In 2018, join us for lively discussions on thought-provoking books. We love to read and have each picked out great books that we hope you will enjoy too. Book Club discussions will be held from 12:00 - 1:00pm in the designated month. Check the Work/Life Calendar throughout the year for specific dates and registration for individual discussions. Join one discussion, or join all! Happy Reading!
February
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life
Page Cvelich: I picked this book for two reasons. I am looking toward the next phase of my life—retirement—and I want to invest time in building and designing a life worth living. I appreciate that the book is chock-full of action steps. My second motivation came as a result of reading Julie Lythcott-Haim’s book, How to Raise an Adult. In Part 4 of the book--“Daring to Parent Differently”--her admonition to parents is to reclaim themselves. I especially like the quote by Carl Jung that introduces that section: “Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.” As a parent of two adult children, I know I need to have a life apart from them. Reading this book is a gift to both me and my adult sons.
April
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
Dana Aderhold: I chose this book because I am an introvert! Since learning this about myself I have created strategies that help me regain my energy when it is depleted by things like public speaking, long interactive meetings, parties/evenings out in crowded places. Also, I am married to an extrovert and have a child who is an introvert like me – this book has chapters on parenting, relationships, the workplace and much more. Join me to discuss and share ideas!
June
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging & the Courage to Stand Alone
Kim Andreaus: I chose this book because I have been powerfully moved by Dr. Brown’s
earlier works on courage, shame and vulnerability. I am in total agreement with her theory that we are in a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and look forward to learning from her ideas about mapping a journey to true belonging.
August
Shadows in the Sun: Healing From Depression and Finding the Light Within
Katie Seavey: I think the more we are exposed to people’s stories of experience with chronic mental health conditions, the better we can understand what is not always awarded the same focus or empathy as other chronic illnesses. This author bravely and vulnerably describes the contrast of the cultural, familial and societal dynamics of the U.S. and India that both negatively and positively impacted her diagnosis and treatment.
October
Mating in Captivity
Lisa Allred: I picked the book after I watched Esther's TED talks. I work a lot with employees
who are dealing with relationships failing and wanted to learn more about how to make them succeed. Esther Perel is a marriage therapist who gives her insights into how to sustain passion and love in an intimate relationship over time. She discusses the importance of maintaining individuality in the context of a relationship. She urges couples to prioritize and plan time for intimate interactions. This is a fascinating book that will give you a lot to think about and some great suggestions to incorporate into your relationship.
November
Dancing with Elephants
Katie and Kim: We chose this book as it offers a simple yet productive way in which to frame your experience with chronic illness and to cope when life seems out of your control.
