A Back To School Book List For The Self Explorer

I’m wrapping up a long weekend camping trip with my girls, sitting out beside the coals left behind from a wonderful fire we had last night under the stars.

It’s cold here in Ontario and the leaves are starting to change–it’s a sign that school is only weeks away.

I never enjoyed school, but I always enjoyed learning.

I always felt boxed-in by the confines of the schedule, the curriculum and the philosophy of the teacher I had at the time.

I rarely aligned to the teachers I cycled through year after year, and found the most impactful learning inside of the library walls.

The library was the open road.

A place where I could be free to explore anything I wanted to.

One day it would be trying desperately to find Waldo before the bell would ring and we would have to head back to class.

The next, might be exploring a remote tribe in Africa through National Geographic.

As I got older I became interested in autobiographies. I loved to learn about people who inspired me and what made them who they are.

The opportunity to learn was endless and it inspires my desire to continue to explore today.

Only now it’s inside the walls of my own library.

I have a few large bookshelves like this in my house.

My fiancé tries her best to keep it organized.

One shelf might be dedicated to the philosophy of life.

One might be dedicated to music and art.

These book shelves are filled with what I call Book Shop Mentors.

People I’ve often never met, but who have inspired me in ways that they will likely never know.

I look up to the authors who sit on these shelves and I find gratitude in holding onto and protecting their work of art.

So, as school time rears its head again for our children, I like to take the time to reflect on the insights I’ve acquired and share some of the books I read this year that helped me understand myself and the world on a deeper level.

 Team Human - Douglas Rushkoff [link]

Team Human is a moving call to action to rediscover our humanity in an ever-evolving digital world.

Rushkoff challenges the ways technology and modern systems isolate us, pushing us to remember that we are fundamentally social beings.

I was moved by the simple reminder that we all have an innate need for connection and collaboration. Rushkoff argues that to truly understand ourselves, we must reconnect with each other–and break away from the individualistic mindset perpetuated by technology.

Strength lies in community, not in isolation–we must seek out deeper, more meaningful connections as a path to understand ourselves better and thrive in this modern world.

 The Creative Act: A Way Of Being - Rick Rubin [link]

Rick Rubin is my love languge.

I felt like he invited me into a new world with this book. Inspiring me to embrace my innate creativity as a fundamental aspect of my entire way of life.

Creativity took on a whole new meaning, not just as a skill, but as a way of existing and participating in the world.

Rubin encourages us with this book to see creativity as a natural state, rather than a special talent reserved for a select few. His reflections guide us to tap into our innate creative potential, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and the creative energy around us.

The biggest lesson for me was that creativity flows when we let go of control and allow ourselves to be present with each passing moment. Through this insight I have been able to embrace uncertainty and trust the process of creation as a path to deeper self-discovery.

 What To Do When It’s Your Turn (And It’s Always Your Turn) - Seth Godin [link]

This book is a powerful reminder that waiting for permission or “the right moment” is holding us back.

I was recommended this book after my TEDx was banned as it reinforces the idea that we must embrace the opportunities that come our way, even when they challenge us or push us out of our comfort zones.

It is a reminder that we need to take risks, make bold choices and understand that it’s always our turn to lead and create.

This was an important lesson for me as I navigated the censorship of my ideas and my story. It helped me find my voice and inspired my writing, allowing me to remove the restrictions I was putting on myself with the need to be validated.

The fear of failure is often what keeps us from taking our turn, but recognizing that it’s always our turn empowers us to move forward, no matter the obstacle or the rejection.

Those are three of my favourite books from this year. Books that have inspired a new level of self knowledge, motivated me to create, every single day as an act of being and understanding.

I hope these books can inspire you to do the same.

If you have a book you think I would like, please send it over, my library is never full enough!