6 Books on Mental Health, Finances, and Hospitality That Have Helped Me Grow

If you’ve been following this blog over the years, you know I’m a firm believer in the power of reading. The right books have the ability to sharpen your leadership, deepen your spiritual growth, and transform the way you think.

I’ve already shared 44 Leadership Books Everyone Should Read and 22 Books That Will Help You Grow Spiritually, so chances are, your reading list is already packed. But today, I want to highlight six essential books that have made a lasting impact on my thinking and how I lead—covering mental health, investing, and hospitality.

Each of these books has helped me grow in a meaningful way, and I believe they’ll do the same for you.

In no particular order … 

Two of My Favorite Books on the Mental Health of the Next Generation: 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

As a strategic leader, I’m always looking for resources that add value both at work and at home. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is a must-read for leaders and parents. 

With our Gen Z workforce constantly expanding, this is an essential tool for you in helping the next generation build a healthier framework while they struggle with anxiety and stress.

This book has been instrumental for me as a parent and grandparent and has allowed me to better understand and support our Gen Z workforce in becoming more successful in their personal and professional lives.

Find the book here. 

Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier

According to Abigail: 

“In virtually every way that can be measured, Gen Z’s mental health is worse than that of previous generations.”

The way we’re responding to Gen Z’s mental health crisis doesn’t seem to be working. This book shares a better path forward. 

Find the book here. 

Four Books That Have Helped Me Grow

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Will and his team built what eventually became the #1 restaurant in the world through universal leadership principles and extraordinary ways of serving people well. 

This book is a must-read if you lead in a nonprofit or any service industry. It’s filled with thoughtful steps for a leader ready to grow in crafting moments, building a team, and caring for people.

Find the book here. 

You can also listen to my interview with Will on the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast here. 

From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks

Of all the books I read in 2023, two stood out that I would recommend to anyone.

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality is one of them and the other is From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks.

Inside, Arthur does a fantastic job of showing the strengths and weaknesses of aging as a leader. No matter your age, this is a must-read. 

Find the book here. 

Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin

Most people decide how to spend money. The most strategic agonize about how to invest it. 

In this book, you’ll learn 10 principles that have been tested throughout thousands of years of history. Every time, they’ve proven to be consistent drivers of wealth. 

Find the book here. 

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

I consider The Psychology of Money a must-read for leaders who want to build a healthier relationship with money. 

It will help you lead your organization to resource allocation, and it’s a valuable tool for teaching your children about money. Develop a lasting financial philosophy that can change your family’s future, generosity plan, and potentially create a multi-generational legacy.

Find the book here. 

Walk Through Your Doubts with The Benefit of Doubt

If you’re going through a season of spiritual doubt, I want you to know—you’re not alone. Almost all of us, at some point, have questioned what we believe and wondered if God was real.

In my new book, The Benefit of Doubt: How Confronting Your Deepest Questions Can Lead to a Richer Faith, you’ll learn that the strongest faith isn’t a faith that never doubts. It’s a faith that grows through doubts.

If you’re feeling frustrated in your faith, this book will give you the tools to keep pressing forward.