It’s that time again! With the summer heat comes the hope of summer reading.
Or if you’re like me, you may find that listening to audiobooks is a helpful way to “read” while you’re folding laundry, putting away dishes, and taking the dog on a walk.
Did you know that most public libraries offer free ways to download audiobooks?
Happy reading/listening!
The Caregiver’s Secrets
By Willetha King Barnette and Harold Barnette
This is an inspiring and practical book that shares the stories and wisdom of a devoted daughter who cared for her aging mother for over 20 years. Through her personal experiences, Barnette passes along helpful information, research, tips, and advice. She brings her passions for caregiving and education together to help overwhelmed caregivers who are longing for a guide that can help them navigate this often difficult journey.
Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)
By Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler was working at her dream job as a professor at Duke Divinity School, happily married, and celebrating the birth of her son when she learned that she had stage IV colon cancer. In this powerful, funny, heart wrenching book, Bowler reflects on the experience of facing a life-threatening illness and what it means for her faith, her relationships, and her outlook on life. This is a thought-provoking read for people who are facing health concerns, their caregivers, and the people who love them.
Rising Strong
By Brene Brown
Social scientist Brene Brown has inspired countless people through her research related to vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. In Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, she observes the power of facing our emotions, owning our stories, and getting back up after difficult times. This book is a powerful read for anyone, especially people in the midst of challenges and struggles.
The Five Minute Journal
By Intelligent Change
This isn’t exactly summer reading, but it is a wonderful book to have on your nightstand! The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day provides you with a simple yet profound way to start and end your day well. Utilizing the benefits of positive psychology, the structured format invites you to list what you’re grateful for, the things that would make today great, and daily affirmations. Then at the end of the day, you can record the amazing things that happened that day and how you could have made the day better.
Keeping Love Alive as Memories Fade: The 5 Love Languages and the Alzheimer’s Journey
By Debbie Barr, Edward G. Shaw, and Gary Chapman
The 5 Love Languages have resonated with millions of readers through the years, but how do you apply these concepts when your loved one has dementia? This book explores the realities of Alzheimer’s disease, the challenges of caregiving, and the ways that the 5 Love Languages can be applied during difficult times of memory loss.
The Caregiver Helpbook
The SECU Family House partners with other local agencies each year to offer the family caregiver education program, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” which is taught around the nation. This book, designed to complement the program, provides caregivers with tools to increase self care and give them confidence in handling difficult situations, emotions, and decisions. I definitely recommend taking the “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” course! Find out more at www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org.