On My Bookshelf: The Happiness Project

Title: The Happiness Project
Author: Gretchen Ruben
Website: http://www.happiness-project.com/
Genre: Non-Ficition - Inspiration

This got my juices flowing. Taking time to understand what makes us happy and what makes us unhappy. Then seeing how we can play with the everyday to create more happiness. My whole life is a happiness project!

On My Bookshelf: Toute Allure

Title: Toute Allure
Author: Karen Wheeler
Website: http://www.amazon.com/Toute-Allure-Karen-Wheeler/dp/1849530661/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2
Genre: Non-Fiction - Travel Writing

I love travel writing. I always find it so motivating and inspiring. Plus it feeds my dreams of relocating to Tuscany for an extended stay. I also love France. This book satisfied quite a few of my urges plus a little bit of romance which I love. Karen Wheeler has a blog at http://www.toutsweet.net/. I don't want to spoil it but how the romance unfolds is written here and is a little sad...

On My Bookshelf: Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow

Title: Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering your right livelihood
Author: Marsha Sinetar
Website: http://www.amazon.com/What-Love-Money-Will-Follow/dp/0440501601
Genre: Non-Fiction - Career

This is an oldie but a goodie. And it is so aligned with what I believe. Do what you want - not what you feel you should in your life. I read this a few years ago when I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do. Now I think it will be worth a second read with my new mindset!

On My Bookshelf: Getting Things Done

Title: Getting Things Done
Author: David Allen
Website: https://secure.davidco.com/store/catalog/GETTING-THINGS-DONE-PAPERBACK-p-16175.php
Genre: Non-Fiction - Productivity and Organisation

This book took the productivity world by storm. I adore the idea of being organised, having a great workflow and everything having its place. While the system may be a little complex the ideas area great. I would pick and choose what works for you. I use many of his techniques in my organisation of diary and life.

On My Bookshelf: Daddy Long Legs

Title: Daddy Long Legs
Author: Jean Webster
Genre: Fiction

This was my favourite book as a young girl. I reread it a couple of years ago and still loved it. It is about a young woman who is an orphan and has a mysterious benefactor. The book covers a lot of humourous correspondence between her and this gentleman. It is full of hope and fun and growing up. I can't believe it was written in 1912 and I've just discovered there was a sequel and movies made! It is available as a free book now as it is out of copyright. Enjoy!

On My Bookshelf: The Success Principles

Title: The Success Principles: How to get from where you are to where you want to be
Author: Jack Canfield
Website: http://www.thesuccessprinciples.com

Genre: Non-fiction: Success

Jack Canfield is well known for co-creating the series of 'Chickensoup for the Soul' books. He is well worth a read in this book covering 64 Success Principles under the areas of The Fundamentals of Success, Transform Yourself for Success, Build Your Success Team, Create Successful Relationships, Success and Money and Success Starts Now

It is inspiring, motivating and shares some real, tangible activities, mindsets and techniques to become a bigger dreamer, action taker and successful in whatever way you want to be.

It is a gem that you can refer back to time and time again as well as worth a reread on a regular basis to pick up new nuggets of wisdom or to apply to a particular situation.

On My Bookshelf: Hip Tranquil Chick

Title: Hip Tranquil Chick
Author: Kimberly Wilson
Website: http://www.kimberlywilson.com/books.html

Genre: Non-Fiction

Another one of my favourites! Kimberly Wilson is one of my top mentors from afar. She speaks about life and yoga in a really fun and approachable way. Her blog is one that I refer to on almost a daily basis.

On My Bookshelf: The Flipside

Title:  The Flipside: Finding the hidden opportunities in life
Author: Adam J Jackson
Website: http://www.findingtheflipside.com/

Genre: Non-fiction

I read this book in a day when I stumbled across it at an acquaintance's house. It is all about finding the positive in traumatising experiences. Inspiring, humbling and makes you want to go and do something amazing!

On My Bookshelf: The Creative License

Title: The Creative License. Giving yourself permission to be the artist you truly are.
Author: Danny Gregory
Website: http://dannygregory.com/2010/10/the-creative-license-giving-yourself-permission-to-be-the-artist-you-truly-are/
Genre: Non-ficition

I love creativity. I am no traditional artiste, but I love infusing my everyday with some form of creativity. I love, love, love this book. It is colourful and funny and incredibly insightful. The author writes in a way that I keep nodding my head vigorously saying "Yes! Yes! That's it!". He encourages everyone to draw - without judgement or analysis. Start a visual journal and just draw what you see.

On My Bookshelf: The Art of Non Conformity

 

Title: The Art of Non-Conformity

Author: Chris Guillebeau

Website: http://chrisguillebeau.com/the-book/

Genre: Non-fiction

This book had me taking so many notes. I so strongly agree with almost everything he says. Great insights into doing what is authentic for you over other people's expectations, doing it with value, entrepreneurship and travel. A great starting point is Chris' free manifesto. Well worth a read.

What are your thoughts SSSs? Have you read it? Opinions?

Make it as you wish!

Arienne xo

Love Books

 Photo Credit

I keep reading some amazing books and then forgetting the names and authors. So I've decided to create a special place on my blog where I can share those that have touched me and are worth a read (in my opinion at least - I'm not a literary booksnob!). Welcome to On My Bookshelf.

I believe books can change your life.
I believe books can teach you alot.
I believe books are a powerful medium.
I believe books can take us on adventures.
I believe books can be a delightful escape.
I believe books can inspire.
I believe books expand your vocabulary.
I also believe there are many crap books out there that don't add any value. But that's up to you! I used to have to finish every book I started. Now I believe that life is too short and there are so many great ones out there.

So I encourage you to read. Find out what you like. Test drive different genres - even if you really think you might not like them - you may be surprised (hello science fiction and fantasy!). Read fiction and non-fiction. Read inspiring biographies, how-to books, classics, cheesy romance, mystery, self-help, cook books. Enjoy them :) and share the ones that stand out. You can get a heap of free books on the Amazon Kindle store and the iTunes bookshop to help with your test drive (and the apps are free too.)

Make a list of books you want to read and make your way through them. Whenever I'm perusing a bookshop (or an online bookstore) I make a note in my phone for future reading so I don't get too overwhelmed with the books I physically have that I've not read yet (though that pile by my bed and on my Kindle app is pretty large).

I have a book problem. I don't spend my money on much anymore except for books (and stationary, craft goods and homeware...) but it is an addiction. A relatively healthy one though. I just need to get through them all and put into action what will help me!