I read a lot of books so you don’t have to. These are the ones that stayed with me long after the last page—books that challenged me, sharpened me, inspired me, or simply made me think differently.
I’ve always been drawn to people with something meaningful to say, and more often than not, I’ve found them in books. Some sharpen the way I think. Some challenge the way I lead.
This space is my running collection of books that I genuinely believe are worth your time. Leadership, psychology, culture, communication, personal growth, memoirs, organizational behavior, and the occasional book that just stays with me for no good reason.
So if you’re looking for books that might make you think differently, lead differently, laugh a little, or feel a little more understood, you’re in the right place.
One of the most accessible and compassionate books on trauma and behavior I’ve ever read. Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?” this book reframes behavior through the lens of experience, relationships, and nervous system responses. Powerful for parents, educators, leaders, and honestly… humans in general.
A thoughtful and practical look at what real family engagement actually means in schools. This book challenges the idea that parent involvement is just volunteering or fundraising and instead focuses on building authentic partnerships that improve student outcomes, trust, and school culture.
James Clear breaks down how tiny, consistent habits shape our lives far more than dramatic overhauls or bursts of motivation ever do. The book explores behavior, routines, identity, and the systems that quietly drive success behind the scenes. It’s less about becoming a completely different person overnight and more about making small choices that compound into meaningful change over time.
The Coaching Habit is a practical, easy-to-apply book about becoming a better leader by talking less, listening more, and asking stronger questions. It challenges the instinct many leaders have to immediately solve problems and instead focuses on coaching conversations that build ownership, growth, and accountability in others. It’s simple, smart, and incredibly useful for anyone leading teams, managing people, or trying to communicate more effectively.
This foundational leadership book focuses on the behaviors and practices that build trust, credibility, and influence. They break leadership into practical, research-based actions centered on modeling values, inspiring vision, challenging processes, empowering others, and encouraging people along the way. It’s one of those timeless leadership reads that remains relevant whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an entire organization.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk is one of the most practical and relatable parenting books out there. Faber and Mazlish offer simple communication strategies that help parents navigate emotions, conflict, boundaries, and everyday challenges without constant power struggles. The book is full of real-life examples and approachable tools that improve connection while still maintaining clear expectations — making it just as helpful for educators and leaders as it is for parents.
A remarkable memoir about identity, resilience, education, and self-discovery. Tara Westover shares her journey growing up in a deeply isolated survivalist family with little formal schooling before eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge. It’s beautifully written and impossible to read without reflecting on the power of education to completely reshape a life.
Part parenting book, part psychology deep dive, NurtureShock unpacks the research behind how children actually grow, learn, and develop. It challenges many common assumptions about praise, sleep, discipline, intelligence, race, and motivation in ways that are both fascinating and surprisingly applicable to leadership and human behavior too.
Spark is a modern leadership book that pushes back against the idea that leadership belongs only to people with big titles or formal authority. The book focuses on the everyday behaviors that build credibility, influence, confidence, and trust. It’s a strong read for leaders at any level who want to grow their impact, lead with intention, and create momentum within teams and organizations.
Multipliers explores why some leaders amplify the intelligence and capability of the people around them while others unintentionally diminish it. It challenges leaders to think differently about talent, influence, and team dynamics, showing how the best leaders create environments where people contribute more, think bigger, and perform beyond expectations. It’s a powerful read for anyone who wants to lead in a way that brings out the best in others.
The Dream Manager explores a simple but powerful idea: organizations become stronger when they genuinely invest in the dreams and growth of their people. Through a business parable format, the story challenges leaders to think beyond productivity and consider how supporting employees as whole people can transform culture, engagement, and retention. It’s an easy, thoughtful read about leadership, purpose, and creating workplaces where people actually thrive.
The Tipping Point explores how small ideas, behaviors, and trends can suddenly reach a critical mass and spread like wildfire. Malcolm Gladwell blends psychology, sociology, and storytelling to explain why certain movements, products, and messages take off while others don’t. It’s a fascinating read about influence, momentum, human behavior, and the often invisible factors that create major cultural shifts.