Watching my kids settle back in at school motivated me to learn a few new things myself—hence, a Lit List that leans towards the educational side. But don’t worry, none of these books will feel like homework! From a guidebook for parents on fail-proof discipline methods to a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humankind, I promise these pages will enlighten and inspire.
What’s on your reading list this month?
Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky A. Bailey, PhD
As any parent knows, disciplining your kids can be tough stuff. On the one hand, you don’t want to be so harsh that your kids are scared of you. On the other, you don’t want to fall so far into the “best friend” trap that they don’t respect you. I’ve found Dr. Bailey’s seven-step programs to be both actionable and easy to follow: She focuses on building up parents’ confidence so that your behavior trickles down to your kids. In other words: You keep your cool and your little one is less likely to have a major meltdown too. I’ve put her methods into real practice in my family, and am relieved to have already seen changes in my kids and me.
Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs
Yes, Jobs as in that Jobs. Lisa is the daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and while he may have been a perfectionist at work, the same can’t be said for his parenting skills. The devastatingly raw memoir reveals the complexities of their relationship (The tech giant denied that she was his for much of her young life) and what it was like to grow up in his larger-than-life shadow. The book gave me another glimpse into the mind of the man who shaped so much of how we communicate today and introduced me to another great writer and talent, his daughter.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Harari
This book has been on my must-read list for a while now, and I’m 100 percent enthralled now that I’ve had the time and headspace to dive in. Historian Yuval Harari tackles all the big questions about our existence and how we got to where we are today. Did you know that there used to be five other species of humans? Why did only we survive and how did our ancestors come to believe in the things we now take for granted like cities, laws, human rights, money and science? He explores these ideas—and where we’re headed—with wit and humor that make it impossible to put down.
Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
Professor Sarah Smarsh’s memoir of growing up poor in rural Kansas paints a poignant picture of what it’s like to be a have-not in America. Her personal journey of breaking the cycle of poverty is captivating, but what makes the book a stand-out is its powerful message about class bias, and how we can all be more compassionate and less quick to judge or marginalize.
13 Comments
Hailey Margaret Owens
Thank you so much for these suggestions!! I look forward to diving in ?
Heather Eterna Parker
Gen- please forgive me if it’s not related to your blog – As an empty nester- I just want to express how impressed I am with you and your dedication as a mother offering support to other moms — wishing I could turn back the clock for this reason alone to experience such supportive circle — I first met you when you were Ruby —my loving Supernatural and especially Jared’s Sam — Thanks to Stephen Amell (whom I have already met) Who indirectly led me to Jared and Supernatural – How come — he mentioned Jared being his very good friend helping him through rough times and the rest is history —Simply— No Stephen Amell No Jared Padalecki No Supernatural… No Gen … I just finished all 13 seasons Few weeks ago. Younger moms are blessed to have you around — as raising kids take time patience and consistent nurturing and discipline (teaching) . Thank you for all you do for and with Jared and your kids — and with the rest of the world as well- May God bless you all — The Jared Padalecki Family— Always and Forever. ox
Betelgeuse
I’ve heard about Sapiens, very nice book. In my reading (or better, publishing) list, there’s my own book I started to post on Wattpad recently. Maybe you may wish to have a look, it’s medieval historical fiction https://www.wattpad.com/story/162102618-h-s-relics-and-gold
michaela kilbride
love these gen – thank you!! I am a teacher so to have some different choices is nice. I hope this gets to you my previous comments haven’t ox
lesdeuxcatastrophes
“The Gustav Sonata“ by Rose Tremain
An incredibly touching, poetic, human, enchanting, epic wonderfully written story about finding happiness.
“Das Feld“ by Robert Seethaler.
What if the dead could look back on their lives and review. What would they tell you? The. new book by the Austrian author of “A Whole Life“.
“The History of Bees“ by Maja Lunde
A captivating, moving and disturbing story of three families of bee-keepers arpund the world- enticing past, present and terrifying future.
lesdeuxcatastrophes
“The Gustav Sonate“ by Rose Tremain
An incredibly touching, poetic, deeply human and wonderfully written story about finding happiness right on your doorstep
“Das Feld“ by Christoph Seethaler
If the dead could review their lives, what would they tell us? A phantastic and touching story of the Austrian author of “A Whole Life“
“History of Bees“ by Maja Lunde
An enticing novel of three families of beekeepers spanning around the world and time-describing a fascinating past, a detailed present and a terrifying future. Changes your outlook on how we treat nature.
Gifs Dee & Gen
I read somewhere that your first childbirth lasted more than 20 hours, I am a nursing student and I was quite curious about it, I would like to know if it was true this news and if for the other childbirth you used some technique in particular to facilitate?
I love your blog ❤♥❤♥❤?
Jesssica (@Wild_Journey_By_Jess)
If you loved the book Sapiens I would HIGHLY recommend the book “Next of Kin” by Dr. Roger Fouts. It is an incredible journey of a physiologist studying the evolution of human language through his relationship with Washoe, a chimpanzee who speaks sign language. It’s storytelling capacity on top of being highly educational had me hooked! I laughed, I cried, and I cheered in triumph along with it. It’s an incredible story. Jane Goodall wrote the forward for it. I hope you get the chance to read it! I love your blog, thank you for bringing some extra inspiration! 🙂
Mimi
Hi frome Paris,
Thank you for your reviews. And everything you do. I a new reader and since now I’m really happy to read you.
Since 5 months I wanted to read Sapiens and for now I didn’t find the time and you give me back my desire to read it.
And thanks to acknowledge me with parenting solutions on your first comments.
Have a good day,
Sorry if my English ?
Sascha
Hi Gen!
I am absolutely in love with your blog, your vlogs and your instagram account. I have learned so much from you already! I was wondering if you have any book suggestions for before you have a baby. I’m a huge planner and my husband and I have been talking more about starting a family, but it is also slightly terrifying. I tried to find some on my own but there are so many books out there, I have no idea where to start! I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any suggestions.
Thank you so much!
Sascha
Laura Stewart
Heartland looks interesting. Does it have anything to do with the TV show?
Olivia
You are really inspiring me, Gen. You are so energetic, so positive. As a booklover (or I are say a bookworm) myself I really like your book recomendations, and I appreciate your love for reading.
My Secrets To Self-Care – now & gen
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