Book Recommendations

The Healing Power of Books

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

— Charles W. Eliot

One habit, pound for pound, has changed my own life more than any other: reading.

Slowing down, becoming present, and absorbing years worth of wisdom and knowledge from someone else’s life is truly such a gift.

I have compiled a list of ‘must-read’ books for anyone on their own journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Foundational Books

Lost Connections - Johann Hari

The book that has shaped my view on mental health and healing more than any other. This seminal work from a favourite author of mine, Johann Hari, radically altered the way I see human suffering - from a medicalized diagnostic model towards a view where our suffering is meaningful, a view where our pain has a story and it is only through exploring those stories that we can hope to find true solace.

The Myth of Normal - Gabor Maté

The magnum opus of one of my heroes. Gabor Maté, one of the pioneers in the field of trauma and addiction, draws on his decades of experience to meaningfully explore the current state of affairs in the world, and the way this impacts all of us. A powerful exploration of trauma and healing that I truly believe everyone should read.

How to Do the Work - Dr. Nicole LePera

As the paradigm shifts within psychology and mental health fields from a medical and genetic model to a more holistic approach, this book serves as a comprehensive and enlightening introduction. Exploring trauma, nervous system dysregulation, childhood conditioning, ego development and inner child work (plus more), LePera weaves together understanding and insights from her own journey of self-healing as well as stories from her clients and emerging clinical studies. A fantastic place to start.

The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday

Stoicism has wrongly earned a reputation for merely describing someone as ‘emotionless’ in our modern world, but a more thorough appraisal of this ancient school of philosophy shows its immense potential in helping us to live well. Whilst any of his other books are also worth reading, I believe this entry from Ryan Holiday is the best place to start and the book format that makes the powerful ideas contained within the easiest to digest. The ‘page-a-day’ format intentionally slows you down, allowing the wisdom to slowly absorb into your mind in a meaningful way.

No Bad Parts - Richard Schwartz

As I read ‘No Bad Parts’ for the first time, it felt as though questions I’ve had for a long time were finally answered, and as I finished the book I was left with a feeling of immense clarity and compassion towards both other people and myself. The Internal Family Systems model (IFS) is a paradigm shifting approach to healing trauma, and this book is a beautiful introduction and powerful exploration of the key concepts within the model.

The Wisdom of the Enneagram - Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

Over 20 years since its publication, it is still arguably the key text on the Enneagram. This is a truly special book - written with love and dedication that drip from every page. The Enneagram is a truly revelatory model to learn - not just to learn about yourself but to understand everyone on a deeper level - and this book serves as a comprehensive and luminous exploration.

Us - Terrence (Terry) Real

My go-to relationship focused book. This book is an absolute must-read for understanding and improving our relationships. This is one of those books that gives you “aha” moment after “aha” moment as he explores relationship dysfunction, and crucially where these patterns originate. Terry also explores several pathways towards healing and deeper connections with those we care most about.