One of the qualities attributed to a life of success is a voracious appetite for learning. Books are a great way to keep the mind open and learning flowing no matter where life takes you. Reading can be a joyful escape from reality too. If you are like me, it can often be a challenge to find time to engage in the luxury of reading for pure pleasure, but once I find a great story, there isn’t much that can pull me away.
This year was particularly challenging because I wrote a book too! I’ve learned that there’s far more than just writing involved with being an author. Each day is a new discovery when it comes to being both a reader and a writer.
If you have voracious readers as friends, consider yourself lucky. Books clubs are a wonderful way to keep your reading habit strong and to discover new material you might have otherwise missed. Ask your friends what they are reading or trade books when you meet for coffee or lunch. Books are a great topic to help you deepen your relationships and connections. As you meet people this holiday season, make sure to ask what they are reading and if they have any favorite books from the year just passed.
As I look back on 2012 and think about the books that have had the greatest impact on my life as a reader, I recommend the following that you might consider as gifts for yourself or others:
Confessions of an Entrepreneur by Penny Dixon
The Hidden Power of Past Lives by Sandra Ann Taylor
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue
You Can Create and Exceptional Life by Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Backwards: Returning to Our Source for Answers by Nanci Danison
Below I have listed the books exchanged during The Indigo Connection’s Holiday gathering on Dec. 14 2011, along with the name of the person who recommended and gave the book. I hope you are inspired to snuggle up with a book during the next few months.
Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People by S. Truett Cathy given by Sonya Weiland
Energy Makeover by Betsy Muller and an Angel Journal given by Betsy Muller
Beyond Delicious Cookbook by Ghost Whisperer Mary Anne Winkoski given by Karen Poltrone
Squirrel Seeks Chipmonk by David Sedaris given by Ellen Tudron
Coaching Journal by Anthony Robbins given by Ann South
A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Elas/Robert Harper given by Lisa Ackim
The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent by Ester and Jerry Hicks given by Cara Gallagher
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson given by Carrie Weise
These are a Few of my Favorite Things by Tony Burton given by Pat Kugli
Tea Chings: The Tea and Herb Companion by Rubin/Gold given by Betsy Jack
Cherished – 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost by Barbara Abercrombe given by Vicki Melega
Send You Home by Jodi Picoulet given by Jan Lewis
Ten Spiritual Principles of Successful Women by Victoria Lowe given by Gloria Zabala
The Witch of Portabello by Paulo Coelho given by Kate Guidish
Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett given by Susie Wodarczyk
Signs Along the Path by Jonathan Davis and Holly Matson given by Holly Matson
Meditations to Heal Your Life by Louise Hay given by Jean Mraz
