Desert Discussions
Where We Talk About Books We Can Learn From

  
Heading into a new year many of us make plans to improve our lives in some way. In this issue of Brigid's Arrow, we will discuss the concept of New Year's resolutions and whether there might be a more beneficial practice. Whether we make a list of resolutions or have some other way of goal setting for the new year, success is well served if we have some outside support or inspiration. Let's explore some books that might be helpful as we go forward toward our goals. I've chosen a couple that address a few common goals for self-improvement.

Living Healthy

How to Be Well by Frank Lipman - This book addresses wellness by looking at 6 areas of our lives and discussing how "to improve and strengthen your resilience, functioning, and overall health" using his formula called The Good Medicine Mandala. The six areas are eat, sleep, move, protect, unwind, and connect.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson - The author points out that trying to be positive all the time holds us back. The book is written for a generation that Manson says has been "coddled," and that if they face the realities of life, they can lead happier, healthier lives. From the description: "Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better." This book looks like it could be helpful for folks of all generations and might be fun to read to boot!

Saving Money

Simple Dollar, The: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams by Trent Hamm - This is the story of how the author eliminated his debt and began to save money. The book provides practical tips for the reader to apply to their own lives and, according to one reviewer, "Its ability to be motivating and empowering helps the reader to proactively create healthier relationships with both money and people."

Also by Trent Hamm, 365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money offers ways to cut down on costs and "and still enjoy a satisfying lifestyle."

Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving by Lorilee Craker looks like an interesting way to learn a little about creative frugality and a little about building good community. One reviewer writes, "This book on saving is both touching and humorous while providing an eye-opening account of how the Amish make ends meet."

Spiritual Growth

Spirituality Without Religion by John Tomikel contains the author's thoughts on what it means to be spiritual without the trappings of religious context. This independently published work has mixed reviews, but looks as if it may provide inspiration for others who seek something beyond their physical reality but do not want to look for it in a religious setting.

The Center of the Universe Is Right Between Your Eyes But Home Is Where the Heart Is by Matthew J. Pallamary comes highly recommended. It was nominated for the International Book Award. Shaun Sanders of the Santa Barbara Literary Review writes that "Pallamary's encyclopedic mind takes us on a voyage of discovery in an attempt to connect the dots between ancient shamanic traditions and the discoveries of science." This is one that's going on my wish list!

Books Set on New Year's Eve (Just for Fun)

A Classic: Middlemarch, by George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) begins on New Year's Eve and follows the lives of the people in the fictional town of Middlemarch. The novel deals with  issues such as the status of women, marriage, politics, religion, and education in the 19th century.

A Mystery: New Year's Eve Murder by Leslie Meier tells the tale of Lucy Stone and her daughter Elizabeth who visit Manhattan from Maine to partake of free makeovers that Elizabeth won from a high-end magazine. When the magazine's fashion editor is murdered, Lucy is on the trail to catch the killer before the ball drops in Times Square.

A Bestseller: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney gives us the memories and wit of 85 year old Lillian, who decides to walk to a party. Her walk takes her over 10 miles around the city. Along the way, she meets all kinds of people while "reviewing a life of excitement and adversity, passion and heartbreak, illuminating all the ways New York has changed―and has not."