Book List

I LOVE to read. I always have a never ending wish list of books to read, so I thought I'd share a few from my list that caught my eye, not just as a book lover, but as an occupational therapist, too.


Out of My Mind
I've recently developed a renewed interest in Young Adult fiction and as I was perusing the YA section at my local bookstore, I came across Out of My Mind. This book was chosen as a staff pick and had this recommendation next to it: "The main character of this book is an 11 year old with cerebral palsy who has never spoken a word in her life. This book is a powerful, moving, realistic, hopeful look at a life that most of us cannot even imagine. Seriously, do yourself a favor. Check it out!" With a recommendation like that, I immediately bought it. And then I gave it to my nephew for Christmas before I had a chance to read it, so it's still on my list of books to read.


Wonder
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever your thinking, it's probably worse." With a line like that, I just want to keep reading. This book is about a 5th grade who was born with a facial deformity and is entering a mainstream school for the first time. This book was highly recommended by Stacy, over at Starfish Therapies.


The Journal of Best Practices
I'm a huge fan of the Modern Love series in The New York Times. When I read David Finch's essay in The New York Times I was moved, entertained, and hopeful all at once. I expect his memoir will do the same.


The Happiness Project
I've been curious about this book since it first came out. Since I'm on a kick to develop more balance in my life, I decided now was the time to check this book out from the library. This seems like the kind of book that I will wan to read slowly and reflect on, so I will probably end up buying a copy for myself. Unless the library wants to loan it to me for about 6 months :)


Quiet
I found Susan Cain's TED Talk on the power of introverts to be inspiring and eye opening. As an introvert myself, of course I think introverts are capable of doing great things ;) I read a review of this book in which the reviewer said it helped her better understand her children, as she and her children don't have the same personality types. I'm all for gaining a better understanding of how different people perceive the world they live in.


Kids Beyond Limits
This book came highly recommended by Shasta when she participated in my Parent's Perspective series. A week later, Michele of CP Daily Living listed it as one of her must-have resources. I took that as a sign that I need to read this book. I checked it out from the library, but I only made it through the first few chapters (because I was super busy, not because it wasn't worth reading), so it's on my list to dive back into when I have a little more time.


Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents
In October, I started a new job, and I am absolutely loving it! The school I now work in has a huge focus on executive function skills. Now that I've settled into my new job and feel like I know my students, I feel like it is time for me to dive into learning more about the nuts and bolts of executive function skills.

Have you read any of these books? What's on your reading list this year?

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