Four Books to Read for a Fresh Start this Spring


Spring is a great time for cleaning, organizing, and getting into gear. We’re already a few weeks into spring, but it’s never too late to break into a book that could give you the fresh perspective you need.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A heartfelt story about securing destinies, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a quick read with deep meaning. Coelho weaves life wisdoms into a story that celebrates humanity, both the good and the bad aspects. Readers will leave the novel with a renewed sense of optimism, a great feeling to carry into the rest of the year. 

 

What Will It Take to Make a Woman President by Marianne Schnall
What Will It Take to Make a Woman President by Marianne Schnall

 

This year’s presidential primaries are in full swing with newsworthy antics and issue discussions coming from all the candidates. It’s anyone’s race at this point, but it would be particularly historic if Hillary Clinton ended up winning the 2016 election, making her America’s first female president. Historic for America, but old news for many other countries who already have females serving in high legislative positions. Marianne Schnall addresses America’s lack of female leadership in elected positions in What Will It Take to Make a Woman President?

The book consists of transcribed interviews with strong women such as Maya Angelou, Nancy Pelosi, and Kirsten Gillibrand. In each interview Schnall asks questions relating to issues facing Americans today, and of course what it would take to make a woman president. It’s a must read for anyone interested in leadership and cultural-social issues.

The Art of Work by Jeff Goins
The Art of Work by Jeff Goins

How’s work? If you sighed or gave a disgruntled reply then Jeff Goins The Art of Work might be the new perspective you need. Goins emphasizes the idea of life’s specific callings for every person. He describes how to determine your own calling and how to go about accomplishing it. Once someone lives in line with his or her calling, then work, and life as a result, are more enjoyable and rewarding. Even if you are satisfied with your current occupation, Goins suggests pushing your work further to answer all aspects of dreams.

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Foodies and picky eaters alike can appreciate Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. In this well researched book, Pollan punctuates his personal experience of four different food sources with statistical information that may change your perspective on what to eat. His four meal sourcing methods: industrial, pastoral, hunting, and gathering, all result in various pros and cons. Some methods are clearly healthier, more environmentally friendly, and tastier than others. A few readers may find themselves foraging through the woods, but most hopefully be driven to make more thoughtful food purchases.

If you have any book suggestions for me, or would like to me review one of your favorites, please let me know at catherine@Happilyinked.com. Happy reading!