In 2017, I set the goal of reading 12 books in 2018. It did not seem many – I have always enjoyed reading and 12 seemed easy. The problem is, in the digital era with social media, it is much easier to be on the phone than read a book. Anyone out there feel the same? I did not read the 12 books I wanted but today, I am sharing with you some books I really liked!
1. You can heal your life – Louise Hay
Do you remember the post I wrote for my birthday about: 26 lessons I’ve learned in the last few years? Many of the things I wrote were inspired on this book. Tania (a friend) introduced me to this book when I was at her place in Australia. I read a few pages and when I arrived in Paris, it was the first book I bought. What fascinated me the most? The way the author speaks of the need we have to blame others and at the same time, the inability to forgive ourselves of every mistake we make. In addition, the author talks about how we perceive life and the consequences of it on our physical and mental health. Has anyone read it? I LOVED this book!
2. The book of forgiveness – Mhpo Tutu I Desmond Tutu
Have you ever felt that it would be impossible to forgive someone? … A boyfriend who betrayed you, a friend who failed you … It happens, it’s part of life. : D But the reality is that this book explains, in a wonderful way, how forgiving is essential in our lives. How to let it go: Forgiving is one of the most difficult things, but also one of those which prevent us from living our life fully. It’s a small but very powerful book. And I really enjoyed it!
3. How to stop worrying and start living – Dale Carnegie
It was the second time I read this book and still find it fantastic. It’s a bible to me. Whenever I feel more stressed (because I’m a stress most of the time, I always worry about everything) I try to keep in my mind: “What is the worst that can happen to me?” as the book says and well: define the worst scenario and from there, set your path. Everything has a solution in this life. : D
4. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
If there are travelers out there, this is the book I would most advise you to read. I read it in 2018 after my travels. I do not remember being so excited to read a book as I was with the Alchemist. You know when you are dying to know what is going to happen on the next chapter? The Alchemist was like that from beginning to the end. I loved the message: We all have a mission in this life and we often need to do a long way to understand it. I loved the analogies and loved knowing that to get where we want: it is normal to do mistakes, to fail. Who has read it? I LOVED IT!
5. How to make friends and influence people – Dale Carnegie
The more you can get out of this book, the more you will grow in life – this is what the author says several times throughout the book (and I think he’s right). They are episodes, stories and tips for managing human relationships, whether at work, at home, or at school. The wisdom of dealing with the human being is very valuable and honestly, I believe that who has it, achieves more in this world. Here, are some highlights of the book:
- Why do we always want to win an argument?
- Why do we feel the need to ashamed others in public?
- Why do we always have to be right?
6. The power of now – Eckhart Tolle
I began reading this book in February 2017, in Chile. I did not get in to it and in 2018, I went back to it (I hate not finishing a book – anyone like that?). In January, in Cairns, I read it in a week and I really love it. It is a book with a lot of density and that compels us to read and to understand every word, every second. In this world where everything happens at the same time and where we do 1001 things in a day, this book is a MUST to never forget to live THE MOMENT, THE NOW. It is a MUST READ if you are interested in personal development.
And you? Which books do you advise me to read in 2019? Share with me…
Beijinho,
Daniela
Photo by Paul Schafer on Unsplash