I’m back today with two more books. I feel like I just posted about two books to read, so I hope you’re not sick of my recommendations. These two books are AMAZING. I hope you get the chance to read them as soon as possible because they’re that good.
I downloaded 10% Happier on a whim. (I use the Hoopla app to download audiobooks from my library.) I had no idea what the book was about when I picked it. It just looked interesting and showed up in the “top downloaded” section. Imagine my surprise when I found out that it’s essentially about how Dan Harris (the journalist) discovered the power of meditation.
At the beginning of the summer, I talked about my 100-day meditation streak, and I’m still going strong. (Today is Day #159.) The book is structured more like a memoir than a self-help book, so it’s an interesting, and easy, read. I walked away with new tips and an even deeper appreciation for meditation. I actually want to go on a meditation retreat now!
Presence has been sitting on my nightstand since Christmas, and I’m pretty annoyed with myself that it took me this long to read it. One of my dad’s golf friends (who happens to be my high school friend’s dad too) recommended that I read this while we had lunch together over the holidays. He actually didn’t recommend it so much as he raved about it. He told us that he bought a huge stack of books and handed them out to everyone in his office for Christmas gifts.
My mom and I read this at the same time and kept sending each other notes. We both loved this book. You’re probably familiar with Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk in which she talked about “power poses,” specifically the Super Woman pose.
The book does a deep dive on power posing. It’s a good mix of scientific research and anecdotal evidence. The balance between the two makes the book an easy read– you walk away knowing a lot more information, but the personal stories keep the pace moving along.
I can see why my friend’s dad recommended this book to everyone. I’ve been doing the same. I think it should be required reading for every high schooler, every college student, every young professional, every parent, and everyone else who has ever suffered from even an ounce of self-doubt. Seriously: READ IT!
Any good books on your nightstand right now?
Adding both of these to my lists! We are heading to the lake this weekend so I am in definite need of a few books to take.
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Congratulations on your meditation streak, it really is incredible! The two books you recommended, especially the second one, sound interesting. Will give them a try if I get the chance!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I just finished hillbilly elegy from your last book post and also had to give it 5 stars!!! 10% happier is definitely up on my list though. Otherwise, I’m finishing an old favorite, The Tao of Pooh 🙂
Ps- I know you get a lot of books in the mail and have a huge TBR list on the nightstand, but have you considered joining Book of the Month Club? It’s a national book club that has been around since 1924. You could pick your book every month and we can follow along with you 😊
Cheers!
I absolutely love both of these! I’d had Presence recommended to me before, but the 100% Happier looks like a read I’m even more interested to bite into first!
Thanks for these Carly!
I hope you have a lovely Tuesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
I’m really enjoying Hillbilly Elegy (thanks for the rec!) – I trust your judgement and will have to try Presence next!
Thanks for sharing– I love self-help style books! I’m starting to pick meditation up to help with anxiety as I transition back to college this fall and definitely want to give 10% Happier a look.
Alex // preppybeancounter.blogspot.com
I read the first, and heard great things about the second so i’m def gonna read it ASAP now!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
I read 10% Happier a couple of years ago and then picked up a couple of the books that Dan Harris recs near the end. One of them is called Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart (Mark Epstein) and I found it one of the best books I’ve ever read on the subject. Definitely check it out. =-)
Oh! Will have to check it out!
Always love your recommendations Carly! Right now I’m reading The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Curated Closet. I haven’t gotten hooked yet on The Woman in Cabin 10 only because it seems very similar to Girl On The Train, but I’m not that far in. If you haven’t already read it, I would highly recommend My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella. It’s so real, witty and relateable!
I’ve never heard of either of these books so thank you for sharing! Adding them to my TBR list now!
10% happier is fantastic. Relateable and honest. Just added Presence to my list.
I always love your book recommendations! Thank you!!
I LOVED 10% Happier! I read it a few years ago after my mom suggested it. It gave me new perspective on things.
Keep the book reviews coming! I add them all to my Goodreads shelf!
Add these to my list of books to read!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
I’ve got Search Inside Yourself. Written by the Google Engineer who promotes meditation. Google recognizes the fact that a more productive person is someone who is relaxed and can be present. I’m still reading it. To be honest, there are aome parts I like and some i don’t agree on, but overall it’s proven helpful thus far. It was recommended to me because of my need to meditate. Next will be Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport. I have so much trouble in focusing and I need ao much of it while i write my Dissertation. So I will take any help I can get.
10% Happier sounds like a book I’d really enjoy reading. Currently, I’m reading It Happens in the Hamptons, it’s a pretty light summer type read. I just picked up Spark Joy by Marie Kondo and I think I’ll read that next.
I love reading so this post is very useful!
Keep up the great work! x
-Daria
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/daria-edu-19010657
http://dariaed.com/
I am always excited to get more book recommendations! Currently I’m reading Far From the Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy.
And I have to say, I love the Book of the Month club idea. Or something similar like your own CP book club!
Adding these right now as I was looking for some good books! Thank you for sharing and always share good reads with us please!
Nice work on your meditation. That takes some real dedication. I liked your two book recommendations. I have actually written a blog post about the benefits of meditation when dealing with stress. A book that I am currently reading is The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms by Beth L. Buelow. This is a great read for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur but struggles with the suggestion that one must be an extrovert to compete in this arena. She tackles the subject and provides guidance to confront your fears and play to your strengths. Thanks for your suggestions!
I keep hearing about 10% happier and wanting to read it, but then I just dissuade myself because I tell myself meditation takes too long and is too hard and blah blah. I need to suck it up. Never heard of Presence, but I am VERY intrigued. It looks right up my alley (for some reason I can’t stop reading self help books– have you read You Are a Badass yet? It’s life changing!
Thank you so much for posting the link to Amy Cuddy’s Ted Talk. I just watched it and it was so informative, inspiring and made so much sense. I am going to share it as well.