Mind, Body & Spirit

If you know stress is affecting your health then this book is for you. Romm tells you how to heal your stressed-out body using holistic nutrition, and addresses the factors behind why stress wreaks havoc on your system. Her advice is perfect and I love the little inspirational quotes that begin each chapter. - Sairsha

As someone who struggles with anxiety, I don't read a lot of books on it, mostly because they actually give me more anxiety! This book was different. Kat wasn't trying to "fix" me, but to let me know I wasn't alone. I appreciated her sharing her journey with us in a way that was relatable and authentic. - Karena

Contributing to the high levels of happiness among Danes is "hygge"-- often translated as coziness, but it is really much more than that- it's a cultural phenomenon that's catching on worldwide. Hygge is the "art of creating intimacy," the feeling you get when sipping cocoa or drinking mulled wine with friends. Get hygge with this book that is not only beautiful, but inspiring too. - Benay

A zany look at the dark and elusive world of psychopaths -- how to spot them, how we've tried to cure them, and how they've managed to infiltrate some of the most powerful positions in the world. Investigative journalist Jon Ronson adds the perfect amount of his trademark humor to an otherwise horrifying topic. By the end, you'll be giving everyone some serious side-eye. - Kelly

Want to learn how to meditate, but don’t care to learn a whole bunch of dogma? This is the ultimate secular guide to the science of meditation by neurologist and outspoken atheist Sam Harris. You will enjoy the skillful he presents a case for Buddhism, as a philosophy and a practice, but not as a religion to join. For one month, I read Waking Up at night before bed, and it calmed me to sleep every time. - Jason

Anne Lamott wants us to start living like we value forgiveness and humility more than we value being right and winning. Unlikely in these divisive times, you say? Yet Hallelujah Anyway makes a reasonable case that we can, and should, start within our personal lives, weaving lofty spiritual wisdom with a dose of cynicism and silliness. In true Lamott fashion, even the God-talk isn’t dogmatic, but resonates as inspiring and relevant. - Julia

“The Art of Waiting is an eye-opening, gorgeously written blend of memoir, reportage, and cultural analysis....Examining infertility and childlessness through the lens of her own struggle to become pregnant, Boggs presents not only a courageous account of her personal experience but an illuminating, wide-ranging study of the medical, psychological, social, and historical aspects of a condition that affects one in eight couples nationwide.” —Boston Globe

Brittany Maynard was not yet 30 when she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She became famous through her advocating for the right to end her own life. Wild and Precious Life is her mother’s story, a poignant memoir in which we see a life lived to the fullest, we witness a mother who struggles to support the decision her daughter has made, and we watch how one family’s intimate decision transforms a nation’s dialogue about choice in end-of-life decision making. This is a story about life and how fierce and enduring we can be when we look fully at all that comes.                                                              —S.M.C.

Rare autobiographical stories told for the first time by a great teacher and peace activist. Those who are already keen on the teachings of the Vietnamese monk will love learning more about his formative years. In his always accessible prose, the former Ivy League lecturer writes stories that will also appeal to fans of memoir and anyone interested in Vietnam War–era history. A blend of powerful storytelling and transformative wisdom by the world’s most famous Zen master.                   —Jason

This unique collaboration documents the dialogue and friendship between two of the world’s wise men. It is a sweet and funny book that includes meditation techniques and other simple ways to have a spiritual practice in the face of life’s many obstacles. But this is not just a book for people who read “spiritual” books. It is for everyone who wants to find true happiness. I highly recommend this light and uplifting read. —Jason