The Books I Most Often Recommend to People

book pile on window sill
For me, when I want to solve a tough problem, understand myself better, or amuse myself, I always turn to a book—so I’m one of those people who’s constantly suggesting books to people, for any life situation. Getting a divorce? I recommend Crazy-Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life by Abigail Trafford Struggling to be a good parent to young children? How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Child having trouble with friends? Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children by Michael Thompson and Catherine O’Neill Grace Want a book to help a young adult? The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay Want to improve your eating habits? Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It by Gary Taubes Renovating a house or apartment? A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander Want to write better? On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction  by William Zinsser Want a mind-blowing read? Crowds and Power by Elias Canetti Looking for a happy novel? Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin Thinking of getting a dog? Pack of Two: the Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp Wondering what habits to cultivate to make your life to be happier, healthier, more productive, or more creative? Daily Rituals: Women at Work by Mason Currey Haven’t read any young-adult literature in years? The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman To everyone, I recommend Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Do you want more time to read? Of course you do! If so, read my 13 tips for getting more reading done or download my “Reading Better Than Before” worksheet. You can also follow me on Goodreads where I track the books I’ve read. If you’re interested in seeing my year in books, check out this list on Goodreads.

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