What will you be doing over the Easter holiday break? If you dream of putting your feet up and getting stuck into a good book, I have some Easter reading suggestions for you. These books inspired, amused, intrigued, and delighted me, and are all in some way related to organising. I hope you enjoy them too.
I first read The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay & Disaster by Sarah Krasnostein when the subject of the book, Sandra Pankhurst, was still alive. In fact, I was privileged to attend the book launch and I have a copy signed by both Sandra and the author. Even though I’d known Sandra for some years and knew some of her story, there were things revealed in that book that opened my eyes even further. It really is a good read about a larger-than-life woman. Also, look out for an upcoming documentary about Sandra and her work.
Love Objects by Australian author, Emily Maguire, is a sensitive novel that depicts the complexity of hoarding, as well as some other topical themes. You get the impression the author has really done her research or may even have personal experience to draw on. The best part is that although the characters are flawed, they are immensely likeable. Empathy abounds.
Another book that I enjoyed for the way it inspired reflection and clarity is Phosphorescence by Julia Baird. But don’t just take my word for it. It’s the winner of the Australian Book Industry Book of the Year Award 2021. The subtitle is On awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark. What perfect timing for this book to come along. When we organisers help someone to create new systems, habits and routines, it’s often because a new perspective is required or sought. Ultimately, this book is about perspective.
Atomic Habits by James Clear strips away the overthinking that is so often attached to changing habits. It really is all about tiny changes and remarkable results. With evidence and examples, the book supplies a simple blueprint for building good habits and breaking bad ones. I really enjoy the clarity and succinctness that the author uses to illustrate his points.
My final Easter reading suggestion comes from a friend of mine. You may have heard me speak of my batch writing sessions, where I spend a few hours each month in the company of a group of inspiring women, all writing for various purposes. One of those women is Jaqui O’Donohoe, a storyteller, corporate executive and motivational speaker who inspires people to live their best life. She spent her batch writing sessions in 2020 penning a love letter to her dad. As Jaqui shared stories about her dad with us in the group, there were tears shed by all of us. The final product, launched last year, is called Reflections Through the Periscope and I highly recommend it.
However you plan to spend your Easter break, I hope you thoroughly enjoy it. And if you have an Easter reading suggestion, I’d love to hear it.
