Books that changed your life?

[Bluebellsinparadise]

Please tell me about the books that changed your life. I am going through a period of change/ growth and would love some inspiration! Name changed as feels very personal, but have been on here years (I’m not trying to push any books!).

These are mine:

The seven habits of highly effective people- Stephen Covey It was a revelation to me as a 20 something learning the habits that many people around me seemed to have learned from their (professional) parents - it positively helped me grow as a person too. Wish I’d have been taught these at school.

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero Wow this book had such a profound effect on me when I read it a few years ago. Lots of reviews seem to say similar. I became happier after struggling with mental health, my career skyrocketed in less than a year, I suddenly got treated with more respect, and I doubled my income. It had an incredibly empowering effect on me and helped me overcome imposter syndrome. I’m re-reading it now as I feel a bit stuck and already I’m having lots of new exciting opportunities present themselves to me. It’s also helping me overcome another period of self doubt.

So I’d love to hear your recommendations! They could be from any genre.... fiction to science or self help.

@Guineapigbridge I Know my DP will be just the same - I just wonder if I’m doing something new and he’s doing parenting the old way, then it’s going to undermine my new approach. Our DC can be shouty and I find myself repeatedly asking them to do stuff, the getting so annoyed I raise my voice. I do need to try a different approach- I think this book sounds great 👍

Get Rich Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield Thomas
It completely changed my relationship with money, I got out of my own way and thanks to that book and her lessons, I am a proud wealthy woman!

I second The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks- I felt seen

A little life

Never Mins

MrsPumpkinSeed
I’ve heard about the Organised mum but not read it. Is it easy to follow?

There is a daily sequence to follow (room per day) and a boot camp on a Friday.

There's an app and Facebook community. I think I won't do it strictly strictly but it will give me a focus on the Monday to Thursdays as I tend to do a big job a day any day i am off and that is working too.

@Bluebellsinparadise

For those of you who recommend parenting books- does it make a difference if you partner is/isn’t on board? I have tried to get my partner to read books, but he is only motivated to read the ones he wants to read.

It's certainly better if your OH also reads the books, or even just follow your lead. Sometimes they need to see results before they will agree it's worth reading the book. Sometimes it's possible to distil the advice into snippets that will make an impression. In HTTSKWL&LSKWT one such snippet would be to offer the dc two alternatives thats are^^ both acceptable to you.

Can I add one? In my twenties I read Rich Dad Poor Dad, started investing in assets rather than liabilities early, and now am financially free to do whatever I want in my forties.

@Dilbertian that’s a good point - break the key tactics down into little snippets and demonstrate it works. I do try to use the choice approach- but I’m not sure what the psychology behind this is so will definitely read this book over my holiday. Thanks x

@Guineapigbridge I have heard of this book - it’s a classic. I would have benefited from reading this when younger- I’m in a ok position but we’re not great at financial literacy in the UK. I have definitely muddled through and could have made much better decisions!

Please keep them coming!

I’m getting lots of ideas and I’m sure others reading will benefit too.

I think it’s amazing the power books can have. That sharing of knowledge/ stories can change the course of lives. Inspiring!

[quote beguilingeyes]@HauteGirlSummer You must watch The Handmaid's Tale. It's an incredible piece of television. As much for the stunning design as anything else. Despite all the horror it just looks so beautiful. It's streaming on All 4 at the moment. I believe that Atwood is heavily involved in the production.[/quote]
Okay will check it out. Didn't know it was on ALL4. It's always interesting to see if characters are cast as what you imagined them .

This is a great thread - going to be buying a few of these

Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
Women Who Think Too Much: How to break free of overthinking and reclaim your life.

Helps stop replaying the past in your head over and over.

@Galassia I need this book!!

'Why we sleep' by Matthew Walker. Really convinced me to prioritise sleep (and made me into a bit of a lecturing zealot )

'Unconditional Parenting' by Alfie Kohn. Read way back when my teens were little and it felt like validation of my instincts and helped me to have more empathy during some of the tougher times.

Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. I read it first years ago, and have re-read it a few times since.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Read it as a teenager. She was right.

@MasterGland Silent Spring is a seminal book for the environmental movement, definitely want to read it

I like the sound of the Alain de Botton book- it’s a trap you can easily fall into - comparing yourself to others. I think social media has made it worse and I stopped using most SM for this reason. I have heard him talk on podcasts about happiness and found myself nodding along.

@Nordstrom great book- I have watched Matthew Walker’s Ted and google talks and was amazed by the impact sleep has on the human mind and body.

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda.

Initiation by Elisabeth Haich.

Read them over 30 years ago and put me on the spiritual path.

Bookmarking this thread frankly.

@CarpeVitam

The Women's Room, Marilyn French.

Yes to this one and also The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer. Published in 1970, it still resonates today. Sadly.

He's just not that into you.

This book changed my life.

@MasterGland

Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. I read it first years ago, and have re-read it a few times since.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Read it as a teenager. She was right.

Thanks for this. I just downloaded The Consolation of Philosophy bu Alain de Bottan. I'd not heard of him before

Ps great thread @Bluebellsinparadise

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson.

Really made me think and motivated me into action to make practical changes to my life a couple of years ago.

I'm reaping the benefits now as I'm making a major downsizing house move which has been a relative breeze compared to previous experiences.

So many great sounding books to explore- thanks everyone

Any on the subject of confidence and defeating imposter syndrome?