Are you a reader?
Lately I have been OBSESSED with reading and for some reason, I can never read just one book at a time, I’ve always got multiples hanging out on my nightstand.
So today I thought it would be fun to share about the 5 books I’m currently reading and why I love them in case you’re wanting some inspiration for your next book!
#1: The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become And How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The concept of showing up is one I talk about a lot in my life and also in my work with clients. Adult life is so full on when it comes to responsibilities, choices, consequences and heartache.
I’m currently soaking up this amazing book, which yes, is about parenting, but is also just about being human and understanding so much of the neuroscience and attachment theory underneath who we are and how we function.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to feel more educated, aware and confident around how to navigate the complex ride of parenting. It provides such an honest and hopeful lens on trauma, healing and the power of authentic connection.
#2: Finding Freedom: Harry & Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand
When I was a girl, I had a phase where I was totally into Prince Harry. Memories of my obsession make for some pretty funny family jokes and so when I recently opened the mail and found that my mother had sent me the New York Times Best Seller biography of Harry and Meghan I couldn’t wait to open it.
Hands down, it is the fastest I have read through any book (other than Michelle Obama’s autobiography Becoming). Although I know this book comes with a lot of controversy as does Harry and Meghan’s relationship and the choices they’ve made, I could not put it down.
The details of royal life and all that it entails are just the icing on the cake. This book is really about family dynamics, love, loss, the courage to be one’s self, race, culture and the power of being true to a higher vision against all odds. I highly recommend this. It also inspired me to go deep into learning more about Meghan Markle who is an incredibly powerful and inspiring woman.
#3: My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Process of Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
As part of my ongoing commitment to take my antiracist work as seriously as I take my anti-patriarchy work, I have been reading and taking a class with Karine Bell and Resmaa Menakem.
This book is powerful and deep, confronting and ground breaking. I encouraged my husband to read it and so we have also been talking a lot about it together when we get the chance.
As my heart continues to break, particularly with the recent verdict in the Breonna Taylor case and how justice has not been served, this book and Resmaa’s work continue to provide a really solid framework and understanding about how I can continue to take greater responsibility both individually and collectively.
#4: Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create and Lead by Tara Sophia Mohr
I originally read this book many years ago when it first came out but I keep it close at hand because whenever I need loving, gentle and kind reminders about how to play big, I turn to Tara for wisdom.
Playing big, in her definition, is really about women defining what playing big means to them. Whether it is having the courage to bring another child into the world, stepping back from a stressful career path to pursue quieter/creative endeavors or speaking on stages, this book guides the reader through powerful and accessible exercises to deal with the self-doubt, imposter syndrome and perfectionism that so many women wrestle with.
As my podcast project gets closer and closer to being ready for the world I am revisiting this book every time I get afraid and lose stamina.
#5: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brene Brown
And last but certainly not least, another book I have read and am currently re-reading, is one of my all time favorite Brene Brown books. Dare to Lead is incredible for this time.
I was recently talking with a friend who was referring to how much anti-leadership we are seeing in the world right now. It is true and it is heartbreaking, infuriating and discouraging to see the egregious and dysfunctional ways that people are operating in some of the highest positions of worldly power.
Whenever I see this kind of behavior, I try my best to not collapse and instead to double down on my own leadership. I double down on my own commitments to empathy, to respect for all of human life and to using my life as a force for positivity, connection, health and healing.
This book is full of so many powerful stories, examples and ideas about how to reckon with our leadership and why it is more important than ever that we do so.
Okay! That’s what I got for you today.
As always, I am sending my heartfelt support and care to you wherever you’re at on your journey.
Emma
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