If you’re like me, then you love a good read. I can’t get enough from the authors who teach me about myself and the world. You may also find it challenging to concentrate or prioritise reading when the tasks on the to-do list are piling up.

Before I share with you some of my favourite, inspiring and transformative reads, here are a few of my tricks for consuming more books.

How to read more books

First is an old fave; reading before bedtime. It’s quiet in the house, everyone is winding down and I’ve finally conceded that I can’t possibly finish the to-do list tonight, it’s time to give myself permission to relax. Begin by setting yourself an easy, achievable goal such as reading for 15-minutes per day and once the habit is established, you’ll find yourself getting excited to get to your book sooner.
Now, healthy sleep hygiene dictates that beds are for sleep and sex only. If you rely on this rule, make yourself a cosy enticing spot on the couch with a soft blanket. Otherwise, having a book on the bedside table is a great hack for overcoming the habit of scrolling on your phone in bed. It feels even more indulgent and satisfying!
Switch out Netflix by placing a book on your coffee table or favourite armchair. When you go to reach for the remote, you’ll be reminded of your intention to devour more printed media.
If you’re easily distracted by sounds around your home or neighbourhood, try noise cancelling headphones or Loop reusable earplugs. You can still sense that there are sounds happening so it’s unlikely you’ll miss anything important, but they will add to the sense of peace and serenity so you can stay focused in your book bubble.
Last but not least, try audiobooks! They’re convenient, accessible and often read by the author’s themselves, which can add to insight and understanding. I love listening to audiobooks while driving and doing the dishes. They can make everyday tasks more enjoyable and really add to your day!

Now, let’s get stuck into some of my all time favourite books I recommend to clients, family and friends.

Ashleigh’s Self Help Book Recommendations

Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin
A must read for anyone and everyone. I’ll be surprised if I haven’t recommended it to you already haha. Whether you’re familiar with or new to attachment theory, this read provides valuable insights about you and your relationships, with simple conversations to have with your loved ones and conflict resolution tools for you to apply right now. It’s easy to understand and without all of the psychotherapy jargon. There’s a reason it is #1 on my list. Go buy it now!! Get it here.
Feel Free to Prosper by Marilyn Jenett
Put aside everything you’ve learned about manifesting abundance from Instagram and social media gurus, this book explains why so many exercises completely miss the mark. Aligned with modern neuroscience and reconditioning our subconscious minds, Marilyn’s simple and easy to apply tools help you to overcome scarcity mindset. From inspiring prosperity stories to reminding us of our connection with the universe, this is an enjoyable read. Get it here.
The Genie in Your Genes by Dawson Church
If you’re fascinated by the magic of epigenetics and new discoveries in quantum physics, this is the book for you. We used to believe that the genes we are born with were fixed and the consequences unavoidable. With increasing research we have learned this isn’t true and our lifestyle choices have a great effect on the state of our physical and mental health. This book is full of those studies and only furthers my love for EFT tapping! Get it here.

Bonus book recommendation, if epigenetics excites you, read Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch for a simple and easily accessible health kick.
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
I was captivated by every moment of this compelling read! Gloria has led an adventurous and courageous life, advocating for women around the world. She tells moving and hilarious stories of women connecting through shared-experiences and of people from all walks of life. Reminding us all that our voices are important and someone is always there to hear us, this read reinstills hope that our collective voice can bring about change. Get it here.
The Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield
A mindful read with Buddhist wisdom and teachings of self-compassion and consciousness. The exercises are great for slowing your mind, heart rate and breath, bringing you back to the present moment. With many engaging and beautiful stories sprinkled throughout, this read is a wonderful introduction to the teachings of mindfulness. Get it here.

Bonus book recommendation, if you’re interested in mindfulness, have a look at Eckhart Tolle’s works The Power of Now and A New Earth.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
The call to all recovering people-pleasers, anxious attachments and overthinkers, this book unpacks all the reasons to care less about other people's thoughts and opinions of you. Not only was this read very convincing, but it also reminded me of my value and gave me back the time and energy I had been wasting on people who just weren’t my homies. It’s hilarious and vulgar, and a book I’ve read numerous times. Highly recommended! Get it here.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
There’s a lot of buzz about this one and it’s wonderful to see! For our entire lives, practitioners have treated mental and physical health as though they were completely separate entities. Finally we are talking about the connection between trauma in the body and mind. Drawing upon studies from leading psychotherapy, neuroscience and trauma researchers around the world, this book breaks down theory with interesting anecdotal tales. If you’re keen to learn more about the transformation of trauma, this is it! Get it here.
Bonus book recommendation, if you’re interested in the relationship between our bodies and mental health, check out When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté and Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine.

If you are a mental health super nerd like me and want to learn more about somatic arts therapy and EFT tapping, here are some special mentions..

Book Recommendations for Somatic Arts Therapy and EFT

The Science Behind Tapping by Peta Stapleton
The Healing Power of EFT & Energy Psychology by David Feinstein, Donna Eden and Gary Craig
Somatic Art Therapy by Joanne Hamel
Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy by Cathy A. Malchiodi
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg
Nurturing Resilience by Kathy L. Kain and Stephen J. Terrell
The Polyvagal Theory by Stephen W. Porges

Now that you’re set for 2024, let me know which ones are your faves.

Ashleigh Marlow is a trauma-informed art therapist, meditation teacher and EFT facilitator. Book a session with her here.

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