Howdy, y’all! Lou here. I believe in focusing attention, energy, thoughts, what have you to help bring about change in my life. I sometimes forget and then don’t believe in it and then remember again and try it and it works again! Like physical exercise. I’m a little lazy sometimes with things that are good for me. Or maybe I’m just not meant to be perfect. But I can’t forget the magic of manifesting myself a cheeseburger (and $20,000.) More on that in a minute.
In recent years, manifestation has moved from a mysterious concept to a popular and practical tool for personal development. Manifestation, often linked with the Law of Attraction, is the idea that we can attract what we want into our lives by focusing on positivity, clarity, and intention. For those looking to embark on this transformative journey, I’ve compiled a list of essential books that can guide you in using manifestation techniques to bring your dreams to life.
Here are a few books to help you get on your journey. Some I have read, some have just been recommended.
1. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Why Read It?
Considered one of the most influential books on the Law of Attraction, The Secret introduces readers to the basics of manifestation by sharing stories, techniques, and insights from a variety of spiritual and thought leaders. Byrne’s work emphasizes that by focusing on positive thoughts and a clear vision of your desires, you can attract what you want into your life.
Key Takeaway:
The mind is a powerful tool that can be used to attract abundance, health, love, and happiness.
Lou’s Takeaway:
After watching The Secret, and then reading it, I manifested myself a cheeseburger. I’ll leave that story to the end.
2. Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
Why Read It?
Esther Hicks, channeling the spiritual entity Abraham, delivers practical guidance on how to manifest through aligning with your inner self. This book delves deeply into the emotional aspect of attraction, encouraging readers to focus on what feels good to guide them toward their desires.
Key Takeaway:
Emotions are your guide, and by following what brings you joy, you’re naturally drawing closer to what you want.
Lou’s Takeaway:
I have watched a lot of Esther & Jerry Hicks videos on YouTube over the years, and I really enjoy the message they give. I never know what is legit or not, but I don’t care in this case – the message is loving and kind, and gets me in the mood to do some manifesting. And I hope there are spiritual beings in the universe that really want to help us!
3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Why Read It?
While not strictly about manifestation, The Power of Now teaches readers to focus on the present moment, a practice that is crucial for anyone wanting to align their thoughts and intentions. Eckhart Tolle’s work emphasizes the importance of silencing mental noise, which can often hinder us from recognizing what we truly desire and from feeling in tune with our goals.
Key Takeaway:
By staying present and quieting the mind, you can better align with your truest desires and intentions.
Lou’s Takeaway:
It’s on my list!
4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Why Read It?
Although first published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich is still one of the most popular manifestation and personal development books. Hill researched the habits of wealthy and successful individuals and discovered common principles they used to achieve their dreams. This book offers practical steps to cultivate a mindset that attracts wealth and abundance.
Key Takeaway:
A combination of strong desire, unwavering faith, and persistence can help you manifest your financial and career goals.
Lou’s Takeaway:
It has been decades since I’ve read this, so I think it is time for me to read it again.
5. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Why Read It?
Jen Sincero’s book combines humor with practical advice to inspire readers to shed self-doubt and self-sabotaging habits. Through her straightforward and empowering approach, Sincero encourages readers to embrace self-love and confidence, both critical for attracting what you want into your life.
Key Takeaway:
Confidence and self-love are essential to living an abundant life and manifesting your dreams.
Lou’s Takeaway:
I love the title, and I am a badass – so this is now on my list.
6. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
Why Read It?
Gawain’s classic is known for breaking down visualization techniques that can make it easier for readers to picture their desired life. She provides practical exercises for mental imagery, guiding readers to connect emotionally with their dreams and manifest them.
Key Takeaway:
Regular visualization, combined with emotion, can create the mental blueprint for realizing your desires.
Lou’s Takeaway:
Again, on my list!
7. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Why Read It?
Dr. Dispenza offers a scientific perspective on manifestation. In this book, he explains how the brain’s chemistry and biology can be rewired through intention and visualization. By breaking old thought patterns, readers can start attracting positive experiences into their lives.
Key Takeaway:
When you consciously change your thoughts, you start changing your reality.
Lou’s Takeaway:
Also, on my list! Anyone in the KC area want to do a manifesting book group? I think that may be the only way to read everything I want to read!
Thoughts on this reading list
Each of these books offers unique insights, techniques, and perspectives on manifestation. As you start or deepen your journey, keep in mind that consistency, gratitude, and belief are key factors in manifestation. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” method; explore each approach and embrace what resonates with you.
These books can serve as powerful tools to inspire and empower anyone who dreams big and wants to use the Law of Attraction to make those dreams a reality. Whether you’re new to manifestation or looking to enhance your practice, these resources provide guidance and inspiration to help you manifest a life you love.

Now, as promised, Lou manifested a cheeseburger, (and $20k)
So, I had just watched The Secret video a friend had shown me. I thought it sounded magical, but I was afraid I didn’t have any magic. Still, I wrote on a play money $20 dollar bill three zeros (to make it $20,000) and put it in my shower so I had to look at it every day. I imagined what I was doing with the $20,000 (I needed a car and a new bed – both of mine were dying.) Sometimes I didn’t “see” it and it was just something inside my shower. Sometimes I would visualize it.
One day I was leaving work and I was tired, frustrated, hungry, and definitely without money until payday, and I had been eating on the cheap at home for a while, but I was craving a cheeseburger. I thought to myself, I should start small. I was walking the 1/4 mile to my car and imagining a delicious cheeseburger.
When I got to my car, there was a flier on my car for a free cheeseburger, fries and drink to a nearby favorite burger place. Seriously. It was a gimmick to get people to apply to a credit card, which I didn’t need and would not qualify for, but I decided to try it. I went to the burger place. I applied for the card, but told the students working the table that I wouldn’t qualify. They said it didn’t matter, and gave me the free food voucher, which I then ordered and happily ate.
I manifested a cheeseburger. Then within a week I got a letter saying that some of my mother’s oil royalties were selling, and my brother and my take would be $43,000. I manifested $20,000. For real.
Since then I haven’t really kept score as much. I just imagine myself in a desired situation, and then sort of forget about it. I figure – it will or won’t happen, it is fine. I have many blessings to be grateful for. Though, now that I am thinking about it again, thanks to Yeye, I am dabbling again. We manifested a trip to New York for us, then Yeye manifested a cross-country move to Kansas City, so I think I have to be dreaming big for everyone!
Yeye will be doing a New Year’s workshop on Manifesting Your Intentions for the New Year. I’ll help her with it, and you better believe, I’m back to adding more intention and focus to what I want out of this life.
Happy Manifesting!
Lou
