Mel Robbins Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)

Meryn Cooper has always hated the Bonded, elite warriors who form mental links with massive, vicious direwolves. When her little sister Saela is kidnapped across the border by immortal monsters, Meryn enlists in the army and enters the deadly Bonding Trials to save her. She must survive four months of brutal training at the castle, bound to a feral direwolf, facing rival trainees, a punishing instructor, and dark secrets, where it's bond or bleed, duel or die.

This must-have sequel to the bestselling The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America features birds from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Matt Kracht gives real birds insulting nicknames like White-Breasted Butt Nugget, details their annoying calls, dumb migratory patterns, tacky markings, and explains exactly why they suck. Perfect for bird lovers with a sense of humor or those who disdain birds.

The story follows Ferdinand, a bull who would rather sit under a cork tree and smell flowers than engage in the aggressive behavior of other bulls. Despite his peaceful nature, Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen for the bullfights in Madrid. However, when he enters the bull ring, he sits down to smell the flowers in the women's hair, disappointing the matador and other fighters. The book has been celebrated for its message of nonviolence and pacifism since its publication in 1936.

This graphic novel tells the story of a boy who, on a spring day, meets three animal friends—a mole, a fox, and a horse—as he journeys through the countryside. The story is a poignant exploration of universal lessons about life, including the importance of kindness, self-worth, and unconditional love. The characters, each with their own struggles and strengths, learn valuable lessons about courage, forgiveness, and the power of asking for help. The book is celebrated for its simple yet profound messages, beautiful illustrations, and its ability to resonate with readers of all ages.

This quirky tale follows a young boy who notices a huge crack in his butt and embarks on a journey to find a new one. Along the way, he imagines various options like an armor-plated butt, a rocket butt, or a robot butt. The book features hilarious rhymes and delightful illustrations, making it a favorite among children and parents alike.

In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court. Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home. However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world. The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy.

In 'Phosphorescence', Julia Baird delves into the concept of finding and nurturing an inner light that sustains us through life's darkest moments. The book is a hybrid of memoir, essays, and personal reflections, drawing from Baird's experiences with cancer, her connections with nature, and her observations of various individuals who embody this 'phosphorescence'. Baird discusses the importance of awe, wonder, silence, and the healing effects of nature, such as ocean swimming and forest bathing. She also emphasizes the value of friendships, social connections, and the acceptance of failure and imperfection. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of how to find meaning and joy in a world filled with challenges.

Written during a vacation on Florida's Captiva Island in the early 1950s, *Gift from the Sea* is an essay-style work where Anne Morrow Lindbergh uses seashells as inspiration to reflect on the lives of Americans, particularly American women, in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of youth and age, love and marriage, peace, solitude, and contentment. It is often classified as inspirational literature and has been praised for its simplicity, solitude, and care for the soul. The book has sold over 3 million copies and has been translated into 45 languages.