Fall Reading Recommendations!
Psychology, Leadership, and Spooky Books for the Season
The Summer Reading Recommendations List was such a hit that I’ve decided to do one every quarter/season.
Without further ado, here is the fall list of reading recommendations from Aligned Insight Coaching… 👻 and this month, I’m including a few spooky extras!
Psychology + Personal Development: Two books on inherited trauma. I wrote in a previous blog post that I’ve been grieving. Part of my journey has led me to explore family connections, stories, and trauma. Here are two recommended reads on the subject:
Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients, and the Legacy of Trauma by Galit Atlas
I learned about this book when Dr. Atlas was interviewed on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast (Episode 97) and was transfixed by the notion that trauma can be passed from generation to generation genetically. The book is an amazing series of case studies/client stories and reflections on how the trauma and its effects can present long after the traumatic event or circumstances have passed.
It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
The Wolynn text also includes client anecdotes, like the Atlas book above. Where it differs is a more detailed explanation of genetic factors, as well as a series of guided questions and exercises you can do to explore your own family history. What’s more, Wolynn also offers examples of visualizations and reframes you can start to use right away to access the brain’s neuroplasticity and begin your own process of healing/recovery.
Leadership: Boundless Leadership: The Breakthrough Method to Realize Your Vision, Empower Others, and Ignite Positive Change by Joe Loizzo and Elazer Aslan
If you’re looking to level up your leadership using a science-based mindfulness approach, this is for you. I had the honor of studying with Joe through the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science and hearing Elazer speak on topics covered in the text. I’ve also been able to implement the practices in this text and can attest to their usefulness, for myself, teams I’ve worked with, and my clients. The best part about this book is that it offers concrete applications and ways to connect with your teams and/or clients.
Negotiation: Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything by Alexandra Carter
I was lucky enough to hear Alexandra Carter speak at an online event sponsored by The Path several years ago and bought the book right away. I’ve used her technique not just for my own negotiations and to help clients and colleagues prepare for negotiation situations, but also as a launching pad for understanding my perspective, needs, and how someone else might be looking at a situation. This is a must-read for negotiation as well as for coming into conversations with a curiosity-based and open mindset.
👻 And some spooky books to round out this list!
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
Like a good mystery? Bonus points for ghosts? Why choose when you can have both! This was a really fun read and the perfect mix of mystery and ghost story. It was my first book by Simone St. James and immediately after finishing, I had to search my Libby app for more! Since reading this, I’ve read two others (all quite enjoyable!), but this is my favorite.
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
This is a shorter read, but don’t let the length fool you. It’s not for the faint of heart! This book kept me absolutely on edge and, full disclosure, it crept into my dreams in some pretty scary ways. Still, that’s what spooky season is all about, so if you want something that isn’t long but will stay with you, this is it.
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
I also love an atmospheric tale set in the 17th Century, as you may have noticed on the Summer Reading Rec’s post, where I included the two YA novels by Celia Rees. This book offers plenty of scary things, not the least of which is the treatment of women during this time period. That said, there are plenty of spooky bits along the way as the mystery progresses. It ticked all the boxes for me.
They Drown Our Daughters by Katrina Monroe
I love a good gothic novel and bonus points if it includes a ragged landscape, some ocean imagery, and a few plot twists. There are a lot of those in this book, as well as a bit of the supernatural, and a pretty good mystery. This one makes the list for the great descriptions of characters, natural surroundings, and a great story.
Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia
This was the first book I’ve read that takes place in the Boundary Waters region of Minnesota. Again, great descriptions of wild outdoor landscapes, a fast-paced plot, and a good mystery all came together here for a great read. I love a story I can really visualize while I read it and this did the trick! I also stayed up late to finish it; any time I choose a book ending over sleep, I have to share.
Do you have favorite seasonal reads? Recommendations? I’d love to know!