Words to Inspire, Educate, Entertain or Heal

"Into each life some confusion should come...also some enlightenment. And may our words go with you and become the the sound of the wind, the rain, the fire, the voices of your teachers and your friends and the beginning of a long dialog."
Milton Erickson (1980) as paraphrased in Genesis: Spirituality in Recovery from Childhood Traumas.

You can print this list and explore at your local library. Some of the links lead to bookstores, simply because that's where I found info on the book or author. I'm not recommending any bookstores, buy where ever you want.

Daughter of the Shining Isles by Elizabeth Cunningham
This is is a delightful romp into the possibilities of the past. If you enjoyed The Mists of Avalon (or anything Celtic, humorous, or Goddess oriented), this book is a "must read" and never boring. It's the first book of The Magdalen Trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next two. I'm hoping my Library will get her last two books, The Return of the Goddess: A Divine Comedy and The Wild Mother.

Modoc, The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer
This book is unforgettable and I have no idea why it hasn't become a movie, it has all the elements of a blockbuster hit, and it's based on fact.

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
This is the first book in the Stephanie Plum series, about a slightly inept bounty hunter and her circle of charmingly warped family and friends. Next come Two for the Dough, Three to Get Deadly, Four to Score and High Five. I laughed out loud reading all of these books and some of the men are hot enough to give even this old woman fantasies. I eagerly await her next book, Hot Six, due out in June 2000. These books are lighthearted fast reading, but do include a bit of violence.

Power by Linda Hogan
This is the second book I've read by Linda Hogan and I liked it, I'll be looking forward to more. She also wrote Intimate Nature: The Bond Between Women and Animals (which I have and like), Mean Spirit, and Solar Storms.

Last Standing Woman by Winona LaDuke
Not to be missed!

The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly
Some of us have to wait until we're ready, and then go back to piece together the past. Sometimes it's not what we suspect. Connelly was a police reporter for the the LA Times and he knows how to spin a tale.

A Is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
This is another series that I enjoy as it unfolds into B Is for Burglar, C Is for Corpse, D Is for Deadbeat, E Is for Evidence, F Is for Fugitive, G Is for Gumshoe, H Is for Homicide, I Is for Innocent, J is for Judgement, K Is for Killer, L is for Lawless, M Is for Malice, N Is for Noose, O Is for Outlaw. (She has probably written 3 more while I typed these, but more info on all of them is available here.) Kinsey Millhone is a female detective and has a host of regular characters. I feel like I know her and wish she lived next door.

A God Who Looks Like Me by Patricia Lynn Reilly
I wasn't raised within a traditional Christian religion, but this book will help anyone realize how our culture shapes our beliefs and experiences. I think this is required reading for anyone that considers spirituality important.

Li'L Mama's Rules by Sheneska Jackson
Her rules made sense to me...

River of Hidden Dreams by Connie May Fowler
A haunting and beautiful story.

Mama by Terry McMillan
The same gal that wrote, How Stella Got Her Groove Back. I've read 4 of her books and loved them all.

The Grass Dancer by Susan Power
I'm looking forward to reading more by Susan Power.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Alan R. Clarke (Translator)
This book makes a great gift and left me feeling "right where I'm supposed to be" and happy about it.

Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore
I laughed so hard reading this that my son read it too and he hates reading. We both loved it!

The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson, MD
Another of those books that brings you in touch with what's important.

Daughters of the Dust by Julie Dash
Doesn't matter what the reviewers say, this book is a jewel.

The Prophet by Khalil or Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
Gibran has always been my solice. I've given this book as a gift more than any other. I love all his writings. Also see The Prophet online.

Women of the 14th Moon : Writings on Menopause by Dena Taylor
At 37 I entered a surgically induced menopause. It changed my system and my life radically. I found this book later, but I loved it.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Daniel and I exchanged a few letters after I read this, and I loved the book.

The Stories of Eva Luna by Isabel Allende
I've read everything of hers I can get my hands on.

Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Anytime I feel stuck, I reread this book.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I read this book as a kid, and again and again.

Rolling Thunder by Doug Boyd
I still think this is Doug Boyd's best book.

Women Who Run With the Wolves : Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola
I love myth, I love her stories by other women, I love her views. If you're a woman and haven't read this, check it out. Wouldn't hurt you men either!

I Got Tired of Pretending by Bob Earll
Bob Earll (through his tapes) has effected my recovery as much as anyone. His tapes led me to Cindy A. and I adore her too.

Rubber Legs and White Tail-Hairs by Patrick F. McManus
I have a ton of his books and they can get me laughing out loud no matter how down I'm feeling.

Laughter of Aphrodite : Reflections on a Journey to the Goddess by Carol P. Christ
Her journey through so many changes is inspiring, but it's not light-hearted reading. Still very worthwhile.

The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk
Starhawk has written many great books and any of her books will take you on a journey.

The Addictive Organization by Anne Wilson Schaef
Anne Wilson Schaef has been my "recovery validator" for as long as I can remember. I'd be telling people how my vision or thinking had changed and they'd think I was nuts (well, yeh, but still...) and her next book would come out with the same thoughts, only represented more clearly and in more depth. Amazing woman, I love to spend time talking with her. All her books are worth reading.

The River Why by David James Duncan
A little fishing, some family dysfunction, a lot of magic and the mystery of love woven in a shawl of humor - good stuff.

Callahan's Place by Spider Robinson
You just won't understand the appeal until you read his books.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Finally! A version that makes sense.

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers
This book addresses so many issues and can be truly healing for those who have had to choose between abortion and giving birth. Don't rush to any preconceived notions, read the book.