Facing Codependence

P. Mellody

Where was I when this book first came out? Probably suffering the symptoms of codependence without a clue but a great deal of pain. Pia Mellody is famous in some circles for her views on Codependence and Love/Avoidant Addiction. What makes her books such prize winners is she writes from a participating, knowledgeable perspective without all the academic grandstanding. You read it – you get it! Do you have appropriate levels of self-esteem, have functional boundaries and react to your situations with moderate temper? If not, Pia will tell you why. I read this straight through and have referred  her to my groups.

What Should I Do with My Life

P. Bronson

I never write a review until I finish a book. So much could change! But I am making an exception for this wonderful book. Po Bronson has assembled cheering and heart breaking stories of people searching for their purpose in life. Sometimes that’s a career – a subject near and dear to my heart. Seeing ourselves in other people’s stories is a powerful message of hope and balance. Bronson has given us this soulful collection and includes his own thoughts and comments. As a therapist, I cringed at some of his words but found them to be the shiny, honest epitome of truth and responsibility. I’m giving this one as gifts to my clients and friends.

The Overspent American

J. Schor

I really enjoyed this book. Several years ago I downsized. I was fed up with large spaces, too many dinners out, and the nagging feeling that a new car every two years was the not really the norm. Spending, wanting, acquiring – the American way. But I know I felt and Ms. Schor was able to say so succinctly was – enough!! It is never satisfying and it’s highly addictive. This book is a great read when your stressed by bills, the Jones’s new car and the need for a walk in the woods with no other reward at the end.

Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life

J. Hollis

When you think the rest of the world  is peopled by adults but somehow you missed the boat – this book is for you. I look around and think ‘what more could I have done, or done differently’. Hollis explores the reasons we have for coming to grips with who we are versus who we should be. As a result, our life choices in this second half will be richer.

Deep Economy

McKibben, B.

This may be a hard set of ideas for Americans to follow. The need to build the empire and be the strongest and richest is part of our patrimony. McKibben makes a good case for the build and do smarter – not necessarily bigger. His reporting on various communities built around the concept of local grow and share will warm anyone over 30’s heart. The good old days may be the sensible new days.

Do What You Are

Tieger P. & Barron-Tieger, B.,

Little, Brown and CompanyAs a facilitator, I have referred this book over and over to groups to elicit basic information that was somehow hidden from the participants. Initially, the group was skeptical, thinking it was just another gimmick. After reading the book, the group was inspired with new ideas and career plans.http://www.personalitytype.com/quiz.html

The Brain That Changes Itself

Doidge, N.,

Penguin Books This book carefully and simply explains the enormous wonder of healing within the brain. I was struck by the number of researchers who contributed their work to this effort. For anyone who deals with patients, friends or family with autism or the effects of a stroke this is necessary and hopeful reading. Doidge fully supports the power of the human within.http:/bfc.positscience.com/about/neurogenesis.php

The Price of Privilege

Levine, M.,

Harper, Collins Working with young and older adults, this book gave me huge insight into the troubled world of success-oriented young adults and the results of their parents’ goals for them. I used this book to defend my thesis on the difficult world that college graduates face based on their training and home environment.http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/115.html

Learned Optimism

Seligman, M.,

Vintage Books Dr. Seligman writes of new habits I ask my clients to engage in – the power of thinking positively. It’s not just a mantra – ways to overcome fear and anxiety are presented in a way that benefits the professional and the student.

The Tipping Point

Gladwell, M.,

Little, Brown and Company Mr. Gladwell writes another book that makes it into the vernacular. After reading this book and discussing it with clients and friends alike, I find myself referring to many things in regard to the tipping point – the point at which things really start to happen. An important book for entrepreneurs – knowing when to continue or knowing when to stop. A beautiful scientific treatise in an elegant easy to read and understandable format. I keep it close and refer to it often.

Never Eat Alone

Ferrazzi, K.,

Currency, Doubleday Okay, at first this guy frightened me. Most of us cannot possibly use all the tools this creative, driven guy has given us – who cares? Use any two or three suggestions and events in your life will start to change for the better. I use this author’s writing as a reference book. Flip it open to most any page and there you will find great new ways – for me anyway – to uplift you career, your business and create some new success. Another book I recommend all the time to my clients.

How Doctors Think

Groopman, J.,

Houghton, Mifflin Company This book applies to our personal mental and physical health and need for vigilance and thoughtful questioning. The part I took away was the incredible efforts and incredible mistakes that doctors may make by not thinking outside the routine box. Currently, the medical industry attempts to heal by algorithm but fortunately a few doctors ask themselves the questions we should ask ourselves as well. Is there more than one cause? Am I biased? Has habit become a rut; a dangerous one? There are lessons for every professional in this book regarding the need to break away from repetition and examining the other possibilities.

More titles coming soon!