Five Books You Need to Read

There are books that I always recommend. I did an Instagram Live to talk about my favorite reads. Here are the books that I have gained so much value from that are worth sharing!

I feel like a worthwhile book is like meeting up with a good friend. You can pick it up and just go back to where you left off. Moreover, a good book continues to bring something to your life depending on what page you land on.

Listen to the episode:

I have five books, plus two more, that always stay on my shelf. These are books on life, creating, leading, and parenting. Alright, here they are:

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Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

This book explores the concept of shame and vulnerability. Brene, a researcher, talks about the things that we do that keep ourselves from feeling vulnerable. Moreover, how that gets in the way of living our lives to the fullest. This is a must read. Actually, pretty much anything from Brene, including her podcast Unlocking Us, is worth your time.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Are you creative? I feel like this book is perfect for us creative folks out there. Here’s why: Elizabeth talks about all aspects of leading a creative life. She gets into the idea of flow, that “big magic”, that occurs when you are in a zone. Elizabeth explains how we can’t always be in that state as a creative and that’s ok. Additionally, she reminds us that every job has some crummy part to it. Such a good read!

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth

Next, being “othered” can make you feel like you are the only one going through it. Reading this book will bring you to the realization that you aren’t alone in that experience. Also, that resonated with me as an Afrolatina. You can read my post on my experience here. Elaine takes us through her life, from being a child who is biracial to being editor at Teen Vogue. It’s relatable and makes you like her even more than before.

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded by Michael Watkins

Moving out of your comfort zone isn’t easy. In fact, when it comes to your career, it can result in making mistakes. This book was recommended to me when I was going from being part of a team of psychologists to an administrator. For example, I needed to shift my mindset to avoid mistakes. This book was a tremendous resource for me during that transition. It assisted me in accelerating my learning. You can read more about being a psychologist in this post here.

Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media by Brittany Hennessy

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you know that there are “Influencers” in the social media space. However, what you maybe didn’t know is that it is an actual business. This evolving industry is complicated while also being lucrative. Brittany breaks down the various aspects of the influencer landscape. Additionally, she is a bank of knowledge. Brittany was also a guest on the Don’t Mix In podcast. You can listen here.

Bonus Books

These are books for parents and caregivers that have impacted my career and parenting.

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

You know those times when you read something and it completely transforms your perspective? That is what this book did for me as a parent and psychologist. Dr.Ross Greene brings forth the idea that “kids do well when they can“. This idea means that we need to explore how to support kids in doing better. Also, he provides a framework to invite kids to join in solving problems together. So good!

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Finally, this is a must read for parents! This book offers insight into the developing brain of a child. It dives deep into key strategies that parents can utilize to help their children with self-regulation. Moreover, it emphasizes how parents can explain how the brain works to their own children.