Each year, around the Fourth of July, I publish my summer reading list with book recommendations from family, friends and social media contacts. I am excited to share the 2016 list as it contains many interesting reads that will allow you to relax and maybe escape the fast paced world we live for a short time.
In addition to this list, I am developing a Professional Reading List for professionals who work in nursing, case management, care coordination and patient advocacy. This list will help health care professionals build their professional library with some of the new books that have been written by leaders specializing in these areas. I hope to have this list ready next week.
If you have read a book that has touch you and made you think, kept you up at night because the book was so good you read way past your bedtime, or shared a story that opened your eyes to a new way of thinking, please add your Summer Reading Pick in the comment box below. Please note the title of the book, the author and why you liked the book so others can consider picking up your recommendation at their local bookstore or downloading from one of the many online bookstores.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2016 Summer Reading List. Your contributions allow this list to be an annual event that many people look forward to. As you review, I hope you find a few good books to enhance your own summer reading!
To kick us off, I want to start with Eric Bergman, a case management colleague and Facebook friend who shared a book he just finished. The book is; “This is Where I Leave You” by Jonathan Tropper. Eric notes, the book is a few years old and was made into a movie starring Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, and Adam Driver. Eric noted that he enjoyed the story, which is comedic and tragic, but the best part of the book is the internal commentary of the narrator. It is an honest and insightful look at the real feelings, emotions, insecurities and flaws of a certain type of American men.
Kathleen Jarvis, another long time case management colleague, and friend shared a book that has been listed on a past Summer Reading List but is worth another mention. The book is; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloots. Henrietta Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer but scientists know her as HeLa. In 1951 when she had a surgical procedure for cancer, cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medicine and were vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in-vitro fertilization and much more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions yet she remains virtually unknown and her family remains poor and cannot afford health insurance. This book is a good read for all but especially for healthcare professionals who are faced with ethical issues on a daily basis.
Mary Beth Pruss, a friend from Little Rock, AR shared a book titled; “Me Before You”. She shared that she finished the book in less than 2 days! Now she is off to get “After You” which is a continuation of the first book. The author is Jojo Moyes. The book had was an interesting look at assisted suicide for someone who was injured in an accident and whose life changed drastically. You Before Me is also a movie, but get the book as it will allow you to use your own imagination!
Robin Guinn Kimmel, a fellow member of the National Nurse Network shared a few of her favorite reads this year. They are; “The Orphan Train” by Kristina Baker Klien, “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tart, “Son of a Witch” and “Lion Among Men” both by Gregory Maguire.
Elaine Miller a good friend and fellow case manager colleague suggested “The Traitor’s Wife” by Allison Pataki
My cousin, Heather LaCouture, suggested last year’s big hit “Girl on a Train” by Paula Hawkins.
Another cousin and avid reader, Kate Shovlin shared her top picks for 2016. They are: “The Likeness” by Tana French, “Corrupted” by Lisa Scottoline, “Rogue Lawyer” by John Grisham, “Luckiest Girl Alive” by Jessica Knoll, “Descent” by Tim Johnston; “The Ex” by Alafair Burke and last but not least, “Bull Mountain” by Brian Panowich
Long time case management colleague and Facebook friend, Maureen Orr had the following suggestions; “The Orchardist” by Amanda Coplin, “Being Mortal” by Guande Atul, MD, “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehsis Coates and last; “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Kidd Monk.
Long time ED nurse colleague and friend, April Chitwood Cordero shared the following; “Crooked Little Lies” by Barbara Taylor Sissel, and “What She Left Behind” by Ellen Marie Wiserman. On her bedside table now is; Thomas Jefferson the Art of Power…quite a history lesson.
Jon Lucenius a Facebook connection shared his recommendation for the Summer Reading list. The book is: “Flowers for Mama” which was written by his wife, Candia Cumberbatch-Lucenius. He shared that the book is a fun and heartwarming collection of tributes put together too and for peoples’ Mother. It includes information on the author’s “Mama” and early life and has many pictures, poems, songs in writing, and short stories. The collection includes contributions from family, close friends, and others she has met along the way. I must say while most of the material is fun and lighthearted, some will bring a tear to your eye – so have a few tissues at hand!
Meredith McKnight, a connection from LinkedIn shared her 2016 book recommendations. They were: “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Denver Moore, Lynn Vincent, and Ron Hall. This is a book based on a true story that makes you realize how we need each other no matter our class, education, race, etc. There is a follow-up book, “What Difference Do It Make”. Meredith also suggested; “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls. This is another memoir that shows how children overcome and deal with their parent’s mental illness and addiction. It was amazing how they persevered.
Susan Sheffield, nurse colleague from Fairview, TN and LinkedIn colleague suggested; “Esther the Wonder Pig. Changing the World One Heart at a Time”. The book was written by Steve Jenkins, Derek Walter and Caprice Crane. Susan said the book was seriously hilarious.
Beth Boynton, fellow Nurse Blogger shared a book; “So Far from Home: Lost and Found in Our Brave New World”, by Margaret J. Wheatley. She shared; “I love this book because the author offers readers a paradigm shift in thinking and being that although provocative, ultimately holds great promise. I think it certainly applies to much of the chaos we are experiencing in healthcare systems. You can learn a lot about her thinking by clicking here to listen to a 25 min video:
Pat Ford, friend, colleague and Facebook connection shared a book: “The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with The Heroes of the Hospital” by Alexandra Robbins. Pat commented that; “the book held so many stories that are the same today as they were when I graduated from nursing school in 1969 and some new ones relating to current affairs. It surprised me that some things like “eating our young” still exists today. I was also pleased that in some hospitals nurses are truly respected”. Pat notes that this is a good easy read for all not just nurses
Enjoy your summer reading!
