A PERSONAL READING LIST
Mandy’s
Bookshelf
A collection of books that encouraged, challenged, and helped shape the way Mandy sees the world.
EXPLORE THE SHELF
✦
The books on this page have encouraged me, challenged me, or helped shape the way I see the world. While every journey is unique, I hope you will discover a title or two that meets you exactly where you are.
I don’t recommend these books because they are the most popular books, but because they have made the biggest difference in my own life. As I continue to learn and grow, I’ll continue to add new favorites to this bookshelf.
Happy reading (or listening)!
With love and encouragement,
Mandy
1
Tiny Habits
By BJ Fogg, PhD
What this book is about
This is a practical guide to creating lasting habits by starting with behaviors so small you can easily succeed and stack with other tiny habits.
Why I loved it
I actually picked this book up AFTER I had written Woman in Bloom and it reinforced with actual behavioral science, what I had experienced when I first created my micro self-love habit tracker.
A seed to take with you Small actions, repeated consistently can and will change your life!
2
Women Who Run with the Wolves
By Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD
What this book is about
This book is a powerful collection of stories and insights that explore women’s intuition, inner wisdom, and the journey of rediscovering the authentic self.
Why I loved it
I found myself saying “yes” throughout each of the stories and insights! This book was pure magic from beginning to end helping me to return to those deep roots of who I know I am, but might have forgotten along the way.
A seed to take with you Your truest self has always been within you. Sometimes it just take the courage to quietly listen and reconnect.
3
Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves – and How to Find Our Way Back
By Ingrid Clayton, PhD
What this book is about
This book explores the “fawn” trauma response and how we tend to prioritize other’s needs, seek approval, and avoid conflict at the expense of our own well-being. It offers insights into how these patterns develop and how we can begin to reclaim our authentic selves.
Why I loved it
This book helped explain so many experiences in my life and why I behaved the way I did. Rather than being mad or frustrated with myself, I found that this response is the way that I protected myself and with that profound realization I was able to understand myself and my behavior better.
A seed to take with you You don’t have to lose yourself to be loved. Your needs, your voice, and your boundaries matter, too.
4
Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency
By Terri Cole
What this book is about
This book explores high-functioning codependency or the tendency to overgive, overdo, overhelp, and over care for others while neglecting your own needs. It offers practical tools for creating healthier boundaries and relationships.
Why I loved it
This book challenged me to rethink the difference between being caring and carrying too much. It offers powerful insights about boundaries, self-worth, and the freedom that comes from taking care of yourself as well as you care for everyone else.
A seed to take with you You can be compassionate and care for others without taking on too much.
5
Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their Tru Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours
By Shirzad Chamine
What this book is about
This book introduces the concept of our inner “saboteurs” or thoughts and patterns that create self-doubt, stress and frustration, and then teaches us how to strengthen the wiser, more positive part of our minds.
Why I loved it
This book helped me recognize the voices in my head that were quietly holding me back. With the quiz you can quickly identify your saboteurs and how to address them and break the patters that might be holding you back.
A seed to take with you Awareness is the first step to quieting your inner critic and choosing a more empowering forward.
6
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
By Seth Godin
What this book is about
This book explores how ordinary people create meaningful change by bringing together a community around a shared purpose. It reminds us that leadership is about connection, not position.
Why I loved it
The book challenged me to think differently about Woman in Bloom. It reminded me that making a difference does not require a title or permission, only the courage to step forward and share my story, and hopefully inspire others along the way.
A seed to take with you Leadership isn’t about having the answers, it is about being willing to take the first step and invite others to join you.
7
The Gifts of Imperfection
By Brene Brown
What this book is about
This book explores the power of embracing authenticity, self-compassion, and wholehearted living by letting go of perfectionism and the need for approval.
Why I loved it
This book reminded me that my worth isn’t something I have to earn. It encouraged me to let go of having to be “perfect” or “excellent” all the time and instead embrace the beauty of being authentically an imperfect human.
A seed to take with you You are worthy of love and belonging just as you are.
8
Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose
By Jennifer Breheny Wallace
What this book is about
The book explores our fundamental need to know that we matter, not because of our achievements, but because of who we are and the meaningful connections we create with others
Why I loved it
This book reminded me that every person has a deep desire to feel seen, valued, and significant. It reinforced how power it can be to help other know they truly matter.
A seed to take with you Never underestimate the difference you can make by helping someone feel seen.
9
Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Widom of the Human Spirit
By Brene Brown
What this book is about
This book explores curious leadership by embracing vulnerability, navigating uncertainty, and standing firmly in your values, even when the path is hard.
Why I loved it
This book reminded me that it is okay for me to be a leader with compassion and to feel comfortable leading with authenticity.
A seed to take with you The strongest leaders become strong by being brave and standing in their truth
10
Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Find Your Best Life
By Shelley Paxton
What this book is about
This book challenges the idea that success alone leads to fulfillment and encourages the reader to explore what truly brings them joy, purpose, and meaning.
Why I loved it
This book helped me feel understood and encouraged me to think of ways that I can create a life that feels truly authentic.
A seed to take with you A life that is lived authentically, begins when you have the courage to define what success means to you.
KEEP READING · KEEP GROWING
Happy reading
(or listening)!
With love and encouragement,
Mandy