One decision by Mike Bayer

This book feels like a pep talk. I was introduced to Mike Bayer when I was knee deep in the Dr.Phil show. Mike Bayer helps you see how one single decision can create a domino effect in your life.

It’s not about overhauling everything at once. Thank goodness. It’s about getting honest about your values and where you want your path to take you. I would read this book if you feel stuck in a cycle or just need help trusting your gut.

Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t prepared for how deep this book would be. It made me rethink how often I checked my phone. How distracted I can be in conversation, and how much meaningful conversation I miss.

Turkle breaks down how tech has slowly chipped away at real conversation. And it’s not just about phone addiction, it’s about what we’ve lost and how we get it back.

I would read this book if you are craving a deeper connection and want to just unplug.

A time to rebuild by Yuval Levin.

The world feels broken… right? This book doesn’t shy away from hate but offers a sense of hope and responsibility. Levin encourages us to stop blaming institutions and start rebuilding them from where we are.

What I loved is how practical this is. He talks about how rebuilding trust and structure in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities can genuinely shift our world. It reminded me that I don’t need a big platform to make a big difference.

I would read this if you want to feel inspired and empowered instead of overwhelmed by the state of thinking.

Leading with Questions by Michael Marquardt

This book is for anyone in a leadership role, or if we are totally honest, any relationship,  and it flips the script. Instead of pretending you know everything, it teaches you how to ask better questions and listen harder.

I started using this at home, and it changed how people responded to me. It’s less pressure, more collaboration, and honestly, more fun. I would read this if you are ready to stop talking over people and start drawing out real insight from them.

Group Dynamics and Team Interventions by Timothy Franz

Okay, this book sounds super academic, and yes, it’s based on research, but don’t let that scare you off. If you’ve ever worked on a team that was just not clicking, this book will help you understand why.

Franz dives into group behavior, roles, leadership struggles, and how to fix common team issues. I even used some of these strategies with my friends during a group project (or let’s be honest… a family vacation). Total game-changer.

Driving Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by Kristina Kohl

This book is for the heart and the brain. It’s passionate, practical, and deeply necessary. Kohl walks you through what it means to lead with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, not just on paper, but in real life.

Whether you’re in business, education, or community work, it’s not enough to say “we support diversity,” you need action, accountability, and empathy. This book shows you how to build that foundation.

The Upswing by Robert D. Putnam

This one pulled me in. It’s kind of a history lesson, kind of a wake-up call, and kind of a love letter to the idea of “we.”

Putnam shows how America once moved from “I” to “we” (community-focused) and then slowly fell back into isolation and division. But the cool part? He argues that it’s not too late to reverse the trend. That we’ve done it before, and we can do it again.

Practical Wisdom by Barry Schwartz & Kenneth Sharpe

This book humbled me in the best way. It’s about doing the right thing, not just the efficient or popular thing. It’s about judgment, compassion, and applying wisdom in messy, real-world moments.

It made me slow down and rethink how I make decisions. Not everything needs to be optimized. Sometimes the wisest thing is simply being kind or listening instead of reacting.

Your Own Journal (Yes, really!)

This might sound cheesy, but trust me: all this knowledge means nothing if you don’t process it. I always keep a little notebook or journal nearby when I’m reading books like these.

I jot down quotes that hit hard, ideas I want to try, even the stuff I disagree with. Your journal becomes the space where all these powerful ideas meet your life.