Welcome to the Library — a growing collection of books that have lit the path, stirred something deep, or simply made me feel seen.

These pages hold stories of courage, self-discovery, healing, wildness, and wonder. Some are quiet and reflective. Others are bold and untamed.

Here, I’ve gathered the titles that have left a mark on me, along with a few words about why. You won’t find reviews — just reflections, like notes scribbled in the margins.

Maybe one of these books is meant to meet you, too.

Wintering by Katherine May

Katherine May has become one of my new favorite authors. It’s as if she’s been in my head all these years. She has a way of saying things that resonate deep in my soul. This book has validated my need for rest and recovery.

Another great one from Katherine May. This one is a good reminder to find awe in every day. It helped me look for the wonder in my everyday life. I have found that most of my wonderments come from observations in nature. I love the idea of merging into the world to forget oneself. I have underlined a lot of phrases and one-liners that spoke directly to my desire to feel more enchanted with the world around me.

Finding courage in the wilderness.

I was writing this title for the sign outside my office door that reads “What I am currently reading.” My son said, “Mom, but you already are.” That was a great compliment coming from him. I picked up this one because I am intrigued by not only Africa, but as women, sometimes we are told we can’t do things, or we shouldn’t do things, or it’s too hard, etc. While this author was terrified to venture outside of the United States, it allowed her a perspective on life that propelled her to seek out other adventures. I was reminded to find my courage by being willing to step outside my comfort zone.

In the summer, I wear sandals nearly every day and for every activity, even hiking. I love the feel of the hot sand on my feet. I love to feel the cool grass tickle my toes. I love laying on the red rock sandstone and soaking in the rays of the sun. This book helped me understand perhaps the reason why it refuels me so much, why I seek it and crave it. The earth has healing properties that speak to the energies in our bodies. I love when the earth speaks to mine and heals my soul!

I’ll be honest. I had a hard time with this one. I didn’t love the first few chapters. And then, I thought I better read it as it shares the name of my business name and I wanted to better understand how others view being “untamed.” And then I read this statement on page 46 “I was wild…until I buried who I was in order to become what I should be. I lost myself when I learned how to please.” I am a people pleaser and this book helped me reflect on the things that have been caged up, the power I have to rewrite my own story using my own imagination - not what others expect of me.

There are a lot of truths in this book about the importance of knowing who we are to achieve what we want to achieve. This book helped me reconnect with my hopes and dreams as a child, to reflect on my voice, then and now, to be the hero of my own story. Whitney was great at acknowledging the unique strengths women have and when we can identify those and expound on them, great things can happen.

Once I read Whitney’s Dare Dream Do book, I had to read this one. I am obsessed with the idea of disrupting myself, launching myself from another S curve to continue learning and growing. I can’t get enough of her podcast with the same name. I am intrigued by the ability and capability we all have, if we can just learn how to tap into it by taking calculated risks.

Another Katherine May book. Wintering is still my favorite title of hers. However, I enjoyed reading about her self-discovery which led to a truer story of her life’s history. Her long walk in nature over multiple seasons allowed reflection and discovery that explained her thoughts and feelings that sometimes interfered with relationships with others.

I’m usually not a fan of fantasy or sci-fi, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I picked it up not knowing it was that genre, but I loved how the past and present so divinely connected as individuals overcame their pasts, learned from them, and found belonging as they nurtured their authentic desires. (And secretly, I have always longed to own a little bookshop and spend my days reading.)

There’s a reason this is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. This story has inspired me to handwrite more and not just send texts or emails. The history that is told through letters is fascinating as you learn of the different characters and their personalities as revealed through the pen. The main character carries with her a guilt that the reader does not realize until near the end and boy did it strike a chord with me. A working mom, passionate about their career, has unintended consequences.

I have always…always…thought that being an introvert was a disability, a challenge, a fault. This book helped me realize the value introverts have in our world and the value I can have as an introvert. It reads a little like a textbook, but I learned so much about the science behind introverts, their personalities, and some ways to overcome the effects of being an introvert in today’s world. It can be exhausting, emotionally and physically, and this book gave me permission and awareness to lean fully into being me.

My favorite genre is historical fiction. I love history and I love that the fictional part brings it more to life for me. This survivor of Auschwitz brings her passion of ballet to some of the worst times in our history, giving hope to many, and trying to bring joy into the fear-laden environment in which they lived. I admired her courage, her willingness to stay true to herself and her desires to dance.

This is a version of Huckleberry Finn as told through the slave in that story, James. I resonated with James in so many ways. He felt he had to act and speak a particular way in front of his masters and a different way in front of his own people. He had such a thirst for reading and writing and would do anything to get his hands on a pencil and some paper to be able to write. The reader gets an insight into his thoughts, his courage, his desires, his fears, and his unrelenting efforts to save him, his wife, and his daughter during the time the Civil War breaks out.