I love a good non-fiction book! Maybe it’s the monotony of my tasks around the house, but I love trying to pack as much information into my brain as I can. Yep, I’m somewhat of a book nerd. Recently, my topics of interest have been personal development and parenting. I would love for you to browse some of my recent favorites.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

This book deep-dives into the hard stuff—how to show up in life, and how being vulnerable in relationships builds connection and leads to wholehearted living.  “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.  Being rather than knowing requires showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Pg. 14  I will likely do a more in-depth book review on this book as I love it so much!

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This engaging, practical book gives EXCELLENT tips on making tiny changes with a BIG impact. Clear focuses on habit-change, and how to become 1% better every day.

The Power of Pause by Terry Hershey

This book changed my perspective on how to slow life down—and enjoy the “sacred present”.  Written in short essay form, this book is easy to pick up if you have just a few minutes or a longer block of time. “We are so bent on removing ourselves from the mundane, that we miss miracles.” Pg 12

The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin

The author has an authentic and insightful perspective on the things that are going around, within our daily view.  This book completely transformed how I looked at the immediate opportunities for love in my tiny corner of the world.

Carry on, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

Another book of essays, with poignant, brutally honest stories of the author’s past.  An easy, thought-provoking read that will have you both laughing and crying!

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

This is Glennon Doyle’s memoir, a vulnerable account of her self-discovery, written in her easy, witty style.  Through her journey, you will get an inside peek at how she used her bravery to overcome her pain, and eventually lead a more abundant, authentic life.

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

This is another intriguing journey of resiliency in a woman who went from having next to nothing, trying to make it in a big city, used strategic thinking and took steps to do the NEXT thing, even if it was terrifying. 

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This foundational book, with the somewhat instructional theme of “the disciplined pursuit of less”; teaching readers how to reclaim the prioritizing of their lives in relationship to material goods, social events, work, productivity and so much more.  A must read!

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Written by a pair of psychologists with extensive clinical experience, you will find this a truly fundamental book about learning when to say yes and how to say no.  If you have a hard time saying no, feel responsible for other people’s feelings, are feeling controlled by your digital life, or that your life is spiraling out of control—this book is for you!

PARENTING

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne

With a tagline of “Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids”, the theme is once again about the power of LESS.  The author talks of streamlining life for our children—reducing clutter… and parent involvement, implementing schedules and routines, allowing rest and boredom for our children.  This was thought-provoking content for me, and I hope it is for you too!

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Dr. Ross Greene

This book is THE ABSOLUTE BEST resource for parents of any child with difficult behaviors or behaviors that you just don’t understand.  Not focusing on any specific diagnoses, Dr. Greene offers engaging content around a different approach to parenting that is centered around teaching skills such as frustration tolerance, adaptability and problem solving.  Dr. Greene teaches his own Collaborative Problem Solving model as a framework for parents to navigate life with these types of kids. 

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel

Offering a revolutionary approach to understanding children, Daniel Siegel, a neuropsychiatrist, offers 12 key strategies to foster healthy brain development.  With a compassionate style, the author offers age-appropriate strategies for day-to-day struggles in ways that help the reader easily conceptualize the fascinating material on our children’s brain.

No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Also written by Dr. Daniel Siegel, this book puts the ideas from The Whole Brain Child into practice. There are key illustrations that allow parents to visualize engaging with their children in a compassionate and understanding way.  The book focuses on parents’ reaction to children, as well as finding meaningful ways to truly connect with our kids.  He even offers tips on how to help a child through a tantrum.

Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Another great read by Drs. Cloud and Townsend; applying their innovative approach of boundaries to how we interact with our children.  Are the children the entire center of our household and family?  This content gives parents permission to say no to their kids and set boundaries that align with the vision for your family.

The Me, Me, Me Epidemic:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World by Amy McCready

Practical and chalk-full of strategies to use TODAY to instill a sense of gratitude and responsible behavior in your children.  McCready writes this with a clear purpose to raise confident, resilient, and successful children.  I use many of these strategies on a daily basis!

The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers by Dr. Meg Meeker

I scored this book at the dollar store, and fell in love with Dr. Meg Meeker’s approach to children.  She is a pediatrician, with many years of clinical experience interacting with moms.  She calls strongly on mothers to “have a backbone” and be leaders in their family, and encourages consistent self-care.  You are sure to love her ideas!

Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish

Surely we aren’t the only family that struggles with this?!  This book helps parents cope with conflict, suggests when and how to intervene, and teaches how to reduce competition.  The authors have taught parenting workshops for years and bring great questions and answers for moms like you and me.  Included are insightful depicted scenarios which even include some specific language to use in our interactions with our squabbling kids.

(Please note that these are affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy, click here.)

What would YOU add to this list? I am always up for a new read!