Whether you prefer Kindle, paperback, or audiobooks on the go, reading is invaluable for expanding your mind or stepping away from the demands of medicine. We asked a group of doctors to share their top three book recommendations, and here’s the list they compiled for you.
Dr Mark Seaman
Mark is a GP, fitness enthusiast, and mental health and wellbeing advocate. He is admittedly more of a fiction reader, as it provides a means of escapism that helps quiet the mind.
"I love reading and try to make sure I read a book that is not related to the day job every day. "
We asked for some books he has enjoyed with a wellbeing focus, and these are three he recommends.
Fully Human by Steve Biddulph
"This great and easy reading book and centres around personal growth. I was lucky enough to interview the author on a podcast, and I really enjoyed his work."
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Mark is the second doctor to recommend Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. He says it's "partly because I very much abused my sleep pattern for a long time and neglected its importance for far too long. It's something we do every day; most of us could do it better and be better for it."
Before & Laughter by Jimmy Carr
"Lastly, a recent read (and a bit different), ''Before & Laughter'' by Jimmy Carr, it's an autobiography that imparts a few life lessons along the way - plenty to think about in it if you like his brand of humour."
Dr Mark Cox
Mark is a mental health advocate and founder of the Straight Talking Dr, a podcast focused on mental health and wellbeing.
These are his top 3 books for other doctors who want to take control of their own mental health and wellbeing.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
One of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviours that lead to remarkable results.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This is a book about how living in the now is the path to happiness and enlightenment and serves as a manual for those looking to appreciate life in the now.
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey
An unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction from the Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey.
Dr Mariam Chaalan
Mariam is a GP, clinical researcher, and avid reader. We asked her to recommend three books that have inspired her on her journey into becoming such an influential doctor.
"These three books are all beautifully written and have common themes. Self-discovery, regeneration, but also a reminder to slow down, take stock, and take meaning from the simplest of encounters in our lives. In a struggle to find or create any coherent meaning, these books lead with protagonists on a journey of how to live a meaningful and wise life."
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince is a novella by French aristocrat, writer, and military aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity - the brain - and finally into a patient and a new father.
Dr Peta Wright
Peta is a Gynaecologist, Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist, and Vera Women’s Wellness Founder.
She is a voice for women who want to regain their bodies and healthcare. Dr Wright recommends these three books for women in the profession who want to take better care of their bodies.
The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
"Literally this book that shifted my conventionally trained ‘fix the symptom’ mind into ‘treat the root cause’. This book is incredible when it comes to root causes of many women’s health issues."
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
"The incredible connection between trauma and pain and physical illness. I see this often under recognised link play out in women all day and think as doctors, we all need to understand how trauma can play a part in many chronic diseases."
Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo
"This one I read recently and it’s an amazing deep dive into the emotional and spiritual realm that exists within our menstrual cycles as women. I thoroughly recommend it to anybody who wants to understand and connect to their body on a deeper, more affirming level. I love this book because often our society and medical system spends a lot of time pathologising women’s bodies and not much time celebrating them."
Dr Alecia Macrow
Alecia runs a lifestyle-focused family practice called Thrive. A defining moment for her was the night she realised that she had it all—the job, the husband, and the family—but that she was too stressed out and anxious to truly appreciate it.
Now, she advocates healthy living, practices gratitude for what she has, and wants to help other doctors do the same.
These are the top three books that inspired her to attend to her own health and wellbeing.
What the Fat by Grant Schofield et al
Professor Grant Schofield explains why it's time to swap the low-fat, high-carb diet for one that is high in good fats and low in carbs.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
This book is an international bestseller. Written by a scientific expert, Professor Matthew Walker explores twenty years of cutting-edge research to solve the mystery of why sleep matters.
The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland
This book is a guide to spending less while enjoying life more.
“A little off track, but this book was life-changing for me. It was such a departure from the rat race and really made me examine what I was doing with my life!” Said Macrow.
Dr Danielle DonDiego
Danielle is a board-certified family physician and obesity specialist. She also studied business at Virginia Tech, where she earned an MBA. Five years ago she was burnt out and in an abusive relationship, now she is a successful entrepreneur and advocate for self-care.
These are the top five books that inspired her to transform her life.
You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
This book teaches the benefits of employing a “wealth mindset” and provides tips on how to save money.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
A practical approach to finance (aimed at 20-to-35-year-olds) The book is based around the four pillars of personal finance: banking, saving, budgeting, and investing, and the wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book is based on ancient Toltec wisdom and aims to free readers of the self-limiting believes that can rob us of joy. The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can transform our lives into a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
Resonate by Alex Wolf
Alex Wolf built over half a million followers for her first brand in less than a year. This book contains advice on how anyone creative can build a following.
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold
A book designed for entrepreneurs and CEOs, this book takes the reader through the steps to creating their own Vivid Vision, from brainstorming to sharing ideas to using the document to drive progress in the years to come.
