The last few years have been challenging, to say the least. For most of us, the experience of living in a pandemic has been exhausting. But especially for frontline and health workers who have worked tirelessly throughout.
This post is a little different from normal, as the books featured are not my own recommendations, but those of some incredible health workers. These wonderful people work across the health industry, from palliative care, pharmacy, occupational therapy and nursing.
I intend this post to acknowlege the work health workers do in their jobs, but also to recognise that a job is just one facet of who they are. With some of the encounters I’ve witnessed in a health setting, I think that sometimes people forget that health workers are also people, with feelings and passions and hobbies of their own beyond the health setting.
So here’s to celebrating the people who work in health (and the books they love).
Sue
Sue is currently reading Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon and enjoys a good historical fiction with excellent characters. Her connection to reading was sparked by Enid Blyton, particularly The Secret Necklace.
Camille
Camille’s first recommendation is The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak, for its originality and imaginative engagement with readers. If you’re in the mood for some silliness and good-natured fun, check this one out. (And yes, it’s the same B.J Novak from The Office).
The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene is another book Camille regularly recommends to the parents of her clients.
I love this book… it’s so wholesome and recognises that ‘misbehaviours’ of children aren’t because they are trying to be naughty, but because they don’t have the skills to do what we’re asking. Kids aren’t adults, they’re kids, and it’s our job to give them those skills, not punish them for not having them.
Camille
But if she’s going for a reread, Camille says The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (in particular Eragon) and The Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling, are favourites.
Fiona
Fiona is drawn to books that feature a far-flung destination, great characters and a writing style that allows her to relax. She quite enjoys rereading the books of her favourite authors, Monica McInerney and Alexander McCall Smith, and their books dominate a decent portion of her shelves (which can be seen on Instagram and the cover image for this blog post). She recommends The Godmothers by McInerney and Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by McCall Smith.
In addition to fiction, Fiona’s collection of cookbooks has been lovingly curated. She enjoys when an author is able to combine their personal recollections with recipes. Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer are favourites.
Caleb
Caleb finds himself often recommending ‘Til We Have Faces by C.S Lewis and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Reading helps him compartmentalize his personal space, from his work space. A good book provides him with an escape into another world and helps him as a holistic practitioner to understand the influence of spiritual contributors to well being.
His favourite book is The Lord of The Rings by J.RR Tolkien.
Book Recommendations from Health Practitioners
- The Godmothers by Monica McInerney
- Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith
- Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
- The Secret Necklace by Enid Blyton
- ‘Til We Have Faces by C.S Lewis
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
- The Lord of The Rings by J.RR Tolkien
- The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene
- The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak
- The Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling
- The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Thank you to all the wonderful health workers who shared their book recommendations in today’s post.
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Steph Huddleston 