Many of us have that one book (okay, probably more than one) that shifted how we thought about life, relationships, health, or ourselves. Maybe it was a beautiful novel, an impactful memoir, or an inspiring non-fiction read, but something just clicked. So, to pay forward the wisdom, we asked women in our Movement Living community, ‘What is the book that changed everything for you?’
Here are 7 must-read books that changed everything for these women, and helped them to live well and age better.
- Grown Women Talk by Dr. Sharon Malone
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doidge
- The RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Christopher Brickell
- Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi
Natasha: Grown Women Talk by Dr. Sharon Malone
A practical guide to aging and health for women who have felt ignored or marginalized by the medical profession, from a leading OB/GYN and expert on menopausal and post-reproductive health.
“This book feels like a big sis keeping it real—sharing Life 101 with a fun soundtrack! But the resource section? That’s the part I keep going back to again and again. Reading the book encouraged me to participate in clinical trials so that my health journey can hopefully help other women that go through the same thing. It’s a #gamechanger to get your health right no matter how old you are!” — Natasha Holstine-Rao, 42 (@fashionalities)
Georgia: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way is a 12-week course that helps people unlock their capacity for creativity—whether in art, at work, or in life. At its core, it’s a great practice to access more delight, curiosity, and creative inquiry within your daily life.
“This book changed my life by helping me break free from my comfort zone and silence the voices of self-doubt and criticism. This isn’t just a book—it’s a lifelong companion that I return to again and again, each time finding a new inspiration to live my most fulfilled life.” — Georgia Zaris, 55 (@georgia_goes_grey)
Gabriela: The Brain That Changes Itself by Dr. Norman Doidge
This revolutionary discovery, called neuroplasticity, promises to overthrow the centuries-old notion that the brain is fixed and unchanging.
“My favorite book ever about the brain—it’s about neuroplasticity and our brain’s ability to change its own structure and function, at any age. It changed my view of how much we are capable of changing and learning as we get older.” — Gabriela Schonbach, 71 (@gabrielamoves)
Deborah: The RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Christopher Brickell
Discover more than 15,000 beautiful plants and learn how to successfully grow each one with this definitive planting guide. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for an unusual new flowering plant to grow, want to identify an amazing orchid you’ve seen, or need to find out how to keep alive the cactus you’ve been gifted, the A-Z is bound to have the answer.
“My garden is my solace and happy place. I loved this book so much that about 20 years ago, I became a Master Gardener! SO many hours spent relishing the possibilities on the pages of this book. A true encyclopedic picture book of every kind of plant. Trees, herbs, flowers, shrubs, aquatics, botany, cultivation… a book that has been used and cherished the world over for decades. It’s a massive tome designed to devour your hours and titillate you with possibilities. Even though I only have containers now, I still relish sitting with a cup of tea and some post it notes, pondering what could be! You don’t need to be a crazy gardener to love this book. If you get excited to go looking at plants come springtime, this will be great company!” — Deborah Barnes, 70 (@iam_deborahbarnes)
Kelley: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
Die with Zero presents a startling new and provocative philosophy as well as a practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called Golden Years.
“What resonates with me about Die with Zero is investing in your experiences, and starting early. Everyone’s busy saving for the future and missing opportunities while they’re still able to take these opportunities. Understanding what the value of the experience to your life is in the memories that you’ll have. You can always work and make more money.” — Kelley Jones Workman, 55 (@kelley_moves)
Diane: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Packed with evidence-based strategies, Atomic Habits will teach you how to make small changes that will transform your habits and deliver amazing results.
“If you want to change your status but haven’t had the tools to do so, I recommend you get James Clear’s Atomic Habits right now!” — Diane Britt-Smith, 62 (@dianebrittsmith)
Johanna: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi
A profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir by a young neurosurgeon faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis who attempts to answer the question ‘What makes a life worth living?’
“When Breath Becomes Air changed the way I thought about living well, and dying well. It changed the trajectory of my purpose, work, and relationships, asked wonderfully challenging, blunt, and essential questions, and began a lifelong process of defining what actually matters.” — Johanna Richardson, 30
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