Book Reviews
Well, my task for this issue of our newsletter was an adult book in support of us during these times of uncertainty and anxiety. Of course, I went to Google to see what there was. Most of what I found were books for parents to support teens with anxiety and adult coloring books! These were good suggestions but not what I was looking for. I asked a retired teacher friend of mine and found some peace and hope just to remember having read these two books, so here goes. I hope remembering or reading for the first time one or both books brings you some relief from the uncertainty and stress you may be experiencing!
The Book of Hope - A Survival Guide for Trying Times
by Jane Goodall, Douglas Abrams, with Gail Hudson
This is Doug Abrams' latest book. In his documentation of his interviews with Jane Goodall, he shares with the reader how it is given the personal adversity and fears about our environment and the future, Jane Goodall still has hope for the future. I was inspired to share things that touched me from the book with friends and students. Jane shared that she sees the difference between intelligent animals, of which there are many, and humans is intellect. We may not be any more intelligent, and maybe less than other animals. Her example is that chimps or octopuses would not destroy their homes as we are doing but they do not have the intellect to develop language, and creativity. So, when asked the question, do you have hope for the future she says, truthfully YES! “Remember that we all have been gifted not only with a clever brain and well-developed capacity for love and compassion, but also with an indomitable spirit. We can try to nurture it, give it a chance to spread its wings and fly out into the world giving other people hope and courage” As educators and parents we need to hold onto Jane’s words and manifest them in the world with the children and families we serve!
The Book of Joy - Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams
This was Doug Abrams first book. It is an amazing documentation of the conversations between Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. When I read this book several years ago and had the privilege to meet Doug Abrams, I felt transformed! These human beings remain joyous and positive having lived through exile, prison and the watching of the pain and hardship of the people they shepherd. While they asked each other deep questions relating to leadership, peace, freedom, and adversity, they shared how they were able to still work for peace and the wholeness of their people and the world. I so enjoyed reading their conversations and experiencing their amazing sense of humor and ability to experience joy in every moment and interaction they each had with each other and the world. I hope that this book gives you the joy to get up and go to work to spread joy and positive energy to the children and families you serve!
