Chapters: Best Books of 2022

When we asked the integrative wellness experts in Health & Performance at Canyon Ranch Tucson, Lenox, and Woodside, which books were a source of inspiration for their wellness journey, they shared an abundance of tomes for strength building, stress and health management, improving gut health, and finding more happiness. Below, the Top 10.

Title: From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life Author: Arthur C. Brooks Why It Matters: “Our lives are always in some form of change and transformation. This book guides us to embrace change itself as a source of strength. Through this embrace you can transcend the challenges of change by finding a new kind of success that’s better than what the world promises and not a source of neurosis and addiction. That delivers a deeper form of happiness and, in the process, true meaning in life.” -Jeanne-Marie Mudd, Spiritual Wellness Provider, Canyon Ranch Woodside

Title: Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours Author: Shirzad Chamine Why It Matters: “This book is quick to help identify each person's top saboteurs. Knowing your saboteurs and learning how to overcome them in a short amount of time (21 days) help us develop new mental muscles and become more successful in both business and personal situations.” -Barbara Prentice, Director of Health & Performance Coaching, Canyon Ranch

Title: Why We Get Sick: The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease–and How to Fight It Author: Benjamin Bikman Why It Matters: “This book offers a very comprehensive look at the role of insulin resistance and its impact on chronic diseases. Benjamin Bikman's perspective as a scientist and pathophysiologist provides great insight on the importance of good metabolic health with practical advice for individuals working to improve lifestyle practices for longevity.” -Krisna Hanks, Health and Performance Coach, Canyon Ranch Tucson

Title: Fiber Fueled Author: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, MD Why It Matters: “Fantastic book explaining the gut microbiome, the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and practical tools for optimizing your gut microbiome.” -Dr. Melissa Sundermann, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Canyon Ranch Lenox

Title: Do I Need a Therapist? A Consumer's Guide to Navigating Mental Health Services Author: Jenny Simon, MC, LPC, PhD Why It Matters: “I address the pandemic and the feeling it brought out in us to bring forth the fact that the past and present are very similar. This understanding does ultimately give us a feeling of hope.” -Jenny Simon, Mental Health and Wellness Therapist, Canyon Ranch Tucson

Title: The Flavor Equation: The Science of Great Cooking Explained in More Than 100 Essential Recipes Author: Nik Sharma Why It Matters: “Much more than a cookbook that provides super flavorful and intriguing recipes. This book also educates on the science of flavor and taste to better understand cooking and enjoying meals.” -Stephanie Miezin, Director of Nutrition, Canyon Ranch Tucson

Title: One Word That Will Change Your Life Author: Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page Why It Matters: “Instead of making New Year's resolutions, this book suggests picking one single word that embodies the essence of your life to live by for a year. Several guests shared their chosen "one word" with me this past year which inspired me to buy this book myself and choose a word for myself. The word I chose inspires purpose and meaning throughout my year. I continue to suggest to guests in sessions to choose their word when they are looking for more focus, and I am looking forward to choosing my new word for 2023.” -Beth Kozik, Mental Health & Wellness Therapist, Canyon Ranch Lenox

Title: Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress Author: John Fitch and Max Frenzel Why It Matters: “In a world that has normalized being busy, the authors challenge the concept of a good work ethic as the basis for productivity. Through evidence and recommended practices, the authors connect readers to increased creativity, higher productivity, and the ability to thrive through cultivating a solid rest ethic.” -Michele Sutton, Health & Wellness Coach, Canyon Ranch Tucson

Title: How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk Author: Adele Faber Why It Matters: “This book discusses easy-to-apply communication strategies that work not only with children, but with any person. I have found the tools especially useful as a manager who cares about great communication without unnecessary stress.” -Valesha Ulbricht, Clinical Nurse Manager, Canyon Ranch Tucson

Title: Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Non-Violent Communication Author: Oren Jay Sofer Why It Matters: “This book is filled with practical exercises for developing powerful communication and mindfulness skills. In this world of increasing divisiveness and indirect communication, it is incredibly useful and needed.” -Robbie Bogard, Mental Health & Wellness Therapist, Canyon Ranch Lenox