In this week’s podcast episode we are talking about the books we are currently reading or have read. Books we are enjoying and why. We also deep dive into one favourite so you can work out if it’s for you.

We both read quite a few books at the same time. Maybe that’s a love of reading. Maybe that’s our ADHD speaking. :)

Erica’s Fab 4 Books: are a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Books she reads to match her mood. Maybe you can relate. There is a common theme that runs through each of Erica’s books - Reclaiming Authenticity.

* Vianne - by Joanne Harris. A Chocolat Prequel.

* Rest Is Resistance - Reclaim Your Power Through the Art of Rest: by Tricia Hersey. Rest as the resistance to the systems our society is built on. That have us believing we are machines. Can be confronting. A powerful read. On Instagram Tricia is The Nap Ministry.

* Unmasking Autism - Dr Devon Price. Erica has been recently diagnosed with Autistic ADHD scoring very high as ‘highly masked’. So this book is an important read for her as she continues to discover her authenticity.

* The Angry Women’s Choir - Meg Bignell . 5 stars! Set in Tasmania, Australia, women gather as a choir. They are angry for a raft of differing reasons. Finding joy in the support, expression and exploration of each other - both the light and the darkness. Beautiful characters. We wonder if there’s an ‘in real life’ choir like this. If not, there should be!

Anita’s Fab 5 Books: all are non-fiction. The common theme - the journey dementia and terminal illness can take us on with a strong Carer’s perspective. And health.

* Hormonal Harmony - A woman’s guide to puberty, fertility, menopause and beyond. by Dr Karen Coates and Sharon Kolkka. A brilliantly written and researched book that will gift you the knowledge about how your wondrous female body works and how to look after it. Taking us from puberty, through our reproductive years, peri-menopause and our age of wisdom (aka postmenopause). A ready reference to keep coming back to. To share with the women and girls (heck and the blokes) in your life. That’s what I’m doing this Christmas! This book is a gift in so many ways. A must buy. Dr Karen joined us on the podcast about a year ago talking about Menopause. She was amazing! Watch that episode here.

* Next of Kin - by Casey Beros. Casey takes us on a beautifully written and thoughtful journey as she cares for her dad with terminal cancer. Packed with practical insights too. Casey and her Dad are Australian so that’s the context of the care system she navigates and talks about at times. Thanks Casey. Casey is here on Substack too!

* The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying - Sogyal Rinpoche. This book is in it’s 30th annual edition now. A classic. Not so much a light read but a very enriching read. I sip from it. I so appreciate the perspective and wisdom shared in this book, through the lens of Buddism and practices from Tibetan tradition. It’s not about converting you to Buddism. It’s about living, preparing for death and helping the dying.

* Twelve Golden Gifts - Part lament, part love letter, part practical no-nonsense guide by Spiri Tsintziras. Spiri is an Australian with Greek born parents who migrated to Australia. In this book she lovingly takes us by the hand and shares the journey she had with her Mum as she ages. A tribute to her Mum and their beautiful, loving relationship that endures the tests of dementia (her Mum had Alzeihmer’s), declining health, moving into a care home and ultimately her Mum’s death. Practical tips and resources are shared too - the 12 golden gifts. In the darkness, this book shines brightly. Brilliantly written. Thanks Spiri. Spiri is also here on Substack.

* The Unexpected Journey - finding strength, hope and yourself on the caregiving path by Emma Hemmings Willis. In her honest, open and compassionate ways, Emma shares the experience she’s had as Bruce’s carer. Bruce Willis is her husband and he has frontotempoal dementia. The Nile call this a Caregiver’s Compass. That’s spot on. That’s exactly what it is. Emma’s care and passion to want to help others navigate this difficult journey is so apparent. She does it whilst parenting their two young daughters too. Such a challenging and difficult journey. If you or someone you know is on the caring for someone with dementia path, this is a must read book.

We hope there is one or a few books that have raised your curiosity. That might make your book shelf soon. Enjoy!

Have you got an idea for an episode? We’d love to hear them. Email us at [email protected]

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