It’s summertime and if you’re like me, then that means time to read by the water (lake, beach, mini blow up pool in the backyard, etc.).
I don’t get a lot of time to read, so when I get the chance I want to make it worth my time. I usually try to keep a list in my head (yeah right, like I’m going to remember a book I heard about 6 months ago). So, I decided I would write it down and I might as well share that with you too! I see lots of students asking for ways to continue learning and reading books you enjoy is such a great form of self-care and can also serve as an educational experience that might be related to your future as a child life specialist.
Books you should read
I’ll admit it, I’m not a huge reader. I generally find that when I have free time I don’t choose to spend it reading a book. Or, if I do, I end up falling asleep because it is the end of the day.
But, when I find a really good book, I love it. I typically take books on vacation and read them as much as I can. I love to share great books with other people too.
So, today I’ll share a few books I’ve read that are related to child life and I’ll also share books that are on my “to read” list.
Books I’ve read and recommend:
Obviously I’ve read more than two books, these are just the two most recent books I’ve read that I felt were related to child life.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad: An amazing story written by someone who experienced a cancer diagnosis in late adolescence, during college. I love stories that are true and written by the person who experienced it, this one checks all the boxes.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman: This book is a deep dive into medical ethics, cultural experiences, and learning more about the people you work with. I do recommend listening to this one, as a lot of the names and terms can be very challenging. But overall this is a very thought provoking book that will cause you to really pause and think about the families you work with now and in the future.
Books that are on my list (recommended by other child life friends):
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
Communication is Care by Jennifer George
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
If Disney Ran Your Hospital by Fred Lee
A Good Death by Sandra Martin
Talking About Death Won’t Kill You Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller
The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
