Book Recommendations

I was grateful to read this uplifting and inspiring memoir of Eddie Jaku before his passing in late 2021. The book was published in 2020 as Eddie turned 100, and I found it to be a powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful memoir about how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. Edward… Read More

As I sit down on the eve of the Geelong Book Launch of our book, My Manifesto, my heart is full of warmth, gratitude, and love. (There are also plenty of nerves and excitement mixed in there as well!). In focussing on the big emotion of love, it reminded me of a powerful book in… Read More

It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to recommend Hugh Mackay’s latest book, The Way We Are, which I alluded to when I wrote an earlier blog about his book, The Inner Self. The subtitle of this book is Lessons from a lifetime of listening, and I for one are heartily grateful… Read More

In the lead up before attending a Readings in Conversation Event at which Hugh Mackay introduced his new book, The Way We Are, (I now have my signed copy for Justin and me and I can’t wait to read it!) I returned to an earlier book of his, The Inner Self, 2020. There is a… Read More

It might seem peculiar to recommend a book on the science and art of breathing – surely this is something we simply sub-consciously do. Personally, I feel I’ve got a pretty good grasp of breathing and haven’t skipped too many breaths over the past 55 years! However, there were three combined elements which encouraged me… Read More

“Having access to the right words can open up entire universes.” The books of Brené Brown, the renowned research professor at the University of Houston, exemplify the full import of these words. Personally, reading her titles such as The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong, three titles among many, profoundly opened up for… Read More

Jan Daniels’ book, with the sub-title, One Woman’s Struggle to Save Herself, is compelling reading. She is a Geelong local and a writer who has written her book not only to chronicle her life and struggle but with an eye to the reader – especially other women – who may sorely (pun intended) need to… Read More

This book written by Glenda Mitchell has a subtitle which reveals its essential tenet: Living Life With Intention and Passion. Certainly, I don’t think it is possible to read this book without being stirred to reflect, to look at one’s life intently and to decide, am I living it, or just thinking about it? Her… Read More

I hope this book title grabbed your attention, as it grabbed mine.  This is a different type of book recommendation this month, and it is actually a recommendation of an entire series of six children’s books in the ‘Sleep with Kip’ range. This series of books has become my most gifted present for young parents… Read More