As an avid reader and lifelong learner, I continue to read about 45 books per year.  I’ve invested a lot of time with life-changing books– many that made me wish I could have read them long, long ago.

Below are some of my all-time favorites, and I believe you’ll be a different (and better) person after reading them.

Oh, and one last thing.  When you read (or if you’ve already read) one of these books, shoot me an email and let me know what you think.

Take care, and let’s keep in touch!

Disclosure:  The links to the following resources are affiliate links, and at absolutely no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to complete a purchase.  My small commission comes from the online retailer, and definitely not you!

And trust in this- these are all books that I have personally read (often more than once), recommend to my clients, and have proven themselves over time.  I truly believe they’ll make a tremendous impact in your journey.

Thanks again, and please know that I really appreciate you and your support!

Boundaries – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

This was the very first book I read after my spiritual awakening.  I couldn’t read it fast enough, and as I did, I had simultaneous feelings of hope and disappointment.

The hope came from a profound sense of calm- a deep knowing that I was gaining wisdom that would help me prevent future heartache.

The disappointment came from a curious thought of what my life would have been like, had I received these teachings much earlier.

The Body Ecology Diet- Donna Gates

You know, a lot of “diet” books are just plain unrealistic and often don’t make a valid case for their recommendations.

In The Body Ecology Diet, the author lays out a practical way of feeding our bodies, and how that in turn feeds our minds and souls.

It’s a practical and sustainable way of living that I’m sure you’ll resonate with.

The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

An amazing and well-written book, Don Miguel Ruiz takes us on a journey into the ancient ways of Toltec wisdom.

What I really like about this book is how easy it is to follow and implement.

Read this book, and you’ll soon be silently reciting each of the four agreements to yourself as you make your way throughout the inevitable ups and downs of life.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stepen Covey

This book has been in my personal library for almost 20 years, and I often joke that it should be required reading for every high-school senior.

Do What you Are- Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger

WOW!  Just WOW!  This book gave me the key insights and clarity I deeply needed when I embarked on my career as a Life and Relationship Coach.

It got me to see who I really am inside, and with that knowledge, what type of work I’d be innately suited for.

In short, this book helped me discover and confirm my true talents and calling.

Mans Search For Meaning- Viktor Frankl

This book is truly one-in-a-million.  Written by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl,  it describes his journey through several Nazi concentration camps during WWII.

His message is powerful- that regardless of our circumstances, we still have the personal freedom to choose our thoughts.

The Road Less Traveled- M. Scott Peck

In helping women and men recover from painful breakups and divorce, I often tell them that “you never lose when you take the high road”.

Indeed, this book offers many actionable lessons to do just that.

Take the road less traveled, do the right thing even though it’s harder, and live a life of honor.  This book can help you do just that.

Co-Dependent No More- Melodie Beatie

Early in my spiritual journey, I became keenly aware of some relationship dynamics that were holding me back.  Namely, co-dependency and love addiction.

If you’ve ever broken away from a toxic relationship, and then got back together to “try it again”, read this book.

It’s Called A Breakup Because It’s Broken- Greg Behrendt & Amiira Ruotola Behrendt

When I went through my crushing breakup years ago, man I just needed a good laugh.

This book did the trick.

It contains a bunch a great stories sprinkled with wisdom and humor.  Check it out!

Facing Love Addiction- Pia Melody

Love addiction is an unhealthy and unsustainable attachment to another person, and I think we’ve all been there at some point.

This great book (along with Co-Dependent No More) will really help you recognize patterns of “love” and give you the strength choose a different path.

The Total Money Makeover- Dave Ramsey

Let’s just get this out there:  Dave Ramsey Rocks!

My wife and I took his Financial Peace University (FPU) and were totally blown away with all of the real-world, practical advice.

His book, Total Money Makeover, is fantastic and contains many of his most powerful lessons.

Safe People- Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend 

Sooner or later, odds are that you will re-enter the dating pool.  Trust me, you’ll want to be armed with as much wisdom and practical advice as possible.

This book does a tremendous job of illuminating what to seek out in a relationship, and what to run, don’t walk, away from.  And yes, this is required reading for all my single clients.

The Screwtape Letters- CS Lewis

When I got married to my sweet wife Sherryl, our pastor (her cousin) recommended that I read this book.

Man, am I glad he did.

It really is required reading for anyone on a spiritual journey, vision quest, or mission from God (insert Blues Brothers cameo here).

Seriously though, CS Lewis gives us a fly-on-the-wall perspective of a manipulative conversation between an elder demon and his young understudy. Brilliant!

The Power of Now- Eckhart Tolle

This is Eckhart Tolle’s very first book, and has a fresh way of sharing timeless spiritual wisdom that’s applicable to all.

From detailed and colorful descriptions of Ego, the Pain Body, and Thwarted Wanting,  this great book can change the way we look at ourselves, and each other.

The Power of Positive Thinking- Norman Vincent Peale

An absolute classic in the field of personal development.

And for good reason- Dr. Peale offers real-world stories of triumph and perseverance that encourage us to not only think positively, but act that way too!

The War of Art- Stephen Pressfield

Do you struggle to improve yourself in any way?  Do you have high hopes and great expectations only to fall way short?

Yeah, me too!  And this book can change all that.

A brilliantly written book (I’ve listened to it about 6 times on Audible) it continues to inform, inspire, and entertain me to the core.

And each time I’m exposed to it’s wisdom, I notice that I get a little bit stronger at overcoming “resistance”.   🙂

Getting The Love You Want- Harville Hendrix, Ph.D

Must Read.  I Repeat- Must Read.  I first heard of this awesome book from my communications professor in college.

I was having some serious issues with my then girlfriend, and he told me to read it right away.

This book is required reading for all of my single clients before they re-enter the dating pool.  It’s that good!

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist contains so many poetic examples of spiritual enlightenment and transformation, it’s no surprise it’s been so popular for so long.

A painful breakup or divorce is a perfect season to sit down and make an investment in this life-changing book.

The Gifts of Imperfection- Brene Brown

Are you a perfectionist?  Do you often have unrealistic expectations of yourself and others?

We all do on some level.

This book helps us accept and then move forward to actually celebrate our imperfections.  After all, we’re human, and therefore imperfect.  To expect otherwise is a recipe for heartache and conflict.