Somehow another year has rolled by and here we are again, frantically packing bags, watering gardens and stuffing books into boxes to take to the beach. Here is my yearly round up of books that have inspired me, cheered me up, distracted me from a year of shitty politics, but also awakened my imaginal realm to create a better future. I have finally entered the 50’s+ club of wearing reading glasses and it is fabulous. Now I can read teensy print without falling asleep ! Reading is therapy and as you can see below, it is a whole category!
Books for merging hearts, minds and hands – These are the books I reach for when I want to get out of my head and play.
The Untamed Thread – Fleur Woods. I love this book, it reminds me of happy hippy days stitching on the road, at campsites, festivals and on the tube. Stitching for the pure pleasure of colour, textures and mucking about. Also a great inspiration to ruffle about in your yarn and fabric stash and PLAY…
One pot, pan, planet – Anna Jones. Simple and tasty recipes that bypass weird ingredients, too much faff and a huge load of washing up. Yes, just one pot, just one pan or just a baking tray! Give this to your beloved for Christmas and settle back to be fed and know there will be diddly squat dishes. This book is the very opposite of Ottolenghi recipes!
Reading Therapy – I am not a fan of cheesy self help books and I really intensely hate affirmations, so you can read this section without peril. All these books have helped me and others to recognise patterns and change gear.
The joy of saying no – Natalie Lue. Perimenopause generally activates the No gland but why wait for that. Which category of people pleaser are you and how can you stop doing this without being riddled with guilt and fear. Just say No.
Waking the Tiger – Peter Levine. If you want to understand trauma in the human animal, then this is THE book. If you want a more practical application of his work, then dive into The Call of the Wild by Kimberly Ann Johnson. We can compare canine snarls together!
Atlas of the heart – Brene Brown. Most humans in a survey could only identify three emotions that they experienced – angry, sad and happy. This book explores a further 84 options and defines what it means to be human. If we cannot label our emotions, then we are limiting our experiences and the capacity to build connection with ourselves and others. Expand your map and be fully human.
Blast my mind wide open – we all need to launched into a new paradigm, or dip our toes in at the very least. These books are here to say open your eyes, your mind and your heart – wake up!
Nidra Shakti – the power of rest by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli. My teacher spent 8 years writing this 800 page encyclopaedia which I heartily recommend to any nidra practitioners and facilitators. If you want to fathom the history of yoga nidra and delve into the research of how and what it can be used for, then look no further. Plus it is so huge that it can double as a yoga block. You can order it here
Dreams of Awakening – Charlie Morley. This new edition of how-to lucid dream is powerful and easy to read. It is now recognised as a new tool for healing trauma and PTSD but can also rocket you into new realms of creativity. Breakfast conversation is whole new experience after reading this book.
The unsettled – Richard Shaw. As a seventh generation Pakeha I know what it feels like to hold some uncomfortable truths about my ancestors. I also know what it feels like to be completely aware of all the inconvenient stories that are buried away out of sight. This book is about this journey of uncovering and fathoming what to do with what is uncovered. It is unsettling but I believe a personal hikoi – to step out into a long march of understanding.
If Women Rose Rooted – or indeed anything by Sharon Blackie. This writer taps into my Celtic DNA and fills my cup with magical stories, wild women and the remembrance of connection to land. However, her calls to reclaim guardianship of land are universal to all cultures and all lands. Rise up and stand together for a better future for all beings.
Nerding out – some favourite science reads to prattle about to anyone who will listen
How to speak whale – Tom Mustil. Animal communication fascinates me, having spent much of my childhood at whale strandings, cavorting with dolphins, bird nerding in estuaries and having a bird hospital in our laundry. We are now at the cusp of animal translation, but are we ready for what they might say?
The Metabolism Reset – Lara Briden. Hormonal changes throughout the life span of women can create quite a rollercoaster for the ability to metabolize food. Have you discovered you are lacking in zing , vim and zest for life? If so, then this book explains how to get your energy back, reverse insulin resistance and be a happy camper.
Refreshingly fluffy – books for when you just need to read something to distract or for pure fun.
Nightbitch – Rachel Yoder. Ok there is nothing actually fluffy about this book but it will knock your socks off. I read it in one weekend and I still shake with laughter recalling just one line. Do yourself a favour and gobble it up in one chomp.
Death at the sign of the rook – Kate Atkinson. Jackson Brodie is back with another murder mystery. Perfect for Christmas or anyone who has had to endure a ghastly murder mystery evening.
Moonlight Market – Joanne Harris. I am not normally a fantasy reader but this was enchanting during covid recovery. Maybe the fevers helped?
Romantic Comedy – Curtis Sittenfeld. Behind the scenes peek into what it takes to write comedy skits for late night telly. This was a real page turner during a camping trip sucking up loads of lantern batteries.
Enjoy your summer break and please let me know what YOU have loved reading. I’m all ears for any hot tips.
Yoga Snug - Odette Rowe 