I took a brief break from sharing what I’m reading, yet many of you have asked me to continue, so I’m listing my recommended books and much more below. Here’s a quick sweep of some of my favorite books and musings for the first quarter this year. I’d love to hear if you agree.
Non-fiction Book: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins – Those of you who know me know how much I talk about increasing our ability to choose our response versus being reactive to everything we experience. Mel’s book (and a recommended podcast) gives tools and practices for relinquishing control and setting down the belief that we can control other people’s behavior. She helps us shift our attention to our own reactions and personal growth, which gives us more agency and encourages us to embrace people for who they are versus wishing they would change.
Business Non-fiction Book: TEAMS: Getting Things Done with Others by David Allen and Edward Lamont – Truth be told, I just picked it up. It was just released, and I found that out from a dear client who is reading it. I took David’s Getting Things Done class when he first came out with the process, and it completely changed how I organized my life, tasks, energy, and attention. If he can help teams do the same, I’m in! Let’s compare notes if you read it too.
Fiction Book: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan – It’s been a long time since a book evoked such a strong emotion that lasted so long. This short and beautifully written book is one to curl up with when the last days of winter still want to hang on. It’s an incredible story of the quiet heroism of ordinary people and the cost of doing what is right in the world when most others look the other way.
Podcast Episode: Dr. Chatterjee’s “Feel Better, Live More” Episode #500 with Dr. Edith Eger – If you haven’t read her non-fiction book The Choice, it’s simply a must-read. To listen to her at the age of ninety-seven is an incredible inspiration.
Streaming Show: “Severance” (Apple TV+) – I’m sure a lot of us have gone through periods in life where we want to be released from the pain or suffering we’re experiencing. If it were possible to forget our pain and pass for eight hours a day, would you? My answer is no, as tempting as it is, but to watch this theme play out in the show is just fascinating.
Favorite Foodie Substack Newsletter: Hetty Lui McKinnon (@tovegetableswithlove) – I’m trying to add a lot more veggies to my diet, and I found Hetty’s cookbook Tenderheart, which won the James Beard Foundation Award, and she sealed the deal for me. I love her recipes! Her deconstructed falafel sandwich salad is one of the most popular recipes in the NYT. My second-most-used cookbook and foodie newsletter is Essential Ottolenghi: Plenty More and Ottolenghi Simple.
Animated Adventure Film: “Flow” – Truthfully? I didn’t finish it. But I wanted to. You know I love my cats. I still don’t have the strength to see an animal struggle or suffer, even in an animated movie and even one that I know has a happy ending. But it won an Oscar, everyone loved it, and my husband and neighbors said it was truly wonderful. Watch it for me. (Also, it turns out that cats really like to watch it—likely due to no dialogue and a variety of other reasons. Articles are popping up about people’s cats being fascinated with this movie!)
