For the Love of Books

I love books. I’m an avid reader, between 50 and 75 a year, and most of those are digital downloads from the library. It saves both paper and money, so win-win. It’s not that I prefer digital over printed – I love the feel and the smell and the covers and everything about a printed book. So I continue to accumulate some printed books.

These are special books, little treasure troves of wisdom, many about nature, and most have been gifted to me. They are scattered around the house, ready to be enjoyed at any time. Most include colorful, fun art and much less text than a heavy novel might have. They are uplifting and give a quick shot of hope and happiness when needed.

I’m sharing some of my favorites with you, so you can enjoy those benefits as well. And while I’m at it, look for these books on my favorite used book site, Better World Books. You’ll be supporting a great company and you’ll help save the planet! If you do decide to order there, be sure to use my link to save 20% off your first purchase (I’ll save too!).

Here’s a quick rundown of the books in the header photo, from the bottom up:

Labyrinths for the Spirit by Jim Buchanan: You may know that I love labyrinths. This book is full of images and information on the history and different types of labyrinths as well as how you can create your own.

I am Peace by Susan Verde: While this is technically a children’s book, it contains beautiful illustrations and color, and sweet reminders to practice mindfulness.

How to be a Wildflower by Katie Daisy: So much art and color, this one is a pleasure to take in. In it, the author shares the joy of wandering, giving suggestions and nudging the reader to look with eyes for seeing beauty and get out into it.

The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer: While this book, by the same author as Braiding Sweetgrass, is more of a read with less art, it’s a quick read and worth every word. Focus is on abundance and reciprocity in the natural world.

Wild Calm by Joan Vordebruggen: I first received this book as a gift and have since gifted many others to those whom I have taken forest bathing. This is a guided journal on finding mindfulness in forest bathing. The illustrations are colorful and fun.

50 Things to Do by the Sea by Easkey Britton: As the name says, this little gem gives you ideas for activities you can do by the sea, and it’s so much more. Ocean literacy (understanding the ocean’s influence on you), Celebrating an Inclusive and Diverse Ocean (bringing accessibility to more groups), and Move with the Tides (an explanation of the tidal movements) are all chapters. As a bonus, I was given this book while on vacation in Ireland by a very generous innkeeper.

Whatever You Are, be a Good One by Lisa Congdon: Full of color and illustrations, this is a book of quotes, like this one from Henry James: “Three things in life are important. The first is to be kind, the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.”

How to be More Tree by Liz Marvin: I love this little book using different trees as metaphors for life. Each page features a different tree species with an illustration and a short paragraph about how to be more like this tree. “Adapt to your environment” like the American Beech, and the Japanese Maple reminds you that “beginnings are always small.”

Being with Trees by Hannah Fries: With stunning photos, this book is a guided journey of prompts and meditations to help you slow down, breathe and connect with nature anywhere you go.

The Little Book of Compassion: This little book is full of quotes on compassion. It’s divided into six chapters including self-compassion, the value of compassion and compassion for others. This is one of those books you just open up to a random page and you find the exact message you need at that time.

These precious little books all give me a quick pick-me-up when I need it. What books serve that purpose for you? Share below.