The 8 Books I Would Recommend To You If We Were Friends

As an avid reader, books are my choice of entertainment and I’m always adding books to my repertoire. There has never been a period in my life where I have stopped seeking various types of reading material to add to my bookshelf or virtual library. Friends often ask me for recommendations and I gladly jump at the chance to do so. If that wasn’t compelling enough as to why you should strongly consider my book suggestions, I have a little secret to share with you: In my spare time, I like to organize my book collection by size and review the books I’ve read online.

Without further ado, allow me to deliver the eight books you should explore if you’re looking for new material — because you and I both know that articles don’t really substitute the value and insight a good book can bring into your life.

1. For the Self-Help Obsessed or Dating cynic:

Why Men Love Bitches by Sheri Argov – Looking past the brazen title, this is so much more than a dating book. This book essentially teaches women to be strong, responsible and independent while remaining feminine. In the whirl of a digital era filled with contradicting theories and essays about feminism, gender equality and global sexual issues, it’s important for women to allow themselves to be women. It’s simply a matter of finding the right balance. This book delivers on transcending advice that will help you build the inner strength to know your self-worth which can aid in a variety of instances from negotiating your salary to landing a man that treats you with respect.

2. For the introvert or the friend/partner/parent of an introvert:

Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain – This will explains so many of the WHYs you have swirling around in your head. Why you would rather stay in on a Saturday night. How you can be an introvert if you’re not necessarily shy. Why you prefer your own company to being surrounded by others. The insight this book carries is invaluable and you will relish reading every single line that details the social psychology that makes up most introverts. The author researched and intensely studied this subject for years and you can sense that the knowledge imparted is just as accurate as it is relevant.

3. For the philosopher:

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran – While it’s hard to deny that there is a lot of wisdom in this tiny book, the literal meaning of philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems which would enable a philosopher to dissect the author’s input and add their own twist or views. The book touches on a lot of subjects and reveals certain declarations that a true philosophic mind could spend hours debating or refuting.

4. For the religious:

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant – This bestselling classic has been on bookshelves for over a decade, recommended by many editors and offers a heart wrenching and mind blowing perspective on a renowned biblical story. Those who have read the bible or are familiar with it, will quickly recognize the names in the novel. I am not particularly religious, so when I initially received this book, I was really disappointed but by the third chapter. I couldn’t believe how quickly my eyes were reaching the words on the page in anticipation of what would unfold. Needless to say, I was completely moved by the end and it was the first book that moved me enough to reach out to the author. It is a great story retold through the imagination of a phenomenal writer.

5. For the Feminist with a capital F:

A Vindication of the rights of women by Mary Wollstonecraft – For all the hard-core, protesting, ultra-sensitive people about the matter of feminism, read all about it from one of the earliest writers and advocate for women’s rights during a period where it was probably at its worst. This will brief you on the emancipation of women and educate anyone willing to understand why most feminists are so damn angry.

6. For the sexually optimistic, advanced or adventurous:

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin – Put down your Harlequin romance novel for a second and delve into this real, vivid, butt-clenching, eyes-averting, jaw-dropping sexually corrupt erotic piece of literature. Anyone who enjoys reading about sex will marvel at the stunning erotic collection of short stories written by one of the most sexually imaginative writers. The only common between these stories is the sex as the characters vary and vivify their complexities. Each of them carry such personality and character within a short amount of pages that you are left craving more, and are left with no choice but to reread the words just so you can reimagine the stories and allow them to unfold once more. An addictive dose of literary porn, this book will delight any sexual deviant. As a reverse, this could also serve as a gag gift to your most reserved friend. Who knows? It might change her perspective or open her mind up to new sexual possibilities.

7. For the travel enthusiast and the dreamer:

Lonely Planet The Travel Book, A journey through every country in the world – This luscious mega-size book is full of high definition pictures and a little write-up for every single country in the world in double-page spreads. The 800+ awe-inspiring visuals will keep the travel enthusiast excited and energized for their next trip while the lack of writing will keep the dreamer interested and stimulated.

8. For the believer or the Creative Archetype:

Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than – Inspired by the amazing visuals on the Zen Pencils site, and crafted by the incredible cartoonist, who is also the author. This book packs motivational words of wisdom from inspirational folks at different point in history sharing the same message for creatives and dreamers alike: If you don’t believe, you won’t achieve.