Dorothy’s Recommended Reading List

Books that have guided me through transformation, midlife, and the journey of becoming.

The middle years are uniquely fertile ground for inner change and expanded self-awareness. Some call this “becoming conscious” — an awakening to why we do what we do, and a deepening connection with the quiet voice within.

“Books have been my greatest teachers and companions on the path to transformation.”

A WORD ABOUT TRANSFORMATION

Most of us reach a turning point somewhere around midlife — often around the time of menopause — when the ground beneath us begins to shift. Life as we’ve known it no longer feels quite the same. Our children may be growing up and leaving home. Our parents are aging, or perhaps dying. Relationships and careers change shape. And our bodies remind us that time is moving on.

For many women, this period of life brings a deep stirring within — a calling to re-examine our beliefs, priorities, and choices. It can be a season of profound upheaval, but it is also a season rich with potential. Transformation rarely begins in comfort; it begins in the chaos of change.

If you find yourself here — uncertain, tender, or weary — I encourage you to hold on and dive deep. Yes, it will hurt. Yes, it will challenge you. But I promise, you will not regret it. In listening to your inner voice and allowing it to guide you, you will uncover a more authentic, peaceful, and joyful way of being.

This list of books represents some of the most meaningful guides and teachers who have walked beside me through these years of change. May they accompany and encourage you on your own journey of becoming.

A Place to Begin. . .

Start here if you’re just beginning to explore personal growth and transformation.

• Sarah BanBreathnach — Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
• Martha Beck — Finding Your Own North Star • Steering By Starlight • The Joy Diet ~ (See all of my favorite Martha Beck titles on Bookshop »)

Self-Awareness & Inner Growth

• BRENÉ BROWN —
  • The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are;
  • Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead;
  • Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead.

• Byron Katie — Loving What Is: Four Questions that Can Change Your Life. Visit Byron Katie’s website for free worksheets and videos on The Work.

Spiritual Growth & Expanded Awareness

• DR. CLASRISSA PINKOLA ESTÉS — Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype;
• Only on Audio: Joyous Body: Myths and Stories of the Wise Woman Archetype; Mother Night: Myths, Stories and Teachings for Learning to See in the Dark; The Dangerous Old Woman: Myths and Stories of the Wise Woman Archetype;  
• Tara Brach — Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of A Buddha
• Caroline Myss — She’s a prolific writer and teacher, but not everyone likes her. That being said, I’ve read everything she’s written and attended numerous workshops and classes courses with her. I’m a huge fan. To dip your toe in the water, I would suggest reading either The Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing, and/or Defying Gravity: Healing Beyond the Bounds of Reason.
• ABRAHAM-HICKS – The Law of Attraction

Healing from Trauma & Emotional Pain

TRANSFORMING TRAUMA: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimension of Healing by Caroline Myss and James Finley, Ph.D. If you are interested in understanding trauma and acquiring tools to manage it, this book is indispensable. James Finley is a powerful teacher, offering listeners a lifetime of experience, education, deep reflection and passes on many of the spiritual teachings of his mentor Thomas Merton.

WARMING THE STONE CHILD: Myths and Stories about Abandonment and the Unmothered Child 

THE COMPLEX PTSD WORKBOOK: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole (Healing Complex PTSD)

WE ALL HAVE PARTS: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma and Internal Family Systems

An Illustrated IFS Psychoeducational Tool for Survivors of Childhood Trauma and Neglect

With simple language and illustrations, this little book will help teach your adult and adolescent clients how to understand their trauma symptoms and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) works to heal them. This powerful therapeutic tool translates complex ideas about trauma and parts work into material that is accessible and easy to understand.

NO BAD PARTS: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz – the founder of Internal Family Systems. In his seminal work, the author walks us through IFS and how it worked in his practice and how it can work for you.

Inspiration for the Journey

DISCOVER YOUR SOUL SIGNATURE: A 33-Day Path to Purpose, Passion and Joy by Penache Desai –  (I discovered this book by accident, but it quickly became a favorite. Its gentle rhythm and uplifting insights have accompanied me many evenings, a soothing way to end the day with calm and gratitude.)

Understanding & Healing from Abuse

Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft – In this groundbreaking bestseller, Lundy Bancroft—a counselor who specializes in working with abusive men—uses his knowledge about how abusers think to help women recognize when they are being controlled or devalued, and to find ways to get free of an abusive relationship.