The best spiritual books that take the weird out of the woo

Why am I passionate about this?

Despite a successful editorial career and thriving beauty business, in my 30s I remained plagued by a depression and crippling perfectionism. What began as a self-help bender and journalistic endeavor to explore every holistic experience I could get my hands on became a way of life—and saved my life. When my spiritual mentor Monica Lawson introduced me to the Other Side and how to work with them to find clarity and purpose, it clicked: we could teach others to do the same. Our mission is to take the weird out of the woo and make spirituality accessible for everyone. It’s your birthright to chase you. We’re simply here to show you the way.  


I wrote...

Book cover of Chase You

What is my book about?

We spend our lives chasing what we think will make us happy: money, relationships, careers, a bigger house, a better body. But the chase doesn’t end until we stop chasing things outside of ourselves and start chasing who we came here to be. Standing by to help is the Other Side.

Following a near-death experience, Monica has been able to connect with the Other Side. She now inspires clients from all walks of life on how to work with their spiritual team. One of those people was me, a recovering perfectionist who found peace and purpose by putting the lessons in this book into practice. Together we will teach you how to do the same. We will teach you how to chase you.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Surrender Experiment: My Journey Into Life's Perfection

Elizabeth Kendig Why did I love this book?

One of my earliest spiritual reads and a way of living that I return to again and again whenever I feel stuck, impatient, or anxious that life isn’t happening on my timeline, or in the way I think it *should*. Surprise! The Universe always has other plans when we are making ours. When you surrender, you allow the Universe to step in and support you in the most magical and synchronistic ways, whether with the right people, opportunities, or next steps. If you can allow for the unexpected instead of trying to control the outcome, miracles can and will happen. 

By Michael A. Singer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Surrender Experiment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Michael A. Singer, author of The Untethered Soul, tells the extraordinary story of what happened when, after a deep spiritual awakening, he decided to let go of his personal preferences and simply let life call the shots. As Singer takes you on this great experiment and journey into life's perfection, the events that transpire will both challenge your deepest assumptions about life and inspire you to look at your own life in a radically different way.

Spirituality is meant to bring about harmony and peace. But the diversity of our philosophies, beliefs, concepts, and views about the soul often leads…


Book cover of The Universe Has Your Back

Elizabeth Kendig Why did I love this book?

Easily the book I gift most often (besides my own!) to people starting out on the spiritual path because Gabby has a way of making you think anything is possible when you trust the Universe. Her personal stories are compelling without being cliche, her voice is no-nonsense, and the guidance she offers is both practical and immediate. You will underline and dog ear the sh*t out of this book, and return to those passages again and again when you need a reminder that you are not alone and the Universe does, indeed, have your back.

By Gabrielle Bernstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Universe Has Your Back as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Through acceptance, surrender, and a commitment to her continually evolving spiritual path, New York Times best-selling author and international speaker Gabrielle Bernstein has been transforming her fear into faith. Her stories and universal lessons provide a framework for releasing the blocks to what everyone most longs for: happiness, security, and clear direction. These lessons can help us relinquish the need to control in order to relax into a sense of certainty and freedom - to stop chasing life and truly live. Ride the swell of your energy and true power to find strength when you are down, synchronicity and support…


Book cover of Untamed

Elizabeth Kendig Why did I love this book?

Possibly an unlikely pick as Untamed doesn’t purport to be a spiritual book, but what is more spiritual than loving and accepting yourself? The moment you abandon yourself in favor of societal “ideals” or what other people expect of you is the moment you close the door to the life you came here to live. As a recovering Catholic, I also appreciate the way she invites readers to liberate themselves, without guilt or shame, from institutions and cultural norms that don’t support you. I listened to this on audio because Glennon’s signature sweet voice in my ear is like having a wise friend walking alongside you, without judgment or pretense. 

By Glennon Doyle,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Untamed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! “Packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)

In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY O: The Oprah Magazine • The Washington Post • Cosmopolitan • Marie Claire • Bloomberg • Parade •…


Book cover of The Life You Were Born to Live

Elizabeth Kendig Why did I love this book?

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve recommended this book to anyone in career transition or simply trying to understand themselves better. Millman’s Life-Purpose System is based on numerology and rooted in a methodology that yields surprising accuracy about our individual strengths and challenges in career, relationships, and even health. It’s given me permission to embrace my true nature instead of fighting it, where and how to focus my energy to create greater flow in my life, and served as a conversation starter for many a cocktail party! Sometimes, all we want as humans is to feel seen and this book offers that in spades. 

By Dan Millman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Life You Were Born to Live as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This new, revised and updated 25th Anniversary Edition reveals • all forty-five paths of life for anyone born between 1750 and the present • a precise method to determine your own life path and the paths of others • the core issues, innate talents and special needs related to each path, including areas of health, money and sexuality • guidelines for approaching a career consistent with your innate drives and abilities • the hidden purpose behind your own primary relationships • how to live in harmony with the cycles of you life • new insights on single-digit birth numbers and…


Book cover of Comedy Sex God

Elizabeth Kendig Why did I love this book?

In this comedic yet deeply personal account of his tumultuous spiritual journey, Holmes shares his path from dogmatic religious upbringing to painful agnostic skepticism as a young adult to ultimately discovering a powerful connection with himself and the unknown with levity and relatability. That my husband and brother both devoured this book—and compared notes on it—gives me hope that we have entered a cultural moment when open spiritual discourse and examination by and among men is not only underway but being met with a standing ovation.

By Pete Holmes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Comedy Sex God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Part autobiography, part philosophical inquiry, and part spiritual quest, Comedy Sex God is a hilarious, profound, and enlightening romp around the fertile mind of stand-up stand-out, podcast king, and HBO superstar Pete Holmes.

Pete Holmes is a sold-out-every-night stand-up comedian with two HBO specials and the host of the hugely successful podcast You Made It Weird, and he was the creator-star of the hit HBO show Crashing. But it wasn't always roses for Pete. Growing up, Pete was raised an evangelical Christian, but his religion taught him that being "bad"-smoking, drinking, having doubts or premarital sex-would get him sent to…


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Luck of the Irish

By Kate Darroch (editor),

Book cover of Luck of the Irish

Kate Darroch Author Of Death in Paris

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Living on Devon's gorgeous coast, I'm melding my lifelong love of reading Cozy Sleuths with my love of writing and years of living in foreign climes to write Travel Cozies. I also have a Vella Heist serial Found Money starting on Vella soon, and a Cozy Spy series They Call Him Gimlet coming out in the Autumn.

Kate's book list on humorous murder mysteries

What is my book about?

Ten Tantalizing Cozy Mysteries to enjoy on Saint Patrick's Day! Sure to make you chuckle and keep you guessing! Plus, the authors' favorite Saint Patrick's Day Recipes.

Have fun curling up with these Cozy stories and a delicious drink, knowing that just by enjoying these tales you are doing good in the world as well - because 100% of book sales proceeds go to a non-profit helping children living in terrible conditions (through the non-profit RAICES Texas). 

Luck of the Irish

By Kate Darroch (editor),

What is this book about?

Ten Tantalising Cozy Mysteries to enjoy on Saint Patrick's Day! Sure to make you chuckle, make you go "aawww", maybe even raise goosebumps,too - or a bump of curiosity! Plus the authors' favorite Saint Patrick's Day Recipes.

Have fun curling up with these Cozy stories and a delicious drink, knowing that just by enjoying these tales you are doing good in the world as well - because 100% of book sales proceeds go to a non-profit helping children living in terrible conditions, RAICEStexas.org


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