Personal Development for Real-World Rock Stars!
Book Reviews & Recommended Reading List:
by Tom Leu
The following books and audio books are highly recommended as they have positively impacted me both personally and professionally...
My top twelve selections at the moment; click to read, click to buy:
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The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
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The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
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Conversations With God Series by Neale Donald Walsch
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What God Wants by Neale Donald Walsh
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Simplicity by Mark Salomon
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Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
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Wisdom of the Ages by Dr. Wayne Dyer
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A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
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Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
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Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
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Rumors of Another World by Phillip Yancey
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Soul Mates by Richard Webster
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
This book is written with a simplicity and clarity that sneaks up on you
and hits you right between the eyes. I could not put this book down;
often returning to it time and time again to re-read certain sections.
Many parts of this book have stayed in the forefront of my mind to this very
day. The principles are not new, but Jeff's straightforward delivery
style mixed with his been-there-done-that experiences make this
easily one of the best, yet little-known motivational book out there!
BUY it here.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
A landmark book! Could have been titled "The Power of Getting Your
Head Out of Your A@#!" The author has of way of saying things in
seemingly complicated psycho/spiritual jargon yet still managing to make it
make sense. Did that make sense? There are so many practical
applications to help us get out of the past and back from the future and
into the Now where we not only belong; but where our true contentment lives.
I recommend getting the audio book too and listen while you you read along
for maximum impact & clarity.
BUY it here.
Also check out A New Earth
by the same author - if you can follow these books, and are ready, they will change your
life!
Conversations With God Series by Neale Donald Walsh
Love it or hate it; agree or disagree; the CwG 3-book series is arguably the most
influential set of spiritual books published in recent times. I began
reading these books when they first appeared in the mid-90's, put them down,
and then returned to them ten years later. With each read and re-read,
the principles and "conversations" presented seem to become more clear and
more true for me and my life. I've been around the spectrum with my
opinion of these books over the years and finally have come to the
conclusion that there is Truth within. Read at your own risk of being
spiritually and personally challenged and altered. Another perennial
bestseller.
BUY it here.
What God Wants by Neale Donald Walsch
Easily the most impactful book of spiritual reflections that I have ever
read. The questions, the current and historical references, and the
logic behind the book's premise are profoundly simple but startling.
Reading this book urges me to further explore other great spiritual texts of
the world besides only those common to our western culture. If you're
unwilling to consider the concepts presented here, you're in danger of
missing out on universal truths that have impacted world cultures throughout
history and across
centuries.
BUY it here.
Simplicity by Mark Salomon
A very interesting book written by a rock singer whose music career has been spent primarily in the evangelical Christian market. Mark discusses his life and journey to and through his faith, his music, and his resolve today to resist labels. Finally someone who really tells it like it is without sugar-coating. A great read for musicians and spiritual seekers alike. BUY here.
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
No motivational book list would be complete without the household name of
personal development present. Tony Robbins has come to define the
world of self-help and motivational speaking. He is the guru among gurus,
and for good reason. I have been to several of Tony's seminars all
across the country and can say with authority that he delivers the goods.
In fact, he exceeded my expectations each time I saw him. Tony's
second book, Awaken the Giant Within is a comprehensive text of much
of what Tony teaches at his seminars. No book is as good as the real
thing, but this one comes pretty close.
BUY it here.
Wisdom of the Ages by Dr. Wayne Dyer
Most of Dr. Dyer's books come recommended as they all have impacted me
in various ways over the years. This book is unique however because it
contains a collection of reflections from many history's greatest teachers
and philosophers. The truths are universal and especially valuable
when delivered with Dr. Dyer's commentary and insights. Some featured
are household names while other, lesser-known figures, arguably offer the
greatest learning in this volume. This is the kind of book that you'll
return to again and again.
BUY it here.
A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson
Based on the influential and controversial text, A Course in Miracles,
A
Return to Love elegantly summarizes and deftly defines the essence of what
life is really all about: Love and Fear. Everything we do is moving toward
one or the other. Marianne helps us see how Fear motivated by Ego
destroys while Love gives life. More than just metaphysical
mumbo-jumbo, this book breaks the concepts down to real-life applications
through the author's own personal experiences as well as using universal examples.
A best seller for a reason!
BUY it here.
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
This book was so popular at one time that it seemed as if everyone
was talking about it. This is one of the first books that was referred
to me, that I actually sought out and bought. My prediction is that
this book will prove to be a modern-day classic. The book's line...
"Non-religious thoughts on Christian Spirituality" really says it all.
Often funny and poignant at the same time, Donald Miller's gift of
storytelling is as good as anyone I've read. He takes us on a journey,
his journey, through his struggles with canned religion and pre-packaged
spirituality to his conclusion that... well, you'll have to read it.
In my top ten of all-time faves!
BUY it here.
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
Rob Bell is the poster boy for the "post-modern" 20-something Christian
culture; though I doubt he likes that tag. I saw this guy speak some
years ago, and all I can say is anyone who can bring a live goat out on stage
at a church and make it work is alright in my book. Rob's candor and
obvious "hip" insights make him not only popular with the younger crowd, but
with the boomers and beyond as well. Though he draws heavily on his
expertise of Jewish Old Testament theology, the history is never dry and always
manages to make you go hmmmm... Great book!
BUY it here.
Rumors of Another World by Phillip Yancey
I love reading spiritual books authored by skeptics who admit that they are,
or at least were skeptical about the subject matter at hand. It makes
them appear... rightly or wrongly, more honest and genuine. Phillip
Yancey is such an author. He is extremely well researched and thorough
without ever coming off as a stuffy, I told-you-so, know it all. This
book speaks to those of us thinkers who wonder about this "other world" where
faith and life collide.
BUY it here.
Soul Mates by Richard Webster
Very simply... a book about past lives and reincarnation as it pertains to
not only finding, but recognizing and understanding those we love in our
lives. I know, I know, it sounds flighty and you probably don't believe
in that kind of stuff... Well that's what I thought too until I read
this book. Condemning something prior to investigation is not only
ignorant, but it can prevent us from a new world of opportunities we never knew
existed. Take a chance, suspend your judgment and read this entire
book before coming to any conclusions.
BUY it here.
*Read excerpts from Tom's new Book in progress...
Tom Leu is an author, speaker, musician & media personality delivering compelling, provocative, & relevant inspirational messages that blur the lines between "the left" and "the right"...
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