Movement Matters by Katy Bowman
Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman
~If you haven’t read anything by Katy Bowman yet, you should. She has an extensive blog as well as several books, including one called “Dynamic Aging” which she co-wrote with 4 movement-oriented septuagenarians who still climb trees and share their tips for healthy movement as we age. You can find all of her books here.
WomanCode by Alisa Vitti
~Every woman should read this, but especially those who are still menstruating. Yes, I just wrote that. Alisa Vitti healed her PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome) through diet and lifestyle by getting to know her endocrine system better, among other things. She was also able to naturally conceive and give birth to a healthy baby after SEVERAL health professionals told her it would be nearly impossible with PCOS. So clearly this woman is worth reading. I haven’t finished it yet, but it’s blowing my mind a little bit.
Vitti offers a wealth of scientific and practical knowledge in very accessible language, as well as a set of protocols to follow to bring vibrant health to your body via your endocrine system and how to love your cycle. Seriously. This book should be required reading for teenage girls. And their mamas.
Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life by Dr. Claudia Welch
~This book is in the same vein as WomanCode but from a broader view of women’s health, from teen years through post-menopause. Dr. Welch uses Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda as the holistic lens through which she shares her wisdom. Her intention is to remind us as women that if we overdo it as younger women, we will be too burnt out physically and energetically to enjoy our lives in the present as well as the future. She offers clear solutions for combating and avoiding stress. I highly recommend this book to all women as well.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
~I read and loved Better than Before, by Gretchen Rubin so naturally I was curious about the book that actually started it all. I was not let down. I can see the seedlings of Better than Before in The Happiness Project. And although at times I don’t love her writing style, I love the message and suggestions offered.
Rising Strong by Brene Brown
~I have always wanted to read Brene Brown and I picked this book to start with. I think I made a good choice. I can’t tell you more than that since I’ve only read the first page but I love it already and have a feeling it will be a quick powerful read.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
~I am a huge Liz Gilbert fan. I dig authenticity. I value honesty in writing. Someone who lays it all bare and holds nothing back, even the less attractive bits, will always inspire me to do the same. I read Big Magic last year and I credit this book with reviving my long dormant creativity. In fact, I think this book is almost entirely responsible for the weekly watercoloring/mantras I’ve been sharing lately, which have completely shifted how I move through my week and my life. This is a powerful read and an easy one, too. Even if you don’t think of yourself as creative, you should read this. Creativity comes in many shades and shapes.
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
~Amanda Palmer is a complete and utter badass. Mama, feminist, musician, activist, and truth teller. I have been wanting to read this book for years. Glad I finally bought it. I haven’t read it yet but I am so looking forward to it.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
~I could use *almost* the same titles to describe Amy Poehler as Amanda Palmer. I bought this book so I would have something light to read since many of the other books straddle the work/life line. I wanted something that was distinctly for enjoyment. This book doesn’t let me down. Every page is filled with humor and awesomeness. Also, for those who don’t know, Amy Poehler founded an awesome organization called “Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.” I follow on IG and mainly I see posts about important women or girls in history or important women or girls doing powerful work right now. So yes, she’s a proud mama, comedian, actor, feminist, and activist. And her book is hilarious with some deeply true insights about life.
Note: I got most of these wonderful books from Powell’s Bookstore Online or directly from the website shop of the author, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND OVER AMAZON.
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