Books That Make You Think: 5 Reads for Self-Reflection and Healing
A good book can offer us a tremendous amount of comfort. They can help us make sense of our emotions, relationships, and difficulties. Here are five books that can provide a new perspective and change the way you view your own experiences.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
In her memoir, Dolly Alderton explores her evolving understanding of love at different stages in her life. She discusses the pressure—both internal and external—that she felt to find a partner and how society often measures a woman's success by her relationship status.
While Alderton celebrates the joy of romantic love, she also emphasizes the profound importance of friendship. She challenges the notion that being in a romantic relationship should be the ultimate goal. Instead, she reflects on how her friendships have become her favorite love story—one filled with warmth, support, and meaning.
If you're feeling stuck in modern dating or questioning what love should look like, this book is for you. Alderton's writing is a heartfelt reminder that love and connection come in many forms, all of which are worth celebrating.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
"The Body Keeps the Score" is a groundbreaking book that examines trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traditionally, trauma has been viewed as a psychological response to distressing events. However, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk challenges this notion by demonstrating, through research and clinical narratives, that trauma is not just something we experience in our thoughts and memories—it is deeply embedded in our bodies. Trauma is stored in our muscles, nervous system, and physiological responses, influencing how we interact with ourselves and the world around us.
Van der Kolk explores various therapeutic interventions that support trauma survivors. These include somatic techniques, EMDR, and mindfulness. He highlights how these approaches help survivors reconnect with themselves and offers a more holistic approach to healing.
This book has been a source of profound validation and hope for many. If you want to better understand trauma and how healing works, The Body Keeps the Score is the book for you.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Alborn
"Tuesdays with Morrie" narrates the final conversations between author Mitch Albom and his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is confronting a terminal illness. During their weekly meetings, Morrie imparts profound lessons about life, death, and everything in between.
Morrie discusses the concept of radical acceptance, urging us to embrace life as it is, rather than how we wish it to be. He critiques the pressures of Western society, where success is often defined by productivity. Instead, he emphasizes the significance of human connection, being present, and finding peace within ourselves. Morrie's insights encourage readers to reflect on what they genuinely want from life.
This book is for anyone who feels like they are doing the “right things” but still not feeling how they want to.
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
“No Bad Parts” provides a detailed overview of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model. Schwartz introduces the concept that our minds are made up of different "parts," each with its own emotions, voice, and protective mechanisms shaped by our life experiences.
When difficult emotions such as anger, shame, or guilt arise, our instinct is often to push them away. However, Schwartz advocates for a different approach: instead of suppressing these parts, we should learn to listen to them, understand what they are trying to protect us from, and work with them instead of against them. Through this process, we can cultivate deeper self-compassion and achieve healing.
This book is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, develop a more compassionate inner dialogue, and break free from patterns of self-judgment.
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
"The Mountain is You" is a book that focuses on deep healing and self-transformation. The author addresses how we can often become our own worst enemies and delves into the concept of self-sabotage—explaining why it occurs, how it manifests in our lives, and what it takes to break the cycle.
She challenges the notion of performative self-care, emphasizing the importance of genuine, lasting change. Through discussions on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and extensive inner work, she guides readers in recognizing patterns and behaviors that no longer serve them. Additionally, she offers strategies for developing new, healthier habits.
This book is for anyone feeling stuck. It can help build self-confidence and encourage you to take the next step, whatever that may be.
If you're looking for books that offer insight, validation, or practical tools, these five are must-reads. Whether you're navigating relationships, healing from trauma, or working toward personal growth, these books can guide you through the journey.
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