September is self-improvement month, a time to focus on improving yourself to achieve desired goals. We have compiled a list of books—from timeless classics such as James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh to recent bestsellers like Nike swoosh creator Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog—that provide insights on maximizing potential, overcoming fears and recognizing the pivotal moments that can have the greatest impact on your life.

1. Acres of Diamonds: All Good Things Are Possible, Right Where You Are, and Now!

Opportunities for success, wealth and happiness often lie under foot and yet go unnoticed. This little book, originally a speech by Russell Conwell, serves as a reminder not to overlook the abundance right on our doorstep. This timeless work addresses the myth that fame and fortune are waiting somewhere “out there.” Conwell also dispels the notion that men and women of integrity shouldn’t desire money or wealth. He advises readers to begin searching for the diamonds in their lives… at home.

​2. As a Man Thinketh

“This little volume” as James Allen refers to it, has been a source of inspiration for millions and has influenced the work of many respected personal-development leaders. And with statements such as, “The soul attracts that which it secretly harbors, that which it loves, and also that which it fears,” Allen paved the way for many contemporary philosophers. At its core is the belief that “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

​3. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

Within each person is a sleeping giant of greatness. With this book, motivational coach Anthony Robbins seeks to help you “take immediate control of mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny.” This personal-development classic delves into the specifics of goal setting, achieving success in relationships, talking to yourself and discovering your true potential.

4. Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

The phenomenal success of Chicken Soup for the Soul offers inspiration on many levels. From the tenacity it took to get the first Chicken Soup for the Soul published (Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were rejected by 140 publishers and their book agent before finding a publisher willing to take a chance on their idea) to the thousands of touching and thought-provoking stories, these books will warm your heart and may help you view life from a new perspective.

​5. Grit: The Power of Passion a Perseverance

Pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed—be it parents, students, educators, athletes or businesspeople—that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” Duckworth mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance.

​6. How To Win Friends and Influence People

First published in 1937, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie was an overnight success with staying power. Today, this book is regarded as one of the all-time best for its lessons on dealing with people. It is packed with anecdotes from historical leaders and lessons learned or taught by some of history’s greatest businessmen, making the read as interesting as it is enlightening. And the methods—calling a person by his or her name or looking at the situation from the other’s point of view—work in business and in personal life with family and friends.

​7. Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace

Change is so rapid today that leaders must do much more than stay the course to be successful. If they are not nimble and ready to adapt, they won’t survive. The key is to learn how to leadershift. In this book, John C. Maxwell helps leaders gain the ability and willingness to make leadership changes that will positively enhance their organizational and personal growth.

​8. Linchpin: Are You Indispensable

In bestsellers such as Purple Cow and Tribes, Seth Godin taught readers show to make remarkable products and spread powerful ideas. But this book is about you—your choices, your future and your potential to make a huge difference in whatever field you choose.

​​9. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Phil Knight, the man behind the swoosh, has always been a mystery. In Shoe Dog, he tells his story at last. At twenty-four, Knight decides that rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, new, dynamic, different. Knight details the many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankers—as well as his many thrilling triumphs.

​10. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

In this book, Carol Dweck explains why it’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success, but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She makes clear why praising intelligence and ability doesn’t foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment but may actually jeopardize success.

​Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these flicks featuring your favorite Spanish-speaking actors. From Mexico to Spain, Latinx actors portray a wide range of characters set in different times and worlds, giving viewers from all around the globe new and exciting perspectives. Luckily, the best Spanish-language movies on Netflix are only a click away and give viewers the option of watching with English subtitles. Whether you’re in the mood for a daunting mystery, a mind-alerting thriller, or a new romance gone wrong, there’s a flick for everyone on the streaming service. We’ve rounded up the best Spanish-language movies on Netflix, so it's time to take your pick!

Contratiempo (The Invisible Guest) Wealthy businessman Adrián Doria is accused of murder after he wakes up next to the corpse of his lover in a hotel room. To prove his innocence, Adrián works with lawyers Felix Leiva and Virginia Goodman to come up with a credible defense. But in order to do so, Adrián must open up about everything that led him to that moment in time.

Durante la tormenta (Mirage) In this mystery drama, protagonist Vera Roy finds herself between two parallel universes. On November 9, 1989, 12-year-old Nico witnesses a murder and dies trying to escape the scene. He leaves behind a videotape he was recording during a 72-hour electric storm. Twenty-five years later, Vera moves into Nico's former home and discovers the tape. She crosses timelines to warn Inspector Leyra about the deaths and he works to stop them before the storm rolls through.

El hombre de las mil caras (Smoke and Mirrors) The thriller tells the real life story of former Spanish spy and businessman Francisco Paesa. After being instrumental in a government operation against a terrorist group, he's framed and forced to leave Spain. When he's finally able to return, Francisco has nothing left except a revenge plan against the former commissioner of police.

El hoyo (The Platform) A standard jail is reimagined as vertical with one cell on each level, holding two people. At meal time, a slab of food descends from floor to floor to feed everyone. The inmates at the top eat well, leaving those at the bottom starving. The endless nightmare comes to a head when a rebellion happens.

El laberinto del fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth) Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy drama takes place in Spain in 1944. A girl fascinated with fairy tales meets an old faun who tells her that she's the princess of the underworld. But she must first go through three gruesome tasks to prove herself. If she fails, she'll never receive her title and reunite with her father, the king.

La llamada (Holy Camp!) In this musical comedy, two rebellious teens, Maria and Susana, spend their summer at a Catholic camp run by nuns. On their first night, the girls sneak out and go partying. As expected, the camp doesn't plan on tolerating this behavior and discourages their love of music. Slowly but surely, the teens start showing the nuns the power of song.

Nuestros amantes (Our Lovers) Carlos and Irene meet at a bookshop bar and begin dating, but there's a catch. The two can't share personal information about themselves, not even their real names. Instead, the new couple focuses on enjoying their time together walking around the city. That is, until Irene discovers that Carlos is married to Maria, who is the woman her boyfriend, Jorge, recently left her for.

Palmeras en la nieve (Palm Trees in the Snow) Based on the historical novela by Luz Gabás, this romantic drama follows a young Spanish woman named Clarence who discovers a partial letter after her father dies. The film jumps between the past and present as the protagonist searches for answers. She travels to Africa where she discovers her family's secrets on a cacao plantation and begins to right wrongs.

Roma At the 91st Academy Awards, this powerful Mexican drama won Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Foreign Language Film. Set in the early '70s, the black-and-white movie follows the life of a live-in housekeeper taking care of a middle-class family in Mexico City. Her personal life intertwines with theirs as a marriage falls apart and a baby is born.

Tarde para la ira (The Fury of a Patient Man) For the past eight years, Ana has raised her son all on her own, making ends meet working as a bartender at a café. She's patiently waited for her criminal boyfriend, Curro, to be released from jail but upon his return, his violent behavior and resentment threatens her peace. Ana is falsely led to believe that she's found an escape with Jose, a regular at the café, but he has other motives.

Todos lo saben (Everybody Knows) Actress Penélope Cruz stars as Laura, a woman who lives in Buenos Aires with her two children. After her sister's wedding brings her back to their Spanish hometown, Laura is thrown into chaos when her daughter is kidnapped. While trying to deal with the ransom, she discovers that unexpected people are involved.

Verónica In 1991, Verónica and two classmates hold a séance at their school in Madrid. After trying to contact her recently deceased father, Verónica begins to feel a strange presence inside her home. Despite her attempt to escape the evil spirits, she suffers from hallucinations and violent visions that only get worse.
 
Y tu mamá también (And Your Mother Too) Actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna portray two teenage friends in search of adventure. While their girlfriends are away in Europe, the teens meet an older woman named Luisa at a family wedding. After finding out about her husband's latest martial affair, Luisa decides to join them on a road trip they initially made up to entice her. The trio embark on a journey where they learn about life, friendship, and sex.

7 Años (7 Years) The four founders of a successful company are being investigated by the government, who will inevitably discover that they've committed massive tax fraud. The group comes to the conclusion that one of them needs to take the fall and go to jail for seven years, sparing the others. But after everyone refuses to be the scapegoat, a mediator is hired to help out.

​100 metros (100 Meters) Based on a true story, a Spanish man named Ramón Arroyo is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The CEO decides to train for an Ironman Triathlon, despite being told that he won't make it past 100 meters. In the process, he gets help from his father-in-law, Manolo, a former professional athlete, who is battling his own demons.

Several of this month’s book selections will remind readers of what’s at stake during the upcoming election, from racial equality to governmental transparency — and that includes the fiction.

“The Quiet Americans: Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War — A Tragedy in Three Acts,” by Scott Anderson (Sept. 1)
Many stories about spies are also stories of derring-do, something Anderson (“Lawrence in Arabia”) also incorporates into his new history of Cold War intelligence. Anderson’s look at four men who ran covert operations around the globe after World War II is as thrilling as it is tragic, as each man confronts the moral compromises he made in the name of democracy.

​“The Lying Life of Adults: A Novel,” by Elena Ferrante (Sept. 1)
Meet Giovanna, an awkward adolescent like her foremothers in Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels — except that Giovanna lives in an upper-middle-class milieu and knows nothing of her home city’s blue-collar district until an overheard comment spurs her to seek out her Aunt Vittoria. Thereby hangs a tale of awakening and change that will delight both old and new fans of the elusive Italian writer.

“We Germans: A Novel,” by Alexander Starritt (Sept. 1)
Meissner, who as a young college student was drafted into the German army and sent to the Eastern Front, in his old age writes a letter to his grandson. At first an account of action and adventure, the letter turns to Meissner’s quest to live a life of atonement. Can an individual explain his country’s complicity? This novel may be more relevant now than we’d like.

“Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for Us All,” by Martha S. Jones (Sept. 8)
We all know that 2020 is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which secured the vote for White women. In her important new book “Vanguard,” Jones shows how African American women waged their own fight for the vote, and why their achievements speak mightily to our present moment as voters, regardless of gender or race.

​“Just Us: An American Conversation,” by Claudia Rankine (Sept. 8)
Read the first two title words again, and you’ll get a glimmer of what Rankine (“Citizen”) has in mind for her new book of essays, poems and images that confront White privilege and White silence. But the subtitle provides an opening to disrupt the old talk and make space for new ideas.

“The Awkward Black Man: Stories,” by Walter Mosley (Sept. 15)
Mosley might be best known for his mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins, but in these short stories, we see the prolific author as a chronicler of Black life in America. As he overturns stereotypes and focuses on individual characters, Mosley asks us not to look away from men who are isolated and awkward, but to see them as human beings in full.

​“Rage,” by Bob Woodward (Sept. 15)
President Trump didn’t speak on the record for Woodward’s 2018 bestseller, “Fear.” This time around, the Pulitzer Prize-winning associate editor of The Washington Post landed several exclusive interviews with the president and managed to obtain personal letters between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This may be the clearest portrait we’ll get of a chaotic mind.

​“Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America,” by Laila Lalami (Sept. 22)
The Pulitzer Prize finalist, who was born in Morocco and moved to the United States in the 1990s, explores the benefits and limitations of American citizenship. Her poignant reckoning looks at a country that keeps privileged White men in power while holding at arm’s length the “conditional citizens” whose race or gender doesn’t conform to the elite’s.

“Jack: A Novel,” by Marilynne Robinson (Sept. 29)
The latest novel in Robinson’s series about Gilead, Iowa — which also includes Pulitzer winner “Gilead,” “Home” and “Lila” — follows Jack Boughton, the black sheep of his family, who wound up an aimless, homeless alcoholic in St. Louis. There he meets Della, a Black teacher, and they embark on a complicated, poignant romance.

We're not supposed to play favorites, but there's just something about fall dinner recipes that makes autumn our favorite season of the year (hello, comfort food!). Don't get us wrong, we love summer grilling recipes and spring's bounty of bright and beautiful greens — but hearty fall soups, harvest salads, and cozy pasta recipes really warm our hearts (and fill our bellies!). Not to mention the overflow of apples, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and winter squash popping up. With so many fall fruits and vegetables to cook with, the family dinner ideas are endless this season.

Chicken, Sausage, and White Bean Stew Slow cooked chicken and beans make for a protein-packed stew. Get cozy and get cooking.
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​French Onion Soup Onions, slowly cooked until deep brown and caramelized, give this classic its distinctive flavor. Great for a party, this recipe is easily doubled; simply cook the onions in two skillets.
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​Instant Pot Risotto A comforting bowl of this Italian classic now requires zero effort with the help from a multi-cooker. Top with any flavors you fancy: Pesto, lemon zest, peas, or a fried egg will all do the trick.
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​Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Tahini Vinaigrette Butternut squash and a rich nutty dressing will convince you to introduce this vegetarian dinner to your fall meal routine.
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​Coq Au Vin Rosé A twist on classic coq au vin made with pink wine, this crowd-pleaser is loaded with mushrooms and bacon too.
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​Winter Squash and Lentil Stew Reason no. 765 to invest in an Instant Pot: A bowl of this cozy, hearty stew will be ready in 35 minutes flat.
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​Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta These tender braised Instant Pot short ribs are the newest star of weeknight dinner: No effort required.
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Patty Melts Step aside, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese. Meet the epic mashup of these two nostalgic diner meals.
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​Moroccan Meatballs Skip the spaghetti! These jazzed-up meatballs are served over a bed of roasted tomatoes, feta, and herby couscous.
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​Pork Chops With Bok Choy and Coconut Rice Creamy rice cooked in coconut milk is the perfect rich partner to a golden-brown pork chop.
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