6+ Favorite Essential Books on Mindfulness (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite essential books on mindfulness (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
$8.87

In Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach focuses on helping readers overcome feelings of inadequacy and connect better with their emotions. The book offers a blend of personal stories, meditations, and Buddhist wisdom, aiming to bring mindfulness and compassion into our lives. I found it engaging and can see how it would be beneficial for many. However, I struggled to finish it since some parts felt too heavy and didn't resonate with my own experiences. Overall, it has valuable insights, but it might not hit home for everyone.
Pros:
Engaging and helpful for many readers
Offers a toolkit for relating to thoughts and emotions
Draws on Buddhist teachings and personal stories
Cons:
Did not resonate with me
Some parts were very heavy and difficult to read
I didn't finish the book
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02/01/2026 10:01 am GMT
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
$10.77

In Peace Is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on mindfulness and its power to bring peace and joy into our everyday lives. He offers practical exercises, like conscious breathing, to help us connect with ourselves and the world around us. The book is divided into three parts, covering mindful living, the importance of breathing and smiling, and engaged mindfulness for social action. I found it to be Hanh's best work, filled with valuable insights. While some parts feel repetitive, I think that's intentional. Overall, it's a worthwhile read with practical wisdom.
Pros:
The book offers practical exercises for mindfulness.
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is accessible and easy to understand.
It emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing and its benefits.
Cons:
Large parts of the book are repetitive.
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02/01/2026 12:01 am GMT
The Joy of Forest Bathing by Melanie Choukas-Bradley
$22.13

In The Joy of Forest Bathing, Melanie Choukas-Bradley introduces us to Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that encourages connecting with nature while stepping away from our busy lives. The book highlights the mental and physical benefits of immersing ourselves in the beauty of forests, backed by research that shows how it can improve our health and mood. I loved the author's gentle approach, making forest bathing accessible for everyone, and the charming illustrations added a nice touch. However, I felt she sometimes overcomplicates the simple act of walking in the woods, making it a bit odd at times. Overall, it’s a refreshing read that inspires a deeper appreciation for nature.
Pros:
Comprehensive introduction to forest bathing
Emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical health benefits
Gentle guidance makes it accessible for all ages and abilities
Cons:
The book is a little strange
Tries to add too much to the simple act of walking in the woods
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01/31/2026 11:03 am GMT
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
$9.27

In What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Haruki Murakami shares his reflections on running and how it intertwines with his life as a novelist. The book, structured like a memoir, chronicles his year-long preparation for the New York City Marathon and includes insights from his 25-plus years of running. It’s not a thrilling page-turner, but rather a steady, engaging read that captures the essence of running—its challenges and joys. I found it inspiring and relatable, making it a great pick for fans of Murakami, runners, or anyone who enjoys a thoughtful memoir.
Pros:
Engaging memoir format that intertwines running and writing.
Consistent and simple prose keeps the reader interested.
Captures universal feelings of runners and provides motivating insights.
Cons:
No significant plot or climaxes.
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01/31/2026 09:01 pm GMT
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
$14.39

In Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport tackles the challenge of managing our relationship with technology. He emphasizes three main ideas: clutter is costly, optimization is essential, and being intentional with our tech use is rewarding. I found the book incredibly valuable, particularly its advice on reclaiming our time and focusing on what truly matters. Newport encourages us to delete unnecessary apps, embrace downtime, and use social media strategically. Honestly, I think everyone should read this book—it's a game-changer for anyone looking to cultivate deeper thought in today’s distraction-heavy world.
Pros:
The book teaches how to control technology use.
It emphasizes the importance of intentionality with technology.
It provides practical advice for improving mental health and reclaiming time.
Cons:
Not a whole lot!
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01/31/2026 11:02 am GMT
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
$11.79

In Awareness, Anthony De Mello dives into spiritual awakening, blending tough love with practical insights. The book is structured around short, impactful chapters that cover themes like self-awareness, change, and understanding others. I loved how De Mello challenges readers to confront their conditioning and encourages personal growth without the fluff I expected from a Jesuit priest. His approach feels grounded and relatable, reminiscent of Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, some stories can be a bit unsettling, which caught me off guard. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that pushes you to reflect on your life.
Pros:
The format of the book is short and aphoristic, making it easy to digest.
The author is an independent and grounded thinker, challenging expectations.
The book offers practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional growth.
Cons:
Some stories are uncomfortable and ethically fraught.
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01/31/2026 11:01 am GMT
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
$13.87

In How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell tackles the overwhelming pressures of our nonstop work culture and champions the idea that stepping back can actually boost our effectiveness. I found her arguments about the benefits of reflection and disconnecting from constant productivity compelling. The book highlights our relationship with technology and nature, urging us to reconnect with our surroundings and our curiosity. While I loved the concept and thought it resonated with many of our unspoken feelings, I also felt a bit conflicted. At times, it seemed like just another task on my to-do list. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for anyone feeling the weight of modern life.
Pros:
The book addresses the issues of our 24/7 work culture.
It makes a compelling case for the benefits of taking time off.
It encourages healthier engagement with technology and nature.
Cons:
The book left me feeling conflicted about its message.
It felt like another task to add to my list.
It seemed to reflect a privileged perspective without adequate critique.
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02/01/2026 10:03 am GMT
No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Belief Required

$19.99

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02/01/2026 10:00 am GMT