Staff faves...April 2022

Published on 04 April 2022

Muster Dogs

by Aticia Grey

This year’s feel good ABC TV series is accompanied by a feel good book by Aticia Grey of Pilbara Working Dogs fame.  I loved this book and read it over one day.  If you love dogs, love working dogs, love kelpies, love seeing working kelpies working, then this is the book is for you.  I own a very lazy old boy kelpie (or he owns me …) and I was hoping that getting Elvis to watch this show might get him inspired. Alas, he just kept going to sleep, I think that might have been strategic on his behalf – he’s a pretty clever kelpie after all!  An inspiring book about a strong woman working on the land with a team of kelpies, each of which have their own personalities and quirks. It will put a smile on your face.

Michelle

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The artist's way: a spiritual path to higher creativity

by Julia Cameron

A friend suggested this book to me many years ago, and I found it in a second-hand bookshop that same day.  It was first published in 1992 but Cameron’s strategies have been used and co-opted by many writers since.  It’s still relevant for anyone looking to re/discover their creativity. The second part of the title would normally put me off, but the ideas are more practical than esoteric. Writing morning pages, taking yourself on artist dates and the joy of creative play are three things that have stuck with me since first reading it. Three ways to get out of your head and into the joy of creating whether with words, art or any kind of making.

Shana

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Phosphorescence: on awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark

by Julia Baird

This book is about how we can find ways to discover, experience and sustain internal happiness or the ‘light within’ in a world that constantly challenges us in so many ways.

It was an absolute privilege and delight to listen to Julia Baird narrate her book (via our Borrow Box platform). It captivated me to explore and develop a deeper awareness of the wonderful curiosities our world has to offer. I just loved her insights into the love, resilience and strength we have within ourselves. How moments can define us but not destroys us. How we can grow from personal tragedies and disappointments. How our extraordinary environment has the ability to nurture, restore and inspire us.  It is a beautifully written book that I continue to dip in and out of; finding treasure and delight amongst its pages.

Wendy

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My Year of Rest and Relaxation

by Ottessa Moshfegh

An antidote to toxic positivity (and just as privileged); for a millennial like me, this book was an indulgent but very necessary tale. I wouldn’t say it’s uplifting, but maybe that’s why it resonated with me so much – because it felt real. Rather than accepting the barrage of messaging requiring me to find additional hours in the day to meditate, eat fresh, get sunshine (without getting cancer), further my studies, be a great partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend; workout, get my health checked, save for a house, and be “in tune” with myself, this book gave me permission to “accept the defeat” of likely never living up to those expectations and to exercise some self-compassion.

Chloe

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The Closest Thing to Flying

by Gill Lewis

A story of a 12-year old refugee girl who is desperately seeking signs of hope and freedom. When she discovers a diary of a girl who lived over 100 years earlier, she finds not only a friend but the courage and inspiration she needs to fight for her place in the world.

I read this to my 8-year-old daughter, we both loved it! It’s an inspiring and empowering story that demonstrates hope can go beyond hope and actually become reality – if we just have a little courage.

Narelle 

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