My goal for 2019 was to read more: fiction, non-fiction, biographies, all of it! Throughout the year I discovered some really wonderful new and new-to-me books on mental health, self-improvement, self-care, and overall wellbeing. I compiled a list of them below along with a brief description. If you are looking for a new book to read, you’ve come to the right place. Happy reading!

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BEST BOOKS OF 2019

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
by Lori Gottlieb
If you read just one book from this list, please read this one. Why? Because it happens to be my favorite book of 2019. Gottlieb weaves her own experience of being in therapy with stories of her work with her psychotherapy clients to create an inspiring and illuminating insight into the human experience. I loved every page of it and I can’t recommend it enough!
Perfect for: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in therapy or if you enjoy stories about the human experience.

Safe People: How to Find Relationships that are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t
by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
I also picked up this book at the recommendation of another therapist and it quickly became one of my most recommended books to my clients. The authors, who also wrote the excellent “Boundaries” series, shine light on the reasons why some people find themselves taken advantage of in relationships again and again. They also provide helpful step-by-step guidance for learning to recognize healthy relationships from unhealthy ones as well as how to cultivate healthy relationships.
Perfect for: If you’ve noticed some unhealthy relationship patterns and want to deepen your understanding and empower yourself to make positive changes.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, & Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
I never cease to be amazed at how intricate and strong the human body and brain is. I picked this book up after a fellow therapist recommended it for a mini-bookclub and after the first few pages, I was hooked.The author explains how our bodies experience and cope with trauma from a biological perspective and how this differs from how many health professionals currently approach treating trauma. For example, many professionals primarily use traditional talk therapy to address trauma which is an important but incomplete treatment approach. The body actually stores some experiences of trauma in a non-verbal way and thus requires a different form of treatment. This is an incredibly fascinating read.
Perfect for: If you are interested in learning more about trauma, are interested in learning more about how amazing our brains and bodies are, or if you want to learn more about how the world of psychology and psychiatry is changing.

Embracing Weakness: The Unlikely Secret to Changing the World
by Shannon K. Evans
Shannon’s book challenges the belief that we have to be perfect in order to do good in the world. She explains how embracing our weaknesses can actually bring us closer to God and can help us serve others on a deeper and more meaningful level. I dog-eared more than half of the pages in this book because she gave me so much to think about.
Perfect for: If you’re trying to be less of a perfectionist or if you are going through a difficult season in life.

The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God’s
by Colleen Carroll Campbell
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the saints were superhuman and rarely struggled with the things that we do but this book offers a surprising and unexpected take on their lives. Campbell weaves her own struggles with perfectionism with those of the saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Frances de Sales, St. Ignatius, and St. Therese of Liseiux who overcame similar struggles. Not only is it eye-opening to read how the saints struggled but it’s also very inspiring.
Perfect for: If you are struggling with perfectionism or just want to learn more about the “humanness” of the saints.

Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God during the Most Difficult Days of My Life
by Mary Lenaburg
Our faith can be tested when going through difficult times and Mary Lenaburg experienced this firsthand. In her book, Be Brave in the Scared, she shares how her faith was challenged and deepened in the midst of caring for her daughter, Courtney, who required around-the-clock care because of her special needs. Her story is inspiring and a testament to how sometimes the most difficult seasons of our lives are the catalysts for strengthening our faith.
Perfect for: When you need a dose of inspiration and encouragement in life.

Here’s a Sneak Peek of What’s On My 2020 Reading List

Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again
by Andrea Barber
The Full House start shares her experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety.

Beyond Boundaries: Learning to Trust Again in Relationships
by John Townsend
Boundaries are one of my favorite topics to read about when it comes to therapy-related books and this one looks like it’s right up my alley.

Make My Life Simple: Bringing Peace to Heart and Home
by Rachel Balducci
This book has been on my list since last year and it’s message of bringing simplicity and peace to day-to-day life is much needed in today’s busy world.

The Wounded Healer
by Henri Nouwen
This book has similar themes to Embracing Weakness and Be Brave in the Scared.