Spirited Hearts™ TOP 15 Books for Parents

This is not your regular list of “parenting” books. In keeping things holistic, I have gathered the books I believe are most helpful to the various different aspects of parenting; from challenges that arise, why children need to play more, and parents working through all their own childhood traumas and stress.

The reason it is important to not only focus on books about tantrums, sleep struggles and difficult toddlers, is because our journey as parents, is much more about us, than it is our children.

After spending close to two decades researching, studying, and working with children and parents, the biggest changes that occur in families, is when parents take accountability for what is theirs, work through it with compassionate support and walk hand-in-hand with their child with an emotional load that is a lot less. This also means that we can compassionately reduce intergenerational trauma and stress, so that we not only feel better, but our children grow into adults that have little need to heal from their own childhoods.

So, without further ado, here are the books I would highly recommend to parents (there are many more books I could definitely suggest, and I was very intentional in the selection of these fifteen).

 

The BEST Book (if you only read one book on this list, make it this one!)

Raising Resilient & Compassionate Children by Lael Stone & Marion Rose PhD

This without a doubt the best book I have ever read, and my absolute favourite. This book is filled with so much compassion and empathy, that I have never witnessed in another book before. This book addresses common parenting challenges, as well as invites us to look into healing our own childhood hurts and trauma. With beautiful invitations to help us explore ourselves, and reminders for self-compassion on our journeys as parents, this book goes above and beyond any book on parenting you have ever read.

Want to hear Lael’s story? Listen here on my podcast.

Want to hear more from Marion? Listen here on my podcast.

Best Books for Parents-to-Be or Parents of Children under 2 years old

The Aware Baby by Aletha Solter PhD

I first read this book 10 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child and it had the biggest impact on me as I entered parenthood. After spending my years at university studying my passion for child development, I already had intentions for what I needed parenting to look like for me. I never imagined that a book already existed that met those intentions, plus so much more. This book has always been ahead of its time, first published in 1984 and revised in 2001.This book covers everything you need to know about parenting babies and toddlers. There are also self-reflection questions throughout the book, that have the potential to take your parenting and life, to the next level.

Best Book for Parents of Children Aged 2-8 years old

Cooperative & Connected by Aletha Solter PhD

Written by the same author as the book above, this is the book I would highly recommend for parenting during the early. With an easy-to-follow layout, filled with scientific studies, knowledge and personal stories, this book covers everything. From tears and tantrum, fears and conflicts, plus so much more.

Best Book to Help Children Heal from Trauma & Stress

Healing Your Traumatized Child by Aletha Solter PhD

Only released in 2022, this book is my favourite by Aletha. I have such a passion for child development and trauma, and this combines both. It’s a small book that is extremely powerful at detailing the science behind trauma, understanding our body’s natural healing mechanism and the ways that we can support our children (and ourself) to release trauma and stress from the body. This is a must read for every person who spends time with children.

Best Book to Bring More Play into the Parent-Child Relationship

Playful Parenting by Lawrence J Cohen PhD

Bringing play to your life as a parent is one of the biggest game-changers you can make. When I first started using play with my children, it felt so foreign and uncomfortable to me. However, over the years I have grown to love it. Is your child hitting? Play will help. Is your child struggling at bedtime? Play will help. Is your child refusing to eat dinner? Play will help. Seriously, I have not yet come across a parenting challenge that play doesn’t help in some form or another. This book is such an easy read, with so many fun and playful examples for all the challenging behaviour your child may throw at you.

You can read my article on this wonderful book here.

Best Parenting Book that Covers it All

Listen by Patty Wipfler & Tosha Schore

If you are after a quick reference book, that you don’t need to read cover-to-cover, this book might be the one for you. Covering the tools pioneered by Patty Wipfler, founder of Hand in Hand Parenting, this book details all the different ways you can meet your child’s needs, listen to their feelings and bring play to challenging situations.

Want to hear Tosha’s share her knowledge and wisdom? Listen here on my podcast.

Best Book on Improving Your Communication Skills

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg PhD

I absolutely love Nonviolent Communication (NVC), this language is truly world changing, and can be so easily implemented in your family. In a culture that focuses on shame, blame and guilt, which leads to stress and trauma, this method of communication has the capacity to heal all relationships. With powerful examples, Marshall has proven the effective of NVC in politics, warring nations, amongst prisoners and in families. This is a book I am so willing to see in every single household, school and workplace.

Best Book for Highly Sensitive Children

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron PhD

High sensitivity is a genetic trait and there are approximately 15-20% of the population that are highly sensitive – myself and most members of my family included. Life can feel overwhelming, loud and hectic when you are highly sensitive, and for a child it can be that much more challenging, especially if the people around him/her do not understand high sensitivity. Elaine’s first book The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is also a book I would recommend if you feel like you might be highly sensitive, there is a short quiz at the beginning of both books which can help guide you. Due to it being genetic, high sensitivity is a basic human need that is often overlooked as adults attempt to shape and control children, and HSPs to fit into a society that tends to value other traits. This book can assist you in understanding, as well as normalising your child and/or yourself if either of you are highly sensitive.

Best Books for Maintaining Strong Relationships with Your Child/ren

Hold On to Your Kids by Dr Gabor Mate & Dr Gorden Neufeld

This is a book I would definitely recommend to all parents, particularly those whose children go to school. The overall message of the book is that children are more peer-oriented than ever, which has affected society as a whole. Children need to have safe adults in their life, who have the maturity to support, nurture and hold space for them, all things that cannot be adequately provided by their peers. This book is a wealth of knowledge, research and dedication to supporting the raising of health, well-adapted children.

Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort

I read this many many years ago. This book can really elevate ourselves as the parents we desire to be. It explores ways of being with our children that allow them to be authentically who they are and respect their free will as fellow human beings. It helps us understand the need for children to stay in alignment with their own needs and feelings, in a parent-child relationship filled with unconditional love and understanding.

Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn

I love all the work Alfie Kohn puts into the world, it is revolutionary and so needed. This book changes the way parents think, feel and act with their children. It removes the “conditions” of parenting with rewards and punishments, and leaves you with an unconditional parent-child relationship filled with love, empathy, compassion and respect. It has the potential to change our relationships with our children, as well as the relationship we have with ourselves.

It’s OK NOT to Share…and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids by Heather Shumaker

I love the defiance in this book, and going against what is deemed “normal.” This book really challenges you to question the purpose, intent and benefits of so many aspects of what society burdens on children and parents. There is a growing movement of parents, educators and teachers who are squashing social norms, and instead putting the needs and feelings of children at the forefront. A book for parents who love to think and be outside the box.

Best Books for Play & Nature

Balanced & Barefoot by Angela Hanscom

One of my favourite books, Angela presents so much wisdom knowledge and insight into why our children are struggling in the 21st century. With research comparing children from the 1980s to today, there is a stark and heartbreaking contrast to the lack of strength and vitality children today possess. The solution is simple: give children more child-centred play outdoors in nature, away from adult direction. The studies, and looking back at our own childhoods prove, that this is the way forward.

Want to hear more of Angela’s insights as a Paediatric Occupational Therpist? Listen here on my podcast.

 

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Our children are really struggling in today’s society, due mainly to a large shift in lifestyle. Being indoors and sedentary has negatively impacted all areas of healthy child development. The author clearly, and beautifully redirects us back to our own nature-filled childhoods, as the solution. Giving children more time outdoors, at home and at school, can change their life for the better and improve their overall wellbeing.

Free to Learn by Peter Gray

This is one of the most recommended books by guest on Spirited Hearts™ the podcast, and for very good reason. This delves into the history of the education system, why it hasn’t served the wellbeing of children for centuries, and other ways we can allow our children to truly thrive, develop and learn in ways that are meaningful for them. Parents have an extremely powerful voice in their child’s education, and all it takes is one conversation to make tiny changes. Maybe those changes won’t happen immediately, but it plants the seeds for making this world much better for our children.

What are your thoughts and feelings on this list? Have you read any of these books?

Do you have a favourite book you would recommend to parents? Leave a comment below.

2022 Book List & Reviews

After the success of last year’s Book Reviews (click here to see the books from 2021), I will continue to review my books this year.

I read a range of books from novels to non-fiction books about education, homeschooling and child development, plus a whole lot more.

If you have any book recommendation, please pop a comment below.

JANUARY

The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness by Hugh Van Cuylenburg – I liked how the author used his personal stories to show the positive impact gratitude, empathy and mindfulness have on your wellbeing. There was change, growth and personal evolution. Perseverance, determination and patience were also at the forefront of the journeys that Hugh took to bring The Resilience Project to the world. This book is crucial reading for everyone, and the fact it has made its way into schools also speaks highly of the impact these practices can have on children, and strengthening their mental and emotional wellbeing, particularly in today’s world.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney – a few years ago I read Sally’s previous book Normal People, so when her latest book came out, I did not hesitate to read it. Her writing style is very different to other novel writers. She does not used quotations when characters have dialogue, this is something that I adapted to fairly quickly, and I found once I got used to this, it didn’t impact the quality of the story. I did like how it followed the relationship between two separate couples, and those couple were also intertwined. However, the characters weren’t relatable to me. I found their actions similar to nails on a chalkboard. It’s not a book I would read again. However, I did read it in a couple of days, so it was easy to get through.

Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Dr Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Mate – this book has been on my reading list for a few years, and because of that I was able to get the revised edition published in 2019. This is a book I would definitely recommend to all parents, particularly those whose children go to school. There were a few sections I thought the book could have done without, as they didn’t have an impact on the overall message of the book, which is that children are more peer-oriented than ever, which has affected society as a whole. Children need to have safe adults in their life, who have the maturity to support, nurture and hold space for them, all things that cannot be adequately provided by their peers. This book is a wealth of knowledge, research and dedication to supporting the raising of health, well-adapted children.

Wonder Art Workshop by Sally Haughey – I first came across Sally’s work in the Play First Summit in 2020. I immediately resonated with her passion, dedication and views on early childhood education, especially when it comes to play and creativity. I ordered this book 18 months ago, and have flicked through it since then. However, this month I read it cover to cover, and I loved every page of it. So much of the information in here resonates with my philosophy and practices. Plus there are amazing suggestions for creating inviting art spaces for children.

FEBRUARY

Turning Down the Noise: The quiet power of silence in a busy world by Christine Jackman – a dear friend lent me this book, and I really enjoyed the author’s journey and the research she added to the book. For full disclosure, I am a naturally silent person and have always preferred to listen and observe. However, I found it interesting looking at silence from the perspective of people who are constantly busy and on the go. I’ve never seen silence as something that is passive, rather I have always experienced it as an active and alert state. It was nice to have that confirmed through the research presented in this book. This is a book I would recommend for those that struggle to find the silence in an overwhelmingly busy and noisy world.

Violeta by Isabel Allende – this is the first book of Isabel’s I have ever read, even though I have been aware she is a bestselling author. I really enjoyed this book. It is a narration of the main characters life to someone she holds dear. Spanning 100 years, with so much history, turmoil, grief and loss. There is also love, joy and compassion. I really spent time reading this novel, as I loved the richness and the perspectives from another area of the world (South America) through major world events over the last century. A perfect book to escape into the past.

The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature by Peter Wohlleben – I wanted so much more from this book. I have read Peter’s first bestselling book, and loved it. My son also spent time reading the children’s version to learn more about trees. However, this book just fell short for me. There was too much focus on political agendas, which I found myself skim reading. I was hoping to read more about the beautiful energy and symphony of trees, and this book did not provide that.

The Girl from Munich and the sequel Suitcase of Dreams by Tania Blanchard – these books had so much similarity to the stories my own grandparents told me. I started reading the first book, and at the very end was the first chapter of the sequel, which I just had to read, so I purchased it on my Kindle. I loved both these books, even though they were heartbreaking, and full of grief and loss. They also demonstrated the fragility of life, and the gratitude that leads to a fuller life. As I read these books, I drew many parallels to what it would have been like for my German grandparents in WWII and when they immigrated to Australia in the 1950s. These novels are based on the true stories of her own German grandparents. If you love historical fiction, WWI era or Australian history from the 1950s to 1970s, then these books may interest you. The author also did extensive research into national and world events to ensure as much accuracy as possible.

MARCH

Untamed: Stop Pleasing, Start Living by Glennon Doyle – I first came across Glennon years ago when I read her first 2 books. It’s not often you come across people who authentically and genuinely share their vulnerabilities with world. In a world of social media, where people only post the ideal aspects of their life, it is refreshing to witness people willing to stand in their vulnerability with courage. It gives others permission to do the same, it allows others to not only share their own vulnerabilities, but also face them on an inner work level. Society has taught us to feel ashamed if we don’t meet the “norm.” I would recommend this book to anyone who is craving realness in a world filled with too much fakeness.

Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer – this book was recommended to me by another dear friend. There seems to be a stigma and taboo about woman’s cycle, and thankfully, it is slowly disappearing. This book is filled with knowledge and wisdom, and gives greater awareness and depth to a woman’s cycle. The book has personal accounts and experiences, knowledge, and practices that can be used to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, as a woman.

The Women Who Change the World edited by Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner – I first heard about this book from a dear mentor and friend of mine, who also happens to have a chapter in this book. This book is filled with so much truth, compassion, challenges and rawness. With over 30 stories from women who are willing to step into the world with a conviction of being of pure service to others, this book is empowering, encouraging and inspiring. I would definitely read it again and again. Each story had a message that resonated with me, and I’m sure if you read it, you will find gems of wisdom throughout the book that resonate with you.

APRIL

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah – this is probably one of the best novels I’ve read in a while. I loved how this novel explored generational trauma, bonds between mother and child and how parental trauma can affect the sibling relationship. Each character has a richness and realness, there is the full breadth of emotions present in this book, which is a true reflection of the human experience. The characters also demonstrate the various ways we tend to process trauma in unhealthy ways; running away, control/perfectionism, shutting others out. The characters do evolve, grow and learn, especially when the parent steps into the shadows to face their trauma and begin to process it in healthy ways.

It's OK to GO UP the SLIDE: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids by Heather Schumaker – I read Heather’s first book last year (It’s OK Not to Share) and I loved it, just as I loved her second book. There is a growing movement of educators, teachers and parents questioning the current education system, and for good reason; at present it is failing our children. This book has personal accounts, current research and is presented in an easily accessible and readable manner. I loved all the sections on why homework is detrimental not only to a child’s overall wellbeing, but also to their academics; about why we need to re-evaluate “don’t talk to strangers;” and why we shouldn’t sugar-coat or re-write stories, plus so much more. I would highly recommend this book to all parents and adults who work with children.

Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life by Richard Louv. I’ve read two of Richard’s other books and enjoyed how he used personal accounts and research to demonstrate how far-removed humans have become from nature, and in order to improve our overall wellbeing, we need to get back outside and encourage our kids to do the same. This book has 500 ways to get back out in nature, most of the content and resources are targeted towards the UK and US, however, the ideas and activities can be easily done no matter where you live in the world. This is one of those books every adult needs to read, because our connection to the natural world around us is paramount to who we are, how we show up and our sense of belonging.

MAY

The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan with Uncle Paul Gordon – this book grabbed my attention as soon as I saw it. I have always had a deep love and resonance to Aboriginal culture, spirituality and way of life. This book had so much knowledge and wisdom; personal stories and accounts; and practical exercises to put the wisdom into practice in your own life. It is set out in beautiful, easy-to-read chapters, such as “Caring for Our Place (The Importance of Story),” “Love, Gratitiude and Humility,” “Learning and Truth,” plus several more equally inspiring chapters. This is book I would highly recommend for everyone to read. Aboriginal people and their culture have been here for over 60,000 and they have so much to share with us so we can live our fullest lives, and care for our country.

The Secret Keep of Jaipur by Alka Joshi – this book was lent to be by my Mum. She said it was a novel she really enjoyed. It is the second book, with the first being The Henna Artist, which I have not read. That didn’t affect the story though for me. I was able to easily understand the storyline, characters and their past was touched on throughout the novel. Overall, I enjoyed it, it was different to other novels I have read, set in India in the 1960s and split between two different locations – city and country.

The Women’s Circle by Karyn Sepulveda – I discovered this book while perusing Booktopia and thought it sounded like an interesting light read. There is trauma and all the big feelings in this book. It shows us how our trauma can affect our present and future, however, we can heal and move through those events, especially when we surround ourselves with supportive and nurturing people. There is a lot of character growth in this story, which I always like. It is a historical fiction and goes back and forth between present day Sydney, Australia and 1770 England. I loved this book and would recommend it as a heartfelt and touching novel.

The Natural History of Love by Caroline Petit – this is another historical fiction book based on the lives of real people in the mid 1800s – early 1900s. The story starts in Brazil, moves to France and ends in Australia, so there is a variety of different cultures and languages presented in the book. The main characters do have depth, there is trauma, betrayal, sacrifice, as well as love, hope and compassion. It is not a book I would read again, at the same time, I would recommend it to readers who feel called to read it, and enjoyed The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (a book I reviewed last year).

JUNE

Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman – I really liked the first half of this book, and I completely agree with the authors definition of toxic positivity. It is the very opposite of validation, acknowledgment, empathy and compassion. We’ve all had those well meaning people who say “but at least….” Or “life will never give you more than you can handle…” or “you really need to just be grateful…” all of these responses are not only unhelpful, they can also be so harmful. Can you imagine saying that to someone who just lost someone they care about, or a mother who experienced a pregnancy loss? Positivity can be so toxic, it can be so invalidating, essentially it is gaslighting someone else’s feelings and experiences. Ina world so caught up in “positivity” we are losing our humanity, our ability to feel deeply, grieve deeply, rage deeply. All emotions are valid, all emotions have a place in this world, even the dark and painful ones. There were some things towards the end of this books I did disagree with because it conflicts with my views, values and knowledge of the world. However, overall I would definitely say this is a must read book for everyone.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – sometimes I just feel like reading a soppy romance novel. I actually really enjoyed this one because it was set in the academic world, which was refreshing. The storyline goes full circle and there are surprises, touching and heartfelt moments, which were really beautiful, as well as humour that just hit the right spot. I would recommend this as a light, easy and funny read.

Return to Berlin by Ellen Feldman – many WWII historical fiction novels are set pre- war and during the war. This novel was different, it was set in the aftermath of the war in Berlin and centred around the denazification program. It really delved into the ramifications of the war, how people were coming to terms with what had happened on both sides too. Whether it be from the Allied and Jewish experience, or the Germans who believed everything Hitler told them, and they had to readapt to those false idealisations. If you like this genre, this book gives insight into post-WWII Germany and how the characters needs to grapple with what happened to them.

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer – much life the above novel, this novel spent half of the book in post-WWII America, and the German rocket scientists who were employed by the American government to further their space program. There is so much mistrust, judgement and hostility. However, at the end many of the characters realise it is never black and white, and until you know someone’s story, you cannot judge them for what a few did. This novel is heartbreaking, unrelenting and shows the true horror of war from both sides.

JULY

Call of the Wild: How We Can Heal Trauma, Awaken Our Own Power, and Use it for Good by Kimberly Ann Johnson – I have spent much of my time researching trauma, trauma-informed practices and the nervous system all through my degrees and qualifications, as well as in my own time. This book is a combination of other research I have read on polyvagal theory and somatic experiencing. It explores understanding the feminine nervous system, while offering practical and understandable wisdom to implement in our own lives. We are a culture in trauma, I see it often with the families that come to me. This book offers understanding, knowledge and ways to heal from trauma. I highly recommend.

Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn – so this book would have to be the best book I have read this year. It has been sitting on my bookshelf for 8 years, since I read one of Kohn’s other books Unconditional Parenting (amazing book!) During my psychology degree I was required to research behaviourism – the very theory that punishments, rewards, parenting and the education system has been built on, and a foundation I am so willing to see disappear entirely. Behaviourism is built on the research done on rats, pigeons and Pavlov’s dog…we are humans, and most, I would personally say ALL of behaviourism is extremely detrimental to humans on all levels, especially children. Behaviourism does not acknowledge emotions, trauma, or stress. Instead, it seeks to override all of our body’s biological natural healing mechanisms and force us into compliance and obedience. This would be my most highly recommended book for parents, educators and teachers. I know many who have already made the needed changes within their homes, childcare services and schools, and thrown our punishments and rewards, we need to make this more widespread and see the whole human, beyond the behaviour.

Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work by Akilah S. Richards – this is an amazing book for any parent who wants to know more about de-schooling, unschooling and following your families’ and child’s needs and interests in the learning journey. It is a concise book, yet there is a beautiful journey of the author’s own thoughts, feelings and beliefs as she navigates her own expectations and assumptions of what education needs to look like at the beginning of her parenting journey. She shares her own mistakes and challenges, as well as offers knowledge and wisdom.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry – so I will admit, the title of this book got me. This was a very easy-to-read, quick and light romance novel. It follows two characters in the book publishing industry, there is a small town, twists and turns, and lots of books. I read this book in a couple of hours, and those hours were spent laughing and being hooked by the storyline and characters. I liked how the characters had depth, their past was explored and they grew throughout the novel.

AUGUST

Healing Your Traumatized Child: A parent’s guide to children’s natural recovery processes by Aletha J. Solter Ph.D – as you may know I am a certified Aware Parenting Instructor (under the Aware Parenting Institute as founded by Aletha Solter) and I have been practicing AwP since my eldest child was born. This is without a doubt my favourite of all of Aletha’s books. Child development and trauma has always been a passion of mine, especially during my psychology degree. This book cover identifying trauma symptoms in your child, facilitating the body’s innate healing mechanism, using therapeutic play, understanding why crying is beneficial and so much more. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. It is a MUST read for every single parent, educator and teacher.

The Highly Sensitive Parent: Be brilliant in your role, even when the world overwhelms you by Elaine N. Aron Ph.D – I have read Elaine’s previous books (The Highly Sensitive Person and The Highly Sensitive Child) by of which I have recommended to parents who have Highly Sensitive Children. I really wanted to enjoy this book, at the same time I really did not. I love how Elaine has brought high sensitivity to the forefront of psychology, and demonstrated that the 20% of people that are highly sensitive are crucial for the survival of humanity, and there is nothing wrong with them. I love reading the research on this topic, as I myself am highly sensitive. However, I do not agree with her strategies for highly sensitive people. I believe there needs to be a further evolution of this research, which involves incorporating the body’s natural healing mechanisms in processing a world that can be overstimulating for those with high sensitivity.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland – I absolutely loved this novel. It had so many of my favourite elements; nature, the Australian bushland, the entire spectrum of human emotions, trauma, healing, heartbreak, love, forgiveness. I loved how the secret meaning of native flowers were used throughout the novel, and how each chapter set the tone by commencing with a flower and its meaning. This might be one of my favourite novels I have read this year.

Letters from Berlin by Tania Blanchard – this is the third book I have read by this author, and the other two are also WWII historical fiction novels. I love the way this author writes, the journey and character development, as well as the way she expresses all the big feelings that are occurring during this traumatic time. There is betrayal, manipulation, and the horrors that come from war. However, there is also love, loyalty, compassion and a bittersweet ending.

Thursdays at Orange Blossom House by Sophie Green – this was a lovely, light and easy read. Although there were periods of loss, grief and sadness, I loved the character development, relationships and women helping each other through trying periods in their lives. I also really enjoyed how each of the characters were at a different life stage, and demonstrated the power of a village of varying ages and wisdom.

SEPTEMBER

Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent’s Guide to Growing Wise Kids in the Digital Age by Julie Bogart – this book is filled with so much information, knowledge and practical activities to enhance critical thinking for all ages. Julie discusses how our own worldviews and biases effect how we receive and process information, and the importance of taking a step back before jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. It is the perfect balance of research and personal experiences. I highly recommend not just for parents, but also educators.

Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past by Peter A. Levine PhD – I absolutely love reading and researching about trauma, child development and neuroscience. I find it all so fascinating, and I loved this book. I greatly valued all the research and studies evident, as well as the personal stories presented throughout the book. I made many, many notes and highlights. Peter’s work in Somatic Experiencing and trauma is ground-breaking, and for anyone interested in trauma and memory, this is a book I would definitely suggest.

The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen – set in England during WWI there are many sad, heartbreaking and bittersweet moments. While war was happening, this book centred around the power of women, of sisterhood, and of helping each other in trying times. There are also a few mysteries happening as the story progresses, and twists and turns along the way.  

Echoes of War by Tania Blanchard – my Mum purchased this book for herself, and knowing that I read quickly, she lent it to me first. I devoured this book in one afternoon. It is a historical fiction WWII novel set in Italy, a country that I have not read too many books about. I will admit, I cried several times in the hours it took me to journey through this incredibly heartbreaking story. This is a book I would read again.

FINAL REVIEW OF 2022

I spent the last few months of the year immersed in various professional development courses and content, so I did not read as many reviewable books as I did in previous months. Over this year I rear 62 books, and reviewed 40 of those. The books I didn’t review were the throw away novels one tends to read once only for a relaxing read, and there isn’t any impression left afterwards.

The novel that I loved the most this year would have to be The Seven Skins of Esther Wildling (review below), closely followed by Holly Ringland’s previous book The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (reviewed in August). Holly is one of those rare authors that can really bring characters, scenes and the full range of human emotions to life, in such a beautiful, bittersweet and enchanting way.

The non-fiction book I loved the most Raising Resilient & Compassionate Children by Lael Stone & Marion Rose (PhD), which will be reviewed in a separate article on the most powerful books on our parenting journeys.

The Wonder of Little Things by Vince Copley with Lea McInerney – this is an autobiography, compiled with the help of Lea. I loved the stories of this book, and even though I never heard the storyteller’s voice, I could just hear him as I read his words on the page. Vince’s story is a long one, spanning most of the 20th century in Australia, an Aboriginal man with so much compassion, insight and knowledge that he shared throughout his entire life. This is a touching story, filled with heartbreak, dedication and grace.

The Wild + Free Family by Ainsley Arment – this is the second book I’ve read of Ainsley’s and I love how family-centred and natural learning oriented her approach to life and learning is. Ainsley includes the scientific research on brain development, personal stories of raising her five children following a natural learning approach to homeschooling and all the many ways we can connect with our children in the most meaningful way. This is a book I would recommend to any parents that are homeschooling their child/ren.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng – this was such an interesting story, and one that is different from all the others I have read. This is a story of discrimination, civilisation turning a blind eye to injustice and the people that are willing to stand up and risk it all for a better world. A story of tragedy, loss, grief, uncertainty, fear, determination and love. I do love stories of defiance, because that is one of my lesser known qualities, and this is a book that is very readable, that leaves you deep in thought about possibilities and the choices that we make.

The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland – my absolute favourite novel of 2022 (maybe of all time??). Gosh, where to start. This is the most beautiful and magically woven story I have ever read. This is one of those books that once you start reading, you will not want to put down. Filled with grief, loss, sisterhood, family and forgiveness. The imagery, character development and unfolding of events is rich and eloquent. Towards the end, I was crying, as the journey came full circle, the bittersweet ending of one journey alongside the joy of what is to come. Highly recommend if you enjoyed The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, The Dictionary of Lost Words or are just after a novel that hits you in all the feels.