book recs for my fellow book worms

Pretty regularly I will receive messages from clients, friends, or TGL readers requesting a list of book recommendations for various topics or phases of life. When someone shares an excellent rec with me, they automatically get bumped up a mental love notch in my head, so this is one of my favorite ways to "give" without actually having to spend a dime! I've whipped up a couple of recent favorites of mine for you, here. 

​Be sure to click "Read More" to see the whole list! Happy Reading :)

Currently on my nightstand:

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World

This book was part of my Haiti themed Christmas stocking from sister and Frank. Apparently, it is "required reading" for anyone headed to the country. I only began reading it 2 nights ago, but am already in love. The true story of Dr. Farmer is so deeply inspiring, if not wholly heart expanding. Your perspective on life, giving, service, and humanity will never be the same after reading this book. It is engaging on every level: mental, emotional, spiritual.

Brave Enough

I'm a sucker for a good quote. This mini collection houses the best of Cheryl Strayed's powerful Food for Thought messages (from all of her work), and is my current go-to for an instant shift in perspective.

Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

This is a monster of a book to get through, I'm not going to lie. As a collection of stories revolving around the ancient Wild Woman Archetype, it can feel a bit like a women's lit + folklore course. But, there are precious nuggets of wisdom and guidance to be found in it's pages. My recommendation (and what I'm currently doing) is to take your time reading. Unpack its layers with patience, and let the messages sink in slowly.

Rising Strong

I am currently enrolled in Brene Brown's CourageWorks program (all three classes) so am continuously referencing her work. Right now we are focused more on Daring Greatly, but Rising Strong is a tool I regularly keep on hand for my coaching sessions. My clients have benefitted greatly from her insights and years of research into human behaviors! 

My favorite reads from 2015 (not necessarily when they were published, just when I happened to get my hands on them!):

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City of Thieves

Leaving Time (with Bonus Novella Larger Than Life)

Far and away my most favorite book of 2015. This WWII story manages to be funny, daring, racy, and eye opening of true, nightmarish horrors happening in Russia during that time. I had no idea how little I knew about Russia during this war, and even though this is a work of fiction, it is inspired by true accounts...which, as you'll see, makes it even easier to devour. I can see that quite a few of my recommendations fall in a more "female" category, but if you are a dude -- this story is absolutely for you. I freaking loved this book.

This was a book club choice of mine, and it agreed with all 7 members...so, that's a pretty good sign! In order to not give anything away, just expect a lovely, mystical mystery that will absolutely make you fall in love with elephants. Or, since we all already know elephants are awesome, it will widen your heart for them even more. (Hint: the elephant facts in this piece of fiction are all true!) 

All the Light We Cannot See

Beautiful Ruins

Another WWII piece, this time sent in France. This work won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, which will not be a surprise once you have read it. It is beautifully, lyrically written with historical drama unfolding at an interesting pace. My heart raced on a number of occasions and felt lulled in others. You will root for the main characters, even when it surprises you.

​A romance, a bit of mystery, and multiple story tellers that will make you want to be on the Mediterranean immediately. I like books with varying character perspectives, so long as they are done well. Beautiful Ruins succeeds in this way, and also in convincing me that summer in Italy is a must someday...

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

Oh mylanta. This book. True stories of the gang related tragedies (still happening) in LA, as written by a priest who works to better the lives of the communities there. This is deeply moving, and will shift your perspective on what it means to struggle. I don't believe you need to be a Christian to appreciate this man's work, wisdom, and boundless compassion. I cried and laughed so many times reading this that Brandon ended up asking "what the heck are you reading?!" .

Big Little Lies

Call it "chick lit" or a "beach read" ...and you wouldn't exactly be wrong.  It's like reading a well written Real Housewives episode, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it's humor and mystery and not-so-serious-but-also-kinda-true observations about suburbia. This is a super fun read.

The Girl on the Train

Wonder

I wouldn't normally consider myself someone often drawn to mysteries, though this 2015 list does have a few. With this novel, I found myself desperately wanting to know what in the world happened to the missing character from the start. Again, with the help of varying perspectives from three female characters, I became super engaged and curious -- if not down right indignant! -- about knowing the truth.

Ok, so this *technically* was a book I read in 2014...but even so, I can't help but continue to insist on everyone reading! This is Young Adult fiction at its absolute best: sweet, thoughtful, encouraging, heart breaking and also up-lifting. You will want to hug your kids after reading this, and it should be required that all parents (Moms AND Dads) share this story with their children. It also feels impossible not to re-evaluate our own efforts towards kindness, friendship, and acceptance once this story takes hold of your heart.

What books have captured your hearts and minds recently? Leave a comment to share!

And, if you are looking for a particular genre recommendation, also leave me a note below! I'd love to think more on this and share an even greater, expansive list.

In Gratitude,

​Trish
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