An ACD’s Favorite Books

The stuff of the universe is squishy and malleable, you can make it what you want. Understanding that is an important and powerful idea. But sometimes you’re up against things you can’t change, and it’s important to understand how to be in those situations as well. With these books, you can learn those things.

Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins

The greatest book of all possible books. An insane and ridiculous story that explains how to achieve immortality, the secrets of the universe, love, the true history of religion and the sacred feminine all while being extremely hilarious and entertaining.

"The difference between love and logic is that in the eyes of a lover, a toad can be a prince, whereas in the analysis of a logistician, the lover would have to prove that the toad was a prince, an enterprise destined to dull the shine of many a passion."

Be Here Now, by Ram Dass

A visceral, dynamic, engaging and visually stunning study of one of the most important lessons of all: How to be present.

"The quieter you become the more you can hear."

Catching The Big Fish: Creativity, Consciousness & Meditation, by David Lynch

Written by one of the greatest living creative thinkers and artists, this book looks at where ideas come from and how (and how easy it is) to open yourself up to them.

"Stay true to yourself. Let your voice ring out, and don’t let anybody fiddle with it. Never turn down a good idea, but never take a bad idea. And meditate."

Buddha, by Osamu Tezuka

This is an 8 volume graphic novel about the life and teachings of The Buddha written by one of the great Japanese Manga artists. Engaging, hilarious, full of wisdom and fun to look at.

(Not really a quote type of book, it’s a giant comic book)

Comfortable With Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion, by Pema Chodron

This book teaches you how to accept what is, and not only work with it, but excel in it. All there is is what is, and you can fight it or you can embrace it.

“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. Patience is not learned in safety.”