5 Books That Made Me Reflect

Outlining books that made an impact and stuck with me.

Reading has been a constant in my life. There have been seasons where it ebbs and flows, but I make it a priority regardless of what is going on. Once I get into a good book there are so many beautiful benefits. Other than the obvious fact that is proven to improve your memory, focus, imagination, and comprehension; it also can help improve your mental health by reducing stress and learning new traits that allow you to reflect and grow. Let me be clear, I believe this to be true for both fiction and nonfiction books. Nonfiction books may present the lessons and information in a clear, structured way while fiction books are a bit more abstract but they still provide a moral or a takeaway. All of this to say, whatever you are reading, I’m a full supporter! 

I also think it is important to read books that might push us out of our comfort zone and make us think more deeply. To me personally, it’s incredibly important to stay in tune with all perspectives. I am firmly rooted in my faith and values, and I truly believe that allows me to hear other viewpoints while protecting my peace. So, keep in mind that these books made me think, this is not to say I agree with everything that was written in them. I wanted to provide clarity on that point because, unfortunately, we live in a world that likes to make assumptions and place people in these limiting boxes that don’t allow for growth and understanding. I also appreciate the fact that I know I won’t have the same faith, values, and mindset as everyone else in this world but I can certainly still learn something from them and they can make me think, just like these books did.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell is a well-respected author, journalist, and public speaker. I first found him through his podcast Revisionist History. I enjoyed how he presented his thoughts and made mundane topics come alive all while providing an unconventional spin. When I signed up for Audible, one of the first books I listened to was Outliers: The Story of Success. He narrated the book and I love when that happens because only the author can truly convey the tone and feel of the book that they wrote. I remember listening and going to grab a notebook because there were so many fascinating points he made that I wanted to jot down (I’m a note-taker, list-maker kind of gal). In this book, he examines what contributes, and doesn’t contribute, to success by breaking down interesting examples from the likes of The Beatles, Joe Flom, and Bill Gates.

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff

Bob Goff is the best storyteller. I was introduced to Love Does by a friend in High School whom I did a small group with. This smaller book packs a punch, in the best way possible. I cried, I laughed, I reflected, and grew in the span of reading this book. It is a book that I revisit frequently, in fact, I have a new copy of the book (I tend to give copies away, ha!) that I need to highlight and tab again. It serves as a reminder that we are called to Love.  Love God and love others just as God loves us. So, so simple. So, so difficult. Bob Goff lives a fascinating life with a mission to love God and love others and it is awe-inspiring. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, this is a must-read, life-altering book. 

Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff

Here we are again with another Bob Goff book! This time he shares more of his travels, adventures, and experiences through the lens that we are called to love everybody, always. No matter what. No matter who. I listened to this on Audible and it is another wonderful display of an author bringing life to their book by narrating it. Encouraging a life of unconditional love, Bob Goff explains this concept through stories of grief, love, and humor all the while returning to the point that God’s love for us is unconditional and eternal. Wouldn’t it be a lovely world if we lived in such a way? If you might be struggling with finding love in an unloving world, this might be a place to start and make a change that will impact others.

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

James Clear’s book became somewhat of a phenomenon in the world of self-improvement books. It was, and still remains, in the top recommendations and must-read lists. I have listened to it twice now and each time I take away an applicable skill to create healthy, positive habits. For most, life is fast-paced and it can often feel overwhelming to do all of the things, maintain success (however that looks for you), and keep up with laundry. This book is full of small, tiny, atom-sized habits to implement into your own life. The way that James Clear begins the book builds his credibility and affability. He narrates this book and as I’ve mentioned before it brings another level of understanding to the listener. Not only does he provide great insight on habit building and real-life applications, but he also shares additional resources that can be accessed separately to help reinforce the process of habit-building. He speaks about building healthy habits but equally shares the psychology behind bad habits and why they can be so difficult to kick. Like I said, it is easy to take small bits of this book and start using the strategies in your life and see the outcomes change. 

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B Peterson

Jordan B Peterson is a clinical psychologist, author, professor, and public speaker. Blossoming from a Quora answer, this book outlines his 12 Rules for Live, which has now evolved into more rules and a second book. Forewarning that this book isn’t necessarily as story-like as previously mentioned books and dabbles with more academic language, as is the nature of a clinical psychologist. Each chapter outlines one of his proposed rules with stories to back them up. An interesting perspective to listen to and take something away from. Jordan B Peterson narrates this book as well and I found it easier to understand than if I had attempted to read it in physical copy.

Books that are on my To-Be-Read/To-Be-Finished shelf:

• Embrace Your Almost: Find Clarity and Contentment in the In-Betweens, Not-Quites, and Unknowns by Jordan Lee Dooley

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

• The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch & Jeffery Zaslow

• The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World by Admiral William H McRaven

• Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese

• The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

• How Are You, Really?: Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time by Jenna Kutcher

• I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working by Shauna Niequist

• Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff

This week I’m encouraging those of you who are willing and able, to read Embrace Your Almost alongside me. Each Friday in September I will be sending out a newsletter specific to certain chapters we have read in this book so we can discuss, reflect, and share. If you would like more information about this, head back to my previous post entitled Find Your Coziest Chair and Read With Me. 

I would love to hear from you in the comments! Let me know if you have read any of these books, or if there are books you have read that made you think.

Have a lovely long weekend.

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