One of my hopes for 2020 is to read more books. I’ve started picking up a book before bed and reading until my eyes get tired. Doing this is very relaxing and a wonderful way to wind down for the night! I thought I would share with you what I’m currently reading and what is in the queue for this winter. If you have any book suggestions I would love it if you shared them with me in the comments below! I’m open to any and all genres 🙂

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Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye

I know, I’m obsessed lately. I have loved Jeff’s music for years (I honestly think I may have damaged my hearing when I first got into him by blasting this song full blast on headphones!) but recently found out we have a ton of astrological things in common that have piqued my interest in learning about his life beyond his art.

I’ve had this book for a few months now and finally started diving into it. This particular biography of him was written by his manager Dave Lory and so far has been a wealth of interesting information – it’s a page-turner! I also recently finished reading Jeff Buckley: His Own Voice which is a collection of his journals. Both of these books are super interesting for any fans of Jeff out there!

Book description:

The definitive book on iconic cult hero Jeff Buckley, the singer who made just one record but inspired a generation of rock musicians. Written by his manager Dave Lory, Jeff Buckley includes interviews with others who worked closely with him who have never spoken before. 

 

Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting would actually be a re-read for me – and that says a lot about it! I rarely re-read a book, especially fiction, unless I really enjoyed it. This book came into my life by the rare recommendation of my husband; Kevin is not really into reading. He would even tell you that he hates doing so. But one day while at his parent’s house he went up to his old bedroom and gave me a small stack of books that he had read and liked. This was one of those books and I loved it! It’s quite a short read but the story is so beautiful and well writ. You get thrown right into its magical landscape. Highly recommend!

Book Description:

What if you could live forever?

Is eternal life a blessing or a curse? That is what young Winnie Foster must decide when she discovers a spring on her family’s property whose waters grant immortality. Members of the Tuck family, having drunk from the spring, tell Winnie of their experiences watching life go by and never growing older.

But then Winnie must decide whether or not to keep the Tucks’ secret―and whether or not to join them on their never-ending journey.

 

Miracles Happen

My husband got me this book for Christmas after noticing I had watched a ton of videos on Dr. Brian Weiss’s past life studies (and maybe forced him to watch a few with me). I had never honestly considered the possibility of past lives being a real thing until I started exploring the work he has done. I know on the surface it seems like a wild concept – but isn’t any belief about what happens after death kind of wild? Some theories are simply more believed then others. Dr.Weiss’s work is based around working with his patients to tap into past life memories through hypnosis in order to heal things they struggle with in their present life such as unexplained phobias. I’m excited to dive into this one!

Book Description:

In his revolutionary book Miracles Happen, Brian Weiss M.D., the New York Times bestselling author of Many Lives, Many Masters, examines the physical, emotional, and spiritual healing that is possible when you freely accept and embrace the reality of reincarnation. Trained as a traditional psychotherapist, Dr. Weiss began to explore how reincarnation and past life regression can lead us to our higher selves after a startling encounter with a patient. Now a leading proponent of past-life therapy, Dr. Weiss shows us that, indeed, Miracles Happen, with seemingly incredible but true stories that demonstrate how, by getting in touch with and understanding our past lives, we can dramatically improve the present.

 

Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness With Children

Ok, so, first of all, I got this book that retails for ~$22 for all of $1 at a library book sale a few months ago! I can’t stress enough if you haven’t been to a library book sale to seek one out! Anyhow – this is pretty self-explanatory. When it comes to parenting, all I really want out of my child/ren is to learn to become a decent human. Decent to themselves, others and our planet. This book is a wealth of information and activities to encourage mindfulness in children. Though most of the information here is geared for children a little older than Julia, I thought it would be great to start reading and see what we can plan to do in the future. I also think I could probably learn a thing or two for myself in terms of mindfulness so it is a win-win.

Book Description:

Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children is the fruit of decades of development and innovation in the Plum Village community’s collective practice with children. Based on Thich Nhat Hanh’s thirty years of teaching mindfulness and compassion to parents, teachers, and children, the book and enclosed CD cover a wide range of contemplative and fun activities parents and educators can do with their children or students. The activities are designed to help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude and confidence, deal with difficult emotions, touch our interconnection with nature, and improve communication.

 

One Day My Soul Just Opened Up

I picked this book up at the same book sale I mentioned above. Iyanla is one of my favorite spiritual teachers, I love her no-nonsense approach to things and her honesty. She has done many great appearances on the former Oprah Winfrey Show and now on Oprah’s podcast. Skimming through this book reminded me a lot of future self journaling and there are also journal prompts in this book with lines provided for you to write your answers in. I’m looking forward to reading this and trying to commit to the 40 days of writing activities inside it!

Book Description:

From Iyanla Vanzant, the star of the hit Oprah Winfrey Network show Iyanla: Fix My Life, One Day My Soul Just Opened Up is a program of inspiration and motivation that will help you work through problems and improve your emotional and spiritual health.

Through exercises and readings, Iyanla provides you with the tools to tap into your strengths and make your dreams come true. One Day My Soul Just Opened Up will open your mind, heart, and soul to the truth of your identity as a creative and powerful being.

That wraps up my winter reading list. I’m excited to see if I can achieve my goal of reading 5 books this season and continuing the habit throughout the year.

I hope this post finds you well, and as always

Sending love & light,