Books, Favorite Things, Soul Homework

the books that found me: my top ten soul homework reads

Kari

recently, while commenting on my friend steve’s blog, we connected over the wild edge of sorrow—a book that’s brought comfort to both of us.

i first discovered the book through my dear friend jill, who shared it on her blog. it came to me just when i was working through the complex grief of losing someone i cared for deeply, even though we’d lost touch.

this experience reminded me why sharing what we love matters, whether through blogs, social media, or simple conversations. talking with steve made me think about books i’d want to give others, and i realized it could make a meaningful post.

when it all began 🩷

i know the terms “self-help” and “non-fiction” don’t always land well with readers, especially those who are strictly into fiction. i’m often a little hesitant to share the books i read on goodreads or in certain company because i feel a bit self-conscious about what others might think.

but over these past few years, i’ve learned so much. the most beautiful part of all this has been how the right books have found me—whether through something i was already reading or a thoughtful recommendation from one of you. there’s such grace in this process, like the guidance i need arrives just when i’m ready for it.

on my soul homework page, i’ve marked with an asterisk the books i could read over and over again. throughout the last four years, i’ve read close to 150 books, with almost 120 linked on that page alone—the ones i’ve finished.

here are my top ten favorites so far—books that have deeply resonated with me, ones i could read again and again. these are the books i’d joyfully share with others, hoping they might find something meaningful too.

“Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.”

1- the four agreements: a practical guide to personal freedom by don miguel ruiz

“To grieve is to be in relationship with life. It is how we honor what we have lost and all that it has given us.”

2- the wild edge of sorrow: the sacred work of grief by frances weller

“We are all looking for someone who will accept us as we are, and we want to be that person for others.”

3- how to be an adult in relationships: the five keys to mindful loving by david richo

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”

4 – radical compassion by tara brach

“Intuition is not just about knowing what to do; it’s about remembering who you truly are.”

5- the call of intuition: how to recognize and honor your intuition, instinct, and insight by kris franken

“We are all given a unique path to walk. Our task is not to compare our path to others, but to be true to the one that is ours.”

6- the book of awakening by mark nepo

“When we recognize the interconnectedness of all life, we begin to understand that the well-being of each is bound to the well-being of all.”

7- the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible by charles eisenstein

“The more we can allow ourselves to be imperfect, the more we create the space for love to enter.”

8- perfect love, imperfect relationships by john welwood

“The body holds the stories of our lives, and our chakras are the places where these stories are written.”

9- eastern body, western mind: psychology and the chakra system as a path to the self by anodea judith

“The invitation of life is to show up and pay attention, to wake up to the present moment, and to be fully alive in the face of impermanence.”

10- the five invitations: discovering what death can teach us about living fully by frank ostaseski

i’d love to hear about the books that have really resonated with you. please share in the comments. 🖤

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54 thoughts on “the books that found me: my top ten soul homework reads”

  1. I, for one, always enjoy learning what my friends are reading – even if it’s a completely different genre than what I’m into. So, share away!

    And on that note, if you’re in the mood for a unique novel, check out “Beautyland” by Marie-Helene Bertino. Not your typical alien story at all, but instead, it focuses on the human condition – often in very witty (and touching) ways. My favorite read so far this year.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Hi Kari, Wow! I began to read your post and I feel compelled to repond. You had me at “four agreements.” This was my little bible when I was working and I often gave this book as a gift. I have had a few people recently talk about “the book of awakening.” I have not read, yet, I need to pay attention. Your other books and descriptions gave me goosebumps and I have bookmarked your post. You remind me about the saying ‘when the student is ready, the teacher appears.’ Thank you for my inspiration.💕 Erica

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad you responded! As soon as I finished that book, I wanted to gift it to everyone I knew too! It’s such a great life manual.

      The Book of Awakening is truly amazing—I highly recommend it as well. It’s a daily devotional, so it’s such a lovely way to start each day. I got mine in 2020-2021, and I’ve used it over and over without ever tiring of it.

      You’re the second person to quote that to me! Ally Bean has said the same thing! I love it!

      Thank YOU for being my inspiration. 😘❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and between two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad. Holy cow both were sad but filled me with desire to live. Thanks for the recommendations, will definitely check those titles out.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve read Paul’s book too—so good. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days. I’ve got Suleika’s book on my list as well, and I think she has a new one coming out in the spring? I’m really excited for that too. I’m so glad both of those books inspired you. Sending you so much love.

      I hope you enjoy the books as much as I did. ❤️

      Like

  5. I hope you don’t hesitate to share the books that reach you, because they might speak volumes to someone else too. The quote about not taking things personally really spoke to me. I needed to hear that . . . today. My dear friend gave me The Four Agreements book years ago. I’ve started it several times, but haven’t finished it. I read mostly at night and then I get sleepy and that’s a book I need to attend to in order to follow. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. ;)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. THIS. You’re so right, friend. What if Jill had never shared that book? Look at how much it’s helped me.

      I’m so glad that quote reached you exactly when you needed it. I had it on my wall for years, and I truly think a lot of us need to hear or see it. It’s life-changing, honestly.

      Like

  6. Beautiful post, Kari, and thank you for the shout-out. The Wild Edge of Sorrow has been a real companion to my sweety and me in some major losses, and we’ve given copies to about ten people by now. I love your list.. very inspiring!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I read lots of self-help and more spiritual based books when I was in college; I think part of that psychology pull was knowing myself as well as the human brain better. That said, I rarely read non-fiction anymore… unless it’s about nutrition and physical health but even those I am finding myself shying away from them more and more (since they tend to be very contradictory!).

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Hey, just because not everyone reads non-fiction or self-help, that doesn’t mean we have ill feelings about it. I will seek out those books when I need them most, such as when me or a family member is diagnosed with something or if I have a topic I’m interested in learning more about. Trust me, I read every book written on Autism in the 1990’s/early 2000’s, as an example. I generally lean to fiction because I like to read to be entertained and relax, much like watching television.

    A book I read that resonated with me was Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Probably 15 years ago. I was really seeking spirituality and all of his books spoke to me. He was basically canceled by many Christians after writing one of his books called Love Wins. I thought the book was brilliant.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes to books on autism, ADHD, and everything in between! Fiction has been a lifesaver for me this year, offering a much-needed escape from reality. My mom is reading more, too—it really is the best kind of distraction.

      Any book that gets canceled by Christians is an immediate read for me. I’m adding both to my list. Thank you so much! 😘❤️

      Like

  10. i have 3 books that i keep in my bedside table (that i consider to be soul homework): The Prophet, by Kalil Gibrald; A Book of Psalms, by Stephen Mitchell; Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson.

    i rarely keep books– but those 3 will always be with me, and i’ve read them over, and over, and over. <3

    thank you for sharing your list, Kari :)

    p.s. have you tried Seane Corn's Detox Flow Yoga (free on youtube). highly recommend!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve read The Prophet, but not all the way through—I really need to be more patient with it since I love Kahlil Gibran’s writing. I’ve never read the other two, though, so I’m adding them to my list!

      What’s funny is that out of the ten books above, I only own four. I usually just rent books from the library. I actually just re-rented The Four Agreements this month because I didn’t own it and wanted to read it again. 🤣

      It’s my pleasure! Thank you for reading!

      I’ve never heard of it, but I’m always up for a detox yoga session! I’ll be checking it out tonight—thank you for sharing. 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s wonderful—more advanced than what I usually practice, but I love a good challenge. I’ve been practicing yin yoga since my dad got sick, and it’s been such a source of comfort for me. That said, there are times when I crave something more challenging, and this feels like the perfect fit. Thank you so much for sharing it with me!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Kari, your love of books is contagious! This post reminded me of how much I used to love reading (books, not Kindle) – the feel of the book in my hands, the smell of the paper, and getting lost in a story. I’ve gotta’ start doing that again.

    I LOVE that first photo of your quiet time. That room is so airy, open, and cozy! I also love how you furnished that room!

    “but over these past few years, i’ve learned so much. the most beautiful part of all this has been how the right books have found me.”

    Me as well! I remember a time in my life when I was reading a lot. And the majority of the books were self-help, which were so helpful to me at that time in my life. And like you, I felt led to them.

    Thanks so much for sharing your fave list! I will definitely check them out!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous week, my friend! :) X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m with you—I only love physical books, too! And there’s nothing like getting lost in a great story. That’s exactly why I started reading more fiction this year. ❤️

      Thank you, friend! I’ve kept that space as my soul homework spot for four years now, and I don’t plan on changing it. I’ve tried other places, but nothing else feels quite right.

      Isn’t it magical how we’re led to certain books? I love that we both experience this. I imagine others could, too, if they just let their intuition guide them.

      Have a wonderful week, dear friend. 😘❤️

      Like

  12. Your top 10 are great picks! I’ve either read most of them, or have heard of them. One of my favorites off the top of my head that I’d recommend is Sue Monk Kidd’s, When The Heart Waits.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. You told me about the Book of Awakening and it was so beautiful, Kari, thank you. It meant so much to read it every day. I really like his writing and outlook. I know you said non-fiction/ self-help, but I read a lot of poetry in the morning before yoga, and then I meditate on what I read. Mary Oliver is the frontrunner but right now I’m reading Donna Ashworth’s For The Women and it’s exactly what I need right now (as I donate half my closet because THINGS DON’T FIT THE WAY THEY USED TO KARI). Sigh. Anyway, this poetry is really resonating with me right now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I always think of you whenever I read The Book of Awakening now, and it fills me with joy—I’m so happy you love it as much as I do!

      Poetry! YES! I never really read much poetry until I started my soul homework, and I’m so grateful for how this morning practice has opened my mind to new ways of thinking. I just know I’ll never get tired of it.

      After my dad died, my mom’s cousin sent her a book by Donna Ashworth, and she fell in love with her writing! I’m adding that book to my list now. ❤️

      Like

  14. I believe in a varied book diet, fiction and non-fiction, serious and inspirational. Great list. Of your list, I’ve read only Radical Compassion and The Four Agreements.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A varied book diet—I love that idea! Yes! I’m reading more fiction this year too, and it really does make me feel more balanced, if that makes sense?

      And those two books are some of my absolute favorites on this list. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  15. The Four Agreements is a book that has helped me through several things over the years. Also The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I especially love the audiobook that he narrates because his voice is so calming. I love the idea that the right book finds us when we need it. It does seem to happen!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Your comment has inspired me to try listening to audiobooks for those deeper, more complex ideas. I really love Eckhart Tolle, but sometimes I struggle to fully grasp his concepts (and I so want to!). So, you’ve officially convinced me to start listening to his books—thank you for that!

      It’s funny how those little moments of inspiration come along just when we need them, isn’t it? I love it, too. ❤️

      Like

  17. I like this list very much. The Four Agreements is a treasure. Once I discovered it and applied the principles to my life, I was a transformed into someone better.

    Not necessarily a book to feed your soul, but have you read the nonfiction book Cultish by Amanda Montell? She does a wonderful job of explaining how and why cults appeal to some people. Her ideas have stayed with me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This book deeply impacted me too, Ally. Learning not to take things personally has completely shifted how I view everyone in my life.

      And now I’m adding Cultish to the top of my list! Especially with everything happening in our country right now, it feels so timely. Thank you for sharing. 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  18. What a fantastic list Kari. I’ve fallen out of the habit of reading non-fiction but would like very much to get back to it. I have a bookcase laden with them, but it’s been far too easy to move from one piece of fiction to another when my Kindle is fully loaded at all times. I may have to try planning in a period of non-fiction in the same way as I’m doing with seasonal wintry reading.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. The beauty of being alive and having people to share with, is sharing what YOU like. Even if it doesn’t resonate with anyone else. I’ve not read a self-help type book that I can recall, but I do love memoirs and I tend to learn from others. It’s been amazing to be on this journey with you my friend.

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