Chapte 60: How to Deal with a 21st Century American Woman--Books worth reading

By Frosty Wooldridge 

          Every once in awhile on our life journey, we meet someone ­who turns us on, who inspires us.  It might have been one of our­ teachers.  Maybe a neighbor.  Someone on a ski chairlift.  A buddy­ through sports.  Often we befriend them because we enjoy their company.  They too, enjoy ours.  It’s a chemistry not definable,­ yet powerful.  A certain line of thought or spiritual connection draws us to each other.

          A best friend is one of the true miracles of the universe.

          The same holds true for books.  We might read one author on ­the advice of someone, and wonder how he/she ever got into print.  ­However, another book may find itself in front of our eyes and we ­burn the midnight oil reading it.  The author is so in tune with­ our thinking and sense of the world, we feel bonded to what ­he/she has to say.

          In high school, teachers forced us to read many books that­ we disliked, but as we grew into the world, friends turned us on­to books, or we discovered them by chance.

          We’re both voracious readers and along the way, we’ve found­ a number of books that not only entertain, they give answers to ­many questions.  Some help with the heart, while others address­ our spirits, and a few address ways that make our lives more­ vibrant and exciting. 

          The list of books we recommend has been read by us and we’ve ­found the selections outstanding in their interest, humor or­ perspectives.  They are in no particular order, but we give a­ synopsis on their content.  If you find an interest in them,­ either buy them at a book store or browse through a used book­store for some unique discoveries.

          1.  DESERT SOLITAIRE–A book by Edward Abbey that describes, ­with biting humor his adventures at Arches National Park, Utah.  ­The book is funny, sardonic and irreverent–yet deeply spiritual. ­ It teaches many lessons a man needs to know about being alone in the wilderness and dealing with life.  It’s a great read.

          2.  WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR–By Dan Millman, one of the ­great teachers of this century, this book will take you on a self­ discovery journey with Millman and a man named Socrates.  ­Powerful and insightful. 

          3.  SACRED JOURNEY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR; WARRIOR/ATHLETE;­NO ORDINARY MOMENTS–By Dan Millman.  These subsequent titles are ­tremendous learning books about how you can operate in the world­ successfully.  The last book is an outstanding daily guide to­ living a wonderful life.  Brilliant common sense put into action.

          4.  SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE; AND FIRST­THINGS FIRST!  These two books, by Stephen Covey, give you a leap ­of knowledge on how to be an effective person in whatever you­ enjoy in life. 

          5.  THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION by Phillip Berman is a ­compilation of thinkers that will tap into your creative and­ thinking powers.  Very inspiring.

          6.  ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand is a novel, yet it is the ­foundation of a solid foundation for operating in this­ capitalistic world.  It is an American Classic by a lady who immigrated from Russia.

          7.  SEEDS OF GREATNESS by Dennis Waitley not only inspires, ­but gives you a road map on how to become successful as a human ­being.

          8.  THE PETER PRINCIPLE; THE PETER PLAN; THE PETER­PRESCRIPTION by Lawrence Peter.  These three books will show you ­why others around you are incompetent, insecure or bullies in the­ work place.  Each book will show you how to deal with people ­above you and below you in the work place. Not only that, you­ will find how to make sure you don’t fall victim to “The Peter­ Principle.”

          9. WALDEN by Henry David Thoreau.  This book is brilliant in ­its simplicity.  “Men are becoming tools of their tools,” was his­ statement more than one hundred years ago.  Sit down with Thoreau­ as he calms your spirit and gives you deeper understandings on how to conduct your life. 

          10. EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES by Tim Robbins is a funny, ­hilarious, outrageous book.  It will give you a feel for how women operate.

          11. THE BLIND WATCHMAKER by Dawkins.  If you’re unsure as to ­whether or not there is a God or not, this book will show you a­ thing or two about the universe.  An amazing book on how we got ­here.

          12. JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL by Richard Bach.  In one ­hour of reading this book, it could transform your life into­ understanding.  Jon flies at the ‘perfect speed’ and you can too.

          13. YOUR ERRONEOUS ZONES by Wayne Dyer is one of the best ­self help books we’ve ever read. Practical and right on target­ for getting you to understand yourself and get moving into a­ healthy life direction.

          14. THINK AND GROW RICH by Napoleon Hill.  We only heard­ about this legendary book for years before reading it.  It’s not­ about becoming rich.  It’s about becoming a rich human being.  It­ leads you into all his titles that are incredible road maps to­ your personal success that can be translated into vocational­ success.

          15. HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE by Dale­Carnegie.  Fabulous book on how to operate in this world and be­ liked, be successful, be happy.

          16. FOOD: YOUR MIRACLE MEDICINE; AND STOP AGING NOW by Jean ­Carper.  These two books will thrust you into the maximum health­ style for your life.  They’ll even keep you younger longer. ­Great reading and fantastic knowledge.

          17. STOP AGING NOW by Jean Carper.  This book gives exceptional information

on slowing down the aging process.

          18. THE EARTH SPEAKS by Weller and Matre.  Many authors­ bring you to the depths of Nature speaking to you to help you­ find yourself in the natural world.  Very inspirational.

          19.  JOHN MUIR IN HIS OWN WORDS by Browning.  This man will ­touch your heart with his bravery, his love and courage in the­ wilderness.  He created the National Park System and was one of­ our greatest statesman.

          20.  ARE YOU THE ONE FOR ME? By Barbara DeAngelis.  This is ­a book for women, but is equally helpful for men in determining­ if another person would be a good mate choice.  Read it and­ follow it.  You will save yourself and her, much heartache.

          21.  BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley.  Do you want to be a­part of the coming world of test tube babies and everything run ­by computers and automated?  Or, do you want to be the savage who­ lives your life fully and joyfully?  This book will help you­ decide.

          22.  A SEPARATE REALITY by Carlos Castenada.  Take a trip in­ a book and get back by morning!  This book will take your mind on­ a drug trip that will give tremendous insight but won’t fry your ­brain cells.

          23. STALKING THE WILD PENDULUM by Bentov.  Ever wonder why­ everyone is cities is going crazy?  Out of rhyme and reason?  ­This book shows you why we’re all going just a little bit crazy ­because we’re out of sync with Nature and ourselves.

          24.  SEE YOU AT THE TOP; AND TOP PERFORMANCE by Zig Ziglar. ­This guy will turn you into a walking dynamo.  Get a purpose, a­ plan, and start your engines.

          25.  STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND by Robert Heinlein the dean ­of science fiction writers.  This book will give you a satirical ­appreciation for the craziness factor of our society and how you­ can approach it yourself.

          26.  THE ART OF SENSUAL MASSAGE by Nkeles and Todris.  If ­you want to make her feel good so she’ll make you feel good, this ­book is the key to keeping those satin sheets wet and warm!

          27.  THERE’S LIFE AFTER DIVORCE by Jeenie Gordon.  Good­ advice for moving forward with your life after the pain of­ divorce.

          28.  Any titles by John Gray…MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN FROM­VENUS.

          29.  JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL by Richard Bach.  Great ­read for inspiration and a way of looking at life that brings­ peace to ones soul.

30. The Life You Were Born to Live by Dan Millman.

31.  No Ordinary Moments by Dan Millman.

32.  The Four Purposes of Life by Dan Millman.