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Novel Nook: Journey Through My Bookshelf 📚

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Sharing what's on my book shelf from fiction to mindset management, to self-help, and the likes. Curl up and dive into one of these reads.
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Best Books of the Year: A Curated List of Must-Reads

Whether you're a fiction lover, a non-fiction enthusiast, or someone searching for thought-provoking literature, these resource lists are curated to ensure there is something for everyone!

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Looking for the top books of 2025 to add to your reading list? This list highlights the must-read books of the year. Each book on our list has been carefully selected based on reviews, ratings, and recommendations from Goodreads.com — the world's largest book community. The Goodreads Choice Awards compile this list by gathering votes from millions of readers, ensuring that each title has earned its place based on popular demand and critical acclaim. So, when you dive into these...
GoodReads.com: Most Popular Books Published in 2025
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Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Looking for a detailed list from an avid reader then check out Laura Loves' list of top 25 reads for 202.  She is a resident in the UK and gives her personal touch on these reviews.  This is a list to love!
Lauraloves.org: Top 25 Reads of 2025
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Calling all the avid readers who are looking for new recs on a weekly basis then this list is for you!  Updated Every Wednesday you can start packing your wish list full of new books!
The New Yorkers' Top Reads of the Week List - *Published Every Wednesday*
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AudioBooks are books too!

Don't have time to sit down and read?  AudioBooks are a great way to consume books without having to slow down.  

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Don't have time to read, like many others, check out Audible Plus for access to thousands of shows and titles!  Try it out for FREE for 30-days to see how you like it!  Ever since I joined two years ago I have had the opportunity to add more books to my arsonal of titles I have consumed!
Audible Plus 30-day FREE Trial

For Fun!

Curl up and let your mind relax with these reads.  

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
All The Light We Cannot See is a Pulitzer Prize Winner and does not disappoint. This is a beautifully written novel about a collision of worlds between a blind French girl and a Nazi soldier.  The story is set the final days of WWII in Nazi occupied Saint-Malo.  It's such a good book that a mini-series was released via online streaming recently.  Read the book before seeing the mini-series as you will get so much more from this book than the mini-series portrays. This book remains on my bookshelf.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - Book
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Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Another beautiful piece by Khaled Hosseini. Portrays the story of two afghani women brought together by war, loss, and fate. Fairly easy read but emotionally graphic.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This book explores grief, blackness, and recovery after the loss of a close friend.  It's a beautiful memoir from author Eirinie Carson about the loss of her best friend Larissa.  This book was a gift from my mother who attended a meditation with the author.  She was so enamored and inspired by the author that she bought several copies of this book for our family during our own grief process.  It was a comforting and uplifting, easy read during a time of tremendous grief.
The Dead are Gods by Eirinie Carson - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Great intense and captivating psycho-thriller type read! This book was easy and chapters were short yet there was lots of depth drawing the reader in at each chapter. It's obvious the author did her research to develop the characters and environment ...
Every Fifteen Minutes

Classics Need Not Be Retired

These timeless masterpieces have shaped literature and continue to resonate with readers across generations. From powerful narratives to unforgettable characters, these books remain as relevant today as when they were first published, proving that gr...

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This book is my all time favorite book.  It's the story of Maya Angelou's upbringing which may be surprising to many.  It's raw and brings you deep into the struggles she faced that made her the strong woman she is today.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings: Angelou, Maya
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This is a beautiful novel about following your heart and chasing your dreams.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Book

Self-Help/Mindset Management

Looking to build your self-confidence, manage your money, become a better manager, or simply gain new tools to take you to the next level, then these books are for you! 

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Amazing book to help build your self confidence while learning to solve problems. This book is clear and provides useful tips. It does not need to be read cover to cover and can be used as a referential book as well.
Ten Seconds of Boldness by Shawn Langwell: Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Are you looking to understand yourself and how your unique skills and strengths may serve you better? I would check this book out. Based on the Gallup Strengths Finder survey, you will learn more details about yourself and how to better utilize those...
Now, Discover Your Strengths from Gallup: Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This book is about the power of giving and how you can transform your career, journey, and life by focusing on how you can give.  As the old parable says “the more you give, the more you get”.  This is a powerful book that will transform you and can positively impact your career as well!
The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Nature's Prescription is in this book! This book was both interesting and helpful.  I learned a ton about Lion tracking while gaining practical tools to help transform my own life. I listened to this on Audible and loved every minute of it.  I finished this book very quickly because it was so palatable and interesting.
The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life by Boyd Varty: Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This should be a bookshelf staple on everyone's book shelf.  This book challenges the way millions of people relate to and think about money.
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Kids by Robert Kiyosako - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This book is so beautiful and feels rich! It provides practical support for managing your mindset and financial affairs. Each chapter has an affirmation and journal prompts to support your mindset shift. It's easy to read and reference, and stays at ...
Money Magic: Practical Wisdom & Rituals - Book

Spirituality

Open your mind to new possibilities.  Challenge your mindset and experiences by diving into interdisciplinary spiritual books that will enlighten your mind and soul. 

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Let me be honest, this book was hard for me to follow at first.  However once I opened my mind, my heart soaked in the beauty of what spirit had to say.  In this second book of the trilogy, Paul Selig, channels messages of love, light, and existence.  The most touching part of this was that I knew my orthodox christian father sent this book to me from heaven as his apology for some of his earthly ways.  For those ready, to open their heart and mind, this is a wonderful read.  My suggestion is take your time, allow the messages to soak in, and don't rush through this book.
The Book of Truth: The Mastery Trilogy by Paul Selig - Book II
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Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Are you wanting messages from your loved ones who have passed?  This book was gifted me after the death of my son. This book is a collection of stories from the author's experience as a medium, and details many messages she received from the other side.  This book is light, refreshing, and simplifies how we can find and receive messages from our loved ones who have crossed over.  This is a book I am grateful to have read.
Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson - Book

Leadership & Workplace Development

Unlock your potential with these essential reads on leadership, workplace dynamics, and professional growth. Whether you're an aspiring manager or looking to enhance your career, these books offer valuable insights, strategies, and real-world advice ...

 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This is a great book about how Disney zoned into excellent customer service.  The principals in this book about customer service are a great addition to your personal leadership endeavor.
Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Hospitality - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This is an excellent book about the leadership qualities that make great leaders.  The book is written as a fable so not to disclose the companies and/or parties which the author, Patrick Lencioni, is writing about.  It's engaging, an easy read, and leaves you with a few key principles that will change you and your leadership selection process.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
This is an informative book for leaders and practitioners to understand more about Diversity in the Workplace.  I have used this book as a guide for DEIB counsels within the workplace and find that it's educational, practical, and educational.
Diversity in the Work Place: Inclusive Leadership by Erika Nielsen Brown - Book
 
Melanie A. Wise profile picture
Not only is the author a personal friend of mine but the book has been listed as #1 and more in Top Sellers and Leadership & Motivation book categories.  This book is packed full of real life examples, wisdom, and easy to apply lessons.  This is a must read!
101 Ways to Lose a Great Employee by Barbara Otis