The most provocative books to inspire positive change

When it comes down to explaining anomalous phenomena, my default position is to first consider physical laws.

However, I am also cognizant that science is catching up with explaining the mysteries of our universe. In the fabric of her well-researched book, McEneaney weaves stories and testimonials from various families, all the while sharing tangible details on the heroic people who suddenly passed.

She persuades the reader that many of those directly impacted by the death of a loved one lost on September 11, 2001, received “signs”. I strongly feel that McEneaney’s book provides a weighty perspective not just of the evil, terrorist-based historical events that shaped the state of our world, but also a glimpse into why the soul is often referred to and defined as “immortal.” A must-read in a post-pandemic era.

Let’s face it. Every one of us is bound to hit a “wall” at some point or another in life. At such times, it’s easy to fall into the “woe is me” trap, instead of proactively reassessing, redirecting, and shifting focus.

I read this book a decade ago, and once again recently. It has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so for years to come. Who doesn’t appreciate a good, old-fashioned (motivational) a$$-whooping, the kind that persuades us to stop complaining and start moving (in a different direction)?

Sincero is a no-nonsense, entertaining, and brilliant logophile and life coach.  She unapologetically reminds that each of us is responsible for his/her own destiny in eliminating self-sabotaging habits while visualizing greatness and happiness.  Her words and messaging are golden.

This book is a riveting, wish-fulfillment 1960’s-based novel I found to be a glorious, entertaining escape from the real world of 2024.

Overall, it was fun to immerse myself in the world of a strong-willed, brilliant, and (sometimes ornery) mind and soul as that of female scientist, Elizabeth Zott. The descriptions of chemistry were original and spot-on. Although some of Zott’s dialogue seemed a tad unrealistic and overwrought at times, I self-reminded that the words of complicated women/movers/shakers/trailblazers often are.

I think this book will stand the test of time and serve as inspiration for many young readers who are growing up during the #MeToo movement. It would be great to see more real-world, fierce "Zotts" come full circle in claiming justice for themselves and their like-minded sisters.

The late, pioneering Dr. Emoto inspires readers to stay open-minded, while he sagely, succinctly, and transparently provides compelling evidence that thoughts and physics are interconnected. 

There are just enough examples (i.e., “before” and “after” images of water molecules exposed to specific thoughts and words) to give a layman an understanding of how and why his results have shaken the status quo. Despite disbelievers who have attempted to undermine his work, the experimental outcomes Emoto documented have been replicated and reproduced in other labs around the world.

Additionally, verification of the “mind-body” connection, and how our thoughts shape reality have been successfully demonstrated by quantum physicists and even neuroscientists (like the late, great Dr. Candace Pert). This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the underpinnings of scientific paradigm shifts.  

This spellbinding book is a multi-generational, fictional account that spans five decades and focuses on identical twins and their daughters. 

I found the novel to be believable and evocative of (1) the challenges that light and dark-skinned African Americans have faced in different eras, and (2) the strength needed in being true to one’s sexuality while surviving the realities of bigotry and persecution. The author deftly interweaves various plots, themes, and subthemes, into a story that immediately draws you in and keeps you reading, long past hours when you should be sleeping. 

You will laugh, lament, and—most importantly—understand the significance of the powerful, overarching message conveyed: our identities are shaped more by our mindsets than by our physiques, and can change (for the better or worse) over time.