The Balanced Mind Reading Gift Guide: Books for Growth, Faith & Empowerment

The Woman They Could Not Silence — Kate Moore. A haunting, inspiring true story of one woman’s resilience and the fight for her voice in a world that tried to silence her. Her husband had her committed to an asylum after she defied him and questioned his religious beliefs. The way she survived and managed to advocate for mental health laws and women’s laws were the most powerful thing I have read related to the history of women.

A global reminder that education and courage can change generations. Malala’s story is proof that one girl’s voice can echo worldwide. After being shot in the face for wanting an education, she survived and started an advocacy program, for other girls who wish to have an education. Powerful and moving.

A personal, behind-the-scenes journey through challenges and triumphs that shaped a trailblazing woman in politics and beyond. Hillary was part of a huge undertaking of helping other woman in difficult situations. Her dedication for women’s rights over the years are highlighted in this book.

Miss Independent — Nicole Lapin. A friendly, practical guide for women learning to build wealth and confidence in their finances. Great book for people who are newer to finance and are trying to understand it.

We Should All Be Millionaires: Rachel Rodgers

Rich Dad Poor Dad: Robert Kiyosaki. A timeless lesson in thinking differently about money, assets, and creating financial freedom. This helped me see that the knowledge of what to do with money will get you farther in life than any 9-5 education. It’s not how you make your money but what you do with it that matters.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Stephen R. Covey. A foundational book on leadership, mindset, and purpose that never goes out of style. Changing your habits may be the key factor in growth. I’ve read this book several times for a reminder. It’s a top favorite for a reason. If you want to be successful, you must act like you are.

The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk. Essential reading for anyone exploring trauma and how the body stores pain ,  deeply insightful and hopeful. I recommend this book to many of my patients with panic attacks and anxiety. This book helps understand how although you believe you have healed your body stores up your memory. Until you process these, you will be responding to unknown triggers.

Eye-opening and validating for women seeking to understand emotional abuse and reclaim their sense of power. This is an old book but a great one. He speaks about the narcissist and shows the techniques used to manipulate women. He uses real-life examples. It is an eerie feeling to hear him describe the exact behaviors of a person you may love. Great information on how to deal with this kind of man.  

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog — Bruce Perry. A profound, story-driven look into childhood trauma and the brain’s capacity to heal through connection. This books helps understand the way the brain develops based on the trauma endured during childhood. Why do certain people develop mental health disorders. Great book to shed some understanding.

Compassionate and accessible ,  this book reframes trauma from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This from the same author as above but unites with Oprah in an interview type manner to help people understand trauma better.

Jesus Calling, Sarah Young. A gentle devotional that feels like a conversation with God,  short readings with deep impact. This devotional is one I get for people during the holidays since it is so special. It feels so personal and I believe it is that for everyone who reads it.

A timeless guide for anyone seeking meaning, direction, and a stronger connection to their faith. So many people try to understand their purpose in life .I have had so many people feel empowered after reading this book. If you need that motivation, this book is a great start. It also has a study guide.

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. Practical and powerful,  a must-read for overcoming negative thoughts through faith and action. This is one of Joyce’s best sellers. It has been that for decades now and for good reason. She explains how our negative thoughts do captivate our thoughts if you let it. She shows how emotional warfare is happening within you, and you have the power to control it. If depression or anxiety is affecting you, this is a great book to help learn how to capture those thoughts.

Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado. A reminder that peace isn’t found in perfection but in trusting God with our worries. This is a small book and an easy read but so good. Shows how to manage anxiety within you. Gives verse after verse to remind us how often the Bible tells us not to worry. Great book for the anxious mind.