LifeSoup by Cherie Dawn Haas

by Cherie Dawn Haas

I could tell you how important it is to read, to purchase books for yourself, to give them as meaningful gifts, to increase your knowledge and better understand your own culture as well as world culture.

But I won’t.

I’ll get right to the point. I have hundreds of books on my shelves, with one section dedicated to performing arts; mostly dance and circus (plus another section on my other loves, writing and creativity). I don’t want to keep them to myself, so I’ve written this top list of favorite books.

Note that while these are linked to Amazon, I encourage you to visit or contact your local bookseller to get a copy. 🙂

Some of these books are fictional, some are reference, some are autobiographical, but they’re all gems that I have dog-eared, highlighted in, and quoted. Find one to give to a friend, or get them for your own library. Happy reading!

Top 11 Gift Books for Performing Artists, Or Those Who Are Just as Cool

• Bossypants by Tina Fey: An autobiography that’s a quick read that’s hilarious and enlightening.
  
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: A fictional story that practically encompasses the world as I know it. She even has a fire poi spinner as one of the circus acts.
  
• The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp: I loved this “self-help” reference book so much that I actually wrote an entire review about it, which I’ll post at a later date.
  
• Gestures of Genius by Rachel Vigier: Another one that I wrote a review for. Can’t help it – I love to read, love to write.
  
• The Circus at the Edge of the Earth by Charles Wilkins: This nonfiction novel is about the incredible Flying Wallendas. The topic is thrilling, and it’s well-told, too.
  
• The Nine Modern Day Muses by Jill Badonsky: I keep this one by my bedside for any type of creative inspiration as needed.
  
• Born Standing Up by Steve Martin: Special thanks to my friend Tammy for announcing that every performing artist must read this autobiography.
  
• Under the Big Top by Bruce Feiler: A true story about a man who joined a circus for a season to experience it on his own. Compelling, gritty, real.
  
• Tribal Vision by Paulette Rees-Denis: This “celebration of life through tribal belly dance” is written by one of the mothers of American Tribal Style belly dance. It’s inspiring and full of wonderful photos of dancers from Gypsy Caravan. My copy is personally signed (squee!).
  
• Private Acts by Acey Harper: A book for lovers of photography, acrobatic feats, and the figure, this black-and-white coffee table book is filled with beautiful images.
  
• Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen: I love so much, but couldn’t find when I took the picture above. This one is now a movie, so you’ve probably heard of it, but the book is excellent.

I’m also thrilled to let you know that I’m an Amazon Influencer, which means that you can visit https://www.amazon.com/shop/cheriedawnlovesfire to see more of the books and DVDs that I personally recommend! I created this list based on my personal bookshelves, and it includes both fiction and non-fiction that has inspired me in a variety of ways over the years, including topics such as writing, yoga, creativity, and more. I hope you find something that speaks to you.

Do you have a favorite book that isn’t mentioned above or on my Amazon list? Tell me about it! Tweet it to me @CherieKre8s or share it with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheriedawnlovesfire. As always, thanks for taking the time to read this.

Peace, love, and books,
Cherie Dawn