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Brené Brown Recommended Books
Brené Brown has recommended 30 books. Browse the complete reading list with quotes and sources below.
Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston.
(Read more on Wikipedia)30 Books Recommended
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The Book of Qualities
by J. Ruth Gendler
"I’m so glad I found this book. It was published 25 years ago and it’s magical." - Brené Brown (Source)
Marriage Rules
A Manual for the Married and the Coupled Up
by Harriet Lerner
"This is the marriage book we’ve been waiting for!" - Brené Brown (Source)
The Dance of Anger
A Woman's Guide To Changing The Patterns Of Intimate Relationships
by Harriet Lerner
"Helpful for couples in that 'I’m screaming and he’s/she’s shutting down' cycle." - Brené Brown (Source)
Touchpoints (2 books)
"You really can’t guide your children if you don’t understand what’s happening developmentally." - Brené Brown (Source)
The Moment of Lift
How Empowering Women Changes the World
by Melinda Gates
"An urgent call to courage. It changed how I think about myself, my family, my work, and what’s possible in the world." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
4 people
Warren Buffett recommended this bookWarren Buffett
"I think this is one of the best books I've ever read." - Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett's recommendation of this book 
Bill Gates recommended this bookBill Gates
"I would say this even if I weren’t married to the author: [this book] is a terrific read." - Bill Gates
Bill Gates's recommendation of this book 
Barack Obama recommended this bookBarack Obama
"Melinda tells the stories of the inspiring people she’s met through her work all over the world, digs into the data, and powerfully illustrates issues that need our attention." - Barack Obama
Barack Obama's recommendation of this book 
Satya Nadella recommended this bookSatya Nadella
"Such a valuable contribution to a topic that couldn't be more important to society today." - Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella's recommendation of this book
Stretch
Unlock the Power of Less -and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined
by Scott Sonenshein
Brené Brown mentioned this book in the "Tools of Titans" book. (Source)
Imperfect Courage
Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared
by Jessica Honegger
"Both an invitation and a challenge to bravely show up for ourselves, for the people we love, and for the strangers that we will one day call family. I say, ‘Amen!’" - Brené Brown (Source)
Positive Discipline (5 books)
"For new parents, I love [this series]." - Brené Brown (Source)
The Soul of Money
Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
by Lynne Twist
"A life-changing read. With warmth, honesty, and storytelling, [the author] turns everything we think we know about money upside down…It's the book we all need right now." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
1 person
Jen Sincero recommended this bookJen Sincero
"[The author] shares her fascinating take on money as gleaned from her decades working with everyone from top CEOs to tribal people who don’t even know what money is." - Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero's recommendation of this book
Self-Compassion
The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
by Dr. Kristin Neff
"[The author]'s powerful research and her ability to explain how self-compassion affects our everyday lives makes this book a transformative read." - Brené Brown (Source)
The Power of Starting Something Stupid
by Richie Norton
"Already getting me in a heap of trouble. As I was reading it, I made notes to Steve (my husband). When I was done I handed it to him and said, 'This could change the way we live.'" - Brené Brown (Source)
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
"There's a great quote in [this book]: When you're on the right path the universe conspires to help you!" - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
17 people
Aubrey Marcus recommended this bookAubrey Marcus
"One of the first books that profoundly changed my life for the better." - Aubrey Marcus
Aubrey Marcus's recommendation of this book 
Will Smith recommended this bookWill Smith
"One of my favorite books." - Will Smith
Will Smith's recommendation of this book 
LeBron James recommended this bookLeBron James
"The more and more that you dream and actually talk about something that you want to do, it can become true." - LeBron James
LeBron James's recommendation of this book 
Big Sean recommended this bookBig Sean
"A crazy story." - Big Sean
Big Sean's recommendation of this book 
Ryan Flaherty recommended this bookRyan Flaherty
"I’ve loved [this book] for a very long time." - Ryan Flaherty
Ryan Flaherty's recommendation of this book 
Lisa Ling recommended this bookLisa Ling
"This simple little book contains hugely profound meaning." - Lisa Ling
Lisa Ling's recommendation of this book +11
More recommendations
- Daniel Ek
"It was fascinating to talk to [the author] about how this book came to be such a hit—he never backed down, and he allowed people to read it for free in order to then boost sales." - Daniel Ek
- Eric Ripert
"Speaks of everyone having an ultimate goal in life, but most of us are too afraid to pursue it. The encouragement to fulfill your dreams is very inspirational!" - Eric Ripert
- Gabby Reece
"It’s that reminder that as you go out in the world and you’re looking for all these things, sometimes it is within us." - Gabby Reece
- Ryan Shea
One of Ryan Shea's 4 answers to "what is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift?"
- Garry Tan
"A remarkable book and I heartily recommend it." - Garry Tan
- Lewis Howes
"I've only probably read 4 books cover to cover. [This is one of them.]" - Lewis Howes
- Tony Robbins
"Great book." - Tony Robbins
- Jodie Cook
"The most important messages shared in the most beautiful story." - Jodie Cook
- Andy Frisella
"A wonderful book." - Andy Frisella
- James Clear
"[One of] the 10 best fiction books." - James Clear
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Daniel Ek
Why Won't You Apologize?
Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts
by Harriet Lerner
"Turns out that most of us are pretty terrible apologizers—this really changed me." - Brené Brown (Source)
Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For
A Guide for New Leaders
by William A. Gentry
"It’s clear that [the author] has a deep understanding of what it takes to develop strong leaders. This has become required reading in my organization." - Brené Brown (Source)
Lead Yourself First
Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude
by Raymond M. Kethledge
Brené Brown mentioned this book in the "Tools of Titans" book. (Source)
Also recommended by
1 person
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this bookDustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book
Love, Henri
Letters on the Spiritual Life
by Henri J. M. Nouwen
"[The author's] timeless words and loving spirit are quiet prayers that will forever live in my heart." - Brené Brown (Source)
The Ride of a Lifetime
Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company
by Robert Iger
"Leadership gold—you won’t forget the stories or the lessons." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
8 people
Tim Ferriss recommended this bookTim Ferriss
"The negotiation stories with Steve Jobs alone make this book worth the read." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book 
Brian Chesky recommended this bookBrian Chesky
"Bob's book is great and he's an excellent CEO." - Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky's recommendation of this book 
Jason Calacanis recommended this bookJason Calacanis
"We recently read [this book] in the 'This Week in Startups' book club." - Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis's recommendation of this book 
Karlie Kloss recommended this bookKarlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss said this book really inspired her to become a better boss.
Karlie Kloss's recommendation of this book 
Alexis Ohanian recommended this bookAlexis Ohanian
"One of the best leadership books I've read." - Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian's recommendation of this book 
Michael Bloomberg recommended this bookMichael Bloomberg
"A testament to the idea that in America, if you work hard and pursue a dream, you really can achieve it." - Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg's recommendation of this book +2
More recommendations
- Bill Gates
"A short, readable book with smart insights, and along the way he crosses paths with some colorful characters." - Bill Gates
- Saagar Enjeti
"[Details] the evolution of the modern-American media conglomerate." - Saagar Enjeti
- Bill Gates
Everything Is Figureoutable
by Marie Forleo
"Smart, funny, and as brilliant as it is straightforward. LOVED it!" - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
8 people
Arianna Huffington recommended this bookArianna Huffington
"With her trademark mix of warmth, intelligence and insightful advice, [the author] shows us how, as the title says, everything is figureoutable." - Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington's recommendation of this book 
Cheryl Strayed recommended this bookCheryl Strayed
"Delivers a knock-out punch to whatever is holding you back." - Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed's recommendation of this book 
Daymond John recommended this bookDaymond John
"A must-read!" - Daymond John
Daymond John's recommendation of this book 
Seth Godin recommended this bookSeth Godin
"If you're looking for the next step on your journey to make a difference for others, here it is." - Seth Godin
Seth Godin's recommendation of this book 
Simon Sinek recommended this bookSimon Sinek
"[The author] shares some of the most powerful lessons she has learned." - Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek's recommendation of this book 
Sophia Amoruso recommended this bookSophia Amoruso
"An unapologetic guide to solving your biggest problems and accomplishing your wildest dreams." - Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso's recommendation of this book +2
More recommendations
- Steven Pressfield
"A dazzling manifesto on self-belief and self-empowerment." - Steven Pressfield
- Tony Robbins
"Turns you into the powerhouse you were born to be." - Tony Robbins
- Steven Pressfield
I'm Still Here
Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
by Austin Channing Brown
"This book shifted my soul!" - Brené Brown (Source)
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
"Good for my heart, my head, and my soul." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
4 people
Oprah Winfrey recommended this bookOprah Winfrey
"I want the whole world to read this book." - Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey's recommendation of this book - Barack Obama recommended this book
Barack Obama
"Obviously my favorite [book of 2018]!" - Barack Obama
Barack Obama's recommendation of this book 
Selena Gomez recommended this bookSelena Gomez
Selena Gomez recommended this book on Instagram.
Selena Gomez's recommendation of this book 
Tyler Oakley recommended this bookTyler Oakley
Tyler Oakley recommended this book on Twitter.
Tyler Oakley's recommendation of this book
Thirst
A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World
by Scott Harrison
"About what matters most. Love." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
4 people- Seth Godin recommended this book
Seth Godin
"The autobiography of charity: water." - Seth Godin
Seth Godin's recommendation of this book 
Adam Grant recommended this bookAdam Grant
"Does for the soul what water does for a parched throat." - Adam Grant
Adam Grant's recommendation of this book - Arianna Huffington recommended this book
Arianna Huffington
"A hope-filled book about finding your purpose in life and pursuing it against all odds." - Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington's recommendation of this book - Michael Bloomberg recommended this book
Michael Bloomberg
"If you’ve ever dreamed of changing careers or changing the world, read this book." - Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg's recommendation of this book
The Lightmaker's Manifesto
How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy
by Karen Walrond
"The right book for the right time, written by someone who is the embodiment of light and joy." - Brené Brown (Source)
Black Magic
What Black Leaders Learned from Trauma and Triumph
by Chad Sanders
"Daring, urgent, and transformative." - Brené Brown (Source)
Culture Renovation
18 Leadership Actions to Build an Unshakeable Company
by Kevin Oakes
"One of the most comprehensive playbooks for culture change in companies I have ever seen." - Brené Brown (Source)
The Velvet Rage
Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World
by Alan Downs
"Such an important book." - Brené Brown (Source)
Also recommended by
1 person
Soman Chainani recommended this bookSoman Chainani
"Ostensibly about if you grow up a gay man, [how] to deal with it in the world. But I think it’s more about modern masculinity and about what it means to be a man in America." - Soman Chainani
Soman Chainani's recommendation of this book
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