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
Books that unlock creativity, resilience, and courage to live a more intentional and inspired life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life
Eleanor Roosevelt
Timeless life lessons on courage, compassion, and creating a meaningful life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Habits & Growth
Practical strategies for building habits, focus, and clarity to create lasting change.
Essential Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change, Briefly
Leo Babauta
A practical guide to simplifying life, forming meaningful habits, and living mindfully.
Tiny Habits: Why Starting Small Makes Lasting Change Easy
BJ Fogg
Teaches the science of habit creation through small, achievable steps that stick.
Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind
Nancy Kline
Reveals the power of deep listening and creating thinking environments.
Leadership & Coaching
Books to strengthen your leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
The Outward Mindset: Seeing Beyond Ourselves
The Arbinger Institute
Transform your leadership by focusing on others’ needs and creating real impact.
Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps: How to Thrive in Complexity
Jennifer Garvey Berger
Break free from common mental patterns to lead with clarity and adaptability.
The Four Greatest Coaching Conversations
Jerry Connor, Karim Hirani
Practical frameworks for transformative coaching conversations.
Natural Wisdom
Books rooted in nature’s rhythms, teaching us how to live more connected and balanced lives.
The Living Mountain: A Celebration of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland
Nan Shepherd
A meditative exploration of nature and the Scottish mountains.
Naturally Mindful: Reconnecting with the Natural World, Discovering Your True Self
Leaping Hare Press
Practical exercises for mindfulness through connection with nature.
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.
Fiction
Stories filled with metaphors and wisdom that inspire self-discovery and courage.
The Bear Under The Stairs
Helen Cooper
A heartwarming children’s story about facing fear and imagination.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Richard Bach
A spiritual fable about freedom, self-belief, and pushing beyond limits.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster
A whimsical adventure teaching life lessons through humor and wordplay.
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.
The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
Don Miguel Ruiz
Simple yet profound principles for living with freedom and peace.
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.
The Clear Light: Spiritual Reflections and Meditations
Steve Taylor
A deep dive into spiritual awakening and seeing life with clarity.
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