We read to learn, grow and remember that we’re not alone.
I keep updating this list.
P.S. My favourite online place to find books is Better World Books. They’re second-hand, inexpensive and our purchases contribute to donations and literature funding. Here’s my referral code (I don’t gain anything from this, except for the satisfaction someone might get a good discount).
General Wellbeing
- How to Be An Adult by David Richo
A very practical handbook on to do the personal work (processing childhood pains, increasing self-esteem, addressing grief, anger, guilt), relationship work (boundaries, intimacy, trust) and psycho-spiritual integration (Jungian shadow work). I highly recommend this book, it was transformational.
- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Yes, this is technically a children’s book. It’s full of wisdom, love and friendship – which I think makes it a great book for all ages. I highly recommend it if you’re feeling a bit lonely, low or insecure.
- The 12 Steps to Self-Parenting for Adult Children by Philip Oliver-Diaz. & Patricia O’Gorman
Relationships
- Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood
Sometimes, unhealthy relationships can be powerfully addictive. Loving ‘too much’ can be a problematic behavioural pattern that takes roots in unmet needs in childhood. Highly recommend the book.
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver
- The State of Affairs : Rethinking Infidelity by Dr. Esther Perel
Psycho-Somatic/Trauma
- Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth
Our relationship with food is reflects with our relationship with ourselves. When we unveil why we misuse food (to self-regulate, numb/distract, feel control), then we can deepen our relationship with ourselves.
- In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Dr. Peter Levine
Pivotal book on the psycho-somatic (mind-body) link in regards to how we process trauma. Trauma is an embodied experience, not a cognitive one. Our bodies have innate capacity to heal trauma through self-regulation, as long as we allow them to.
- The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk
Another key book in the psycho-somatic (mind-body) piece in trauma. Essentially, trauma fragments the brain (literally rearranging the neural wiring) – specifically in the brain areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control & trust.
- No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Dr. Richard Schwartz
I’m a big fan of Internal Family Systems therapy. It’s an experiential way of processing trauma (because again, trauma is an embodied experience). The book is great.
- Healing the Traumatized Self: Consciousness, Neuroscience, Treatment by Dr. Ruth Lanius & Dr. Paul Frewan
Trauma can reduce our capacity to be present. When the trauma is chronic, it can lead to the (adaptive) capacity to dissociate. This book is fully of the juicy neuroscience involved in trauma.
- Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism by Stanley Rosenbery
Using bottom-up approaches to stay within our Window Of Tolerance, this book is simple and has great exercises.
- Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Dr. Gabor Maté
Addiction
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Dr. Gabor Maté
Psycho-Spiritual
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“Why do we have to listen to our hearts?” the boy asked. “Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure.”
One of my all time favourite quotes. Fun fact: Our hearts have around 40,000 neurones & a large network of neurotransmitters with very specific functions. It’s sometimes called the ‘third brain’, the gut being the ‘second brain’. I love checking in with my heart, and seeing what it has to share with me.
- A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
This book helped me enormously moving through a depressive episode (before I could afford therapy). It helped redirect my attention towards things that were loving. Slowly my behaviour, and then my mood, followed suit.
- The Road Less Travelled by Dr. Scott Peck
Psychotherapy as an exercise in “love” and “spiritual growth”. Peck weaves psychoanalysis with spirituality, through Jung, Christ and Buddha.
Feel free to send me any of your recommendations! connect@ishanadurantebose.com
Ishana Durante Bose 