Hello, Voyagers!

Okay, so, who's up for some good readin'?! This nonfiction list is from many requests over the years for book recommendations. It's not an exhaustive list, but it's a start. And trust me: you might not love these books, but you sure as s*%t will get something out of them. Plus, most are short, tiny, quick little reads. The best kind.

1. The Gift of Fear by Gavin deBecker: This might just be the most important book you will ever read, and the closest you can get to taking my Interpersonal class (for now!). I was loaned the book by my friend Troy when I lived in L.A. and I read it in one night. Literally (and yes I am using that work correctly) I stayed up all night. THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. And might even SAVE your life. Read about him, get the book, and you'll thank me.

2. Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Go to her site, watch her videos, and do the work. Do it. When my best friend or I am having a bad day, we (try to remember to) go to her site and do the work. Only, we call it "Byron Katie-ing our asses off." The work WORKS.

3. A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen. She wrote it for a commencement speech that got cancelled for political reasons. Just a lovely piece of writing from a writer from whom we could all learn something. Her fictional books are nothing to sneeze at, either. Everything she writes is smart, funny, insightful. Also check out the collections of her Pulizer-winning New York Times columns.

4. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. Title speaks for itself I think.

5. Wear Sunscreen by Mary Schmich. This was also a song. And an accused-commencement speech. But, no, Baz Lurman didn't write it and Kurt Vonnegut didn't deliver it. Mary Schmich did.

6. The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. This is her fascinating exploration of her brilliant and insightful poem that went viral.

7. Daring Greatly. Ms. Brown is likely to light a fire under you. Watch her TED talk. And, you’ll understand why she is so inspiring when she says things like this.

8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Do I need to explain it? No? Good. Just read it.

9. Stay Sexy Don’t Get Murdered. This is hilarious and serious and helpful and insightful all at once. You will want to listen to their podcast, and for them to be your best friends. Point of fact: I am in the middle of writing them a fan-cult love letter right NOW!

That's it so far! Be sure to leave comments below, let me know what you think of these self-help (ish) books, and recommend more for me!

More to come, Voyagers. But until then, stay Veracious, my friends.

Stay Veracious.

VV