Good Reads & Views

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Nonfiction  

What it’s about: It’s time to face the fact that we’ll never complete our to-do lists, and we’re making ourselves miserable thinking otherwise. (Is anyone else as freaked out by this idea as I am?) That’s the premise of this wide-ranging self-improvement book, which suggests that we acknowledge the limited amount of time we have on Earth—so we can then focus on what matters most to us.  

Why you should read it: Whether you love or dislike time management books, Four Thousand Weeks proposes a thought-provoking way of looking at how we spend our time. For those of us who like nothing better than a good life hack, this book challenges us to focus on the big picture before optimizing the small details.  

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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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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Before he ever starred in movies, Matthew McConaughey kept a journal. And lucky for us, he’s continued journaling even during his famous years. This self-improvement / memoir mash-up is entertaining, thoughtful, and inspiring. He tells outrageous stories about his growing-up years, the weird and wonderful tale about being an exchange student in Australia, and the up-and-down (and back-up-again) story of his film career. 

Why you might like it: If you like celebrity memoirs or self-improvement books—and especially if you like both—this book offers stories that will make you laugh, marvel, and think about your own life.

What sets it apart: McConaughey’s creativity and quirkiness infuse every word. My recommendation: listen to this one on audio. He narrates it himself and his intonations boost the humor. This is definitely one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to this year.

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Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self by Manoush Zomorodi
Nonfiction

What it’s about: While we used to have windows of time to simply notice the world around us, now most of us reach for our phones when things get boring. In this helpful and encouraging book, Zomorodi describes what we’re missing by logging on instead of occasionally zoning out.

Why you should read it: If your smartphone is connected to your person all your waking hours and you’re not totally happy about that situation, this book provides concrete exercises that will help you keep only the apps and uses that are best serving you. The author’s conversational tone and account of her personal experiences make this challenge friendly and approachable.

You might also like: If your goal is to reduce your social media use, also check out Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.

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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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