Is there a book you still think about? Perhaps a book that made you challenge your beliefs, attitudes about life, work, politics or culture? Has there been a book that deepened your convictions or broadened your worldview? These are among the questions we asked some thoughtful members of our community recently and we’ve shared their responses below.

Joey Wright | Yoga, Meditation, and Breathwork Teacher

To this day, one of the most impactful books, if not THE most impactful book I’ve read has been “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. I wouldn’t be teaching yoga if I hadn’t read it. “You Are a Badass” helps you discover your own innate badassery and gives you the tools you need to set meaningful goals, regardless of how outlandish or unattainable they may seem. Jen’s humor is so relatable and she teaches you that it’s okay to laugh when you mess up. It’s okay to fail and fail again. It’s okay to own who you are as a person in a bold, unapologetic way. It teaches you that you are you and there is nobody else on this planet quite like you who can do the things that you do. Read more>>

Marissa | Influencer & Content Creator of DrFashionistaNaturalist

After graduating from my Master’s program, I moved back home to Chicago from Arkansas. I didn’t have a job set up or plan in place. I thought to myself, I have this degree but I’m living at home with my mom and it’s difficult for me to find a job in my field of Public Health. Fast forward to today, I’m a Doctor of Public Health working at one of the premiere public health agencies in the world! I attribute part of this to the book entitled “The Secret” by Rhonda Burns. For me, it was a self-improvement book that helped me to not only change my mindset but in turn, my life! I now do my best to keep a positive mindset and give gratitude daily knowing that I am the creator of my own reality. Read more>>

Kyle Mark Peterson | Photographer & Writer

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and having completed their photojournalism program, and graduating into the midst of a global pandemic, I was feeling pretty unsettled and aimless. I knew that I had a passion for photography, for writing, for telling stories, and for seeing the world and experiencing new things, but I just wasn’t feeling able to put all the pieces together to begin building a portfolio and a career that I could be proud of. With the journalism industry in the state that it’s in, and with my general disdain for feeling a lack of control in my daily life, Read more>>

Alexandria Wilson | Owner of True Boss Beauty Co.

Rich Dad , Poor Dad. This book changed my mindset . I’ve been working since I was 14 years old , and up until the age of 24 I worked two jobs. I honestly thought that all I had to do was make more money but after reading Rich Dad , Poor Dad , I realized that it’s not about how much money you make , it’s about how much you keep. Wealth is obtainable! Poor people work for money , Rich people have money working for them. The entire book is filled with so many gems. I’m always learning , I often joke that I’m such a nerd but it is true. I increased my knowledge by learning more about assets vs liabilities, investments , taxes, crypto, and real estate. Read more>>