Learning is a lifelong process. We are so blessed in this day and age to have unending opportunities to learn. I love a good book whether it gives me skills to improve my life, or allows me to enter another world and immerse myself there–to see new and different perspectives. Here’s what’s floating around my house at the moment.

I don’t pick up many books twice. I listened to this once before, but now bought the hard copy. The principles are powerful and ones I need a constant reminder of, so I’m reading it again.

I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, and then someone recommended it to me, so I finally picked it up. So far, I have mixed feelings about it, but that’s okay. I like a book that gets me thinking and questioning the authors assumptions.

My sister bought me the first three in this series for Christmas and I’m obsessed. This book is so easy to instantly immerse yourself in. I’m getting to close to the end for my liking. An easy escape into another fun, and funny world.

For Christmas, we do a book exchange. This book has been on my Goodreads list for a long time, and my daughter got it for me. I’m looking forward to diving into it more and seeing the incredible power of human fortitude in real-time.

I just started this one, and so far, it’s just devastating. This is a book that leaves me in awe that I am able to live in a world that is so good to me, when so many others throughout time have not had the privilege to live with such freedom.

Horse books are not actually my go to books, but I have found some horse books I really enjoy along the way. It is definitely worth a read when you find a good one.

This is a must read for Mustang lovers. I love that the author comes form outside the horse world. This gives a well-researched perspective into the world of wild horses and Mustangs.

This book helped me feel more confident that I didn’t need to use force when I got my first Mustang. It was refreshing to see a respectful and honorable approach to horsemanship.

I loved reading Buck’s story. Almost everyone in the horse world is familiar with him, but I did not know much about his background. This story is inspiring that he overcame so much hardship to create something beautiful in the world.

Justin was my first mentor in the Mustang world. He gave me courage to train my mare in a way that felt good. This book will inspire anyone working with Mustangs or wanting to improve their life.

My passion is diving into how horses can teach us lessons for life. This is exactly what Think Like a Horse is all about. If we open our minds we learn so much more with horses than mere horsemanship.

This one has been on my list a long time. I love the idea of merging practical horsemanship with science. It’s going on my reading now list soon.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE

I love a book that allows me to dive deeper into my personal psychology. The ones that are particularly meaningful I take with me long after I have read them.

Our world is so full! Too full in many ways. It can be hard to not get bogged down by it all. I love books that remind me to simplify and focus on what is most important. this book was particularly meaningful in helping me understand why saying “no” is such a good thing.

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin is a clear, empowering guide to building emotional resilience. Morin breaks down the habits that hold us back—like self-pity, fear of change, and people-pleasing—and offers practical tools to replace them with strength and self-leadership. If you’re ready to take ownership of your mindset, this book is a powerful place to start.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a modern classic in mindfulness and presence. With clarity and depth, Tolle explores how living in the present moment can free us from anxiety, regret, and overthinking. It’s a book that invites stillness and insight—one you’ll return to again and again as your understanding deepens.
If you’re seeking peace and clarity in the chaos of life, this is a timeless guide.

You Can Be Happy No Matter What by Richard Carlson offers timeless insights on emotional resilience and peace of mind. With gentle clarity, Carlson explores how moods, thoughts, and perspectives shape our experience—and how we can find steadiness even when others don’t share our outlook. It’s a refreshing and thought-provoking read, filled with practical wisdom that gently challenges mainstream thinking.

This was one of the first books that helped me get some clarity on my people pleasing tendencies and begin to understand why it really was a toxic trait of mine leading to grief for myself and those I loved.

With a heavy focus on present moment living it is full of tools and ideas for living a more aligned life.. The Mustangs are so helpful in guiding present moment living, and I still need reminders.

Improving Yourself for those you love

Parenting is one of the most important—and humbling—roles I’ll ever have. It’s a path that asks for our presence, patience, and growth every single day. Just like with horses, the connection we build with our children depends on how well we understand ourselves. These books have shaped the way I parent—with more intention, emotional awareness, and grace for both my kids and myself. They often came at the times I needed additional support or was feeling unsure about following my intuition. I use them still and hope they might also support you in your journey.

Untangled by Lisa Damour is an essential guide for anyone raising a teenage girl. With clarity and compassion, Damour outlines the seven developmental transitions girls go through on the path to adulthood. She offers practical strategies without judgment—and helps parents navigate this complex season with more confidence, calm, and connection. If you’re parenting a teen or soon-to-be teen, this book is both grounding and empowering.

Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté is a powerful reminder that the parent-child relationship is the most important influence in a child’s life. In a world where peers often take center stage, this book helps parents reclaim their role as the primary source of guidance, safety, and connection. It’s deeply insightful and has reaffirmed the way I think about attachment, discipline, and presence in parenting. It’s a HEAVY read, but worth it.

The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sax is a thought-provoking look at why so many kids are struggling—and how reclaiming our role as parents can make all the difference. Sax explores how cultural shifts have undermined authority, respect, and emotional resilience in children, and offers practical ways to bring clarity, structure, and connection back into family life.
It’s a challenging and important read that helped me reflect on how to lead my children with strength and compassion.

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne is a gentle yet powerful guide to creating more calm, connection, and resilience in family life. Payne makes a compelling case that less—less stuff, less screen time, less busyness—creates more space for children to thrive emotionally and spiritually. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by modern parenting pressures, this book offers a breath of fresh air and a practical path toward more grounded, meaningful living.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv makes a powerful case for reconnecting children with nature. Louv explores how our increasingly indoor, tech-driven lives are impacting kids’ mental and emotional well-being—and what we can do to restore balance. If you believe in the healing, grounding power of the natural world, this book will both validate and inspire your parenting journey.

The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson offers science-backed insights into how autonomy builds confidence, resilience, and long-term success in children. With practical tools and real-life examples, the authors show how stepping back—strategically—can help kids take charge of their own lives. This book helped me rethink control, motivation, and what it really means to support a child’s inner strength.

SHARING READING WITH YOUR CHILDREN

Some of my favorite memories with my kids were made with a book in our laps as we settled in for the night. We made it a tradition to read together every evening as we prepared for bed—though many of these stories kept us up far later than I planned. Reading became our rhythm, something we all looked forward to, and it shaped not only their imaginations but the bond we share. These are the series we’ve absolutely loved—stories that brought us closer, sparked meaningful conversations, and had us laughing (and sometimes crying) side by side. If you’re hoping to build lasting moments with your children, these books are a beautiful place to begin.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is an epic adventure series that captured our hearts from the very first chapter. Full of magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters, it’s become a favorite in our family—and even inspired the name of my Mustang mare, Silveny. If you’re looking for a series to read with your kids that’s full of imagination, friendship, and heart, this one is truly special.

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins took us on a journey far beyond what I expected from a middle-grade fantasy. It’s full of action and imagination—but also depth, courage, and heartbreak. This story made me cry—bawl, honestly—and it opened up some big conversations with my kids about bravery, sacrifice, and what it means to protect the people you love. If you’re looking for a read-aloud that’s both thrilling and deeply moving, this one stays with you long after the final page.

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan quickly became one of our all-time favorites. It’s packed with adventure, loyalty, and quiet strength—but what I loved most were the horses. The bond between the rangers and their mounts and the descriptions Tug reminded me so much of our incredible little Mustangs. This series is a celebration of partnership, courage, and the kind of trust that’s earned, not given. It’s a must-read for horse lovers and adventurers alike.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is a story that draws you in with its charm and holds you with Anne’s wild, untamed spirit. Her struggle to conform while staying true to who she is feels deeply familiar—especially for those of us who’ve never quite fit the mold. This book is a beautiful reminder of the strength it takes to live authentically, even when the world asks you to be something smaller. I read this to my girls when they were really little–maybe that was more for me.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis brought so much magic into our home it practically lived with us. My kids loved it so much they created their own game based on the series—it became a whole world we stepped into together. These stories are full of courage, wonder, and timeless truths, all wrapped in unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for a series that sparks imagination and connection, this one is pure gold.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull was one of the first series we all truly got invested in—and it sparked a tradition of reading together that we’ve carried ever since. With magical creatures, hidden dangers, and unexpected heroes, it kept us turning pages night after night.
This series is a great place to start if you’re looking to build lasting memories through shared stories and family adventure.

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