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Welcome to the JoyCanHelp Bookshelf
This is your go-to spot for books that inspire, teach, and entertain. I have compiled my top recommendations from timeless classics, business must-reads, and treasures authored by my friends and colleagues.
These books are more than just good reading; they are tools, stories, and ideas that can change the way you think and feel.
Click on a cover and discover the author’s other books, too. Start enjoying your next favorite book.
Start browsing now and treat yourself to a book that will bring knowledge, growth, or pure joy.
Thank you for letting me share my favorites with you.
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A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson:
When I first read this book in the 1990s, I was amazed by its simplicity and power. Marianne Williamson presents the idea that a happier life, a more fulfilling career, and healthier relationships can all come from choosing love over fear. Her words reminded me that love is not only about romance, but also about self-acceptance, compassion for others, and a deep care for humanity. A Return to Love continues to be a timeless reminder that when love becomes our guiding principle, everything else falls into place. — Joy Harris
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert:
I loved traveling through these pages with Elizabeth Gilbert as she savored gelato with friends in Italy, discovered the depth of prayer in India, and opened her heart to love in Bali. Her journey is honest and inspiring, reminding us that self-discovery can be delicious, spiritual, and deeply healing. — Joy Harris
*Great Expectations* by Charles Dickens:
At first, I read this book in high school because it was required reading, but before long, the story pulled me in. Following Pip’s journey to becoming a gentleman and falling in love and hearing about Miss Havisham, who had given up on love and sat alone and lonely in her wedding dress in a darkened room, I fell in love with the characters and wanted to know more about them and the other in the story. It became so engaging that I did not want it to end. Years later, I reread it and found even more richness in Dickens’ storytelling. — Joy Harris
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo:
This is the story of a young shepherd boy who follows his dreams and discovers his true purpose, but it is also much more than that. Paulo Coelho weaves a tale that feels simple on the surface yet carries profound spiritual truths. As Santiago searches for his treasure, the book explores the themes of destiny, faith, and the idea that the universe supports us when we pursue our true purpose. Reading it was transformational for me. It introduced me to ideas I had never considered and helped me learn a great deal about myself. The Alchemist is a beautiful reminder that our own journeys can lead us to unexpected treasures within. — Joy Harris
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron:
I did not discover this one until decades after it was written, and friends and colleagues were already establishing the habit of writing their morning pages. My left brain flourished for years in business while the creative side had to be coaxed out and this book is largely responsible for my creative side today. The concepts taught and learned here taught me to access my creative artist’s side and think of life as art. — Joy Harris
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman:
While reading this book, I thought it was pop psychology and wondered about the research and truth that this book holds for couples and relationships in general. However, all these years later, I still think about my own love language and consider the love languages of others. It must have had a profound impact on my life as I have checked it out from the library more than once to review specific love languages. It is not just for couples, but it reveals a great deal about how love is given and received. — Joy Harris
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz:
I read this shortly after it came out and saw him and his son speak in Chicago about living with integrity. I thought there was nothing new about those principles, but they are stated so simply and easy to follow that they made me a fan right away. It is written in a way that invites me to believe in the possibility of inner peace and showing up as my best self. — Joy Harris
Curated by Sam Morrison Wilson:
One chapter featuring Joy Harris. The stories in this book come from individuals who share their journey from self-hate in some cases to self-love. Each story presents a unique perspective on how gratitude and joy hold a meaningful place in life. Joy’s chapter shows how to shift from stress to allowing joy in your life. These heartfelt stories from colleagues and friends have helped me find joy in life by fostering a life of gratitude. — Joy Harris
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield:
I learned more about myself and the habit of resistance from reading this book than all the decades of wisdom I have accrued from life. Seeing the brief lessons illustrated in the eyes of a writer looking at a blank page helped me gain the confidence to write, to create, and to identify resistance, learning to replace it with developing better habits. — Joy Harris
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes:
I remember that I didn’t read this from start to finish; I moved from story to story in a random manner. There was something for women to learn when becoming bold, feeling empowered, and reviewing the stories of adventurous women. There is both ancient and contemporary wisdom to be found in these pages. — Joy Harris
These links take you to learn more about these books and purchase them on Amazon.com. JoyCanHelp will receive a commission if you purchase through this bookshelf, but it is at no additional cost to you.
Founder of Joy Can Help, Joy Harris, brings over 25 years of experience in project and program management and now holds a certification in Effective Coaching.