If you’re looking to read truly life-changing books this quarantine instead of fluff (and no judgment if you want to just read fluff because seriously, I get it), here are some books that came out this year that are absolutely incredible, and I’m continuing to work through them and go back to them over and over.

1) Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad

This book should be mandatory reading for all white people or people who pass as white.  It will make you uncomfortable, sad, defensive, angry, and every other emotion that you’ve likely been avoiding.  It’s not just highly informative- it’s an actual workbook for you to write out your thoughts and responses to her prompts so that you can learn and change your behaviors in a way that is more sensitive and will help you to be a “good ancestor.”  I am still actively working through this book after going through it once, and can see myself going back through it again and again.

 

2) Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities, and Our Planet- One Bite at a Time by Dr. Mark Hyman

This book will also make you sad and upset and disgusted, but at the food industry and the government, and the twisted way that all of it works.  You’ll also get depressed about the environment, soil conditions, how food plays a role in racism and socioeconomic issues, and so much more, but also feel empowered about the solutions that Dr. Hyman suggests and the ways that you personally can affect change.  This book should be required reading for everyone, because we all eat, and the food choices we make affect EVERYONE.  This is NOT a book that is pushing solely plant-based eating.  It is a book that educates you about the entire system, and advocates for a regenerative farming approach that also incorporates animals (but does leave room for people who want to eat solely plant-based to do so; his personal approach and recommendations are around eating meat as a condiment, rather than a huge chunk of meat as a centerpiece of a meal).  Do yourself a favor, and read this important book.

 

3) The Calling: 3 Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Paid, and Do Good by Rha Goddess

Rha Goddess is such an amazing coach and an inspiring woman, and she runs a successful company called Move the Crowd.  In this book she teaches you ways to shift your thinking and being in order to align yourself with your goals and get paid to do the things you love.  If you’re an entrepreneur, or an inspiring entrepreneur, this book will help you to explore the ways you may be limiting or holding yourself back, and how you can get on track to realizing your dreams.

 

4) Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic’s Guide to Growth and Fulfillment by Dave Hollis

I’ll be honest, this one is on my “to read” list and I’m waiting patiently for the audiobook from the library, but I wanted to include it because I’ve listened to Dave (and Rachel) for years and find his messages and perspective inspiring, and I’ve listened to sections of this book already.  Like Dave, I am practical and tend to be a little skeptical, and while I’ve generally gotten out of my own way most of the time, I know that reading his journey will also bring a light to some areas of my life where I’m turning a blind eye.  It makes me so happy when you watch someone grow in real time, and the fact that he has really stepped into his own the last couple years makes me want to support him and see the culmination of his work so far.  While this was originally written with men in mind, many women have read it and felt inspired, so this is one for anyone to check out.  Obviously if you haven’t read his wife Rachel’s books, they’re amazing and I’d put those on this list too, but I wanted to highlight books written in 2020 that you may not have read yet!

 

All of these books are typically available at your local library, and in audio version as well, so they are easily accessible, and don’t require spending any money if you’re short on funds right now.  If you feel up to some personal development, check these books out, and get ready to feel uncomfortable as you explore your own edges…then feel empowered as you step into a new way of being.

xo,

Jen