Here are 100 books that Shambhala fans have personally recommended if you like Shambhala. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Carmen Vlasceanu Author Of Dare to C.A.R.E.

From my list on guiding you towards a more meaningful life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm Carmen F. Vlasceanu, PhD, FIH, hospitality executive, mentor, and author who believes in leading with a good heart and living with purpose. Through my book Dare to C.A.R.E. and the life coaching I offer, I help people reconnect with their inner power, serve others authentically, and grow in every area of life. As a single mom, global citizen, and lifelong learner, I’ve walked through burnout, reinvention, and bold dreaming. These books have helped me rediscover my voice, redefine my mission, and remember what really matters. They helped ground me in faith, encouraged my evolution, and reminded me why meaningful connection always comes first.

Carmen's book list on guiding you towards a more meaningful life

Carmen Vlasceanu Why Carmen loves this book

This book helped me shift my mindset, and I first picked it up during a stressful phase of my life. I gave myself some time to simply breathe and take it in. It reminded me that the “now” is not just a passing second, but a sacred space where peace and clarity live.

I love how it helped me stop living in the echo of yesterday or the fear of tomorrow. I remember closing my eyes and whispering, “This moment is enough,” and feeling my shoulders relax for the first time in weeks. It helped me feel more connected with myself, my son, my clients, and in doing so, intentionally live every moment with more compassion, stillness, and supremacy.

By Eckhart Tolle ,

Why should I read it?

28 authors picked The Power of Now as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**CHOSEN BY OPRAH AS ONE OF HER 'BOOKS THAT HELP ME THROUGH'**

The international bestselling spiritual book, now with a new look for its 20th anniversary. Eckhart Tolle demonstrates how to live a healthier, happier, mindful life by living in the present moment.

************

'I keep Eckhart's book at my bedside. I think it's essential spiritual teaching. It's one of the most valuable books I've ever read.' Oprah Winfrey

To make the journey into The Power of Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Wisdom of No Escape: and the Path of Loving-Kindness

Seth J. Gillihan Author Of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope, and Peace

From my list on how to find true peace through mindful awareness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. For years I had been interested in mindfulness as a way to help my therapy clients, and had dabbled in it myself. But the practice took on new urgency for me in my mid-forties when I developed a long-term illness that led to depression. I was lost and didn’t know how to re-find my equilibrium. Every day felt like an enormous battle as I struggled to keep going, and often thought of ending my life. I’m so thankful that I found relief through mindful connection to myself, to a deeper awareness in which all of our experience unfolds, and through connection to the people I love. 

Seth's book list on how to find true peace through mindful awareness

Seth J. Gillihan Why Seth loves this book

This book will also draw you to read it more than once, as it did for me. Pema Chödrön continues the tradition of Trungpa, author of Shambhala, as he was her teacher. From the first sentence of the book, Chödrön reveals the mistake we habitually make as we invest our energy in trying to get comfortable. Each time I return to this book, I discover that it helps me to hold whatever difficulty I’m having a bit more lightly, and to find more humor in my everyday trials and habitual pettiness. This book shows us that on the other side of our attachment to comfort, life is just so much livelier.  

By Pema Chödrön ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wisdom of No Escape as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Massmarket edition of this spiritual guide to making the most of life, through bad times as well as good, from bestselling author Pema Choedroen. This accessible book has been on the US bestseller lists consistently for four years now.

In The Wisdom of No Escape, bestselling author Pema Choedroen shows us the profound value of our situation of 'no exit' from the ups and downs of life.

This book is about saying yes to life in all its manifestations - about making friends with ourselves and our world and embracing the potent mixture of joy, suffering, brilliance, and confusion that…


Book cover of Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Chuck Wisner Author Of The Art of Conscious Conversations

From my list on a more alive, self-aware, and fulfilling life.

Why am I passionate about this?

From an early age, I had an insatiable curiosity. I questioned organized religion. I wondered why people can’t get along and why wars were fought over personal ideas and beliefs. Additionally, early in life, I had multiple physical and psychological spiritual experiences that kept my wonder and searching alive. My curiosity took me on a journey of self-discovery. I studied the ontology of language and became certified as a structural integration body/mind therapist and mediator. Each of the suggested books played a role in awakening me and providing tools to become a better human being. I hope the books inspire you. 

Chuck's book list on a more alive, self-aware, and fulfilling life

Chuck Wisner Why Chuck loves this book

I was very surprised by Sam Harris’s book. I follow Sam’s podcast, Making Sense, and his app, Waking Up. Sam has been a controversial atheist and has written books on the subject. In this book, Sam reveals his long and in-depth relationship with meditation and Buddhism.

What intrigued me most was the thoughtful distinction he made between organized religion and spirituality. I have been interested in that distinction as I struggled to make sense of my early childhood religious experiences and my out-of-body experiences.

Additionally, Sam lays out the fundamentals and benefits of meditation as a practice for understanding our minds. Meditation is a great tool for increasing our emotional intelligence and self-awareness. His work has informed my writing and teaching. 

By Sam Harris ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Waking Up as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'An extraordinary book . . . It will shake up your most fundamental beliefs about everyday experience, and it just might change your life.' Paul Bloom
___

For the millions of people who want spirituality without religion, Sam Harris's new book is a guide to meditation as a rational spiritual practice informed by neuroscience and psychology.

Throughout the book, Harris argues that there are important truths to be found in the experience of contemplatives such as Jesus, Buddha and other saints and sages of history-and, therefore, that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow.…


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation

Seth J. Gillihan Author Of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope, and Peace

From my list on how to find true peace through mindful awareness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. For years I had been interested in mindfulness as a way to help my therapy clients, and had dabbled in it myself. But the practice took on new urgency for me in my mid-forties when I developed a long-term illness that led to depression. I was lost and didn’t know how to re-find my equilibrium. Every day felt like an enormous battle as I struggled to keep going, and often thought of ending my life. I’m so thankful that I found relief through mindful connection to myself, to a deeper awareness in which all of our experience unfolds, and through connection to the people I love. 

Seth's book list on how to find true peace through mindful awareness

Seth J. Gillihan Why Seth loves this book

Mindfulness is often seen as a philosophy and practice that originated solely in eastern religious traditions. Indeed, in my conservative Christian upbringing I was taught that it was wrong to meditate, and that meditation could open one up to demon possession (!). But as Martin Laird’s excellent guide shows, there is a rich history of mindful meditation within Christian monasticism. Laird offers a piercingly clear description of the experience of nondual awareness. His writing reveals not only what the experience is like, but the specifics of how to enter in. 

By Martin Laird ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An instant classic of contemporary spirituality, bringing together an engaging introduction to the Christian contemplative tradition for people inside or on the margins of the churches who feel drawn to the world of silent prayer.

Martin Laird shows how silence and meditation can offer a remedy to many contemporary dilemmas and emotional struggles. Writing with great clarity, depth and authority, Laird examines the meditative methods and traditions found within contemplative prayer. He also explores the role of breath and awareness in the spiritual life, which, while usually associated with Buddhism, is also an ancient concern of Christian thinkers.

Into the…


Book cover of The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World

Jackie Jarvis Author Of Go Slow to Grow: How to Stop Stressing and Start Living

From my list on help you reduce stress.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a busy businesswoman and coach, I felt like I had always been pushing for what I thought represented success, racing from task to task, project to project almost without stopping to take a breath. Eventually that caught up with me and I found myself feeling over-stressed and unfulfilled. This was the catalyst that ignited a need to make some changes in my own life. I read these books to both learn and heal myself. They are all now books I refer to–to keep focused on a more mindful way of being and maintain my own self -awareness. 

Jackie's book list on help you reduce stress

Jackie Jarvis Why Jackie loves this book

I really love the wise and beautiful thoughts that the author shares. I keep it at my bedside, and at night, I just read a few pages before I go to sleep. I enjoy reminding myself to slow down and pay attention. This book has inspired me to be more mindful daily. I love it. 

By Haemin Sunim , Youngcheol Lee (illustrator) , Chi-Young Kim (translator) , Haemin Sunim (translator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Forbes' "Greatest Self-Help Books of All Time"

The multimillion-copy bestselling book of spiritual wisdom about the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world, by the Buddhist author of Love for Imperfect Things

"Wise advice on how to reflect and slow down." -Elle

Is it the world that's busy, or is it my mind?

The world moves fast, but that doesn't mean we have to. This bestselling mindfulness guide by Haemin Sunim (which means "spontaneous wisdom"), a renowned Buddhist meditation teacher born in Korea and educated in the United States, illuminates a path to inner peace and balance amid the…


Book cover of Comedy Sex God

Elizabeth Kendig Author Of Chase You

From my list on spirituality 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.  

Elizabeth's book list on spirituality that take the weird out of the woo

Elizabeth Kendig Why Elizabeth loves 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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Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of The Game of Life and How to Play It: The Complete Original Edition

Kelly Weaver Author Of Living Your Own Aloha: 5 Steps to Manifesting Your Dreams

From my list on manifesting and attracting your dreams and desires.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am and always will be a teacher. For the past 25 years, I dedicated my life to inspiring students to achieve their goals and manifest their dreams. I finally decided to take my own advice and listen to the calling that has been ringing louder and louder over the years. I used my gifts to become a certified Law of Attraction coach, reiki practitioner, and Tarot reader. While I may have left the academic classroom, I was called to the world classroom. As an author, speaker, coach, and healer, I awaken the manifestation superpower that exists in all of us.

Kelly's book list on manifesting and attracting your dreams and desires

Kelly Weaver Why Kelly loves this book

This is the OG of all law of attraction books. Many of Shinn’s principles have been used by modern authors who don’t give her credit where credit is due. “Your word is your wand” is one of the many expressions that I have highlighted in this book. When I need motivation or a reminder that I am a deliberate creator, I will pick up this book and re-read one of the many inspirational stories. Shinn’s teachings helped me release limiting beliefs and reprogram my subconscious mind, so I can manifest anything I desire.

By Florence Scovel Shinn , Joel Fotinos (contributor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Game of Life and How to Play It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Explore the wisdom of a New Thought classic and master the game of life!

In this classic bestseller, Florence Scovel Shinn helped to define the personal success genre. Written in the new thought tradition, her message is simple yet transformative—we receive back what we put into the world through our actions, energy, and attitudes. Negativity and pessimism are returned in kind, but by switching the script in favor of positive attitudes and affirmations, we are able to manifest success and joy in everything we do.

Life, Shinn tells us, is not a battle of us against the world, but rather…


Book cover of The Wisdom Pattern: Order, Disorder, Reorder

Wendy Lehnertz Author Of Healing from Codependency: A Devotional with Prayers and Practices for Healthy Boundaries

From my list on draw you closer to a loving, grace-based God.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a faith-based psychotherapist with over twenty years of experience working with couples, families, and adults recovering from trauma and relational wounds. I believe in evidence-based psychotherapy modalities, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit, to guide us each to our ultimate healing. I find journeying with others a sacred privilege and strive to foster love, authenticity, courage, and empowerment not only as a therapist but as a friend, wife, mother, and sister.  

Wendy's book list on draw you closer to a loving, grace-based God

Wendy Lehnertz Why Wendy loves this book

This book helped me evaluate my thoughts, actions and beliefs and reconcile to a point where there was true congruence with my heart values. 

I loved how this book really challenged me to look at my own intellectual and emotional boundaries as I related to people of different views on life, politics and faith.  

By Richard Rohr ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A universal pattern can be found in all societies and in fact in all of creation. We see it in the seasons of the year, the stories of Scripture, and even in our own lives.

In The Wisdom Pattern, Father Richard Rohr illuminates the way understanding and embracing this pattern can give us hope in difficult times and the courage to push through messiness - and even great chaos - to find a new way of being in the world.

A new version of his earlier book Hope Against Darkness, Father Rohr offers reflections in The Wisdom Pattern that bring…


Book cover of The Knowing: 11 Lessons to Understand the Quiet Urges of Your Soul

Alyson Charles Author Of Animal Power: 100 Animals to Energize Your Life and Awaken Your Soul

From my list on supporting your spiritual awakening.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a shaman, seer, and spiritual teacher who lives in Austin, Texas with my husband Luke Storey, black cat Jelly Bean and dog Cookie. I’m devoted to being of service by living by the calls of inner wisdom, mysticism, energy medicine, and shamanic practices I’ve mastered through studies with spiritual teachers, both of and beyond this world. I lead global courses, events, and talks to reconnect people to their fullest power and confidence through sacred practices. My book was named “a top meditation to try” by O, The Oprah Magazine, and I’ve been called "a leading shaman for expanding others into their full gifts and power" by Forbes.

Alyson's book list on supporting your spiritual awakening

Alyson Charles Why Alyson loves this book

This powerful book will return you to the remembrance of how to trust your own intuition and get into a most miraculous and co-creative space with the Divine. Filled with personal stories of growing up with their father, the late renowned spiritual teacher Dr. Wayne Dyer and their mother, Marcelene, The Knowing is a trusted ally in opening yourself up to remembering the spiritual wisdom within you. The book also clearly shares 11 lessons to understand the quiet urges of your soul, which provide a comprehensive pathway to reconnect to the power you’ve always had, but now know how to unlock.

By Serena Dyer Pisoni , Saje Dyer ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

To his millions of fans around the world, Dr. Wayne Dyer was the beloved "Father of Motivation," but to Serena and Saje and their six siblings, he was simply "Dad." When he died suddenly in 2015, the sisters were blindsided by grief and felt unprepared to navigate life's challenges and conflicts without his guidance.

The experience launched them on an adventure from loss to understanding as they came to realize and metabolize their father's teachings with a new urgency, intimacy, and power as they applied them to their lives. As their journey unfolded, they realized their father's wisdom-"The Knowing"-was embedded…


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Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Light Is the New Black: A Guide to Answering Your Soul's Callings and Working Your Light

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Author Of The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

From my list on completely transforming your life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve known I was “special” since I was a child. I saw, felt, and heard things that others did not. Eventually I embraced my clairaudient mediumship gifts and turned it into a thriving business, allowing me to live a life of purpose: helping others find their passions and live their most joyful lives. But the journey never ends; I am always on a mission to transform. Consistently, literature has been where I turn when I am seeking wisdom on becoming the best version of myself. I also pursued certification as a Book Therapist - the first thing I’ll recommend to friends, family, or clients is the best book for their dilemma!

Claudia's book list on completely transforming your life

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why Claudia loves this book

If you’re feeling lost in life, this is the book you’ll want to pick up.

Written in short philosophical essay format, Light is the New Black guides you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, purpose, and spiritual Awakening. It offers insights and practices to overcome fears, align with your true calling, and live a life of meaning. 

The format is easy to digest, the content is relatable and impactful, and this book gave me the courage to follow my intuition - leading me to a life filled with meaning, joy, and focused on using my gifts to professionally help others. And while it may not be the go-to for many already knee-deep in their spiritual practice, it’s a palate cleanser when you need to realign to your inner light and authentic self.

By Rebecca Campbell ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Light Is the New Black as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Follow what lights you up, and you'll light up the world. Light Is The New Black is a guidebook for a new breed of women who are here to be bright lights in the world - modern-day lightworks who agreed to be here at this time in history. In order to thrive in this new age, everything we do must. Be an authentic expression of who we truly are. Light Is The New Black will guide you back home to the callings of your soul so that you can light up the world with your presence. Rebecca Campbell had her…


Book cover of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Book cover of The Wisdom of No Escape: and the Path of Loving-Kindness
Book cover of Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

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