Hanna’s Top 5 Favorite Books
I grew up homeschooled and reading every single day. That’s all you need to know about me. KIDDING! But seriously, reading has always been a huge part of my life—it’s like breathing for me. There isn’t a single day that goes by that I don’t read something. And, fun fact, 99% of what I read is non-fiction. I’m working on bringing more fiction into my life, though, thanks to my partner-in-crime, Sarah, who’s been nudging me in that direction.
One of the things I absolutely love about reading is the challenge it brings—the thought exercises, the mental stretching that happens with every page. Whether it’s history, self-help, or something completely unexpected, I find so much joy in exploring other people’s words and ideas. For me, reading isn’t just about consuming information; it’s about building my mind, expanding my perspective, and keeping my growth mindset at its absolute peak.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re already bored. Hear me out! Reading is my way of being creative, learning, and staying curious about the world. It’s my favorite way to engage with new ideas and keep evolving.
So, let’s talk favorite books! I’ll narrow it down to my latest favorite five because, honestly, my all-time favorites tend to shift and change as I grow. Let’s dive in!
Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate Your Personal and Professional Development by Ryan Leak
Leveling Up has some of the most thought-provoking questions I’ve ever encountered, and it’s truly helped me reflect on my life and refine my personal definition of “success”—both in my career and in my overall journey. It’s not just a book; it’s a guide that encourages deep introspection and helps you align your goals with what truly matters to you. I highly recommend it, especially if you’re navigating any kind of change or transition in life—which, let’s be honest, is pretty much all the time! 😊 It’s a powerful tool for growth and clarity.
The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher
I absolutely love The Next Conversation. How many times have you put your foot in your mouth because you didn’t have the right start to a conversation? For me, I’ve lost count. It’s happened so many times! This book dives deep into why the second or “next” conversation often matters even more than the first and how to approach those tricky, sticky situations with care and intention. It’s such a game-changer for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills. I especially love how it focuses on boosting empathy, not just in what you say, but in how you say it and how you connect with others. This book is packed with practical tools and insights to help you navigate conversations with more understanding, grace, and confidence. It’s a must-read!
The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
The Botany of Desire is the reason I decided to major in biology. Not even kidding! It completely changed the way I see the world. It’s all about how plants are deeply, almost invisibly, woven into the fabric of our lives in ways we don’t always realize. Do you love tulips? Have you ever stopped to wonder why? This book dives into so many fascinating details, uncovering the history, science, and beauty of plants, and it will absolutely make you fall in love with our botanical side. It’s a celebration of the natural world that will leave you seeing plants in a whole new light!
The Wizard of Oz Series by L. Frank Baum
THE WIZARD OF OZ IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FICTION SERIES! The characters are so rich and layered, the allegory is brilliant, the hidden meanings keep me thinking long after I’ve finished, and the RESILIENCE woven into the storylines is just unmatched! UGH, I can’t get enough. I read these every single year without fail. And yes, I do love Wicked, yes, I’ve seen the Broadway production (it was incredible!), but nothing compares to the original L. Frank Baum series. It’s timeless, magical, and just hits differently every time I revisit it.
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
As a design thinker, it’s no surprise that Designing Your Life is high on my list of must-reads! It’s an absolute essential for anyone who loves exploring creative problem-solving and innovative approaches to life. I use design thinking in every aspect of my life—whether it’s personal or professional—and it’s been transformative. Design thinking isn’t just about creating products or solutions; it’s a mindset, a way of approaching challenges with curiosity, empathy, and structure. It’s like applying the scientific method to life, but with a touch of magic that makes everything feel possible. This book dives deep into the principles and practices of design thinking, and it’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their life in meaningful, creative ways! LOVE. Read it. Today.
