11 books that have changed my fucking life
A list of the books that have made me braver, sexier and smarter.
If you haven’t read any of the following books I am about to list in this newsletter, congratulations. I am officially VERY fucking envious of you!
I would do anything to experience them for the first time again. These are the books that I have SHOVED into the hands of everyone I love - the books that have changed how I think, create, dream and live.
“What books do you recommend?” is one of the questions I’m asked most frequently as an author, so I thought I’d start off STRONG with a short, essential reading list of the books that have had the most impact on my life.
I must warn you, I have a thing for blunt, un-censored, no-bullshit writers. GOD I love them! While most people dance around the point they’re trying to make or regurgitate trending opinions they’ve read online because they’re safe, tested and proven-not-to-get-you-cancelled, I fucking love it when a writer really goes there with something original and says the TRUTH. The uncomfortable, complicated and nuanced human truths that we all think, but rarely dare to say out loud. It’s the kind of writer that I strive to be: audacious and sharp, while still being a fucking delight to read.
Reading books is one of the most important habits to cultivate because it makes life fucking magical. A book allows us to ‘try on’ another person’s life, experiencing the world through their lens and wearing it like a pair of glasses. When I’m reading something good, the authors perspective tinges the colour of everything I see in my real life, far beyond the pages of the book. It feels like I have them as a companion narrating everything around me, pointing out the beauty of things I’d never noticed before.
A good book will colour your lens temporarily, but a GREAT book will stain the glass for years long after, becoming part of the way you see the world permanently. These are those books for me - the books I forever return to, like wise old friends who tell me the truth whenever I need it the most.
If you’d like to purchase the books I’ve left an affiliate link below each title for the physical copies - but if you prefer audiobooks - almost ALL of them are available for free on Spotify in the UK.
Okay, let’s get into it!
10 books that have changed my life
The Power of Now By Eckhart Tolle
This book is so powerful I nearly teared up writing this review, because I realised a book may never EVER make me feel this way again.
People say this book finds YOU when you need it and my god was that true for me. You need to be in a very specific place emotionally and spiritually to truly experience this book - and not just understand it. If it doesn’t land straight away, don’t dismiss it! I suggest keeping a copy on your shelf and waiting until life calls you to read it. That might sound crazy, but it worked for me and every person I’ve recommended it to.
I first read it while wandering through the winding streets of Tokyo, so engrossed that I was dodging cars and motorbikes with my peripheral vision. I could not put it down. It became the perfect companion to hold my hand through the slow burn of my second spiritual awakening (yes, second - I’ll explain another time).
This book will make you more present, live more intentionally and experience awe on a level you cannot even comprehend.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
This book is brutal, humbling and gorgeous. It’s not a polite book and it will not hold your hand. Probably since the author wasn’t thinking about the ‘reader’ at all; these are notes from the diary of Marcus Aurelius - the leader of the Roman Empire - who was writing private notes to HIMSELF about how to be a better person. He had no clue anyone would ever read it.
Despite being written 2,000 years ago, his reflections are freakishly relatable. This book never fails to give me the exact wisdom I need in any moment of my life. When I’m obsessing over what people think, slipping out of my healthy habits or needing a kick of self discipline, I just pick this up, take it for a walk and it straightens me out every fucking time.
It’s a life bible for anyone who refuses to waste their time and wants to SQUEEZE every drop out of life for all it’s worth!
The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
I read this book during the pandemic and it gave me such an aggressive awakening that I broke out in spots and journaled obsessively about it for days. I didn’t think I could become MORE furious at the stealthy, manipulative control tactics of patriarchy until I read this book.
It’s my feminist bible and have referenced it heavily in my latest book, Women Living Deliciously. Every woman should own this, especially those struggling to feel at home in their bodies or who punish themselves for how they look.
Awe by Dacher Keltner
If you’re feeling depressed, miserable, disconnected and as though life has lost its magic, just read this BLOODY book.
While finishing my own book last year in Tokyo, I was researching the science behind the transcendental feelings of wonder and awe I was experiencing on a frequent basis. I wanted to know WHY I felt like crying tears of euphoria when I listened to Pink Floyd. How, when the sun hits my skin and I hear the sound of birds, or during the first sip of strong coffee in the morning, I feel so HIGH I want to run around telling everyone I love them. I wanted to know the science behind those intangible luxuries that money can’t buy. Is something happening in my brain? Is it something sacred? Is it GOD?
I discovered Keltner’s research on awe through a podcast episode and it showed me I’m not alone in my curiosity. I was worried that learning the ‘science’ behind my spiritual experiences might dull the magic a little - but this book only deepened it. I cried in a cafe when I discovered his work because it really was the missing piece for completing my book. I suggest listening to the audiobook, you can actually hear his love and respect for life in his voice.
Fuck, I think I’ve just convinced myself to listen to it again.
The Way of Integrity By Martha Beck
If you’re feeling stuck or as though you have lost your ‘spark’, this book will help you find your way back.
I read this book right before I completely burned out - exhausted, screaming into my pillows every morning, ready to explode and tell everyone in my life to FUCK OFF. Martha Beck explains how living out of alignment with your true desires can make you sick, anxious and depressed. She shows you the way back to your most authentic and delicious life in the most human, hilarious and beautiful way possible.
I was also lucky enough to interview Martha Beck on my old podcast! You can listen to our conversation here.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Essential reading for creative people (hello, all human beings!) about the magic of creativity, how to work with your inner muse and live a deeply delicious creative life. She makes the connection between spirituality and creativity undeniable. It’s one of the most profound, moving books I’ve ever read. I quote some of the stories that Elizabeth shares in this book in my conversations with writers on a regular basis, because they’re THAT mind blowing. SHE is mind blowing. This book is magic.
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Jesus fucking christ. How do I even begin to review this book?
Just read it. Trust me. And if you don’t trust me, trust Oprah - she’s just brought it back to her bookclub for the SECOND time.
Eckhart has a way of forcing you to confront the ego and its destructive effect on our lives and the planet - while somehow managing to leave you feeling hopeful and optimistic about it all. I started reading this book on a trip to a cabin in the woods and finished it on a writing trip to Istanbul. I found myself crying tears of joy in the middle of the street and staying up at night in fascination of everything that it was allowing me to understand about my tiny place within the universe.
If I could choose one book to have selective amnesia for - just so I could experience it for the first time again - it would be this book.
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
This book is so good, you’ll feel nuts that you ever lived without it.
You’ll also find yourself using the word ‘untethered’ a lot. Isn’t it so delicious?
I was once reading this book in a cafe and a man literally shouted “THAT BOOK IS BRILLIANT, IT SAVED MY FUCKING LIFE”.
If you’re tired of having your own thoughts ruin your day and feel constantly dissatisfied, OR you’re curious about spirituality but don’t want something fluffy, read this. Singer is another writer who will NOT hold your hand. Just read it, you wont regret it. It’s absolutely essential for every human being.
I also love watching Singers interviews on Youtube. That man is magic.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I didn’t expect to put a book about money on this list, but this one had to be here. I’ve read tons of business books but this was the first book I’ve ever bought on money specifically - and it left me feeling INSANELY financially empowered! Essential reading for every human being that wants to change their relationship to money and feel in control of their future. It’s sold over 6 million copies for a reason!
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
Anthony De Mello wants you to WAKE UP!!!!! And yes, he shouts this at you multiple times throughout the book. I love it.
This is for people who are ready to stop getting in their own way and live a more peaceful life. And who the fuck doesn’t want that?! His teachings are very similar to Eckhart Tolle’s but with more energy and more YELLING!
I bought this book because Tim Ferris once said he keeps an entire bookcase FULL of this book in his home, just to hand it to every guest who visits. If that’s not the best endorsement for a book you’ve ever heard in your life…
‘The Art of Frugal Hedonism’ by Annie Raser Rowland and Adam Grubb
This book planted a seed in me a few years ago that caused me to sell 90% of my possessions last summer.
It was my gateway drug into minimalism - a word I used to fear until I realised it just means living with intention. Making sure you’re not collecting a load of crap that serves no purpose in your life is actually a pretty fucking cool way to live. I have made a lot of radical changes in my life over the last year (I will write about them here soon!) that involve spending less, taking on fewer responsibilities and intentionally living a much ‘smaller’ life to get MORE joy.
If you’re overwhelmed from over-consumption, exhausted from following trends, drowning in stuff you don’t need or dreading the idea of living just to pay the bills - read this book. It’s for anyone craving a simpler, more intentional life.
It was truly PAINFUL to narrow this list down because I’ve had to leave out so many others I love. I’ll definitely write more lists in the future, but for now, this is the strongest, short selection I could make!
If I had more time I would create a book club for us all to read, chat and discuss them, but for now we can use the comments section below and the group-chat!
What books have changed your life? Have you read any of these above?
I was buzzing with excitement when you said you were going to share a reading list! Books have been SO pivotal in my growth, and I love hearing about what changed other people. I’ve only read two books on this list but all but one of the rest have been on my radar for ages, and I’m going to use this as motivation to get to the rest. “The Way of Integrity” is one of my books I recommend to everyone too, And I’m always recommending “Big Magic” to creative folks. So so good. I’m currently reading Martha Beck’s new book “Beyond Anxiety” and I think that’s going to be a game changer too. Some books that deeply affected my thinking: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, When You’re Ready this is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest, Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe, Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee, How to do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Aaaah! So many good books. Like you, I could go on for ages. Thanks for bringing some bookish delight to my day <3
I’m so excited to read these! Thank you so much for sharing! Ironically, I just picked Big Magic back up yesterday after getting sidetracked from it about a year and a half ago and I’m so glad I did. I needed to read what I’m reading now, not a year and a half ago. I was so glued to it that I read half the book just yesterday! I love the feeling of being called to a book and knowing when it’s time to read it. I do that with books - put them on the shelf and admire them until it’s their moment to shine. I can feel it. And how magical it is when the book truly comes at the right time! The Power of Now has lived on my shelves for years now and I’m excited for its moment. I know it’ll be a good one.