The First Person to Say NO to Ryan Holiday’s Book Recommendations

Jim the chimpanzee wakes up in a terrible mood for no apparent reason, even though it's a beautiful day. His friends try to cheer him up with all sorts of advice, but Jim just can't shake his grumpiness—and eventually has a meltdown. The story humorously explores the idea that it's normal to feel grumpy sometimes, and that it's okay to just sit with those feelings. With expressive illustrations and a lighthearted tone, Grumpy Monkey helps young readers understand and accept their emotions.

This book follows the adventures of 100 dragons named Broccoli as they leave their mountain home for various escapades, teaching young readers about math concepts like subtraction in a fun and entertaining way. The story is filled with humor and engaging illustrations.

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.

Curious George is the first book in the beloved series by H.A. and Margret Rey. It tells the story of a monkey named George, captured from the jungle by the Man in the Yellow Hat and taken to the city, where his curiosity leads to various amusing mishaps. The book is celebrated for its engaging illustrations and lessons on curiosity and friendship.

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a beloved collection of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. The book takes readers on a whimsical journey through imaginative scenarios, from a boy who turns into a TV set to a girl who eats a whale. It addresses common childhood concerns and presents fanciful stories, encouraging readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. The poems are known for their clever wordplay, delightful illustrations, and moral lessons, making it a treasure trove for young readers and a favorite among adults as well.

In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.

In this book, Dr. Peter Attia draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health. The book aims to replace the outdated medical framework with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, focusing on creating the best individual plan for long-term health. It covers topics such as the limitations of cholesterol tests, underdiagnosed liver conditions, the importance of exercise, and the integration of overall health with relational health.

The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature.

In 'Good Inside,' Dr. Becky Kennedy shares her parenting philosophy, which focuses on building strong relationships with children rather than merely shaping their behavior. The book critiques traditional parenting methods like reward charts and time-outs, which fail to address children's complex emotional needs. Dr. Kennedy provides actionable strategies and troubleshooting for various parenting challenges, such as sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, and tantrums. Her approach helps parents move from uncertainty and self-blame to confidence and sturdy leadership, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in parenting.