No, the books are not required. Each course is based on a set of 3 books and lessons are taught on key concepts using personal examples and hands-on activities to enhance learning. For a more immersive experience, participants have the option to read along with the lessons and complete other homework activities. While you do not need to read the books to get benefits from the courses, they are great titles to add to your collection and will be needed for a more in-depth study of the concepts presented during the lessons.