Inspirational Book summaries

Here you can find the inspirational book summaries for our recommended books. Each of these books will help you gain a deeper understanding of our philosophy and values, and will move you towards self consciousness and awareness. From these summaries, you can find the books most valuable to you.

Inspirational Book Summaries topic include: Self Awareness, Accomplishing Goals, Spiritual Development, Personal/Professional Development, Wilderness Adventures and Consciousness

The Seat of the Soul

by Gary Zukav published 1989, reviewed by Charlie, December 12th 2019

I was first introduced to Gary Zukav’s work through Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Conversation podcasts. From here, we knew this was something we needed to incorporate into our ranch culture.

Remarkable!

Dr Randy Ross and David Salyers, published 2016. Reviewed October 24th 2019 by Jasmin

The core of Dr. Randy Ross and David Salyers’ Remarkable! is the idea that creating a value-centred culture, rather than monetary compensation, inspires elevated levels of performance among team-members in the workplace. 

Braving The Wilderness

Brené Brown (2017), reviewed by Jasmin, January 2020

Brené Brown, a social scientist and research professor at the University of Houston, is a five times #1 New York Times bestsellers author. Brown has spent the last 20 years studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy and discusses these topics in her books

Spiritual Partnership

Gary Zukav, published 2010, reviewed March 28th 2021 by Charlie

Gary Zukav defines a spiritual partnership as “a partnership between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth.” This means that one or more people enter into a spiritual partnership knowing that they cannot grow for the other and that the partnership only continues as long as all partners are committed to their own spiritual growth. 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Steven R Covey, published 1989, reviewed March 24th 2020 by Charlie

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is one of the first books we read on joining the community. It sets the foundation for us to become empowered individuals who take initiative and responsibility for ourselves and our actions. It also sets the stage for experiencing a change in our mindset as we become solution orientated instead of focusing on the problem.

5 Levels of Leadership

by John C Maxwell, reviewed March 27th 2021 by Charlie

The Five Levels of Leadership breaks leadership into levels of a pyramid. John Maxwell presents leadership as not a goal to arrive at, but a mentality, a journey. Maxwell doesn’t believe that only one person in a company or organization is a leader, but that multiple people can be. In our community, everyone is a leader, they are just at different stages of their leadership journey.

A New Earth

by Eckhart Tolle, published 2005, reviewed March 29th 2021 by Charlie

A New Earth builds on the concepts covered in Eckhart Tolle’s previous book, The Power of Now. Living more fully in the present moment, identifying and letting go of ego and living your inner and outer purpose are some of the ways to a more conscious, more joyful life.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

by Deepak Chopra, published 1994, reviewed by Charlie, on April 26th 2022

 In this book, it is clear how the “laws of nature” that we live by in our community are clearly woven into Deepak Chopra’s seven laws. We define each law then show you how it is implemented in the Trails to Empowerment community.

Gerry, Get Your Gun

by Gerry Bracewell, published 2015, reviewed January 26th 2020 by Charlie

Gerry, Get your Gun is a staple book for everyone at the ranch whether we come as students, community partners or guests. In 1945, Gerry Bracewell became the first female licensed hunting guide in British Columbia. Gerry’s experiences in the wilderness and breaking her way into a male-dominated industry inspire us all.

The Mountain in My Mind

by Charlie Botting, published 2020,  note from the author, March 1st 2020

The book details my transformational journey for you. I started as a guide school student and quickly progressed to teaching guide schools and guiding guests through the mountains. I drove a skidder, ran a chainsaw, shot a .22 rifle. I learned about myself and others from nature, our horses and my fellow community partners. 

High Performance Habits

by Brendon Burchard, published 2017, reviewed February 28th 2023, by Charile

Brendon Burchard’s six high performance habits help you invest in your personal development. The habits are Clarity, Energy, Necessity, Productivity, Influence and Courage. The first three are Personal Habits, these are internal, involving only yourself. The latter three are Social Habits, these are external, your interactions with other people. 

Lead Like a Lead Mare

by Charlie Botting, published 2023, reviewed May 3rd 2023, by Alice

Lead Like a Lead Mare shares lessons learned from lead mare horses and the values and principles that make a woman an empowered female leader in all areas of her life including work, community, friends, family, intimate relationsip and parenting.

Relationships 101

by John C. Maxwell, published 2003, reviewed October 23rd 2019, by Fenja

Leadership Trainer and Motivational Coach John Maxwell has written a bunch of inspirational books about leadership, relationships and personal development. His books caught my attention after I read “The 5 Levels of Leadership” at the ranch.


Are you ready for more in life?

You are the master of your destiny. Will you take ownership for your life today? 

Join us on the Trail to Empowerment towards a greater sense of personal development, nature connection and nature conservation. Evolve with a positive mindset by facing challenges and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. 

The only remaining question: If not now, then when?

Trails to Empowerment

Have you checked out our other inspirational sources yet?