Embark on a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth through the pages of life-changing books. Explore the profound impact literature can have on transforming perspectives and shaping destinies.
Here are the books that defined my year, and also my mini reviews of each. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did, and find them to be so incredibly moving and though-provoking that you will want to share them, too.
@theelizarose These books will change your life!! Here is the list of books and my mini book review of each that totally altered the course of my life and my perspective this year. Some of them are first time reads, others I revisted with a new and improved lens. These ones mean so much to me, and I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did! You can find a comprehensive list of these on my page under “Art Blog” 🎀 #booktok #books #bookrecommendations #bookrecs📚 #polisci #law #lawofattraction #poetry #selfhelp #therapy #therapytok #philosophy #absurdism #ldr #albertcamus #robertgreene #nonfiction #history #atomichabits #48lawsofpower ♬ original sound - Eliza Rose Cosmetics
1. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene:
Delve into the world of power dynamics and strategies as outlined by Robert Greene. Learn how applying these laws can empower you in various aspects of life, and gain insights into the author's profound teachings.
I recommend this book to all of my friends and clients. Even if you don't practice the tips given in this book, Greene's concepts are still beneficial to be aware of. The book is flying off of Walmart shelves, meaning: people around the country are starting to practice these laws, whether you agree with them or not. Know what they are, and you'll be at a great advantage.
2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear:
Discover the transformative potential of habits with James Clear's guide. Uncover the science behind building good habits and breaking bad ones, and explore real-life examples showcasing the power of intentional habit formation.
Spoiler: my favorite aspect of this books is Clear's 1% rule. It goes hand-in-hand with a saying my Mom still says all the time: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." During times when I find I need her advice and can't get a hold of her, I find myself reaching for Atomic Habits. It's one of those books you could crack open to any page and find a sentence that will dramatically alter your perspective of yourself and your environment -- and I mean this in the most positive sense. Super, super helpful for work from home entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners and artists who rely on introspection and a change of perspective to feel inspired. I compare it to how a friend would motivate you, but you're you, and Atomic Habits is your friend.
3. Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dreamgirl―A Woman's Guide to Holding Her Own in a Relationship by Sherry Argov:
Navigate the intricacies of relationships with Sherry Argov's empowering insights. Understand the importance of self-respect and independence, and how these qualities can positively impact romantic connections.
This piece of work by Argov is hilarious -- and, hilariously appropriate even 20 years after its release. It is the playbook for women who find themselves in draining, people pleasing romantic relationships over, and over, and over again. It might as well be a step-by-step guide on how to kick yourself in the behind for bending over backwards for everyone but yourself. Funny and thought-provoking, if you don't get this book for yourself, get it for when your best friend texts you for help with her man problems.
4. Gaza: An Inquest Into Its Martyrdom by Norman G. Finkelstein:
Explore the historical and political landscape of Gaza through Norman G. Finkelstein's in-depth analysis. Gain a nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding the region, shedding light on a topic of global significance.
You don't wake up one morning and social-media-digest your way into understanding a conflict with over seven decades worth of complex history. That would be asking too much of anybody. However, in Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom, Finkelstein does a phenomenal job at highlighting important events throughout those many decades, while also providing an argument for empathy and nuance. Finkelstein's own perspective provides important insight and context to his arguments: he's a Jewish author, whose parents were both in concentration camps during the holocaust. Jarring, but necessary, Finkelstein's analysis is relevant now more than ever.
5. The Myth of Sisyphus (Vintage International) by Albert Camus:
Embark on a philosophical journey with Albert Camus as he explores the absurdity of human existence. Reflect on life's meaning and the significance of embracing the absurd in the pursuit of personal authenticity.
This review comes with a trigger warning. If you have the tendency to logic-lock yourself into the idea that taking yourself out is the only logical option, Camus makes a phenomenal argument in The Myth of Sisyphus which boils down to: "Think again."
This book will point out, and pluck out, the logical fallacies deep-seated in your psyche that you often glaze over just to get through the day; the ideas that cause self loathing and subconscious harm in the most microscopic aspects of your life. Camus heals you, and rebukes those thoughts that keep you up at night -- with reason. He silences the voice that repeats, "What is this all for, anyway?" by articulately pointing out the absurdity of "it all" in the first place. Reading The Myth of Sisyphus is like a loving grandfather giving you a warm hug after he yelled at you for both 1) not taking yourself seriously enough, and 2) taking yourself too seriously.
6. Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey:
Immerse yourself in the poetic and artistic world crafted by Lana Del Rey. Explore the emotional depth of literature and poetry, understanding their capacity to evoke profound emotions and inspire change.
If you're in a rut of bad news and despair, Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass will point you in the direction of the beautifully mundane glimmers in life. It's the romanticization of life that will give you hope, and help you to see the joy in the small things again. "There are children at the foot of my bed," is now a line I repeat with love and fondness in my head when I, too, have children at the foot of my bed. If you are newer to poetry, Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass is the perfect gentle kiss on the cheek to open your eyes to the love that poetry is waiting to offer you.
7. Trauma and Recovery by Judith L. Herman, MD:
Grasp the importance of understanding trauma and its psychological implications with Dr. Judith Herman. Gain insights into the book's contributions to the field of psychology, offering a roadmap for healing and recovery.
If you had the misfortune of dealing with domestic violence in your childhood or adult life, no matter the degree, you'll be happy to have Dr. Herman validate just about every thought you have had, will have, and didn't know you had regarding your trauma. I found myself laughing at times at how on-the-nose she is. Dr. Herman illuminates thoughts and self concepts I didn't realize I had, in a way that is both comforting and healing. This book is especially helpful if you are a trauma cycle breaker, who is looking to repair concepts derived from PTSD -- whatever the cause -- in an effort to not pass that trauma along. Dr. Herman also shares approaches to therapy, and why patients with PTSD may find some therapies more helpful than others. Regardless of what brings you to reading Trauma and Recovery, I can assure you that you'll leave the book with better understanding and empathy towards survivors of domestic violence.
8. Somatic Psychotherapy Toolbox: 125 Worksheets and Exercises to Treat Trauma & Stress by Manuela Mischke:
Uncover a toolbox of therapeutic exercises and techniques with Manuela Mischke's guide. Delve into the world of somatic psychotherapy, discovering practical tools to address trauma and stress, fostering holistic well-being.
If you somehow forgot what it felt like to "trust your gut," if you were never taught what your intuition felt like, or if someone ever successfully convinced you that your "gut feeling" was always wrong, this workbook will help you learn to notice it and to integrate it again. Somatic Psychotherapy Toolbox will teach you how to recognize and manage stress in your body and mind, by using the somatic psychotherapy approach. The Ancient Greek words "soma," meaning body, and "psyche," meaning mind: this workbook will help you learn one to help the other, and vice versa. This is incredibly helpful in processing trauma and stress, and in building a framework that helps you manage and minimize trauma and stress in the future.
In closing, these books serve as portals to transformative experiences. I encourage readers to explore diverse genres, inviting you to share your own encounters with life-changing literature. Embarking on such a literary journey promises not just knowledge, but a profound metamorphosis of the self; a metamorphosis that simply waits for you to turn the first page.
With Love,
Eliza Rose ♡
I hope you enjoyed this post ♡ Although this post is not sponsored, the links included are affiliate links, and I do make a very small commission on each purchase at no extra cost to you. However, know that I would never share with you a product that I do not use and completely adore.
