As the weather gets colder, there's nothing better than curling up next to the fireplace and reading a good book. We've compiled a list of our favorite love stories and self-help reads. Make a cup of hot chocolate or some sugar cookies, grab a blanket, and get cozy with a book! Here's a few to start:
1. The Alchemist
To kick off our reading list, we'll start with this fan favorite. Chances are you've probably heard about The Alchemist before but if you haven't, this read should be at the very top of your list.
This book is based on an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago. After having the same recurring dream, Santiago asks a Gypsy fortune teller in a neighboring town for clues to its meaning. The women tells him that his dream is a prophecy and that he needs to follow its instructions. He sets off to pursue his 'personal legend' in a story laced with deeper meaning and life lessons - this novel urges us all to follow our own personal legends.
2. The Happiness Project
This interesting book explains how the author, Gretchen Rubin, embarks on a year-long experiment to find true happiness and what she discovers. Every month she tests happiness theories from; ancient times, the latest scientific research, popular culture, and other common beliefs.
The reason we chose this book as one of our must-reads for the holidays is because of what she finds. It turns out that you don't have to have millions of dollars or travel to the other side of the world to find happiness. She shows us how we can change our lives, without actually changing our lives. The Happiness Project provides practical tips and ideas for creating happiness in your current state. Which in turn makes life SO much better!
3. The Notebook
Of all the Nicholas Sparks love stories, this one will have our hearts forever. If you're looking for a book that will have you laughing, crying, and dreaming about true love - you're in the right place.
This story bounces between the pre and post World War II era in North Carolina. Noah and Allie spend an intense, romantic summer together when her family comes to visit New Bern for a few months. When summer ends and Allie has to leave, Noah tries to keep in touch by writing her letters. Unfortunately, they go unanswered. Many years later, after Noah is published in a newspaper article, Allie shows up on his doorstep engaged to another man.
The Notebook is written from the point of view of a man reading to a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's. The woman is Allie, but which of her lovers is the man reading to her? To make things even better, did you know that the author based his novel on a real couple's story?
4. Radical Acceptance
Have you ever had feelings of not being good enough? If yes, this is the book for you!
Tara Brach, the author of Radical Acceptance, is a therapist, mother, yogi, and Buddhist meditation teacher. In her book, she lays out the framework for engaging fully with our emotions and understanding our experiences so that we can accept ourselves for who we are. This is a great read for anyone looking to learn more about meditation. She includes multiple guided meditations throughout the book for those interested in learning more about this powerful tool.
“Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible. Yet each day we listen to inner voices that keep our life small.” - Tara Brach
5. Eat Pray Love
Last but not least, Eat Pray Love is the memoir of author Elizabeth Gilbert. She describes her personal journey to finding true love and happiness by embarking on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India, and Bali.
At 30 years old, Gilbert finds herself in the middle of a divorce and something of a mid-life crisis. She decides to get rid of her belongings, quit her job, and start on a yearlong journey around the world—all alone. This is a great read for anyone looking for a little adventure from the comfort of their couch!
If you get the chance to read a book off of our list or if you've already read one, leave a comment below and let us know what you thought of it!
