Five Books to Read when the Summer is Over

“Five books to read when Summer is over.” 

With summer becoming a fleeting memory, I have been thinking about all sorts of wonderful images for the fall. My favorite image is sitting next to fire under a cozy blanket reading some of my favorite philosophy books. Forget about ‘summer reads’.  It’s time to hunker down with books that actually makes you think.  The next five books listed have shown me some much needed answers at different periods in my life.
#1.  The Power of Positive Thinking,

One of the best Self Help Books I have ever read. A Must read for everyone.

by Norman Vincent Peale is considered by some to be one of the first ‘self-help’ books ever written. In my mid-twenties, my Grandmother Lula sent this book to me during a time I was searching for deeper answers to life. Originally from the mid-west, I associated the Bible more with ‘fire and brimstone’ and that hardcore side that gives us those cheesy television images of evangelists on Sunday morning. This book links psychology, prayer and knowledge all into concise principles that are easily applied to your daily routine. “ACT AS IF,” and it shall be. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Trust me, this book is a must for anyone. Set your religious thoughts aside and pick up the book that made positive thinking ‘trendy’ pre-hippy era.
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#2.  A Course In Miracles. Read Online the backs-story on how this book came to the shelves of our lives, plus inspire an institution called “A Foundation for Inner Peace.” This book is told from the stand point that reveals universal truths that could reveal hidden secrets in one of our most sacred religious books. Thick and wordy, this book is like taking a a visit to your therapist in 3D—literally. The book is rather pricey. My suggestion is to go to second hand book shop for this one. It’s fun to analyze.

 #3. Return to Love by Marianne Williamson. If you are not into a ‘3-D therapist feeling’ with the last book I mentioned, then read this book instead. Ms.Williamson amazingly translates “A Course in Miracles” simply for the masses. Her book outlines the basic message for you to comprehend and how interpret A Course in Miracles. If you have gone through a recent break-up, need direction or comfort, this book is a self healing non-fiction book that makes you believe in the power of love.

#4.  As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Written in 1902,

A short must fabulous book on how our inner thoughts shape our daily life.

don’t let the publishing date keep you away from this quick influential read. This simple, yet succinct book on how our inner thoughts shape our daily lives, nails the basic fundamental principles of a good ethic upbringing. Not only does this book lay out moral code, it also inspires you to believe in your dreams. I will never forget lying in bed in Santa Barbara over Thanksgiving weekend when I read that fabulous line: “Dreamers are the SAVIORS of the world.”  How wonderful.

 #5. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has gained much notoriety over the years.
Stephen Covey’s breakdown on interdependent relationships and how what we think can influence our daily relationships has taught me how to interact better in social and work settings. This book has the theory of writing down your life mission, which can help a person find more stability with their own desires and needs.  Covey delves deeply into why perception of the mind is everything.  I’m sure you’ve heard of this book. If anything he should receive a medal for one of the best titles to ever hit a Barnes and Noble.

If I had to chose only one book, it would be my first one listed. Norman Vincent Peale wrote many fabulous books. Do yourself a favor this fall and read something…wordy.

This  article originally appeared in “Machel’s Ranch” in 2009.