Prep Talk
5 Must-Read Books for Parents and Teens
Posted February 8th, 2016
Need some inspiration for your reading list? Here are some great books that both teens and parents can find useful. We narrowed the list from Lifehack’s “These 20 Books are Game Changers; Read Them Before You Turn 30.” down to five. Check these out:
The Power of Habit — Charles Duhigg
Looking to break some bad habits? Learn new ones that will lead to better outcomes? This book has plenty of 5-star ratings. Here’s an excerpt from one of them: “Charles Duhigg is interested in the dark side of habits. He looks at the habits we wish we could lose, and at the amazing stories of the people who actually changed their bad habits. All of these stories are amazing – the woman who gave up smoking, the U.S. major who realized that Kebab vendors were the key to Iraq violence, how Proctor and Gamble got people to buy Febreze, and how Target knows who you are and what you buy. All of these stories and plenty more go against conventional wisdom, but Duhigg makes you see how obvious they are…Don’t miss this one.”
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take control of Your life — Henry Cloud and John Townsend
If you have problems setting clear boundaries with the people in your life, this on’es for you. One reader writes: “I found Boundaries to be extremely helpful to me and my family. The authors point to Biblical references for boundary development & enforcement. The authors also illustrate real-life examples of people who have boundary issues and give practical advice on how to resolve conflicts in all relationships…parent-child, spouse-spouse, friend-friend, etc. I firmly believe that this book is vital for people who desire to have Godly, healthy relationships.”
Do the Work — Steven Pressfield
This book is for people who long to do something outside their comfort zone, or just need to find a way to finish the projects they start. Do you get in your own way when it comes to producing great work? Have you started a project (or multiple projects) but never seem to get finished? Whether your battlefield is homework, a building project, or a life goal that seems just out of reach, reading this book could give you the impetus to break through.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking — Susan Cain
In a world dominated by extroverts, how do introverts cope? The author uses psychology and neuroscience research to explain. Introverts account for one third of the world population, and are often overlooked and undervalued. However, we owe many, such as Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss and Steve Wozniak, a debt of gratitude for their momentous contributions to society. Be prepared to be inspired. This book is a #1 Best Seller in the Psychology of Creativity and Genius category.
How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
This one’s a 70-year-old classic. Even if you read it many years ago, it’s worth re-reading. Although a great book for parents, every student should read this at least once before heading off to college, then again as they enter the work force. Learning how to interact with others and understand the concept of influence in human relationships is timeless!