2022
The Magic of Well Being- by Laura Thomas- thanks for sending me your book, Laura. It all came in right timing. Short, sweet, enlightening, and I love the descriptions from her own life from the point of view of friend, daughter, sister, writer and spirit. And especially the parts about being scared to write the book, and admitting that she didn't know how people would receive it or what they would think of it. That helped me a lot.
2021
February
Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts- Using the Power of Pleasure to Have Your Way with the World- Regena Thomashauer
Everything, Everything- by Nicola Yoon - (thanks Aria, for telling me about this. It's one of my favourites and this was my second time reading if after 4 years).
March
The Body Keeps the Score- Brain, Mind, and Body In the Healing of Trauma- Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
Code Red- Know Your Flow, Unlock Your Superpowers, and Create a Bloody Amazing Life. Period.-Lisa Lister
- how to use the cycles of your period, and the moon, to manifest and live the best life for yourself.
The Book You Were Born To Write: Everything You Need to (Finally) Get Your Wisdom onto the Page and Into the World-Kelly Notaras
Worth- Bharti Dhir- audio book- also available in hard copy book. -amazing, touching, put me in tears, inspired me. Topics covered- Mother Daughter relationships, Idi Amin, Uganda, Death, Chronic Illness, Racism, Adoption, Personal Choice, Bullying, Death, Forgiveness, Shaming, Being True to Yourself.
April
Through My Eyes- A Medium Reveals the Reassuring Truth About the Afterlife-by Gordon Smith
Amazing, and peace-bringing. This is my second time reading it. I really needed the reminders in it about the connection between the living and those who have passed.
The Wand in the Word- Conversations with Writers of Fantasy- completed and edited by Leonard S. Marcus. -very inspiring book- full of amazing interviews, but I found the first part of it kind of darker and sinister. But as the interviews went on, they were more uplifting. I especially liked the responses that the writers had to What do you love about writing?
May
The Songwriters Idea Book- 40 Strategies to excite your imagination, help you design distinctive songs, and keep your creative flow. - Sheila Davis.
Such an interesting book. I have had it for a few years. Found it at a used bookstore or in a stack of books at a grocery store? And it was only 5 bucks! But I am so glad I opened it up after all this time. Such helpful tips. At first, I thought that the start of it was a little hard to get into or use practically. But the concepts were so amazing and then as the book continues, everything is so practical with such helpful examples.
July
Witch- Unleashed, Untamed, Unapologetic - by Lisa Lister- How the word witch had negative connotations in the past, and how these women were tortured and and burned. But that witches and witchcraft is powerful. How the witch is waking up again. A woman's power to be a healer. To tap into moon energy and their own menstrual cycle. To connect with Mother Nature. How witches are emerging again- and is a reminder to connect and reclaim the word witch and its power.
November/December?
Educated A Memoir- Tara Westover- Amazing! But painful to read. I can't believe she survived everything she endured, especially the awful treatment from her father and her brother. The second half was really inspiring, particularly how she got into Cambridge and Harvard. Made me want to return to Cambridge to study something else- a masters/PhD in Education, or Energy Medicine, or Art Therapy or Literature, to realize my previous dream of becoming Professor Tasleem. ;-) The book reminded me that anything is possible. And it brought me back to the me who lived that mentality, especially when I was younger, and first got into Cambridge. And even with dance and healing through MS naturally. I can still do whatever I dream and believe!
Oh, and I especially loved the scenes when Tara was taken over by music and her singing even overpowered her father's wrath and craziness. He was mesmerized by it as well. And the scene when she just lets it out, like it had always been there. I got goosebumps and so excited about music. Proof of it, especially since it is a true story. Or at least her truth. I love that.
Aria- Nazanine Hozar- I just picked up the book because of the title but it definitely captivated me, especially because the main character- this little girl Aria who was left in an alley just after she was born. It was another tough story to read- to hear all the brutality and ugliness that kind of surrounded her and other around her. But it stillt ouched my heart and I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. Heavy, but well written. Took me to another place. Often dark, but still worth the read. I don't think I could read it again, though.
The Sara Books- Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3- The most amazing books ever!!! Anyone can read them kids to elderly adults! In fact I think they will make you young again. And live a fun, adventurous life no matter what age you are. I rhink it will make you live longer. It definitely already makes me live longer, funner, and more alive!!! Whooh! I can't wait to give copies of this to Mila and Aria at some point. I even bought an whole other set of all three books for this reason!
I feel like all I ever need is these books. And the future books I write myself. :-)
The Sara books are fiction, and so easy to read, but life changing. And they are little chapter books. So it doesn't take long to read and they are so enjoyable. I loved Solomon. And he helped me see that maybe there really isn't any death. That we can carry on a relationship wtih loved ones who have passed on, even animals who have passed on. They never leave. We just need to open our valve to the possibilities and signs and their teachings. And these books accompanied me on my Momth of Fun project. I realize now how very important fun is in our lives, in my life. I deserve it. And it's not selfish. it allows me to help others more and be a model of living a great life. These books have now bcome my new bible! Yay! All is well. The universe is magical. And so are we. So am I. I don't have to live in the energy of grief forever. I can continue on with my mom and we can continue to learn from each other.
Secret- A Novel- By L. Marie Adeline (very different from The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. VERY different!)
- so this is the second time I read this book, and I remember the first time, feeling really embarrarssed and almost ashamed for reading it. It is kind of this journey into eroticism for the main character in it, and I think I fixated more on that the first time I read it years ago. But this time, I felt the strength of it. I felt more the lessons in it. i understood them, and I appreciated them, and that it was less about the eroticism and more about her just getting to know herself more fully. And that there was nothing wrong with the erotic part. It was just that she wanted more. I loved that. And I loved that I didn't feel shame or guilt in reading it this time, because I am also more in touch with my body and what is right or not comfortable for me. The freedom in that was really refreshing, in the book, but also to find it within myself. And also to know my own boundaries now after all tehse years, so the book took on a whole other life for me this time around. I felt more developed to understand it. I felt more connected to these lessons through my own experiences, not necessarily even sexual ones, but just life lessons. It was a good feeling. I don't think I would need to read it again. But if I were to pass it on to someone else, I am wondering who would benefit fron it or appreciate it or like it. Hmmm... I would have to be pretty selective about it. Almost like the characters who ran the Secret society did with who they chose as their new members. I like that. :-)
2020
January
Hero - Rhonda Byrne
February
The Way of the Superior Man
March
The Surrender Experiment
Authentic Power- Audio Download- Gay Zukave and Michael Toms
May
The Oversoul Seven Trilogy - Jane Roberts
Dreaming the Soul Back Home- Shamanic Dreaming For Healing and Becoming Whole- Robert Moss
June
Between Heaven and Earth- Eric Walters- one of 7 grandsomes goes to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro to honour his granfather's wishes. (I should read some of his other books)
July
Where She Went- Gayle Forman- sweet young love story about romantic love and love of music bringing the couple together. They split up but then get reunited again later.
The Desirable Sister- Taslim Burkowicz- amazing writing!
August
Between Heaven and Earth- A Guide to Chinese Medicine- Harriet Benfield and Efrem Corngold- amazing! I love the chapter on the Water Element/Phase
Clear Home, Clear Heart- Jane Haner- amazing for all kinds of clearing- emotional, personal, space, places. And now I want to use dowsing rods and pendulums. Teaches you all about it. All abut regaining balance in every area of life and your space and surroundings.
How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body- David R Hamilton PhD- amazing for power of placebo and visualizations. It has gotten me creating the most fun visualizations. I can already feel them working.
December
The Art Of Writing- Edited by Sandra Bark- amazing book dedicated to reminding us how writing is so powerful and why we should do. Covers things like writer's block, when and whether to share your work, and editing. It was part of a writing workshop package that I bought at a used bookstore years and years ago. Or did someone give it to me? Either way, I am so glad that I kept it. Really handy and inspiring for me and my writing now.
January - 2019
The Inside Out Revolution- Michale Newton
From Chaos to Calm
Are Your Ready for Lasting Love- by Patty S. Welles, PhD.
Aleph- by Paulo Coelho
The Winner Stands Alone- by Paulo Coelho
June
You Can Heal Your Heart- Louise Hay
Through My Eyes- by Gordon Smith- A Medium Reveals The Reassuring Truth About the Afterlife- amazing for grief and healing and hope
Mediumship Made Easy- An Introductory Guide to Developing Spiritual Awareness and Intuition- by Gordon Smith- amazing! Brought me more peace than anything else has in a long time.
Vision For Life- Ten Steps to Natural Eyesight Improvement- by Meir Schneider - incredibly inspiring , life changing, and eye opening- pun intended!
July
The Rosie Result- by Graeme Simsion- I loved this book!
You Are The Placebo- by Dr. Joe Dispenza- The best book on healing I have ever read! This has made such a big difference in my life and very quickly and deeply.
September
Real Sex- by Mike Lousada and Louise Mazanti- awesome book about deep, meaningful connection, touch, sex and relationships. One of my favorites. So beautifully put together.
- Audiobook
Archetypes- by Carlyn Myss- Amazing!- Audiobook
Moonology- by Yasmin Boland- audiobook- fascinating facts and philosophies about the moon and how to use it to get the most out of life.
September
Real Sex- by Mike Lousada and Louise Mazanti- awesome book about deep, meaningful connection, touch, sex and relationships. One of my favorites. So beautifully put together.
- Audiobook
Archetypes- by Carlyn Myss- Amazing!- Audiobook
Moonology- by Yasmin Boland- audiobook- fascinating facts and philosophies about the moon and how to use it to get the most out of life.
- 2017
February/March - The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts- Edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (With a new introduction by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Gregg Hecimovich. A supposedly real manuscript written by a black slave woman - an account of how she escaped slavery. Around the 1850's. Amazing, amazing writing. Taken many parts of other classic novels and writers and embedded their ideas and sometimes exact lines into her own work to create her own story. The manuscript was found and extensive research had to be done to find out the real author. This is also described in the intro and at the end of the novel. And obviously, the author was clever enough to hide her true name, but also provide enough clues for someone who really was interested to figure out who she was, or more importantly, who her slave holders were. Beautiful, sad, touching story.
April 2017- Comfort Herself- by Geraldine Kaye - one of the best books I've ever read. Written as a book for youth or children. But actually, I feel like it is necessary for anyone of any age. Covers the topic of multiculturalism, finding yourself, being torn between cultures, finding home, loss of parents or loved ones, death, grief, family, discovering your uniqueness, writing, journaling, mother-daughter relationships, father-daughter relationships. If I had a daughter, I would pass this on to her. I will definitely pass it on to my nieces. I read it many years ago first- in the late 1990's, maybe? I think I got it in England. And even then, it had such a huge impact on me. But now, it just is even greater. Such beautiful reminders about being true to yourself.
May- I Heard God Laughing - Poems of Hope and Joy- Renderings of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky.
Beautiful poems by Hafiz as well as a very interesting last few pages discussing a little about Sufism and how the Sufis came to be.
Two poems that really stood out to me in this book- "I Will Hire You As A Minstrel" and "A Wild, Holy Band''.
June- Inkheart- by Cornelia Funke- Amazing! A great testament to the power of books and words. Characters come alive out of the story book- literally- in the tale. And there are so many great passages about the magic of reading and details about how to care for book bindings and leaving books under pillows to have the story whisper to you while you sleep. Oh my God! I love that!
I found the story quite scary and sad in the beginning and even throughout with some of the descriptions of the villains treatments of the prisoners, etc. Seemed really too much for kids, I thought? Or am I just a sap? The parents going missing and uggh. That was hard to take in. And I found the ending kind of abrupt. Like the author just suddenly wanted to wrap things up and resolve everything very quickly in the last little chapters. Other than that though, I thought it was a great read. Kind of thick for a kid's book, which might appear offputting. But I think once you're in it, it reads easily and the chapters are so short so that makes it more motivating to keep going.
From Chaos to Calm - by Gini Grey- How to Shift Unhealthy Stress Patterns and Create Your Ideal Balance in Life- A fast read- thin book. Very clearly broken down. Some great descriptions of what balance is. Some good practical exercises on how to find out which areas of your life are out of balance. And some healthy, practical suggestions on how to bring this balance in. I liked the parts about your belief systems and rethinking what we believe to match our values and authentic selves.
I found the end kind of rushed and too general- just summing things up but in a wishy washy kind of way, without saying a lot really? But it was still a helpful read. I will go back and go through some of the exercises and jot down the steps so that I can also go through it at another time as well.
Everything, Everything- by Nicola Yoon- Wow! What an amazing book, not just for teens but for adults as well. Took me back to first loves, first dreams, first adventures. And I so needed all of that. Back to all the things I really believe. Real love. Not the flaky kind.
THANK YOU ARIA, for first telling me about this movie. Sorry we never got to see it, but seeing your face light up at the thought of such a touching story just made me want to find out more about it. And suddenly, this booked appeared before me. I didn't even know there was a book. I originally bought two copies, one for you and one for me. There is a part in it that I am unsure whether it's appropriate for your age. But it is actually so beautiful. I still want to give it to you. Maybe I need to be patient and wait a couple of years. Uggh. Anyway, thank you for your beautiful heart, for connecting to such a beautiful story. I can't wait to share this with you- movie or book. I hope you are surrounded by real, magical love like that, always.
July- The War of Art- by Steven Pressfield- This should be every artist's or entrepreneur's or creative soul's (which kind of refers to everyone then, in my opinion) bible! So witty, funny, inspiring, gets right to the point. No dilly dallying. I have already found myself being caught up by resistance since reading it. But because the author taught me to recognize it, I am slowly getting better and pushing it away and staying focused. I love this book! Read it, or listen to it on audio book. Even the audio version is engaging and enlightening in its presentation. Amazing!!!
How to Know God- by Deepak Chopra- some beautiful concepts but way too unnecessarily complex ways of expressing them. It got me lost and frustrated and made the "God knowing" seem way less fun than he could have made it sound. I have read this book years ago. I don't know how I did it then, but this time around, I just wanted to get to the end to finish it and move onto something lighter and clearer and more in a language that all can understand or relate to.
The Rosie Effect - by Graeme Simsion- Omg! I still love this book! I sat down to read it again, after a few years, so that I could finally pass on my copy to someone else. But I can't do it just yet. It is so friggin hilarious and I love Don, the main character. I could totally marry someone like that. Rosie was off her rocker when she almost decided to leave him because of his 'oddness'. That's what made him so unique and such a great catch in the first place! So organized, took care of everything, and he is hilarious!!! So much fun. I also love that it takes place in Manhattan and that they are bartenders. This is definitely my go to book for when I need something light, but witty. I wonder how it would feel now for me to read the first one again- The Rosie Project- after all this time. I do find that for some reason, I enjoyed the second one more. Maybe because it had to do with marriage and how to keep the relationship rather than how to just get the relationship in the first place.
April 2017- Comfort Herself- by Geraldine Kaye - one of the best books I've ever read. Written as a book for youth or children. But actually, I feel like it is necessary for anyone of any age. Covers the topic of multiculturalism, finding yourself, being torn between cultures, finding home, loss of parents or loved ones, death, grief, family, discovering your uniqueness, writing, journaling, mother-daughter relationships, father-daughter relationships. If I had a daughter, I would pass this on to her. I will definitely pass it on to my nieces. I read it many years ago first- in the late 1990's, maybe? I think I got it in England. And even then, it had such a huge impact on me. But now, it just is even greater. Such beautiful reminders about being true to yourself.
May- I Heard God Laughing - Poems of Hope and Joy- Renderings of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky.
Beautiful poems by Hafiz as well as a very interesting last few pages discussing a little about Sufism and how the Sufis came to be.
Two poems that really stood out to me in this book- "I Will Hire You As A Minstrel" and "A Wild, Holy Band''.
June- Inkheart- by Cornelia Funke- Amazing! A great testament to the power of books and words. Characters come alive out of the story book- literally- in the tale. And there are so many great passages about the magic of reading and details about how to care for book bindings and leaving books under pillows to have the story whisper to you while you sleep. Oh my God! I love that!
I found the story quite scary and sad in the beginning and even throughout with some of the descriptions of the villains treatments of the prisoners, etc. Seemed really too much for kids, I thought? Or am I just a sap? The parents going missing and uggh. That was hard to take in. And I found the ending kind of abrupt. Like the author just suddenly wanted to wrap things up and resolve everything very quickly in the last little chapters. Other than that though, I thought it was a great read. Kind of thick for a kid's book, which might appear offputting. But I think once you're in it, it reads easily and the chapters are so short so that makes it more motivating to keep going.
From Chaos to Calm - by Gini Grey- How to Shift Unhealthy Stress Patterns and Create Your Ideal Balance in Life- A fast read- thin book. Very clearly broken down. Some great descriptions of what balance is. Some good practical exercises on how to find out which areas of your life are out of balance. And some healthy, practical suggestions on how to bring this balance in. I liked the parts about your belief systems and rethinking what we believe to match our values and authentic selves.
I found the end kind of rushed and too general- just summing things up but in a wishy washy kind of way, without saying a lot really? But it was still a helpful read. I will go back and go through some of the exercises and jot down the steps so that I can also go through it at another time as well.
Everything, Everything- by Nicola Yoon- Wow! What an amazing book, not just for teens but for adults as well. Took me back to first loves, first dreams, first adventures. And I so needed all of that. Back to all the things I really believe. Real love. Not the flaky kind.
THANK YOU ARIA, for first telling me about this movie. Sorry we never got to see it, but seeing your face light up at the thought of such a touching story just made me want to find out more about it. And suddenly, this booked appeared before me. I didn't even know there was a book. I originally bought two copies, one for you and one for me. There is a part in it that I am unsure whether it's appropriate for your age. But it is actually so beautiful. I still want to give it to you. Maybe I need to be patient and wait a couple of years. Uggh. Anyway, thank you for your beautiful heart, for connecting to such a beautiful story. I can't wait to share this with you- movie or book. I hope you are surrounded by real, magical love like that, always.
July- The War of Art- by Steven Pressfield- This should be every artist's or entrepreneur's or creative soul's (which kind of refers to everyone then, in my opinion) bible! So witty, funny, inspiring, gets right to the point. No dilly dallying. I have already found myself being caught up by resistance since reading it. But because the author taught me to recognize it, I am slowly getting better and pushing it away and staying focused. I love this book! Read it, or listen to it on audio book. Even the audio version is engaging and enlightening in its presentation. Amazing!!!
How to Know God- by Deepak Chopra- some beautiful concepts but way too unnecessarily complex ways of expressing them. It got me lost and frustrated and made the "God knowing" seem way less fun than he could have made it sound. I have read this book years ago. I don't know how I did it then, but this time around, I just wanted to get to the end to finish it and move onto something lighter and clearer and more in a language that all can understand or relate to.
The Rosie Effect - by Graeme Simsion- Omg! I still love this book! I sat down to read it again, after a few years, so that I could finally pass on my copy to someone else. But I can't do it just yet. It is so friggin hilarious and I love Don, the main character. I could totally marry someone like that. Rosie was off her rocker when she almost decided to leave him because of his 'oddness'. That's what made him so unique and such a great catch in the first place! So organized, took care of everything, and he is hilarious!!! So much fun. I also love that it takes place in Manhattan and that they are bartenders. This is definitely my go to book for when I need something light, but witty. I wonder how it would feel now for me to read the first one again- The Rosie Project- after all this time. I do find that for some reason, I enjoyed the second one more. Maybe because it had to do with marriage and how to keep the relationship rather than how to just get the relationship in the first place.
- 2016
January- Something More- by Sarah Ban Breathnach
This is probably the third time I've read this book over the course of at least ten years if not more. And even now, I got so much out of this. Everyone, especially every woman, should read this book.
It is so filled with inspiration that it will call you into action, to get done those things you have been putting off possibly for your whole life. This book is amazing!
February- Sounds Like Me- by Sara Bareilles
February/March- Runaway- by Alice Munro- book of short stories
March- Wild- by Cheryl Strayed
March - Adultery - by Paulo Coelho
March - If I Knew, Don't You Think I'd Tell You?- by Jann Arden - excerpts from her online Journal
April- Big Magic- Creative Living Beyond Fear- by Elizabeth Gilbert
April- Inside the Other Side- Soul Contracts, Life Lessons, and How Dead People Help Us, Between
Here and Heaven- by Concetta Bertoldi
May- Journey of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
- Destiny of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
June - The Untethered Soul- the journey beyond yourself - by Michael A. Singer
- Destiny of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
October?- Glow- -A novel- by Jessica Maria Tuccelli- Beautiful writing! Sad. Mother/Daughter.
Histories. Racism against native Indians.
November- The Spark- a mother's story of Nurturing Genius- by Kristine Barnett- Amazing book about a child with Autism and his parents who supported his unique spark. :-) But great book for any parents and teachers and a good reminder to all of us to support each person's individual personalities and passions.
It is so filled with inspiration that it will call you into action, to get done those things you have been putting off possibly for your whole life. This book is amazing!
February- Sounds Like Me- by Sara Bareilles
February/March- Runaway- by Alice Munro- book of short stories
March- Wild- by Cheryl Strayed
March - Adultery - by Paulo Coelho
March - If I Knew, Don't You Think I'd Tell You?- by Jann Arden - excerpts from her online Journal
April- Big Magic- Creative Living Beyond Fear- by Elizabeth Gilbert
April- Inside the Other Side- Soul Contracts, Life Lessons, and How Dead People Help Us, Between
Here and Heaven- by Concetta Bertoldi
May- Journey of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
- Destiny of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
June - The Untethered Soul- the journey beyond yourself - by Michael A. Singer
- Destiny of Souls- by Michael Newton, Ph.D.
October?- Glow- -A novel- by Jessica Maria Tuccelli- Beautiful writing! Sad. Mother/Daughter.
Histories. Racism against native Indians.
November- The Spark- a mother's story of Nurturing Genius- by Kristine Barnett- Amazing book about a child with Autism and his parents who supported his unique spark. :-) But great book for any parents and teachers and a good reminder to all of us to support each person's individual personalities and passions.
- 2015
June- The Talent Code
August- The Wand in the Word- Conversations With Writers of Fantasy
- A Swiftly Tilting Planet- a companion to A Wrinkle in Time- by Madeleine L'Engle
- 2013
Jan. - My Mother My Self- Great book about mother/daughter relationships, attachments, letting go, sexual relationships growing up and as an adult, understanding why we fall into certain relationship patterns. I thought this book really opened up my eyes to certain things about my relationships, and relationships between parents and kids, that I hadn't thought about before. Very insightful. Well written. I started underlining almost every few sentences because they are all so well expressed, and everything feels like it's worth highlighting :-)
- 2012
- Jan- Kiss and Tango- funny, true story, written in journal format, author's accounts of her time in Argentina- escapades with men, and tango. Written in casual, open style like Bridget Jone's Diary- funny, witty, authentic and creative. I didn't like the writing at the beginning of the book as much as I did when I got further into the story. But definitely keeps your attention.
- Feb. My Stroke Of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey- By Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD.- I particularly liked the second half of the book where she talks about how her stroke allowed her to pay more attention to the right brain and how having this awareness of the right brain, and its functions, can help us become more compassionate and peaceful as individuals and as a society. I also really enjoyed the video clip which summed up her experience with the having the stroke in the first place in a more passionate and interactive way than in the book, I think. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftalks%2Fjill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html&h=HAQH9pQfz
- Feb- Dancing With Fear: Controlling Stress and Creating a Life Beyond Panic and Anxiety- by Paul Foxman, Ph.D.- Very informative and interesting- especially on about sexuality and anxiety and spirituality and anxiety. I also liked the way there was a good mix of practical strategies and tools to help overcome anxiety as well as larger concepts to consider and insights that are worded in a unique manner. Covers eating disorders, facing fears, and importance of play and relaxation.
- March- Songwriting Without Boundaries- Lyric Writing Exercises- by Pat Pattison - such a great book not just for songwriting, but for writing in general, especially understanding how to create metaphors. The examples came from a range of people who contributed their pieces of description in a object-writing "contest" or project that Pat sent out through emails. One of my pieces is in there! I wish I had continued with the project so that I could have contributed more. I just wasn't sure if I was doing it the "right" way at the time, or if my ideas were good enough, so I stopped. But after reading the book, I realized I could have kept going and learned a lot from the process. Great book that makes me want to song write 'again'.
- April- The Forty Rules of Love- A Story of Rumi- by Elif Shafak- Probably one of the best, if not THE best, books I've read ever. Renee told me about it. I am so glad she did. It's about spirituality, balance, friendship, LOVE... lots and lots of different types of love. It's about family and responsibilities as well as heart and soul. It's about Sufism, and 'religion', and tolerance and acceptance of all faiths. It's about God, a good and great God. It's about divine love and guidance. It is told from many points of view. Each chapter is another person's point of view from the characters living during the 1200's in the time of Rumi, including Rumi himself, as well as a woman named Ella, who is writing from the year 2008 and reading a novel written about Rumi. I love it. It is still deep within me, and I have underlined so many great lines, and lessons, and quotes, and metaphors in it, that I know it will be one of those books I will treasure forever.
- May- Secret Daughter- by Shilpi Somaya Gowda- An amazing novel, amazing writing, amazing story and amazing use of words and images. Makes me want to go to India now, makes me want to work in an orphanage, makes me want to adopt, makes me appreciate my mother and our family a lot more. Makes me appreciate all the sacrifices and time family and parents have done. Makes me appreciate the people who are not blood related but have still become family. Makes me appreciate what real love and nurturing and caring and freedom mean. Very touching, sometimes heart breaking, sometimes seems too much for me to handle, even in the reading. But such a great story. Feels like it has changed me, or found a little more of me than before I opened the book.
- Ines of My Soul- Isabel Allende - 1500's - Spain. Ines follows her husband out to Peru and then to conquer/find Chile. The book is written as if a memoir... Ines, the character, dictating and writing to her "daughter" Isabel, telling her the story of her life with three different lovers/ husbands, and who Rodrigo was- Isabel's father, and Ines' last husband.
- Sept. - The Dance of Anger- A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships- by Harriet Goldhor Lerner, Ph.D. - AWESOME book exploring anger. It says that it's specifically about women's anger, but I think it can relate to men and women. The examples of scenarios include both sexes. And it's not just about romantic relationships or those between men and women. It's also about mothers and children, friends, co-workers. It covers everything, because you can substitute, in your mind, mother for father, or brother for daughter. And the concept behind it, the learning, still applies and is relevant. It's about using your anger to learn about yourself and strengthen yourself and your relationships- and it's not just anger as in lashing out, but also anger as in holding in and silencing yourself. The second half of the book is brilliant because it seemed to make sense of everything I go through with family and within myself, and gave practical useful tools and steps in working to change old, stuck patterns. I can already feel myself trying to use them and seeing where I still need to work and how challenging it can be. But I love the ideas behind it. Old book, but still useful now and in the future.
- Nov.- The Stuff We All Get- book for Youth- teens. Really great- easy read, but some deep topics- son and mother relationship, son is bored. Finds a CD with a voice of a beautiful girl on it. Goes searching for the girl. Son has synesthesia- sees various colours when particular sounds are heard.
- Dec.- Kabul Beauty School- by Deborah Rodriguez- American woman falls in love with Afghanistan. Sets up a beauty school there to help women become stronger, more independent, and find hope. Sad, happy, profound, inspiring. True story, it seems. Amazing book! I loved it. I can't believe I found it in the laundry room of my apartment. Thanks for whoever left it on that bookshelf to share :-)
- 2011
- Jan? or end of 2010?- Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosney- one of the best books I've ever read. Beautiful, seemless writing, deep images, poetic, emotional, characters well developed. Written in two different points of view- 3rd person for the story written in the past, and 1st person for the part of the story written in the "present" and then the two converge. Brillian! But very sad... heartwrenching at many points.
- March- Clay Aiken: Learning to Sing- Hearing the Music in Your Life- by Clay Aiken- memoir. A little too much about him and his mother in the beginning. And not as much about his singing as I imagined. But then later became very inspirational. I connected a lot with the parts written about his teaching experience. And I loved how the title of each chapter had something to do with singing but the chapter details were more to do with his life in general than just about singing- eg. Find Your Voice, Don't Be Afraid to Sing Out Loud, some Songs Are Sung in a Minor Key, even the Best Singer's Voice Cracks, Sing Your Own Song. Acknowledgement at the start of the book: "For my mother, who sang to me first." Quote before the start, before the contents: "The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is stand still."- Exodus 14:14
- March- The Secret - by Rhonda Byrne. I own the DVD documentary. And I watched it years ago and loved it. But this month was the first month that I actually sat down to read the copy of the book that I had. It was a good reminder of concepts that I may use or work on unconsciously, but that I need to maybe implement more intentionally in my life.
- April- Something More - Excavating Your Authentic Self- by Sarah Ban Breathnach.- Why do I even bother to try to underline the important and good stuff in this book, when it's ALL so great! I just reread it after a few years, and really, it should be my bible for life. A must read, and a must KEEP!
