John’s Must-Reads

What John's Up To

John’s Must-Reads

Apr 30, 2026

Here are three books I’ve read recently that I keep finding myself recommending to people. They cover very different ground, but each one left a real impression on me.

Moving Medicine Forward: What More Doctors Should Know About Nutrition — and How It Can Save Your Life by Michael Klaper

Dr. Michael Klaper explores how a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only prevent but also often reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he highlights the limitations of a medication-first approach and the blind spot in modern medicine when it comes to nutrition. He calls for a shift toward nutrition-centered care that empowers both doctors and patients to take a more proactive role in healing and long-term health.

This is a perspective I strongly agree with and am personally very passionate about. Whether you’re a physician or someone who wants to understand how your diet can transform your health, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

If this resonates, you might also enjoy a blog I wrote last year: Our Healthcare System is Sick—Holistic Healthcare is the Cure

The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness by Gary Renard

I have been a student of A Course in Miracles since 1984—41 years now. This is one of the best books on the Course that I have ever read, and I found it so valuable that I’m currently reading it for a second time.

A Course in Miracles is a spiritual guide to inner peace through practicing love, forgiveness, and a radical shift in perception. Its core message is about choosing love over fear and learning to see the world through the lens of compassion rather than judgment. It truly has been one of the most influential texts in my life.

In 1992, two mysterious figures appeared to Gary Renard, claiming to be ascended masters. Over nearly a decade, he recorded 17 conversations with them, and the result is this extraordinary book detailing the exchanges that reoriented his life and introduced him to the teachings of A Course in Miracles. If you’ve ever been curious about the Course, Renard’s book is one of the best places to start.

The American Dream: Why It’s Still Alive… And How to Achieve It by Alexander Green

Alex is a close friend of mine, and this is my favorite of all his books. Alex contends that America rests on three pillars: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the American Dream. But he dives into a core question: what does the American Dream actually mean? He gives two definitions: The Traditional View: Anyone, regardless of their background, can rise as far as their talents, ambition, and persistence will take them. The Contemporary View: I can afford to buy a home, raise a family, maintain some work-life balance, and retire comfortably.

Alex argues convincingly that the American Dream is alive and well, and that despite the many challenges we collectively face, opportunities have never been greater than they are right now. Did you know that more than 24 million Americans have a net worth of $1 million or more? That’s now 18% of all American households, and the number has been steadily increasing for decades. I love the optimistic perspective on this subject, which is often hard to come by. I highly recommend it!