Welcome to Johanna Recommends — my curated library of life-changing reads.
As a doula, mother, and lifelong student of transformation, I’ve turned to books for wisdom in every season — from birth to grief, intimacy to empowerment, motherhood to money.
This collection is deeply personal. These are the books I recommend to clients, friends, and often re-read myself. They’ve made me laugh, cry, reflect, and grow. My hope is that they’ll support you exactly where you are — and where you’re headed.
Browse by topic below, and when there’s a matching podcast episode, I’ll link it so you can dive even deeper.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you choose to buy, I may earn a small commission — a great opportunity to support my work at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I genuinely love.
BIRTH & MOTHERHOOD
These books have helped me trust the wisdom of the body, understand the medical system better, and empower the families I support. Whether you’re planning a birth or supporting someone who is, these are beautiful places to begin.
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin
A classic that mixes inspiring birth stories with grounded, evidence-based advice. Ina May brings confidence back into the birthing process and helps you trust your body’s innate wisdom. - The Positive Birth Book – Milli Hill
If you want real talk and real power, this is your book. It’s modern, inclusive, and full of tools to help you make informed decisions and feel good about your birth — no matter how it unfolds.
PERSONAL GROWTH & SELF-LEADERSHIP
These books have shaped how I show up in my work, relationships, and motherhood. They’re about building habits, softening perfectionism, and getting clear on what matters.
- Atomic Habits – James Clear
Small shifts, big change. This book made habit-building feel human and doable, not robotic. A favorite for anyone juggling multiple roles and wanting a little more traction. - Sink Reflections – Marla Cilley (FlyLady)
Part home-keeping, part self-compassion manual. I read this during postpartum fog and it helped me see housework as self-care instead of punishment. - Working Hard, Hardly Working – Grace Beverley
A refreshingly honest take on modern hustle culture. Grace writes for the ambitious and the burned out. It gave me permission to rethink how I define success.
MONEY & MINDSET
Money touches everything — partnership, parenting, self-worth. These are the books I come back to when I want to feel more grounded, capable, and in charge of my finances.
- I Will Teach You to Be Rich – Ramit Sethi
Don’t let the flashy title fool you — this book is smart, funny, and deeply practical. Especially good for anyone who wants to grow their wealth without giving up coffee or joy. - Money for Couples – Ramit Sethi
Talking about money with your partner can be hard. This book offers practical scripts and real-life examples to help you talk, plan, and dream as a team.
LOVE, SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
As someone who supports families from beginning to end, I believe intimacy matters deeply. These books explore the messy, beautiful terrain of sexuality and connection in a deeply respectful way.
- Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski
Revolutionary and deeply compassionate. This book completely changed how I understand women’s desire and sexual wellbeing. Every woman should read it. - Slow Sex – Nicole Daedone
A mindful, presence-based approach to intimacy that feels like a meditation practice for couples. Deep, nourishing, and totally different from anything you’ll find in mainstream sex ed.
END OF LIFE & GRIEF
My path as a doula is slowly expanding to include death and dying. These are books that have held me — and the people I support — during life’s most sacred transitions.
- Being with Dying – Joan Halifax
Written by a Zen teacher and hospice caregiver, this book is a powerful blend of presence, spirituality, and practical wisdom. It’s a comfort for anyone walking with the dying — or contemplating their own impermanence. - The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware
A gentle, life-affirming invitation to live intentionally, based on the honest reflections of people in their final days. A must-read for anyone who wants to face life—and death—with open eyes and a full heart. I mention this book in The five biggest regrets of the dying.
