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Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta
Nonfiction

What it's about: Most people, says CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, are more frightened by the thought of getting Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia than of loss of physical abilities. In part one of Keep Sharp, Gupta presents the science and dispels the myths regarding brain function. Part two presents ways to support brain health. Gupta includes a 12-week plan to build better habits. Part three deals with what one should do when getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, including helpful advice for caregivers. Always optimistic, Gupta presents this information in a reassuring way.

What sets it apart: Gupta distills the science of brain health in an understandable way and presents practical ways to make your brain more resilient.

Reviewers say: “Inclusive and recognizably sturdy advice on building a healthy brain” (Kirkus Reviews).

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Today Matters by John C. Maxwell
Nonfiction

What it’s about: John Maxwells’ Today Matters is a power packed book on why today matters and how to live better today so that tomorrow will be better than yesterday. This book has plenty of reading potential to pick it up again and again.

Is it for you? Any person who is looking to grow in any area of life will be challenged, inspired, and stirred up to make some “today changes”.

You might also like: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

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The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown 

What it’s about: This book contains so much insight about understanding various behaviors and thought patterns that hold us back in life. While it is clear, as with all books by this author, that she is an experienced and highly skilled researcher, her gift for story telling radiates through even stronger. She authentically connects with the reader by disclosing her own “imperfections” and life experiences.

Why you might like it: If you have ever struggled with "should-ing" yourself, this book can be a spiritual awakening that will help you get past whatever you “should” yourself for.

You might also like: Rising Strong by Brene Brown. 

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Daring Greatly by Brene Brown 
Nonfiction

What it’s about: This book unearths our deepest feelings and motives. As social beings, it is deeply rooted for us to seek acceptance. As a result, our fear of rejection impels us to behave in ways we’re not always proud of, creating a cycle of shame and self-doubt. This book explains all of that and how to break that cycle.

Why you might like it: The agonizing nature of feeling vulnerable and exposed is something everyone struggles with. Brené does a superb job of including stories from her life, her research, and then bringing it all together with results you can clearly understand, relate to, and implement into your life.  

You might also like: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. 

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Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Nonfiction

What is it? People who have been victims of any kind of abuse, are commonly the individuals who struggle most with boundaries. Life experience has subconsciously schooled them that inappropriate line crossing is a part of daily life and almost every relationship. Often it can be a painful lesson to UN-learn. This book is a tool to help people with boundary struggles learn where the line is, how not to cross it, and how to defend it.

Is it for you? This is an excellent book for those looking to understand the reasons behind deep emotional stumbling blocks. It explains that while accepting unfortunate experiences that may have happened to you and were not necessarily your fault, it’s your responsibility now to do the work to heal and forgive in order to step into your greatness.

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Overcoming Shock by Diane Zimberoff & David Hartman 
Nonfiction

What is it? This is an amazing read for anyone who works with traumatized people, as well as those that want to work on their own healing. The experience of Diane and David shows through in this captivating book where they communicate complex concepts and ideas in a way that's easy to understand, incorporate and apply.

Is it for you? This book is helpful for all mental health professionals as well as those who are trying to overcome shock. I agree it IS important to teach yourself how to recognize shock, overcome it, and break the patterns of being re-traumatized.

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Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Nonfiction

What is it? The book's theme is "true belonging", which the author defines as: "...the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are." This might sound a bit unfamiliar, but the book develops this idea in wonderful ways that will appeal to every reader.

Is it for you? If you are seeking true connection and the feeling that you belong because of who you matchlessly are, read this book. "If I get to be me, I belong. If I have to be like you, I fit in."

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