These Are a Few of My Favorite Things... (books edition)
This post is a replication of a social media post from February 2021. Back in February, I had a private message from a non-patient asking what types of books I read.
This was a loaded question for me. I absolutely love reading (thank you to my maternal grandmother) and try to NOT read books related to the field in my downtime. However, I cannot resist a good therapy or psychology-themed book.
I looked back on my shelf for some of my favorite reads, and not-so-favorite reads...I will say that there are more books that would be added to this list. However, I will save those for a 2021 end-of-the-year post.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
To be honest, this was not a favorite of mine. It is no secret that I prefer to NOT read books that are on the best seller's list. I believe that most of the time the books over promise and under deliver. I read it because so many of my patients were reading and referencing it and I wanted to be able to relate to what they were saying. I know this was a hot book in 2020, but it was not my cup of tea. I am also not big on "self-help" type books.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
This was another one of those top seller books that so many people were reading. My book club picked this book and I honestly cringed. Again, it was not my cup of tea and was very self-help to me. Her style of writing, at times, I personally thought, was harsh and too direct for my liking. However, there are still some quotes from this book that I pull out every now and again.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
I am thinking I should have organized the order I am doing these in. Full disclosure, I purchased this book about 4 years ago. I would pick it up, read some, put it down, months would go by, and repeat. I told myself quarantine was the time to finish it. I did find some of the tools useful in the book and it is another one that I use some quotes from. To me, it was a tad dry for my liking; however, I did appreciate his examples throughout the book.
The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R Saks
Another book club pick. This book can be triggering for some and discussed the author's (background in law and psychology) journey living with schizophrenia and the world of mental health. It was a longer read and dry at points. However, as a professional in the field, it was interesting and troublesome to see how far we have come and have not come with treatment.
The Fear of Doing Nothing by Valery Hazanov
Yet again... another book club pick. This one was quirky and a fast read. The author talked about his experiences as a young therapist and some case studies of his patients. His stories and fears, as well as struggles, were very relatable to many therapists and helped normalize what many novice and experienced therapists go through.
The Cozy Life by Pia Edberg
I read this book a few years ago, and it is a favorite that stays on my shelf. The Danish have a concept of "hygge," which I absolutely love. It basically translates into the mood of coziness. For me, that means comfy pajamas, lots of blankets and pillows, a book and cup of tea, fire on, and pups by my side. It is a quick read and you can find the ways you probably already incorporate hygge into your own life or ways to start!
Disconnected by Thomas Kersting
This is a book I read several years ago and one of the few I recommend parents read. It talks about the positives and negatives of technology, and I am sure more research has come out since this book has been published. Technology can be good and bad... if the last few years have taught us anything, it could be this. It is an informative read, but you don't need any special training or education to understand the concepts.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
This was another one of those books that was a top seller a few years ago and everyone was reading. It was also another one of those books for me that I started 3+ years ago, would pick up, put down, pick up, put down, and another quarantine force. I love Brene Brown and her research. However, this book was not my cup of tea again. I am noticing a theme with the "self-help/better yourself" books here…
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Hands down one of my all-time favorite books. It is no secret that I love Frankl's material. He was a neurologist, psychiatrist, AND Holocaust survivor. His time in four, yes FOUR concentration camps, including Auschwitz, helped construct his idea of Logo Therapy. If you get a chance to read this book and it's not triggering for you, I highly recommend it.
Love's Executioner by Irvin Yalom
As you can probably tell by the photo- this book has been READ and USED. I read it while completing my doctoral degree, as a class requirement, but LOVED it and it stays with me. Yalom is best known for being an existentialist. His book talks about his own experiences in therapy with others and the struggles he went through. It is such a great read!
Letters to a Young Therapist by Mary Pipher
Another favorite of mine. The book is set up like letters to a young therapist (the young therapist is YOU) and the author discusses the struggles so many young therapists experience. It is a must-read and quick read. Also, a great gift for anyone just starting out in the field.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Book club pick again, and I LOVED this book. I constantly say that it set the bar too high for our book club, as most of us compare every other book to this one. It was a quick and interesting read. The author, who is also a therapist talks about her struggles with patients, in her own therapy, and life in general. It is funny and relevant and was a great summer read back in the day.
The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom
Another Yalom read and another great one. For the young therapist or even the experience therapist, this book was great. There are case studies that are not dry, humor, and helpful/realistic tips throughout the book.
Cracked But Not Broken by Kevin Hines
Top 10 favorite books. Kevin Hines is a suicide survivor off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of the very few people that survived that jump. This book can absolutely be triggering for people, so please proceed with caution. Kevin talks about his struggles with Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features and suicidal ideation. He talks about his journey and support system. He is a HUGE advocate for mental illness, mental health, suicide awareness and is currently helping with a project to put netting and other safety precautions in place on the Golden Gate Bridge. He has an awesome video and website you can check out as well. I had the privilege of meeting Kevin a few years back and listening to his story. He also signed my book and I totally fan-girled!
Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner
Another book club pick. This book is another great read, but one that can be triggering. The author is also a psychologist and the book goes into a handful of patient stories. It is a quick and easy read, but some of the material in the book can hit too close to home for some people.
I will be sure to update this list and do another post at the end of 2021 to discuss any books I would add to this like/dislike list.
Remember, reading does not take place of therapy. If you are in need, please reach out to a trained professional.
I have no relationship with the authors of these books or their publishers and do not receive any compensation for this post. These pictures are also my own photos that I took.
These pictures are mine and taken with my own phone. No permission required.