Draven Jackson
Blogger | Teacher
Twitter
As Frank Zappa once said, "So many books, so little time." As the year begins to come to a close and we enjoy the final two months of 2021, it's important to end it with a bang by celebrating some inspiring, amazing books with your book club!
If you and your fellow readers are looking for new books to introduce during November and December to close out your books club's amazing year of literature, here are our choices for fun, motivational, and incredible books everyone is sure to read and enjoy!
Against All Odds
Written by Carol Basile
In her work "Against All Odds: Our Life Journey with Autism," Carol Basile tells the story of her son Joe who was diagnosed with autism in 1972 at the age of 6. Her memoir follows the family's journey of love and resilience as Carol worked tirelessly to help her son surpass society's limited expectations and live a meaningful life. Encouraged by her love and determination, Joe went on to get a Master's degree, build relationships in his community, and attain his dream job. Carol and Joe's story teaches us that important lessons to help children and parents everywhere struggling with difficult diagnoses realize that there are possibilities within the challenges.
The Way of the Warrior Mama
Written by Sally Clark
“The Way of the Warrior Mama: The Guide to Protecting and Raising Strong Daughters" is the perfect book club choice for a group of strong women raising strong women. In her book, Sally Clark tackles difficult subjects to teach anxious worried mothers that the best way to raise strong, resilient daughters s by recognizing and healing their own adolescent wounds. Through interviews with experts in important fields ranging from adolescent psychology to mindful self-compassion, this book teaches proven and innovative techniques that will reduce parenting stress and increase mothers’ belief that they can protect their daughters.
Poetry and Ponderings
Written by Diamante Lavendar
Diamante Lavendar's "Poetry and Ponderings" is a collection of nonfiction poetry and prose that concentrates on the pain, hurt, hatred, and denial that can be experienced before a victim of abuse can finally heal from the trauma of assault. Follow along with Diamante's story as she herself deals with her internal pain, turning first to drugs and alcohol to numb her pain before finding the beauty and healing that comes from connecting with God. Diamante hopes that her inspiring, beautiful poetry can help other victims of assault find love and grace to heal their pain.
The Empty Chair
Written by Penny Goetjen
For those mystery lovers looking to bring a little excitement to your book club reads, "The Empty Chair" by Penny Goetjen is the book for you. "The Empty Chair" tells the bone-chilling story of one woman's terrifying search for her mother, who disappeared from the tropical island St. Thomas during a covert assignment. Olivia's desperate journey for answers ensnares her in a web of secrets and crime amidst a beautiful, yet deceptively tranquil Caribbean backdrop.
The Importance of Now
Written by Paul Schumacher
"The Importance of Now" is a heartwarming story about redemption and forgiveness. The book is split into two parallel stories: one follows the 14-year-old Shawn who commits a terrible crime after the death of his father and ends up in a juvenile detention center, determined to get out and change his life but haunted by the ghosts of his past. The second story follows Aiden, Shawn's 13-year-old son, who finds letters in the attic that introduce him to the father he never knew. You and your fellow book club members can follow Shawn on his journey towards finding forgiveness - including forgiveness for himself - and Aiden's search to find out the truth about his father and the challenges he had to overcome.
Raising Resilient Kids
Written by Rhonda Spencer-Hwang
Rhonda Spencer-Hwang's "Raising Resilient Kids" teaches readers about the principles for bringing up healthy, happy children who can overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity. Dr. Spencer-Hwang offers her readers 8 principles for raising happier, healthier children who are equipped with the tools ready to thrive, even during life's most challenging moments. This book also teaches readers important skills, such as how to reduce negative stress and boost happiness, enhance academic performance through healthy habits, and instill values that motivate children to serve and help others. Use this book as a jumping-off point for your book club's discussions on your own personal methods for raising resilient children.
The Wellness-Empowered Woman
Written by Reena Vokuon
"The Wellness-Empowered Woman" is a quintessential book for women looking to be empowered, encourage professional development, and inspire health and wellness for themselves. Passion Fit founder and CEO Reena Vokuon teaches women all the important skills they need to find success in their personal and professional development. By the end of the book, readers will know what it means to be a wellness-empowered woman, ready to pursue their passions and dreams, be fit, and find personal and professional growth and happiness.
Moms Don't Have Time To
Edited by Zibby Owens
An anthology of quarantine essays, "Moms Don't Have Time To" tells the truth of the five things moms don't have time for: eat, read, work out, breathe, and have sex. In their essays, best-selling authors speak to the demands mothers everywhere face during this decade, and how those demands have only increased during the challenging time of CoVID-19. Their essays are poignant, relatable, and inspiring, and will hopefully motivate moms everywhere to find time for themselves, even when it seems impossible.
About Draven Jackson
Draven is an avid writer and reader who enjoys sharing her opinions on movies, books, and music with the rest of the world. She will soon be working as a teacher in Japan and hopes to use her experience to connect with other teachers and students around the globe. Draven spends most of her time at home with her family, her dogs, and her ferret.
To see more, view all posts by Draven Jackson here.
