This post is inspired by the book What is Stephen Harper Reading?, created by author Yann Martel to document his quest to influence Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s reading. It’s quite a fascinating read both for the 101 book recommendations (all accompanied by a letter to Stephen Harper as to why each book was chosen) and for the thought and debate provoked by the question itself.
Anyway, it’s been awhile since I’ve written a long blog and I assure you that some are in the works (hopefully to be completed during the traditionally less hectic summer months). In the mean time, I thought I would share 5 examples of what I’ve been reading lately and my thoughts on each. Even more book recommendations can be found under Resources, Reading List to your left. I continue to strive to add to that list but I am only one woman reading on the streetcar…
1. Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson, ND
Considered one of the foremost authorities on women’s health, Tori Hudson’s book is incredibly useful in naturopathic practice for treating every major women’s health issue, including PMS/period issues, cervical dysplasia, menopause, breast issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, pregnancy, and many more. I’ve been consulting this book regularly over the years but only just bought my own and I know I will use it for many years to come.
2. The Mindbody Prescription by John Sarno, MD
This book was recommended to me by my boyfriend (not a naturopathic doctor) as a suggestion to start looking at pain in a different way. It took me a long time to finish it, as Dr. Sarno gives you a lot to ponder (so I had to keep putting the book down and thinking!), but I’m glad I read it as it has already been an enormous help to several of my patients. If you have pain of any sort, I encourage you to read this book and to follow the treatment guidelines found at the end to start reframing your issue and healing your body by addressing your mind and its connection to your symptoms.
3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
I’ve only just started this one but I can already tell I’m going to love this book and my thinking is already altered by this information! So far, not much about health in here, but it has been eye-opening with regards to how people become successful. The part that has struck me the most is the importance of income level (and thus parenting style and how that influences one’s perceived locus of control) on a child’s future. This is why we should all care about the health, wellbeing, and education of others around us because it does affect us and the society we live in.
4. The Dip by Seth Godin
This short, simple little book is great for getting you thinking about when to forge ahead and when it is smartest to quit. Yes, it is sometimes best to quit and this book will help you figure out when that is and where you should be putting your valuable time and energy! This book is helpful for both small business owners (ie: me) and employees and can also be applied in non-work situations. A quick, fun read with lots of interesting examples.
5. Chi Running by Danny Dreyer
I’ve actually been reading this book since 2009! It’s pretty worn now and I don’t think I ever actually finished it. However, over these years I’ve read every word at least once, probably twice! This book is all about how to make running fun and injury free and I think it is a must-read for anyone who runs. As you may remember from my post Find the cause of pain, I have a long and storied experience with running and pain. This book has completely changed how I run with just a few simple techniques (that require lots of practice)!
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