Book Reviews and Audio Recommendations

Every morning while driving or exercising and often, in the evening while winding down for bed, I listen to uplifting, educational or interesting audio books or online radio programs. This constant stream of information from well respected professionals or inspired artists helps me jump start my days, work towards achieving my goals, and keeps me on a steady path of personal growth. I’ve recently listened to a number of books that I highly recommend and want to share with you as you too might find them interesting and relevant.

First, for those who are reeling from the shock of their spouse’s recent decision to divorce, you may find solace in Isabel Gillies’s book Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story. Isabel tells of her marriage with young children and the shock and pain she endured when her seemingly fairytale life was shattered. I particularly recommend listening to this book, because Isabel’s narration makes you feel like you’re sitting, listening to your girlfriend.

Second, I also highly recommend listening to Leslie Morgan Steiner’s Crazy Love, which I downloaded last Friday night and finished listening to on Sunday afternoon – it was so gripping I could barely tear myself away from the 8 hour recording – As a young Harvard graduate with a coveted position as an editor at Seventeen magazine, Leslie fell under the spell of a deceptively charming man whose fist first struck her while they were on their honeymoon and continued to bruise her for years until the day he tried to kill her. Leslie’s story is compelling and moving. If you are a victim of abuse, whether in your marriage or birth family, this book may speak volumes.

If you’ve never listened to audio books, many public libraries now have them available or you can download them onto your computer via audible, which I love because it is so easy and affordable. Take advantage of the Limited Time Offer – Get Your First 3 Months at Audible for $7.49/month! That’s a fraction of the cost of cable television or “New Releases” at your local bookstore. And, you can listen to several books in a week when you might otherwise only have time to sit and read a chapter or two in a good old fashioned hard copy. My mom and I are hooked!

If you are in an abusive relationship, please get help. Please go to our Domestic Violence Resources page or Leslie Morgan Steiner’s website where you can learn more about domestic violence and find national and local agencies that can help. Please, be well and be safe.

Warmly,
Helene