1. Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich

This book presents the magnificent true story of how six MIT students essentially beat Las Vegas. They combined their brainpower and worked hard to study many popular casino games before walking away from Vegas with millions. So lucky for you, these smart students share many tips and tricks of how they did this. It contains many secrets of professional gambling. Such as card counting techniques, statistic indexes, ace cutting and many others that casinos definitely wouldn’t want you to know!

2. The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

Konnikova herself is a professional poker player that has won over $200k from her top-notch gameplay. So, you can certainly trust her poker advice! This is a fantastic book for beginner players or the ones who aren’t doing so well at the poker table. She tells her compelling story from a poker-naive to a professional in just under a year. You’re probably thinking, how?! well she explains all of the steps she took to train in this book. She’s brutally honest with the struggles and hurt that this process sometimes inflicted on her too. And gives insights into how she stayed patient through trial and error.

3. Fortune’s Formula by William Poundstone

This book gives many different betting strategies for all of the popular casino games but predominately focuses on Claude Shannon and John L. Kelly Jr iconic formulas. It gives a fascinating account of the history of gambling strategies and how they have developed to today. He presents many different stories of the people that have attempted to beat the system in the past. And many did! Therefore, the casino would have to change the rules of the game once again. It will help you to understand the mathematics of gambling in a simple and straightforward way.

4. A Man for All Markets by Edward O. Thorp

It’s no secret that Edward O. Thorp is a remarkable genius. He’s an expert in science, computer, mathematics and finance, and has blessed us by putting these skills together to apply them to gambling. He gives many insights into his techniques for gambling and his favourite strategies for different casino games. And effectively how to attempt to beat the dealer. He takes you on his journey of discovery through the gambling world and it’s written in a very entertaining and memorable way.

5. The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky

This book is perfect for the poker players out there that are looking to learn new strategies and improve or change their current techniques. As we all know, there are many different variations of poker now and new ones are constantly being added. It discusses theories and concepts applicable to almost every variation of the game. Including Texas Hold’em, Omaha High, Omaha Hi/Lo, Seven Card Stud, Razz, Five Card Draw, Deuce to Seven Triple Draw, Badugi and more!

6. Sharp Sports Betting by Stanford Wong

This book is for sports betting lovers. It covers pretty much all sports including football, tennis, cricket, rugby, boxing, MMA/UFC, horse racing and Esports. It gives an overview of all sports but predominately focuses on football. You’ll find many useful data tables and statistics. It will definitely give you a better understanding of sports betting before placing your next bet.

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1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Strayed shares a heart-breaking, powerful and inspiring story. At 22, her world got turned upside down, her marriage ended and shortly after her mother passed away. She didn’t think she’d find the strength to carry on through life and wasn’t sure if she wanted to. With nothing left to lose she wanted to make an impulsive decision to do something that she had never done before and find the meaning of life again. It takes you on her journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State – Alone!

2. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

This beautifully written story will give you the inspiration you need to take the leap to change your life for the better. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone throughout life but as the saying goes, nothing profound will ever happen here. Gilbert shares the moment she decided to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (a stable career, marriage, house etc) and do something for herself. The bravery that many do not possess. She risks it all and sets off on an adventure to Italy, India and Bali. She wants to discover who she truly is without America. One thing is for sure, it will give you wanderlust!

3. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Krakauer shares the powerful story of a young man named Chris McCandless, who ran away from home and survived 100 days in the Alaskan wilderness. A story that attracted millions from all around the world, who wanted to know the truth behind his motives. It retells the adventure of this man and what led him to do this and risk his life.

4. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

This book is the perfect read for anyone struggling with self-confidence issues and the feeling of not being good enough. He confronts many different common aspects that stand in the way of us living a happy and fulfilled life. And will give you many helpful pieces of advice on how to overcome them. The book defines the concepts of guilt, self-worth and shame. It’s a self-help book that will guide you step by step to let go of imperfections and embrace who you truly are. Because there is only ONE you and YOU will always be good enough.

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Coelho presents a tale about how to follow your dreams, no matter how big or out of reach, they seem. It takes you on a journey of an Andalusian shepherd boy. He experiences the same recurring dream that gives him a prophecy to discover treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. His adventure to the pyramids is one of self-discovery, overcoming obstacles and self-belief. He learns so much about the world around him on the way. And eventually realises that the treasures he was looking for have always been inside himself.

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1. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt by Gary Chapman

Chapman helps you to identify your partners love language and any adaptions that you might need to make to ensure you understand one another. He explains the importance of remembering that humans are complex individuals, therefore will have different expressions of love that can vary significantly. It’s important to identify your partners (and vice versa) so no one is feeling neglected in the relationship. Because misunderstandings can potentially lead to a relationship breakdown. He also gives many suggestions on ways that you can express your love to your partner in a way that they recognise it.

2. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman

Also another book from the relationship expert Chapman. In this one, he gives a deep insight into what makes a long-lasting relationship. He gives a step by step guide to how to identify what your partner prefers in a relationship in order to find common ground. Then he moves on to explore the different types of love language in more detail, specifically focusing on 5 different types. He also gives a strong message throughout about the dangers of comparing your current relationship to your previous one. And the importance of starting fresh so you don’t self-sabotage.

3. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver

This is for the married couples out there! It gives extremely helpful insights on what makes a successful marriage and what commonly leads to a divorce. It will help you identify what’s going wrong in your marriage (if anything is) and the steps you can take to fix it. He gives many helpful descriptions of the many different ways in which couples argue – you’ll definitely relate to at least one. Along with relationship strengthening exercises that you can practice with your partner! It will also help you to weigh up the pros and cons of your marriage and ultimately help you come to a conclusion of if it’s worth saving or not. However, you don’t just have to be married (I’m not) to gain a helpful relationship from this book.

4. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind – and Keep – Love by Amir Levine and , Rachel Heller

This book essentially revolves around the theory of adult attachment. For those that haven’t heard of this theory, it suggests that the emotional bond between parents and their children hugely impacts the bond that develops between adults in intimate relationships. He dives into the science and complexities of adult attachment issues and how to fix them so you can maintain a healthy relationship. It focuses mainly on 3 different types of attachment- secure, anxious and avoidant. Which quizzes to help you identify which one you are!

5. Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson

Jonhston will help you to allow yourself to be more open and in tune with your partner’s emotions so that you can connect on a deeper level. She explores the many emotional underpinnings of relationships and believes we are usually dependent on our partners the same way we were dependent on our parents. For protection, support and comfort. You will find many useful tips and advice on how to navigate any turbulence that may appear in your relationships. Whether you’re looking to save a relationship or simply enrich it, this book can help you.

6. Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix

This book is one of the most recommended by professional relationship therapists! So that’s a good enough reason to read as any. Hendrix aims to help you remove any negative habits you have in your relationship that is preventing you from developing a deeper connection with your partner. If you’re having relationship issues, she will help you rediscover why you choose your partner. And also how to let go of the power struggle, learn to listen, increase the fun, improve sex, dealing with disarrangements and working towards your future together.

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1. Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Sylvia Day is the best-selling author in an incredible 28 countries – a good enough reason to read her work as any eh? This book tells the story of Eva, a freshly graduated female from a state university and her romance with Gideon, a successful multimillionaire. Their relationship is predominately built on sexual desire and passion. They ignore any characteristics about each other that point towards the simple fact that they are not right for each other. It discovers how a lasting connection needs to be more than sex and is extremely erotic in detail. It explores love, lust, honour and most of all courage.

2. Claimed by Elle Kennedy

Kennedy has written this book using beautiful language and detail and follows an inspiring storyline of women empowerment. It follows the story of the heroine, Hudson, who lives in a world where she is controlled by men. She finally escapes and becomes almost family to a group of men who respect and love her. It takes us on her journey of sexual arousal and freedom as she enters a new world. There is lots of sexual tension between characters in this book and many explicit scenes.

3. Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

I remember being on holiday when the first fifty shades of the grey book were released in 2011. Practically every woman at my hotel was reading it! And it’s for good reason. It tells the fascinating story of young love between dominant and successful Christian Grey and timid Anastasia Steel. And takes you on their beautiful love journey and fiery sex lives that they both share. Whilst there is LOTs of sex, it also focuses on many important aspects of a relationship. You’ll be happy to know that there are actually three books in the E L James series – Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

4. Naked by Gina Gordon

It’s no secret that Gordon has an emotive way with her words. She presents an incredible storyline that follows the love between a young beautiful couple. The main protagonist, Noah, moves from woman to woman with no attachment for many years engaging in casual and meaningless sex. When he meets Violet, everything changes. He finally knows what real love feels like and the sex is different and passionate. However, Violet is holding herself back sexually for a while due to her insecurity. Noah helps her embrace her flaws and see herself how he sees her. It’s a great book for regaining and owning sexual self-confidence. This couple have some electric sex!

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1. Dinner: A Love Story: It All Begins At The Family Table by Jenny Rosenstrach

If you’re struggling with what to cook from week to week for your family meals, check this book out. There are so many different meal ideas, even for the fussy eaters too! The best thing about the recipes that Rosenstrach provides is that they are simple, quick and easy, oh and delicious of course. You’ll fall in love with her writing as she talks to the readers like they are friends. As well as learn so much about different foods and ingredients that do and don’t go well together in the kitchen. This cookbook is a classic.

2. Lunch Wars: How to Start a School Food Revolution and Win the Battle for Our Children’s Health by Amy Kalafa

This is less of a cookbook and more of a self-help book for parents who want to take control of their children’s diets. She outlines the negative effects of not following a balanced diet for your child and the many benefits a healthy/ balanced diet can have on your children. Such as learning, attention, athletic performance, emotional stability and so much more! She talks about how the school and parents both need to make a great effort to deliver consistent messages to educate the children. And how cafeterias commonly can contradict these messages!

3. Make the Bread, Buy the Butter: What You Should and Shouldn’t Cook from Scratch by Jennifer Reese

This book gives an eye-opening account of what you should/ shouldn’t bother cooking and why. In fact, it was voted the best holiday gift for foodies by the New York Times. Essentially, it will save lots of time in the kitchen by suggesting what to make and what to buy. There are 120 delicious recipes to work your way through! All whilst helping you save time in your kitchen.

4. Year of No Sugar by Eve Schaub

Schaub was a confessed food lover and sugar addict. She shares her journey towards healthy eating after educating herself on the scary potential consequences of eating consuming too much sugar. Such as increased risk of heart diseases, like heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Despite the misleading title, it’s not a book that is telling you to completely cut sugar out of your diet. Rather, how to be more aware of the sugar you’re consuming and avoiding foods with excess sugar. You’ll be surprised how much sugar is in some foods that she mentions! It’s a great book to educate yourself on sugar intake so you’re fully aware.

5. Delancey: A Man, a Woman, a Restaurant, a Marriage by Molly Wizenberg

I would seriously suggest this book to anyone with visions of one day opening their own restaurant. It gives many gem pieces of advice that will unquestionably help you towards its success. This book tells the incredibly interesting story of Mollys and Brandon’s relationship and their dream to open a pizza restaurant which became a reality. It gives insights into how to start on a budget, develop a menu, hire the correct staff and passing inspections. It highlights the struggles your relationship can face during these periods and how to overcome them. Oh, and 20 simple but delicious recipes!

6. Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of Service an Eavesdropping Waitress by Phoebe Damrosch

This book will allow you to immerse yourself in a world full of fine dining through the ears and eyes of a waitress. Phoebe Damrosch worked at the famous Per Se french restaurant located in New York for many years. Eventually, she became the only female captain at the restaurant, and you’ll soon find out why. It tells the tale of Damrosch obsession with food and her amusing, eye-opening, and sometimes shocking experiences in the highly competitive world of fine dining.

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1. Becoming by Michelle Obama

I think we can all agree that Michelle Obama is an icon to women all over the world. We can all learn something from this compelling, humble and well-accomplished woman. In this book, she gives us a great insight into her world from early childhood to becoming the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She talks about the struggles she faced with racism throughout her life, from childhood to adulthood. And how her determination, resilence and hard work got her to where she is today.

2. I Am Malaha by Malaha Yousafzai

Malaha Yousafzai is a truly brave, resilient and inspirational woman who grew up in Mingora, Pakistan. In this book, she shines a light on what it was like growing up in Islamic culture and the many misunderstandings of the beliefs, principles and ideals of the Islamic religion. She advocates that many Muslims do not understand Islams true messages because of lack of education which is unfairly inflicted on females and the poor. Therefore, they interpret them in many different ways and use them for destruction. She writes in a thought-provoking and emotional way. And makes it clear the importance of all people being educated in her community, especially where religion is involved.

3. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book was a New York Times bestseller from the award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It’s an essay, she gives a unique and elaborate explanation of what she thinks the definition of feminism is in the 21st century. She draws this definition predominately from her own life experiences from early childhood through to her adult years. If you don’t already consider yourself a feminist, you will after reading this! She tells us what it means to be a modern century woman is today and as well as the realities of sexual politics.

4. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

If you’re finding yourself saying no to a lot in life and asking if you should say yes more – this book is one for you to read. Rhimes advocates the power of saying yes to things, especially those that scare you. The author shares her own experiences from going to say no too much to her family and friends, to say yes to everything for one year. And explains how he changed her life forever (in a positive way)! It will be a liberating experience and open you up to a world of possibilities that you never imagine existed.

5. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

You walk away from this book feeling and KNOWING you’re a badass. If you’re lacking in self-confidence recently, Sincero will remind you how powerful, strong and amazing you truly are. She gives a step by step guide on how you can get there because she understands it’s not as easy as someone telling you. She writes like she’s speaking to her best friend which automatically feels comfortable and receptive to her fantastic advice. Each chapter is full of hilarious stories, wise pieces of advice and helpful exercises to practice.

6. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey is an Emmy Award-winning actress and comedy writer well-known for her amazing works. This book essentially presents various autobiographical essays on different aspects of Tina Fey’s life. She talks about her early childhood right through to the start of her career with inspirational stories. She also mentions very interesting and astonishing stories about her dreams and how they became realities. In particular, two dreams. One, she became a comedy star and another was getting chased by a gym teacher through an airport which both came true. Crazy, huh?

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1. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

This book is great for helping you to focus on the present, on the here and now and not what has been or what will be. So your mindfulness is heightened! It will also help you deal with that negative voice inside your head that stops you from doing things and plants doubts. He explains all the insecurities, doubts and judgements in your head are not always right and in fact, is simply just a thought. I also think this book can improve your relationships by giving you a deeper understanding of why people think and act the way they do.

2. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

The intro states that you have to be ready to read this book and I somewhat agree. Your level of consciousness can massively affect the way you interpret and view the messages given. And if you’re not that in touch with your spirituality you can look over many incredible points. Once read, this book will stay with you and you’ll find yourself referring to it often throughout life. Tolle talks a lot about the human ego in a way that will make you confront yours. It’s guaranteed to change the way you look at life and judge others. It’s useful, eye-opening and will help create a more conscious society.

3. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

This book is great for understanding the way your mind works and realising how we can get lost in our thoughts. It teaches you that we have over 6,000 thoughts per day- how can we possibly believe every single one? we must realise that not everything we think is true and not let our thoughts control us. You are NOT your thoughts. He gives lots of useful pieces of advice on how to get in touch with your mind, such as meditation. Let go of any negative thoughts, anger, anxieties and anything else you are suffering from.

4. The seven spiritual laws of success : a practical guide to the fulfillment of your dreams by Deepak Chopra

Want to become successful? who doesn’t? This book will guide you with seven spiritual laws to follow in order to fulfil your full potential in life. It’s very eye-opening and fulfilling. He talks about many interesting key philosophical concepts throughout to help readers get the best out of life. Such as developing detachment to money and practising have emotionally healthy responses. It’s his best-selling guide to creating abundance and prosperity.

5. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

There is so much wisdom in your book that will open your eyes up to many aspects of your life. It will teach you many important life lessons! These are the main ones that I learnt:

⦁ How to speak to yourself without being judgemental
⦁ I shouldn’t blame my parents for how they raised me. That’s what they were taught by their parents and the environment around them
⦁ I am responsible for ALL of my actions, no one can force me to do anything
⦁ Don’t get frustrated or react to other peoples perspectives on things. They are based on their own experiences that are not mine
And so much more!

6. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

This book is mostly based on Christian religious framework and beliefs. Nepo advocates how important it is to live our life to the fullest and to constantly remind yourself how blessed to be given this life. We must appreciate ourselves and all the other beings that surround us. Because everything in life has been given a purpose! He tells you to read this out loud to yourself every morning before you start your day and it will help improve every single day.

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1. Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon

Bryony Gordon shares a beautiful account of her life struggling with mental illness, in an unpredictable, heart-rending and sometimes hilarious way. She suffers from extreme OCD so this book will be extremely helpful for other OCD sufferers out there. She gives honest and deep insights into how OCD control her life, through her thoughts that she couldn’t get rid of. Even to the most ridiculous things, such as her family dying if she doesn’t repeat a phrase three times. It shares the small steps she took on the road to recovery with a step by step guide to help others too.

2. Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

There’s ALWAYS a reason to stay alive and Matt Haig will remind you of this throughout the book. This book centres around depression, it’s something that everyone should read, whether they suffer from a mental illness or not. He shares his experiences with depression, feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. It goes on to tell of all of the reasons he found to live and why everyone needs to hold on and hope for better days. Because they WILL come. It’s a celebration of living as much as a look into the dark side of life.

3. The Little Book of Mindfulness by Patrizia Collard

Patrizia Collard gives many small steps you can take day by day to improve your mindfulness and overall happiness in life. It follows seven main steps that will help you with different aspects in your life. They are as follows:

⦁ Being in the Now
⦁ Accept and Respond
⦁ Making Your Mind Up
⦁ Simply Be
⦁ Mindful Eating
⦁ Gratitude and Compassion
⦁ Everyday Mindfulness

4. The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal

We all are taught how stress is bad for us and to avoid it as much as possible. But as we have all probably experienced, stress is sometimes unavoidable and life is bound to chuck stressful scenarios at us from time to time. McGonigal gives us insights into how we can change our mindset on stress so that when unavoidable stress comes our way, we can gain something positive out of it. She gives many examples of the advantages of experiencing stress and even stressful periods in our lives. And many tips on how to reduce stress when it arises. There’s an upside!

5. May The Thoughts Be With You by Charlotte Reed

This book is oozing with positivity and might just be the positivity boost that you need! Charlotte Reed has recovered from depression and wants to share her now bright and positive outlook on life in the hope to help others. She does this with colourful characters and stories of hope. You’ll find that each message in the book will mean something different to you, depending on where you are at in life. Meaning it’s a truly unique experience for everyone.

6. The Anxiety Solution by Chloe Brotheridge

Brotheridge wrote this book to give hope to all anxiety suffers. She tells her story of what life was like stuck in an anxiety cycle slowly losing hope that the nightmare would eventually end – but it did. This book will help you to come to terms with the fact that anxiety is just a temporary problem and you are so much more. It advocates how anxiety is never a permanent part of someone and it will get better eventually. In the meantime, you can follow her small steps to help overcome this horrible mental illness that so many suffer from.

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1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This book is written beautifully from the voice of a young black child who grew up to be a heroine. She starts with her first memories as young as 5 years old. Reading about the evil racism present in American through a pure innocent child’s perspective is quite frankly eye-opening and sickening, but so necessary. She writes about her personal experiences with racism growing up in a direct and straightforward way. She does not censor out anything. That’s why she became an inspiration to all women all around the world. For the courage and bravery, she possessed to the point that she published this book, despite many (mainly white parents) trying to ban it from institutions, e.g schools. She made sure her truth was heard.

2. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Mandela’s writing is beautiful and honest. He takes you on the journey of his life from political prisoner to president of South Africa. You can gain a much deeper understanding of Mandela from his early childhood recollections and the struggles he faced growing up. He describes many encounters with people and the influences they had on him. There are some very in-depth descriptions of the individuals that impacted him the most. He gives insights into the injustice government system in the USA and his fight for equality which eventually won him the presidency.

3. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obam

You’ve probably already gathered from the title that this autobiography predominately focuses on Obama’s relationship with his father (or lack of). It starts from his early childhood and describes what life was like growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii. It retells the moment Obama learns that his father has been killed in a car accident. His relationship with his father is pretty much nonexistent and he wants to learn about his fathers’ truth and connects with his African side. He takes us on his journey to search for his identity by travelling to Kenya to meet these family members.

4. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

This book speaks to anyone who has lost a loved one in a comforting and inspiring way. After losing her only daughter, who was the centre of her life, Didion decides to write this autobiography with the aim to help others. She’s honest and pure throughout as she too seems to be making sense of her tragic loss. It gives many tips on how to cope and enjoy life again. It will undoubtedly help you manage and come to terms with any grief of losing someone close to you. Something everyone, unfortunately, experiences at some point during their lives.

5. Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller

This autobiography actually won the winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award! For those who don’t know who Chanel Miller is, she was the woman known to the world as Emily Doe to protect her identity during court proceedings. She released a letter that stunned millions and inspired changes in California law. This came after her brutal rape by Brock Turner who was only sentenced to six months in county jail. This injustice anger people worldwide so it’s interesting to have a deep insight into what the victim has to say. She writes this autobiography because she wants people to know her name and help other victims have the courage to come forward.

6. Open by Andre Agassi

The title that Agassi chooses for his autobiography could not be more true. He gives a brutally honest and open account with details of his life experiences. He doesn’t shy away from any of the bad stuff, such as his drug-taking and bad feelings and thoughts. It’s refreshing to hear someone being so honest and not sugarcoating anything or blames anyone other than himself. He truly takes readers on a very intimate journey to his huge accomplishments despite the struggles he faced.

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I’ve created this blog so I can share some of my favourite books on various topics. So, if you’re a bookworm like me, I hope you’ll come away with a list of books that you want to read next. Happy Reading!

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