📚 How to Use This Reading List

​

This curriculum is designed for 4 hours of daily study across 7 subjects simultaneously, treating it like a full-time college course load. Each book is chosen for beginner/intermediate level learners.

Audio Available 🎧 = Audiobook format exists
Library Friendly 📖 = Commonly available at libraries
Essential ⭐ = Highly recommended core text

 

🌟 METAPHYSICS - Law of Attraction

​

Foundation Books (Weeks 1-4)

​

1. "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: The most accessible introduction to Law of Attraction

• Audio: Available (author-narrated version recommended)

• Best for: Complete beginners who need visual/accessible concepts

• Study approach: Read/listen first 2 weeks, then practice exercises

2. "Ask and It Is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Core teachings of Abraham - foundational LOA philosophy

• Audio: Available (Esther Hicks narrates)

• Best for: Understanding the mechanics of manifestation

• Study approach: Weeks 3-4, focus on the 22 processes included

​

Intermediate Books (Weeks 5-12)

​

3. "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero 🎧 📖

• Why: Modern, skeptic-friendly approach with humor

• Audio: Available

• Best for: Those who need relatable, non-woo language

• Study approach: Weeks 5-6

4. "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Dr. Joseph Murphy 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Classic text on subconscious programming (since 1963)

• Audio: Available

• Best for: Understanding HOW manifestation works scientifically

• Study approach: Weeks 7-9

5. "E-Squared" by Pam Grout 🎧 📖

• Why: 9 experiments to prove LOA is real

• Audio: Available

• Best for: Skeptics who need proof through action

• Study approach: Weeks 10-11 (do the experiments!)

6. "Money and the Law of Attraction" by Esther and Jerry Hicks 🎧 📖

• Why: Specific application to wealth and health

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 12

​

Advanced (Weeks 13-16)

​

7. "The Power of Intention" by Dr. Wayne Dyer 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Deeper philosophy - "You don't attract what you want, you attract what you are"

• Audio: Available (Wayne Dyer himself narrates)

• Study approach: Weeks 13-14

8. "Super Attractor" by Gabrielle Bernstein 🎧 📖

• Why: Modern spiritual approach to manifestation

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 15-16

​

Workbook Companion

​

"Manifesting $1K in 21 Days" by Kathrin Zenkina 🎧

• Use alongside your main reading as practical application

 

🧠 PSYCHOLOGY - Forensic Psychology & True Crime Writing

​

Foundation Books (Weeks 1-4)

​

1. "Forensic Psychology For Dummies" by David Canter 📖 ⭐

• Why: Comprehensive, accessible introduction by a pioneer in the field

• Audio: Not widely available (textbook)

• Best for: Understanding the entire discipline

• Study approach: Weeks 1-4 (read sections daily)

2. "Introduction to Forensic Psychology" by Curt R. Bartol & Anne M. Bartol 📖 ⭐

• Why: Academic foundation, comprehensive

• Audio: Not available (textbook)

• Best for: Solid academic grounding

• Study approach: Reference alongside Dummies book

​

Profiling & Criminal Mind (Weeks 5-10)

​

3. "Mindhunter" by John E. Douglas 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: FBI profiler's firsthand accounts, basis for Netflix series

• Audio: Available

• Best for: Real-world application of profiling

• Study approach: Weeks 5-7

4. "The Anatomy of Motive" by John E. Douglas 🎧 📖

• Why: Understanding WHY criminals commit crimes

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 8-9

5. "Without Conscience" by Robert D. Hare 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Definitive work on psychopathy by the leading expert

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 10

​

Case Studies & True Crime Writing (Weeks 11-14)

​

6. "The Devil You Know" by Dr. Gwen Adshead 🎧 📖

• Why: Compassionate look at forensic psychiatry, excellent writing

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 11-12

7. "Unnatural Causes" by Dr. Richard Shepherd 🎧 📖

• Why: Forensic pathologist's memoir - great for true crime writing style

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 13-14

​

Advanced Application (Weeks 15-16)

​

8. "Inside the Criminal Mind" by Stanton E. Samenow 🎧 📖

• Why: Updated 2022 edition, brilliant criminal psychology

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 15-16

9. "Dark Dreams" by Roy Hazelwood 🎧 📖

• Why: Sexual predator psychology (heavy content, advanced)

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Reference as needed

​

🌿 GARDENING - Tea Gardening, Herbs & Magical Correspondences

​

Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

​

1. "The Herb Gardener: A Guide for All Seasons" by Susan McClure 📖

• Why: Comprehensive herb gardening basics

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 1-2

2. "The Complete Book of Herbs" by Lesley Bremness 📖 ⭐

• Why: Encyclopedia-style reference for herb uses

• Audio: Not available (reference book)

• Study approach: Weeks 3-4

​

Tea Gardening (Weeks 5-8)

​

3. "The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook" by Mary Lou Heiss & Robert J. Heiss 📖

• Why: Comprehensive guide to tea, growing, and preparation

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 5-6

4. "Herbal Tea Gardens" by Marietta Marshall Marcin 📖

• Why: Specific to growing tea gardens

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 7-8

​

Magical Correspondences (Weeks 9-14)

​

5. "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" by Scott Cunningham 📖 ⭐

• Why: THE definitive text on magical herb properties

• Audio: Not available (encyclopedia/reference)

• Study approach: Weeks 9-11

6. "The Green Witch" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock 🎧 📖

• Why: Practical herbal magic for beginners

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 12-13

7. "Blackthorn's Botanical Magic" by Amy Blackthorn 📖

• Why: Modern approach to plant magic

• Audio: Limited availability

• Study approach: Week 14

​

Advanced (Weeks 15-16)

​

8. "The Master Book of Herbalism" by Paul Beyerl 📖 ⭐

• Why: Advanced magical herbalism

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 15-16

 

🔮 TAROT - History, Major & Minor Arcana

​

Foundation (Weeks 1-3)

​

1. "Tarot for Beginners" by Lisa Chamberlain 🎧 📖

• Why: Clear, accessible introduction

• Audio: Available (Kris Keppeler narration)

• Study approach: Week 1

2. "The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings" by Brigit Esselmont 📖 ⭐

• Why: Modern, practical meanings for all 78 cards

• Audio: Not available but has companion resources

• Study approach: Weeks 2-3

​

History & Deep Understanding (Weeks 4-8)

​

3. "Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom" by Rachel Pollack 📖 ⭐

• Why: The "Bible" of tarot books - essential for every reader

• Audio: Available

• Best for: Deep symbolism and psychological interpretation

• Study approach: Weeks 4-7 (it's dense!)

4. "The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination" by Robert M. Place 📖 ⭐

• Why: Comprehensive history based on reputable sources

• Audio: Not available (dense historical text)

• Study approach: Week 8

​

Major Arcana Deep Dive (Weeks 9-11)

​

5. "Tarot and the Archetypal Journey" by Sallie Nichols 📖 ⭐

• Why: Jungian psychology approach to Major Arcana

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 9-11

6. "The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot" by Johannes Fiebig & Evelin Bürger 📖

• Why: Deep dive into the most popular deck

• Audio: Limited availability

• Study approach: Reference alongside Major Arcana study

​

Minor Arcana & Advanced (Weeks 12-16)

​

7. "Holistic Tarot" by Benebell Wen 📖 ⭐

• Why: Comprehensive 873-page guide with 500+ illustrations

• Audio: Not available (massive reference text)

• Study approach: Weeks 12-15

8. "36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey Through the Minor Arcana" by T. Susan Chang 📖

• Why: Astrological approach to Minor Arcana

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Week 16

​

Workbook Companion

​

"Tarot Workbook" by Angeles Arrien 📖

• Use throughout for hands-on practice

 

✍️ WRITING - Fiction, Grammar & Storytelling

​

Grammar Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

​

1. "The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White 📖 ⭐

• Why: Classic, essential grammar guide

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 1-2

2. "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Lynne Truss 🎧 📖

• Why: Entertaining approach to punctuation

• Audio: Available (author-narrated)

• Study approach: Week 2

​

Storytelling Craft (Weeks 3-8)

​

3. "Story" by Robert McKee 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Definitive guide to story structure

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 3-5

4. "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Accessible story structure specifically for novels

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 6-7

5. "The Anatomy of Story" by John Truby 🎧 📖

• Why: Deep understanding of story mechanics

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 8

​

Character & Voice (Weeks 9-12)

​

6. "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Inspirational, practical writing advice

• Audio: Available (author-narrated)

• Study approach: Weeks 9-10

7. "The Emotion Thesaurus" by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi 📖

• Why: Essential reference for showing vs. telling

• Audio: Not available (reference)

• Study approach: Week 11

8. "Creating Character Arcs" by K.M. Weiland 📖

• Why: Understanding character transformation

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 12

​

Advanced Craft (Weeks 13-16)

​

9. "On Writing" by Stephen King 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Part memoir, part masterclass from a bestselling author

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 13-14

10. "Steering the Craft" by Ursula K. Le Guin 📖 ⭐

• Why: Exercises and deep craft insights

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Weeks 15-16

11. "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield 🎧 📖

• Why: Overcoming creative resistance

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Throughout as motivation

 

🎨 ART & DESIGN - Drawing, Digital Art, Design

​

Drawing Foundation (Weeks 1-6)

1. "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Transform how you see and draw

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 1-3

2. "Keys to Drawing" by Bert Dodson 📖 ⭐

• Why: Practical exercises for beginners

• Audio: Not available (visual workbook)

• Study approach: Weeks 4-6

3. "You Can Draw in 30 Days" by Mark Kistler 📖

• Why: Structured daily practice

• Audio: Not available (visual instruction)

• Study approach: Alongside foundation reading

​

Figure & Form (Weeks 7-10)

​

4. "Figure Drawing for All It's Worth" by Andrew Loomis 📖 ⭐

• Why: Classic anatomy and figure drawing

• Audio: Not available (technical illustrations)

• Study approach: Weeks 7-9

5. "How to Draw What You See" by Rudy De Reyna 📖

• Why: Observation skills

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Week 10

​

Digital Art (Weeks 11-13)

​

6. "Digital Painting Techniques" edited by 3dtotal Publishing 📖

• Why: Professional digital art techniques

• Audio: Not available (visual tutorials)

• Study approach: Weeks 11-12

7. "Beginner's Guide to Digital Painting in Procreate" by 3D Total Publishing 📖

• Why: Specific to popular digital platform

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Week 13

​

Design Principles (Weeks 14-16)

​

8. "The Non-Designer's Design Book" by Robin Williams 📖 ⭐

• Why: Essential design principles made simple

• Audio: Not available (visual examples crucial)

• Study approach: Week 14

9. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Creative inspiration and permission to be influenced

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 15

10. "Logo Design Love" by David Airey 📖

• Why: Understanding effective design

• Audio: Not available

• Study approach: Week 16

 

💼 MARKETING & BUSINESS - Selling, Social Media, Marketing

​

Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

​

1. "This is Marketing" by Seth Godin 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Modern marketing philosophy

• Audio: Available (author-narrated)

• Study approach: Weeks 1-2

2. "Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Clarify your message to sell

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 3-4

​

Social Media & Content (Weeks 5-10)

​

3. "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook" by Gary Vaynerchuk 🎧 📖

• Why: Social media strategy that works

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 5-6

4. "They Ask, You Answer" by Marcus Sheridan 🎧 📖

• Why: Content marketing that converts

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 7-8

5. "The Content Code" by Mark Schaefer 🎧 📖

• Why: Understanding content virality

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Weeks 9-10

​

Selling & Persuasion (Weeks 11-13)

​

6. "To Sell is Human" by Daniel Pink 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: Modern approach to sales

• Audio: Available (author-narrated)

• Study approach: Weeks 11-12

7. "Influence" by Robert Cialdini 🎧 📖 ⭐

• Why: The psychology of persuasion

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 13

​

Business & Entrepreneurship (Weeks 14-16)

​

8. "$100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau 🎧 📖

• Why: Starting lean

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 14

9. "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz 🎧 📖

• Why: Financial management for small businesses

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 15

10. "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber 🎧 📖

• Why: Why most small businesses fail

• Audio: Available

• Study approach: Week 16

 

📅 SUGGESTED WEEKLY SCHEDULE

​

Daily 4-Hour Study Block Structure:

​

Monday-Friday:

• Hour 1: Primary reading (rotate through subjects)

• Hour 2: Secondary subject reading

• Hour 3: Practical application/exercises (art practice, tarot practice, writing, etc.)

• Hour 4: Note-taking, review, or lighter audiobook listening

Weekends:

• 2 hours: Catch-up reading

• 2 hours: Hands-on projects (garden planning, tarot spreads, writing exercises, art practice, marketing plans)

​

Suggested Subject Rotation:

​

• Monday: Metaphysics (morning) + Writing (afternoon)

• Tuesday: Psychology (morning) + Marketing (afternoon)

• Wednesday: Tarot (morning) + Art (afternoon)

• Thursday: Gardening (morning) + Writing (afternoon)

• Friday: Review week's subjects + practical application

 

📝 NOTES ON USING THIS LIST

​

Finding Books:

​

1. Check your local library first - most of these are available

2. Library apps like Libby/OverDrive - free audiobooks!

3. Used bookstores - save money on physical copies

4. Amazon/Thriftbooks - affordable options

​

Audio vs. Physical:

​

• Choose audio for: Inspiration books, memoirs, storytelling

• Choose physical for: Workbooks, reference texts, anything visual

• Ideal combo: Audio for commute/chores + physical for deep study

​

Pacing:

​

• Don't feel pressured to finish every book in the time suggested

• Some books you'll race through, others need more time

• It's okay to pause and really absorb material

​

Note-Taking:

​

• Keep a dedicated notebook for each subject

• For audiobooks: pause and voice-record notes on your phone

• For physical books: sticky notes, highlighting, margin notes

 

🎯 FINAL THOUGHTS

​

This is an ambitious and beautiful curriculum. Remember:

• Quality over quantity - better to deeply understand one book than skim three

• Practice matters more than reading - apply what you learn

• Adjust as needed - this is YOUR journey

• Enjoy the process - learning should spark joy!

You're essentially giving yourself a full liberal arts education in subjects that matter to you. That's powerful.

Happy learning! 📚✨