Can a single book change your life? Our answer is a hearty YES! We’re avid readers at Mothers and Shakers HQ and we love discussing our favourite books (usually over coffee and cake). Books that inspire us. Books that move us to do better. Books that help us see the world (and ourselves) in a different light.
In this brand new series, we’ll be sharing some brilliant reads worth adding to your bookshelf or Kindle. These are 50 inspiring books that will change your life, whether you want to LAUNCH A SIDE HUSTLE, fix a habit, follow your passions, or crush your fitness goals. Happy reading!
50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life: Books 1 to 5
The Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person
by Shonda Rhimes
She’s the multi award-winning creator/producer of hit TV shows Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal. But it’s her autobiographical New York Times bestseller The Year of Yes, and her accompanying TED talk, that turned fans into raving enthusiasts of Shonda herself. After realising that although bossing it at work, she was tiptoeing through life, Shonda decided to make a change. She challenged herself to an entire year of saying ‘Yes’ to every opportunity that came her way. The results were life-changing.
Who it’s great for: Introverts, fellow nerdy types and anybody who’s feeling stuck in a rut.
Why we love it: Shonda is a gifted writer and keeps things honest, open and humorous at all times. We’re inspired by her can-do spirit and her ability to dance in the face of fear.
One more thing: This book will force you out of your comfort zone. And that’s a great thing.
MumBoss
by Vicki Psarias aka Honest Mum
Vicki is an award-winning filmmaker and blogger, whose site Honest Mum mixes topical lifestyle content, professional quality photography, and unfiltered tales of family life. MumBoss is her guide to getting back to business after you’ve had a baby, crammed with expert advice from other mums making it work.
Who it’s great for: New mums on maternity leave and aspiring boss mamas.
Why we love it: Vicki shares all her inside tips, as well as personal stories, to show how you can go for your goals without sacrificing family time. The book is written in Vicki’s trademark style — frank, funny and accessible — with tons of insight to inspire mothers around the globe.
One more thing: If you love the book, go check out Vicki’s blog at honestmum.com.
Reasons to Stay Alive
by Matt Haig
Matt Haig is an author and mental health advocate. He tells his own gruelling but ultimately life-affirming experience of coping with depression and anxiety in Reasons to Stay Alive. He says: ‘I wrote this book because the oldest clichés remain the truest. Time heals. The bottom of the valley never provides the clearest view. The tunnel does have light at the end of it, even if we haven’t been able to see it . . . Words, just sometimes, really can set you free.’
Who it’s great for: If you’ve ever struggled with depression, or wondered about the point of it all, Matt’s book is the perfect companion and pick-me-up to see you through the darkest days.
Why we love it: Matt writes from the heart, sometimes excruciatingly honest, but always funny and kind in his framing of life’s hardest moments. You’ll feel like you know him and want to devour everything else he’s written (he also writes fiction and a popular children’s book, The Truth Pixie).
One more thing: Enjoyed the book? Follow @matthaig on Twitter for his brilliant and witty social commentary.
Story
by Robert McKee
Robert McKee is known throughout Hollywood as the master of his game, a sort of storytelling Jedi. He hosts sold-out workshops in major cities around the world, teaching aspiring writers and filmmakers how to hone their art. His epic work Story is a screenwriting bible, but it’s also a goldmine for bloggers, authors, poets, copywriters, and any other form of storyteller.
Who it’s great for: Everybody who wants to get their message out the right way, using our most ancient method — the power of a great story.
Why we love it: Students of Robert McKee have gone on to write, produce or direct some of the greatest films and TV shows of all time, including Gandhi, The Color Purple, Friends, The Elephant Man and Sesame Street. If you want to communicate something entertaining/important to your audience, Story will help you design it from the foundation up.
One more thing: The Story seminar is held in New York, LA and London every year. Keep up with his schedule at mckeestory.com
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
by Elizabeth Gilbert
You’ve probably heard of Elizabeth Gilbert through her worldwide bestseller Eat Pray Love — later adapted for a movie starring Julia Roberts. Big Magic is Elizabeth’s ode to creativity and how to cultivate a more meaningful life through the joy of self-expression.
Who it’s great for: Writers, artists, anybody who wants to be more creative but is struggling with what to do, how to start, or why they should keep going.
Why we love it: Elizabeth has an engaging writing voice that combines a sense of humour with a spiritual outlook. Her tips are golden, especially when she talks about following your curiosity, rather than worrying about the outcomes of any creative project.
One more thing: Expect magical breakthroughs after reading this.
What are your favourite inspirational books to read? Keep up with our series 50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life by signing up to our newsletter below!
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