The best books to help you think and feel differently about yourself and the world

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a passion for becoming a better human being and helping others to do the same. I spent 28 years in parish ministry attempting to remind people of the call of Jesus and the needs of the human heart. I left ministry and operated a private practice as a registered psychotherapist for almost 20 years. I am now retired and an author of three books. I'm still working at the task of becoming a better human being and helping others to do the same. The books I have recommended in my book list are all examples of people with similar mindsets.


I wrote...

A Seagull Named Papa

By Barry J. Robinson,

Book cover of A Seagull Named Papa

What is my book about?

A Seagull Named Papa is a gentle but powerful exploration of those aspects of our experience that invite and sometimes challenge us to develop such essential human qualities as courage, compassion, tolerance, humility, patience, defiance, and perseverance. Relying on the ancient wisdom of storytelling in a manner not unlike the shannachie of his Irish ancestors and using compelling illustrations from traditional tales, classic literature, scripture, psychology, film, and history as well as his own personal and professional history, Barry Robinson invites you to listen to the insistent call of your own life inviting you from the very beginning to be all that you are.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Soul's Code: In Search of Character and Calling

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

The Soul's Code is a penetrating psychological and spiritual study of how we get to be who we are and the necessity of listening deeply to the call of your own life.

It will surprise and move you to be more aware of those formative experiences that are intrinsic to human experience. This book assisted me greatly in hearing my own soul's voice and inspiring me to write my own book about this experience.

By James Hillman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Soul's Code as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Plato and the Greeks called it 'daimon', the Romans 'genius', the Christians 'Guardian Angel' - and today we use terms such as 'heart', 'spirit' and 'soul'. For James Hillman it is the central and guiding force of his utterly unique and compelling 'acorn theory' which proposes that each life is formed by a particular image, an image that is the essence of that life and calls it to a destiny, just as the mighty oak's destiny is written in the tiny acorn.

Highly accessible and imaginative, The Soul's Code offers a liberating vision of childhood troubles and an exciting approach…


Book cover of Jesus the Therapist

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

Probably the most fascinating study of the person and teachings of Jesus I have ever read because of its profound psychological insight into the person and words of Jesus.

Wolff illustrates through real examples from her own psychotherapeutic practice and Jungian insights why Jesus' counsel to others is as relevant and powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago. A book that assisted me greatly in my own efforts to help others heal.

By Hanna Wolff,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jesus the Therapist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Text: English, German (translation)


Book cover of The Kabbalah of Envy: Transforming Hatred, Anger and Other Negative Emotions

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

A profound, innovative, and fascinating study of the meaning of envy and the various negative emotions that flow from it.

This compelling work by one who is steeped in the rabbinic tradition of Israel demonstrates how we must all work at removing the destructive power of envy from our lives. It will keep you reading and re-reading it.

By Nilton Bonder,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Kabbalah of Envy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Negative emotions have much to teach us about ourselves and our relationships with others and the world at large. Rabbi Bonder draws on the wisdom of the Talmud, Hasidic tales, and Jewish mystical lore in presenting insights into the effects of envy, jealousy, hatred, and anger. He shows that whether we are on the giving or the receiving end of these unpleasant emotions, we can learn to transform them and live peacefully in the spirit of the biblical commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Among the topics discussed are: The consequences of malicious gossip, slander, and insults Cultivating humility as…


Book cover of Original Blessing

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

Exploring a spiritual tradition that predates by many centuries the fall/redemption ideology of mainstream Christianity (which Gandhi referred to as a "Christianity without Christ"), Fox presents an alternative quest for wisdom based on the fundamental conviction that we are, each one of us, born into this world not as blotches on creation but as blessings, precious, beloved and of enormous worth and promise.

Fox's theology eventually won him the ire of the Roman papacy and eventually expulsion from the Catholic Church. His response? "Sometimes you have to take your praise any way you can get it!"

By Matthew Fox,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Original Blessing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Here is a reissue of the critically acclaimed bestseller, named one of the "20 books that changed the world" in New Age Journal's Annual Source Book for 1995. Maverick theologian Matthew Fox provides a daring view of historical Christianity and a theologically sound basis for personal discovery of spiritual liberation.

In this revolutionary work, Fox shows how Christianity once celebrated beauty, compassion, justice, and provided a path of positive knowledge and ecstatic connection with all creation.


Book cover of Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry

Barry J. Robinson Why did I love this book?

Vampires exist! A funny, irreverent, and insightful book about predatory personalities, the people out there in your life and mine who prey on our emotions and suck us dry.

A comprehensive study of the various forms of personality disorders in down-to-earth, non-psychological language. It will help you avoid these destructive people in your life and force you to take a good, long look in the mirror at your own emotion-sucking tendencies.

By Albert Bernstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Emotional Vampires as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"If I'd had a copy of this book when I started therapy, I might have saved myself a lot of time and money. Bernstein provides a field guide to the various types of Emotional Vampires and advises readers how to protect themselves from being victims of these predatory personalities." - Diane White, "The Boston Globe". Emotional Vampires: They're out there ...masquerading as ordinary people. They may lurk in your office, your family, your circle of friends; perhaps they even share your bed. Chances are, you know all too many of them. Bright, talented, and charismatic, they win your trust, your…


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The Wonder of Jazz: Music that changed the world

By Sammy Stein,

Book cover of The Wonder of Jazz: Music that changed the world

Sammy Stein Author Of Fabulous Female Musicians

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been passionate about music for almost my entire life. Jazz music in particular speaks to me but not just jazz. I love music, full stop. I really discovered jazz when I attended a jazz club workshop in London and there, I had to join in or leave. I chose to join in and since then I have never looked back. I was introduced to more jazz musicians and now write about music for three major columns as well as Readers’ Digest. My Women In Jazz book won several awards. I have been International Editor for the Jazz Journalist Association and had my work commissioned by the Library of Congress. 

Sammy's book list on female musicians

What is my book about?

With input from over 100 musicians, the book discusses what exactly jazz is, and how you know you are listening to it. Do we truly know when and how jazz first originated? Who was the first jazz musician? How does jazz link to other genres? What about women in jazz? And writers and journalists? Do reviews make any difference? 

This book is a deep dive into jazz's history, impact, and future. It discusses jazz's social, cultural, and political influence and reveals areas where jazz has had an impact we may not even realize.Its influences on hip hop, the connection to…

The Wonder of Jazz: Music that changed the world

By Sammy Stein,

What is this book about?

This book is very different from other, more general jazz books. It is packed with information, advice, well researched and includes experiences from jazz musicians who gleefully add their rich voices to Sammy's in-depth research. All genres, from hard bop to be-bop, vocal jazz, must instrumental, free jazz, and everything between is covered in one way or another and given Sammy's forensic eye. There is social commentary and discussions of careers in jazz music. The musical background of those in the book is rich and diverse.
Critics comment:
"This new book by Sammy Stein is a highly individual take on…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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