Can't Wait to Read!
This week, Can't Wait to Read! welcomes Spine Contributing Writer Tracie Mooneyham, who's rounded up six books she's excited about. If you're a writer, and would like to curate a list, contact susanna@spinemagazine.co.
To Hell with the Hustle: Reclaiming Your Life in an Overworked, Overspent, and Overconnected World by Jefferson Bethke
Thomas Nelson, October 15, 2019. I fully admit that the title is what grabbed me about this upcoming read. I'm a new entrepreneur working freelance, and this book speaks to my struggle with the daily grind. If one line from the description determined whether I pre-order this book or not, it was this: “...what the world teaches us to avoid at all costs—things such as silence, obscurity, solitude, and vulnerability—are the very things that can give us the meaning ... .” Can I get an “Amen,” brother?
The Guarded Gate: Bigotry, Eugenics and the Law That Kept Two Generations of Jews, Italians, and Other European Immigrants Out of America by Daniel Okrent
Scribner, May 2019. This book draws my interest in part because of the conversation around immigration. Obviously, eugenics is the extreme view on this topic, but to me reading about how other people form thoughts and beliefs that justify dehumanization is truly fascinating. This book largely focuses on the anti-immigration movement of the early 20th century but you can’t help but see parallels between the “progressive” thinking of time and what we see/hear today.
The Book of Blessings and Rituals: Magical Invocations for Healing, Setting Energy, and Creating Sacred Space by Athena Perrakis
Fair Winds Press, July 2019. When the world is pressing you to be everything to everyone, everywhere, it becomes extremely important to find time to center yourself and create “sacred space.” I admit, I tend to slack off when it comes to re-charging and renewing the energy that sustains me. So, I’m excited to read about how different traditions celebrate life and set aside dedicated time/space to bringing divinity into the everyday.
Reason, Faith, and the Struggle for Western Civilization by Samuel Gregg
Gateway Editions, June 2019. I'm fascinated by the intersection of faith and society, and this book promises to be a deep dive into that convergence. I’ve always held the belief that there should be a balance between faith and reason and Samuel Gregg has brought fresh wind to this concept. Being a bit of a history geek, it’s likely that I will need multiple applications of sunblock if I take this one to the beach. I’m looking forward to being captivated.
Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business by Kindra Hall
HarperCollins Leadership, September 24, 2019. Being a freelance writer and communications partner, I can’t help but notice that “storytelling” is having a moment. From businesses to non-profits — everyone is interested in winning over their audiences with powerful narratives. As a writer and avid reader, this still strikes me as ironic, as I am fully aware of the power of a story, but I am interested in Kindra Hall’s four-story approach to crafting stories for any market.
The Emotion Code: How to Release Your Trapped Emotions for Abundant Health, Love, and Happiness by Dr. Bradley Nelson
St. Martin's Essentials, May 2019. Okay, I know that mental health is important, but what about emotional health? Are they one and the same? Two sides of a coin? I need to know! This book has been on the market for a while and has been re-released to address the growing concern (and connection!) between emotions and physical health. I’ve noticed this play out in my own life and have taken the step to learn more through reading this book.
Tracie Mooneyham works as Program and Grants Manager for the Robins Foundation, a private foundation working to strengthen the community of Richmond, Virginia. She also serves as Content Editor for Initiatives of Change International, working with a network of teams and individuals whose goal is to build trust through honest dialogue.