The Library

All of Rachel’s picks and recommended books, sorted by category. Topics include personal development, natural wisdom, fiction and leadership coaching.

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Mindset & Creativity

Natural Wisdom

Habits & Growth

Fiction

Leadership & Coaching

Spirituality & Philosophy

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Mindset & Creativity

Books that unlock creativity, resilience, and courage to live a more intentional and inspired life.

Book cover of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield

A must-read for creatives, this book tackles resistance and fear, guiding you to unleash your true creative potential.

Book cover of Fuck It by John C. Parkin
F**k It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way
John C. Parkin

A refreshing approach to stress and happiness by letting go of unnecessary expectations and embracing freedom.

Book cover of Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Man’s Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust
Viktor E. Frankl

A profound memoir and guide on finding purpose even in life’s darkest moments, rooted in Frankl’s survival story.

Mastery: The Keys to Success And Long-Term Fulfillment
George Leonard

Teaches the art of self-mastery through practice, patience, and lifelong learning.

Book cover of Crossing the Unknown Sea by David Whyte
Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity
David Whyte

A poetic and deeply reflective journey on work, identity, and living with meaning.

Book cover of You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt
You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life
Eleanor Roosevelt

Timeless life lessons on courage, compassion, and creating a meaningful life.

Book cover of Beyond Happiness by Anthony Seldon
Beyond Happiness: How to find lasting meaning and joy in all that you have
Anthony Seldon

A new perspective on how to cultivate genuine joy and well-being.

Book cover of Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
Burnout: Solve Your Stress Cycle
Emily & Amelia Nagoski

A practical and compassionate guide to overcoming stress and preventing burnout.

Book cover of Quiet by Susan Cain
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Susan Cain

A poetic and deeply reflective journey on work, identity, and living with meaning.

Book cover of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert

Inspires you to live creatively, without fear of failure or perfectionism.

Book cover of The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams

An uplifting conversation between two spiritual leaders on how to cultivate joy in turbulent times.

Book cover of Gratitude by Oliver Sacks
Gratitude
Oliver Sacks

A touching collection of essays reflecting on life, love, and gratitude.

Book cover of The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
The Gifts of Imperfection
Brené Brown

Encourages authenticity, vulnerability, and self-compassion to live a wholehearted life.

Habits & Growth

Practical strategies for building habits, focus, and clarity to create lasting change.

Book cover of Essential Zen Habits – Leo Babauta
Essential Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change, Briefly
Leo Babauta

A practical guide to simplifying life, forming meaningful habits, and living mindfully.

Book cover of Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Tiny Habits: Why Starting Small Makes Lasting Change Easy
BJ Fogg

Teaches the science of habit creation through small, achievable steps that stick.

Book cover of Time to Think by Nancy Kline
Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind
Nancy Kline

Reveals the power of deep listening and creating thinking environments.

Book cover of Stop Overthinking by Nick Trenton
Stop Overthinking
Nick Trenton

Proven methods to quiet your mind and overcome analysis paralysis.

Book cover of The Inner Game of Tennis by W Timothy Gallwey
The Inner Game of Tennis
W Timothy Gallwey

A classic on mastering focus and performance by overcoming self-doubt and mental blocks.

Book cover of Pause by Danielle North
Pause: How to press pause before life does it for you
Danielle North

A gentle invitation to slow down, reset, and create balance in your life.

Leadership & Coaching

Books to strengthen your leadership, communication, and coaching skills.

Book cover of The Outward Mindset by The Arbinger Institute
The Outward Mindset: Seeing Beyond Ourselves
The Arbinger Institute

Transform your leadership by focusing on others’ needs and creating real impact.

Book cover of Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps by Jennifer Garvey Berger
Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps: How to Thrive in Complexity
Jennifer Garvey Berger

Break free from common mental patterns to lead with clarity and adaptability.

Book cover of The 4 Greatest Coaching Conversations by Jerry Connor, Karim Hirani
The Four Greatest Coaching Conversations
Jerry Connor, Karim Hirani

Practical frameworks for transformative coaching conversations.

Book cover of The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier Bungay
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
Michael Stanier Bungay

Simple coaching techniques that help leaders drive meaningful change.

Book cover of The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute
The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict
The Arbinger Institute

Insights on resolving conflicts and leading with empathy.

Book cover of Coach Your Team by Liz Hall
Coach Your Team
Liz Hall

Essential coaching strategies to empower your team and grow as a leader.

Natural Wisdom

Books rooted in nature’s rhythms, teaching us how to live more connected and balanced lives.

Book cover of The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd
The Living Mountain: A Celebration of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland
Nan Shepherd

A meditative exploration of nature and the Scottish mountains.

Book cover of Naturally Mindful by Leaping Hare Press
Naturally Mindful: Reconnecting with the Natural World, Discovering Your True Self
Leaping Hare Press

Practical exercises for mindfulness through connection with nature.

Book cover of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer

A poetic blend of Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge about plants and life.

Book cover of Wintering by Katherine May
Wintering
Katherine May

A moving reflection on the restorative power of rest and seasonal living.

Book cover of Anam Cara by John O’Donohue
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
John O’Donohue

Celtic spiritual wisdom about love, friendship, and living soulfully.

Fiction

Stories filled with metaphors and wisdom that inspire self-discovery and courage.

Book cover of The Bear Under The Stairs by Helen Cooper
The Bear Under The Stairs
Helen Cooper

A heartwarming children’s story about facing fear and imagination.

Book cover of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Richard Bach

A spiritual fable about freedom, self-belief, and pushing beyond limits.

Book cover of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

An inspiring allegory about pursuing your dreams and personal legend.

Book cover of Thrive by J J Eden
Thrive
J J Eden

A collection of poetry and micro-fiction capturing all the grit and glory of life.

Book cover of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster

A whimsical adventure teaching life lessons through humor and wordplay.

Book cover of One Big Damn Puzzler by John Harding
One Big Damn Puzzler
John Harding

A quirky, darkly comic novel about truth, love, and memory.

Book cover of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
James Thurber

A short story about daydreams, courage, and stepping into life fully.

Spirituality & Philosophy

Books on mindfulness, presence, and timeless spiritual teachings.

Book cover of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
Don Miguel Ruiz

Simple yet profound principles for living with freedom and peace.

Book cover of The Fifth Agreement by Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz, Janet Mills
The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery
Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz, Janet Mills

A powerful follow-up to The Four Agreements, teaching truth and authenticity.

Book cover of The Clear Light by Steve Taylor
The Clear Light: Spiritual Reflections and Meditations
Steve Taylor

A deep dive into spiritual awakening and seeing life with clarity.

Book cover of The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Eckhart Tolle

A life-changing guide to living in the present moment and finding inner peace.

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