The most recommended books on energy

Who picked these books? Meet our 15 experts.

15 authors created a book list connected to energy, and here are their favorite energy books.
Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What type of energy book?

Loading...

Book cover of If the River Was Whiskey

John Howard Matthews Author Of This Is Where It Gets Interesting

From my list on characters who encounter the extraordinary.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a fiction and humor writer whose imagination was initially sparked by superheroes and comic books. The idea of an otherwise average person who could turn themselves into a superbeing was transformative and powerful. As a teenager, these early heroes faded, and I became fascinated by The Twilight Zone’s compact and poignant storytelling that contained moral messages. This eventually led me to the fiction of Stephen King where the idea of average people encountering the supernatural and overcoming obstacles was a recurring theme. In my own work, I have tried to carry forward the idea that our everyday lives are more absurd, complex, and magical than they appear.

John's book list on characters who encounter the extraordinary

John Howard Matthews Why did John love this book?

What I love about this collection is the elastic nature of the stories. Though most of the entries in this collection are dark, most contain a lighthearted energy and playfulness. They are quirky, loose, and not afraid to turn the stereo up and dance. This book taught me that fiction can be fun and still pack a powerful punch. It also encouraged me to try out experimental story ideas that may seem absurd at first. The story may not work out, but when it does, you can end up in surprising places. “The Ape Lady in Retirement” is a perfect example of this.

By T. Coraghessan Boyle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If the River Was Whiskey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In sixteen stories, T.C. Boyle tears through the walls of contemporary society to reveal a world at once comic and tragic, droll and horrific. Boyle introduces us to a death-defying stuntman who rides across the country strapped to the axle of a Peterbilt, and to a retired primatologist who can’t adjust to the “civilized” world. He chronicles the state of romance that requires full-body protection in a disease-conscious age and depicts with aching tenderness the relationship between a young boy and his alcoholic father. These magical and provocative stories mark yet another virtuoso performance from one of America’s most supple…


Book cover of The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal

Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander Author Of Elevate: Unlock Your Extraordinary Potential

From my list on that will change your life.

Why are we passionate about this?

We are thrilled to present this carefully curated book list. As passionate advocates for leadership, self-mastery, and health and well-being, we have handpicked these titles to inspire and empower individuals on their journey toward personal and professional growth. Each book within this collection resonates with principles that we believe are pivotal for fostering resilience, achieving self-mastery, and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Whether you're seeking leadership insights, self-help guidance, or ways to enhance your overall well-being, these books offer a diverse range of perspectives and actionable strategies. We hope this collection becomes a valuable resource for you on your path to personal excellence. – Colleen Callander & Shannah Kennedy. 

Shannah's book list on that will change your life

Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander Why did Shannah love this book?

This book took me by surprise; it is an eye-opening epic read highlighting the importance of energy, not just time, as an area that is most important to focus on and master.

As a previous sufferer of burnout, it taught me that, unlike time, energy is finite and pivotal for peak performance. This book took me on a journey and framework where I could practically think about my life in terms of energy (rather than just time) and maximise this in the areas of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health; just superb.

I also loved the concept, which we are never taught, that recovery is just as important as performance and to think more like an athlete in my everyday life. Energy is everything to me, so I found this book truly transformative!

Book cover of The Art of Running: Raising Your Performance with the Alexander Technique

Sam Murphy Author Of Run Your Best Marathon: Your trusted guide to training and racing better

From my list on challenge the status quo about how to run.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a journalist, writing about health and fitness for women’s magazines and national newspapers, I had a strong sense that much of the advice being doled out by personal trainers and other ‘experts’ was dubious, to say the least. I decided to see for myself, embarking on an Exercise and Sport Science degree and training as a running coach. Two decades on, with a handful of running books and a 13-year-strong column in Runner’s World to my name, I still like to delve into the science underpinning physical activity to see if it really stands up, and if so, for who, and under what circumstances?  

Sam's book list on challenge the status quo about how to run

Sam Murphy Why did Sam love this book?

As an Alexander Technique teacher, Balk’s approach to movement is one of enquiry. What happens if I do X? How does it feel when I visualise Y? “Without awareness,” he says, “things cannot be changed.”

But don’t be fooled into thinking that this is an airy-fairy guide for people who don’t care about speed or performance. An accomplished masters athlete himself, Balk has applied the principles of AT to running with great results. I followed his advice and many of his words of wisdom remain firmly ingrained in my brain, two decades later. “Don’t run into the ground, run over it.”

By Malcolm Balk, Andrew Shields,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Art of Running as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Although running is becoming one of the most popular sports, learning to run properly can take time, energy and consistency.

You need to do it regularly to become good at it and until you have achieved a certain level of competence, it is unlikely that you will enjoy it very much, or for very long. For many runners physical and mental barriers can stop progress.

This book's ultimate aim is to help you enjoy to run - to enjoy the feeling of movement, to overcome inertia, to renew yourself and to boost energy as a result. Master the Art of…


Book cover of Cosmometry: Exploring the HoloFractal Nature of the Cosmos

Lauren Walker Author Of The Energy to Heal: Find Lasting Freedom From Stress and Trauma Through Energy Medicine Yoga

From my list on understanding what energy is and how to use it.

Why am I passionate about this?

I remember being a kid and wanting to know everything about everything. After I’d been teaching yoga for several years, and finding myself struggling with stress and trauma that the yoga wasn’t helping, I really started to dive into the world of Energy. That world is fascinating, endless, and powerful. And the more I study and learn, the better my life gets. I’ve created my own teaching methodology from all the studies I’ve done and helped thousands of people find their own inner strength and healing. I love learning how other people overcame their struggles and how at the root, we basically all want to help each other! That's the kind of world I aspire to. 

Lauren's book list on understanding what energy is and how to use it

Lauren Walker Why did Lauren love this book?

This book is dogeared, highlighted, sticky noted, and I go back to it again and again. Now I will admit, I’m a science junkie, and I love to deepen my understanding of how the universe works. But I’m also not a scientist. Marshall’s book is accessible and scintillating, while at the same time teaching valuable and powerful lessons about physics, the nature of the universe, the nature of connection, sound, torsion, so much! If you like science but you’re afraid of big science books, this might be the time to treat yourself. This is one of those books you’ll go back to over and over again and always find something new to spark you!

By Marshall Lefferts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cosmometry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Throughout nature we can see patterns, structures, processes and systems that reflect an underlying order of energy dynamics that literally in-forms the observable universe across all scales. Cosmometry is the study of this underlying order, wherein cosmic geometry, unified physics and the harmonic system of music are seen as three lenses through which to view one phenomenon — universal dynamics of energy and matter manifesting in physical form and flow. Synthesizing foundational theories of Buckminster Fuller, David Bohm, Nassim Haramein, Foster Gamble, Richard Merrick and others, Cosmometry – Exploring the HoloFractal Nature of the Cosmos presents a new look at…


Book cover of Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis

Peter Mark Adams Author Of The Power of the Healing Field: Energy Medicine, Psi Abilities, and Ancestral Healing

From my list on energy healing, consciousness, and wellbeing.

Why am I passionate about this?

Peter Mark Adams and his wife, Kenzie, have shared a healing and personal development practice for more than 20 years specializing in energy and meridian therapies, breathwork, and meditation. Peter and Kenzie have practiced and taught a range of meditative and energy-based techniques, including Mind Connection Healing (MCH), Usui Reiki, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Mindfulness, Vivation, Integrative and Rebirthing Breathwork. Peter’s non-fiction is published by Inner Traditions and Scarlet Imprint; literary prose and poetry by Corbel Stone Press and Paralibrum. His essays on energy healing have appeared in the peer-reviewed Paranthropology Journal and the Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology as well as on his academia.edu page.

Peter's book list on energy healing, consciousness, and wellbeing

Peter Mark Adams Why did Peter love this book?

Amongst the books covering the scientific basis of energy healing, Oschman’s Energy Medicine stands out for its accessibility to the general reader. Energy Medicine provides a sound foundation to the subject. Covering the historical development of the subject; the scientific basis for measuring the energy body; the frequencies of its electromagnetic fields; and how this research has allowed the development of techniques and technologies for its measurement and regulation in order to promote healing and restore health.

A whole range of energy modalities are discussed amongst which we find such, by now, standard medical interventions as Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF); others, such as acupuncture, are still considered to be ‘alternative’ in the context of mainstream medicine; and still others, such as Rolfing or Structural Integration, fall within the ambit of ‘personal development’. The great value of this information is that it provides the reader with a broad, up-to-date scientific…

By James L Oschman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Energy Medicine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

See how energy therapies can normalize physiology and restore your patients' health! Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis, 2nd Edition provides a deeper understanding of energy and energy flow in the human body. Using well-established scientific research, this book documents the presence of energy fields, discerns how those fields are generated, and determines how they are altered by disease, disorder, or injury. It then describes how therapeutic applications can restore natural energy flows within the body. Written by recognized energy medicine expert Dr. James Oschman - who is also a physiologist, cellular biologist, and biophysicist - this resource shows how the…


Book cover of The Seven Sisters: The great oil companies & the world they shaped

Howard J. Herzog Author Of Carbon Capture

From my list on causes and implications of climate change.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been consulting and conducting research on climate change for over 30 years as a member of the research staff at MIT. While I originally approached the topic from a technological viewpoint, I quickly understood that that was only one piece of the equation. It was also important to understand the science, the policy, the economics, the politics, and the social aspects of climate change. In selecting my book recommendations, I wanted to cover the many different aspects of climate change.

Howard's book list on causes and implications of climate change

Howard J. Herzog Why did Howard love this book?

The major source of greenhouse gases that are the root cause of climate change are from our energy use. Therefore, in order to understand how to effectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, one must understand our energy systems. I read this book many years ago, but it taught me so much about how the oil and gas industry works. The Seven Sisters refer to the seven major oil companies that dominated the oil industry in the 1960s and 1970s. Even though the industry has changed greatly since then, the story of how oil and gas came to dominate the world’s energy systems is still relevant today.  

By Anthony Sampson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Seven Sisters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An account of the men and events behind the rise of the world's largest oil companies, their domination of the world petroleum industry, and their current status subsequent to their control being challenged by the producing nations


Book cover of Grip

Theo Ellsworth Author Of The Understanding Monster - Book One

From my list on to alter your sense of reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

I think of my imagination as a living thing that I have a working, evolving relationship with. I try to access that creative flow state through automatic drawing and something about that process seems to help me in my daily life. I draw every day. I make art zines, comics, fine art, album art, and collaborative works. The books in this list all feel personally important to me and are works I return to and think about often.

Theo's book list on to alter your sense of reality

Theo Ellsworth Why did Theo love this book?

I consider this to be one of the great wordless graphic novels. It’s a hyper-colored meditation on the creative power and potential of human hands, full of movement, energy, and effort. It’s amazing to see a work like this that’s so full of power, like a raw force of nature, yet there’s no violence or destruction. Sit in a quiet corner and give every page of this book your full attention and tell me how your brain feels afterward. 

By Lale Westvind,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Grip as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Power of Energy Medicine: Your Natural Prescription for Resilient Health

Lauren Walker Author Of The Energy to Heal: Find Lasting Freedom From Stress and Trauma Through Energy Medicine Yoga

From my list on understanding what energy is and how to use it.

Why am I passionate about this?

I remember being a kid and wanting to know everything about everything. After I’d been teaching yoga for several years, and finding myself struggling with stress and trauma that the yoga wasn’t helping, I really started to dive into the world of Energy. That world is fascinating, endless, and powerful. And the more I study and learn, the better my life gets. I’ve created my own teaching methodology from all the studies I’ve done and helped thousands of people find their own inner strength and healing. I love learning how other people overcame their struggles and how at the root, we basically all want to help each other! That's the kind of world I aspire to. 

Lauren's book list on understanding what energy is and how to use it

Lauren Walker Why did Lauren love this book?

I absolutely love this book. When I first picked it up, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. I know a lot about Energy Medicine, and I wasn’t sure what new information I’d learn. It turned out to be one of those books that you cannot put down. The author has an engaging and friendly voice, while also being an astute authority on her topic. Her stories draw you in and open your mind to the possibilities that there is so much more that we don’t know about how the body/mind/spirit works. But this book also allows you to experience her process and get a taste of the power you hold within yourself to accelerate healing.  

By Hilary Crowley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Power of Energy Medicine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn how to connect to your own good medicine and discover the powerful energy healing that will bring authentic wellness, health, hope, and joy into your life.

Hilary Crowley is the resident energy healer at a general family medical center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Working alongside surgeons, physicians, nurses, and holistic practitioners, she uses energy medicine modalities and hands-on techniques to facilitate her clients' healing. In this book, Hilary sheds light on questions surrounding energy medicine by sharing stories from cases including cancer battles, suicide attempts, and chronic pain. She shares how to find healing through the good medicines in…


Book cover of Mind Body Baby: Chakras

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Author Of The Transformational Path: How Healing, Unlearning, and Tuning into Source Helped Me Manifest My Most Abundant Life

From Claudia's 2-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Clairaudient medium Spiritual creative Entrepreneur Bibliophile Francophile

Claudia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Claudia's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Claudia Amendola Alzraa Why did Claudia's 2-year-old love this book?

My son knows this book by name and will tell me when he wants to read it. He loves to count the Chakras as the book begins. He loves the colours as the book moves through each Chakra and enjoys describing what the baby is doing on every page.

This one is a winner, winner, chicken dinner!

By Imprint,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mind Body Baby as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This board book introduces the concept of chakras and color to the youngest readers. With simple text and instructive illustrations, babies will learn about each of the seven chakras, the energy centers in our bodies, and how we express this energy in our daily lives. This book also serves as a first introduction to colors!

With adorable illustrated babies and a hip design, Mind Body Baby is a perfect fit for all parents looking to connect with their little ones.


Book cover of Bottom of the Food Chain: A Fresh Perspective on How Your Career Impact Goes Beyond Your Job Title

Jocelyn Davis Author Of Insubordinate: 12 New Archetypes for Women Who Lead

From my list on women done with leaning in.

Why am I passionate about this?

On Jan 30, 2013, I was sacked for "insubordination." No notice, no severance. My bosses threatened the other employees with dismissal if they talked to me. I'd been at the company for decades, rising from entry level to the executive team; after years of striving, it was a devastating blow. Once I picked myself up, I realized I’d leaned in so far, I’d toppled over. So I set off on a new path. Today, I have a master’s degree in Eastern classics, four leadership books, and one historical novel, and I’m committed to helping high achievers—women, especially—find their own paths to happy success: paths beyond “lean in.”

Jocelyn's book list on women done with leaning in

Jocelyn Davis Why did Jocelyn love this book?

LaPora Lindsey's key message, that we can make a profound positive impact no matter how little formal authority we have, is the leadership message for our time.

And her key metaphor—"life at the bottom of the food chain," whence all energy originates—is a brilliant way to express it. I’ve come to realize that this perspective on careers isn’t just for entry-level youngsters; it’s also for us oldsters with top jobs and/or years of experience.

We imagine it’s our bird’s-eye strategies and top-down direction that count, but oftentimes, it’s our earth-bound energy and support that make the biggest difference. When we say, “Yes, good idea, I’ll get behind that. Here’s how I’ll help,” we gain more power than we know.