Does that statement seem a little bold? Not at all. Each of these brilliant pieces of literature totally rocked my world. They've made me think critically about topics and traditions I'd never questioned before. They made me change a piece of myself that was in dire need of reconstruction. And they can do the same for you! Go on, crack the cover of at least one of these and be prepared to be WOWED.
#1 ~ The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
This book is simply brilliant. It stands apart from every financial gimmick and get rich scheme because it's not a top-secret recipe to success. It's just plain, solid financial truth.
In 2010, when my husband and I first dove into this program, we were a wreck. We fought about finances, we lived pay check to pay check, and we had a cloud of monetary insecurity following us around everywhere we went.
But not after reading The Total Money Makeover. What changed? We did. Now our future looks bright, our marriage is strong and united, and our children will have a legacy of self-control and wealth to pass down to their children.
Don't wait till you're desperate to become a 'Dave Ramsey-er'.
(On a side note, this is one of the rare cases I recommend you get this book on audio tape. Mr. Ramsey narrates with such passion it makes it for an easy listen and allows you to share it with your significant other.)
#2 ~ Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
As someone who struggles having boundaries with others, especially those I care about, this book has been my salvation. Cloud and Townsend really get inside the mind of someone who can't say 'no' (or someone who can't hear 'no') and give practical insight and advice how to, figuratively, repair your property's broken perimeter fence thereby allowing you to enter into the bliss of having healthy relationships. For a person who is used to getting run over the top of, this is the equivalent of freedom.
#3 ~ Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, M.D.
Meg Meeker is a brilliant author and doctor who breaks down the strong Father/Daughter connection and what a dad need to know when raising a girl.
Dads, if you could do one thing in your life to love your daughters, READ THIS BOOK. Fathers oftentimes don't understand how essential they are to their little girls. Truthfully, they are irreplaceable no matter how mainstream culture tries to paint them as nothing more than a luxury.
Moms, you should read this book as well. In fact, every woman should read this book. It will tell you so SO much about yourself and how your relationship with your dad (or lack thereof) can subconsciously affect your choices.
It's absolutely fascinating.
#4 ~ Made To Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst
A self-help book that addresses our weight and eating habits, dealing with topics such as body image and how to lose weight.
Honestly, this book was hard for me to get into. But, about halfway through, it just clicked and I ravenously swallowed up every single word.
The target audience for this 'diet' book is Christian women but it does apply to any woman. The way I see my body and the way I view food has been forever altered by this revealing and insightful treasure. Thank you Lysa TerKeurst.
#5 ~ Ina May's Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
I will remember till the day I die the days I gave birth to my two children. Birth matters and affects us. Ina May Gaskin smashes through our culture's stereotypes of what's important in childbirth and provides information and evidence that has been lost to us with the removal of midwives and their culture from the birth rooms.
I cannot tell you how passionate I am about this book and how grateful I am to Ms. Gaskin for her tireless work for women everywhere. One thing I love about her guide; she doesn't demoralize or demonize women for what they've chosen or how they've done things. She simply provides information that many of us have never heard before. She views all women as beautiful and, if given the opportunity, thinks they will recapture something our modern world has swept away; the fact that we bring life into the world and we do it quite well, thank you. We are not broken, we are designed for this. Sister pa-Leeze, we got this!
I love this book so much, I would recommend men read it also! What they will learn about their wives, their mothers, the world of women, is truly splendid!
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So there you have it! But don't take my word for it. Go, read, explore, learn something today!
Photo Credits
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