Mind, Body & Spirit

Former fitness coach Chrissy King has written a fantastic and emphatic book about body liberation with the goal of finding actual freedom in our bodies—not through willpower and the “body positivity” movement of today, but by decolonizing our ideas and understanding that at our essence we are so much more than our physical bodies. King challenges us to understand that body positivity isn’t about just loving your body, but should be about demanding justice for all bodies, especially the most marginalized. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has found themselves on the margins or who wants to work toward collective liberation. “We are inherently worthy because we exist, not because of what we look like.”  —S.B.

If I could live in a book, Our Kindred Home by Alyson Morgan is where you would find me. Morgan’s words and stunning visuals exude warmth and acceptance, and the book is filled with monographs, recipes, herbal creations, and more. Flipping through the pages, you can’t help but wonder why so many of us have allowed ourselves to become disconnected from the beauty and bounty of the natural world. This book feels like coming home.  —KRISTINA

Michael Schur (that’s Mose Schrute to The Office fans, as well as lauded comedy writer, show runner, etc.) pitches his humor to write the perfect entry into ethical philosophy. As creator of The Good Place, Schur did extensive research to prepare for the television show and it is a gift in book form that he shares his knowledge with us in such a delightful and applicable way. Truly a rewarding read—it’s never been more fun to try to be a good person.  —MELINDA

This little book is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to make a bit of space in their life to care for their mind and spirit. With small exercises at the end of each chapter, it introduces core concepts of meditation and Buddhist thought in easy-to-understand lessons. Take a little time and sit with this book. It’ll make a big difference.  —JAX

From the author of An Unquiet Mind comes a lyrical exploration of the history of mental healing. As a professor of psychiatry and English literature, Jamison leads readers through the development of modern psychiatry and its relationship to trauma healing. Focusing on veterans from World War I and how certain doctors worked on healing both mind and body, while also exploring how artists use expression to overcome trauma, the book offers a roadmap for creating more accessible care for people in mental anguish. This is one of those special books in which science and history meet humanity in a visceral and enlightening way.  —ED

How do we order our days, create community and ceremony, or sit in contemplation if we do not have religion? Jennifer Michael Hecht says: “With poetry.” The Wonder Paradox moves through various opportunities and occasions, offering starter poems and guidance on how to read them, and encouraging us to find our own to build rituals around. Whether discovering a new cultural liturgy or enhancing what you have, this book is life changing.  —MELINDA

I have never known life without allergies—I can’t even imagine walking around on a sunny day without a stuffed-up nose. But I’ve never really stopped to think about what an allergy is, how it works, and what it means that allergies exist. With her accessible writing style, Theresa MacPhail takes us through complex science, real-world case studies, and history to explore what allergies actually are (and aren’t), where they may have come from, and how we might hope to someday clear our skin, sinuses, and lungs.   —JOCELYN

In her book’s introduction, Sara Elise questions why her recipe for life is worthy of publication, but as a Black & Indigenous, autistic, queer, femme woman who achieved the coveted seat at the table and then walked away to discover true abundance, it is no wonder; we could all use a bit of what she’s cooking. Her outlook is refreshing, honest, and invigorating; her book, packed with references, collaborations, and pure energy, is perfect for a deep dive or a daily shake-up.  —MELINDA

I cannot think of a better book to bring us out of winter and into spring, both literally and culturally, collectively. A combination of travel memoir, nature writing, personal essay, and reflective grace, Enchantment uses the four elements to lift our attention away from ourselves and return it with renewed appreciation. This book saw me, spoke to me, and showed me a path out of overwhelm, leading me right back to where I’ve been, but more grounded, more aware, more enchanted—it’s a gift we all deserve. —Melinda

In his new book, physician, biologist, and lauded author Mukherjee displays more of the depth, humanity, and approachable intellect that readers have come to expect from him. Having previously tackled the topics of cancer and genetics, Mukherjee now focuses on cells. While some of what he covers is fairly rote, his personal stories and anecdotes about lesser known historical figures make for a thoroughly engaging read. I found the sections on the latest advances in cellular medicine to be particularly intriguing, Mukherjee’s passion for his work leaps off the page, and it’s infectious.

—JADE