Books that actually help.

Favorites with importance.

From wholesome adoration, to setting goals, each of these have served me greatly over the last four years - my most transformative and wonderful yet. I won’t bore you with personal reviews… they’re within arm’s reach for a reason.

Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser - Mailed to me by Olivia Noceda hours after I filed for divorce in 2020 (she also called everyday for about three months after that). Pregnant in a pandemic, this book was the essence of surrender.

The Best Day the Worst Day by Donald Hall - A tender and honest story about devotion.

How To Be Courageous by Mike Schecter - Your very own handbook for ultimate clarity and strength… and how to carry yourself while you get there. Good to have and reread. Linked this one!

On Writing by Stephen King - Lovely, captivating, valuable. Wisdom that applies to all areas of life. If you’re a writer, this is a good read. If you’re not a writer, this is a good read.

Where I’m Calling From by Raymond Carver - Deep, moving, reflective stories. “A Small, Good Thing” is my favorite.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver.

M Train by Patti Smith - “But what else do I believe in? Sometimes everything. Sometimes nothing. It fluctuates like light flitting over a pond. I believe in life, which one day each of us shall lose. When we are young we think that we won’t, that we are different.”

Collected Poems by Sylvia Plath - A recent purchase, due to a strong craving for written talent. I’m at a loss sometimes for how foolish I feel watching video after video of the same song, content, performance… while I gain zero exposure to new words, language, or brilliance. The Bell Jar, which I ordered roughly ten minutes into her poems, is currently out for delivery today.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - Powerful and knowledge packed.

Childhood must-haves:

Blueberries For Sal and Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Peter’s Chair, Whistle For Whillie, A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Thy Friend, Obadiah by Brinton Turkle

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems’ - All books! Especially fun if you have a child learning to read. They also make for the perfect gift.

The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins