Chapters: Best Books in 2021, Part I

1. Your Brain on Love: The Neurobiology of Healthy Relationships

Author: Stan Tatkin PsyD.
Why It Matters: “I thought this book was pretty great because relationships are so important to me professionally and personally. I am always about improving myself to have the best relationships possible, and this book has helped me to understanding others better while learning more about myself. [It has helped me to] have a better connection in my relationships.” -Deirdre Strunk, Vice President, Spa, Fitness, and Beauty, Canyon Ranch

2. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to Long Life

Author: Hector Garcia
Why It Matters: “In researching this book, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds—one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and—their best-kept secret—how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives.” -Erkan Gunes, Director, Fitness & Wellness, Canyon Ranch Las Vegas

3. Courage is Calling

Author: Ryan Holiday
Why It Matters: “If you need to muster up the courage do take on something gnarly… read this first.” -Dustin Nabhan, Vice President of Health & Performance, Canyon Ranch

4. The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for An Inspired Life

Author: Lisa Miller, PhD
Why It Matters: “Dr. Miller is a robust scholar of the science of spirituality and a real human being walking a spiritual path with heart. She teaches scientific findings in an accessible way that demonstrate the obvious benefits of spiritual practice known to human beings for thousands of years.” -Stephanie Ludwig, Director of Spiritual Wellness, Canyon Ranch

5. The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers

Author: Alex Banayan
Why It Matters: “My favorite quote of this book is, "I'd always seen success and failure as opposites, but now I could see that they were just different results of the same thing--trying." Often in health, business, or life there is not a straight path to getting to your end goal- this book shares many stories of some of the most "successful" people in the world and how they kept trying, even when there didn't seem to be a clear path forward.” -Anna Kreutz, Director of Clinical Operations, Canyon Ranch

6. Braiding Sweetgrass

Author: Robin Wall Kimmerer
Why It Matters: “Robin Wall Kimmerer beautifully intertwines vignettes from her own life with knowledge from both her scientific and cultural communities. She makes ecology and botany accessible.” -Tegan Campbell, Associate Director of Health & Performance, Canyon Ranch Tucson

7. Learning to Lead

Author: Ron Williams
Why It Matters: “Ron Williams guides readers through leading themselves, leading others, and leading organizations. He does a great job of explaining why following your own path and having a unique background (both personally and professionally) is something that can help you grow and become an effective leader. He also emphasizes that surrounding yourself with peers in different professions can often help you reach a higher level of understanding within your own industry.” -Marissa Baretich, Associate Director of Projects and Content for Health & Performance, Canyon Ranch

8. Untamed

Author: By Glennon Doyle
Why it Matters: “Untamed is a conscious feminist’s dream embodied. If 2022 is your year for authentic self-expression, reading this book by Glennon Doyle should be at the top of your list!”-Julia Portela, Metaphysical Provider, Canyon Ranch Lenox