Summer Reading List: Self Improvement Edition!

Here are a few of my all-time favorite, always recommended, practical/life-changing/perspective-altering self-help books.  Enjoy!

"...Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom. Seek learning even by study and also by faith."  Doctrine and Covenants 109:7

On Finances:
"Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey
Learn how to get out of debt and start accumulating wealth. (We're currently working on our debt snowball.)  This guy is very back-to-basics and common sense.  It's one of those books you finish and wish every one of your friends and family would read.
also:









"The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason
Short, sweet and to the point.













"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley

I read this quite a few years ago but still think about it and remember some of the things I learned.  For example:  The people who think they have to look rich (like Doctors and Lawyers) are usually the ones with the most debt and least amount of actual accumulated wealth.










On Physical Health:
"Eat for Health" by Dr. Joel Furman

These books have changed the way we eat and view food.  It's very empowering to think you don't have to suffer through the last years of your life.  If  you take care of your body, you can stay healthy even as crotchety old people!

Doug has lost a bunch of weight and I might also if I'd lay off the chocolate!  (Hey, I'm nursing!  Give me a break!)








On Mental Health:
"Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns
Another empowering book!  Change the way you think, act and react--without drugs.  I'm a big fan of cognitive behavior therapy because I believe the brain is very powerful.  I'm not anti-drug, I just think a lot can be accomplished without them!










On Changing Your Outlook and Life:
"Hard Times and Holy Places" by Kristen Belcher
Written by my sister-in-law, I've heard nothing but GREAT THINGS about this book.  And it really can change your life for the better if you let it.












"The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten-Boom

Amazing and perspective changing.  The best holocaust book you'll ever read.  (Besides maybe "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl--also highly recommended.)











On Pain:
"The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand
I loved this book and recommend it to everyone!  It is fascinating and reads like a really good novel.

On Gardening:

"Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew

An easy and practical (AND PRODUCTIVE) way to plant a vegetable garden. Plus everything you need to know about composting, planting schedules, etc.

We're currently enjoying our broccoli and lettuce harvest.  Peppers, tomatoes and beans are on their way.  Crossing our fingers for pumpkins and corn!

On Getting Babies to SLEEP:
"On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
I believe the first edition of this book was quite controversial because people were following the suggestions to the letter without using their own judgement.  (Duh.)  I researched the hysterical claims and didn't find anything (In my version) to substantiate them.  I personally don't do everything this book says.  But I credit it for making all four of my crazy boys into excellent sleepers.  All of my boys have been able to sleep through the night from an early age and sleep deeply at night.  (I.E., Gabe shares a room with Gray and doesn't wake up when Gray cries in the morning.)






On Marriage:
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Like her or hate her, if you follow even a little of the advice in this book, it will improve your marriage.  I happen to love Dr. Laura because she is a tireless advocate for healthy strong marriages, intact families, stay-at-home moms, religion, strong moral values, adoption and foster care, etc.  Plus, she likes Mormons!