harmony: a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things

In no particular order here’s the list of books I read this past year (and counting since I’m still finishing up a couple!). I’ve made a couple notes below each about favorite quotes and thoughts on the book overall. It was a diverse year of reading and I dove into some very new topic’s of exploration!

• 13 Original Clan Mothers: Your Sacred Path to Discovering the Gifts, Talents and Abilities of the Feminine Through the Ancient Teachings of the Sisterhood by Jamie Sams ***

I had a hard time getting started with this book but once I got focused I found it delightfully helpful as a means to share archetypal stories and teachings of life.

• The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders by Sandra F. Rief, Ariel Rief ***

Reference-this book was read (jumped around a bit) as a means to help clients

• Olive Kitterage by Elizabeth Stout **

Not a favorite, kind of downtrodden and depressing story. I abandoned it a little over half way through (but at some point will watch the TV series)

• Little Bee by Chris Cleave ****

I loved this charming story, picked it up because of the name (my kitty’s name too) and was pleasantly delighted with it.

• Lillian Too’s 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutter Your Home by Lillian Too ****

Not your light hearted Feng Shui book of Decluttering, a bit more in dept but I really enjoyed the deeper dive into this practice that I often find helpful for myself and client work.

• The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin ****

I’ve been getting wonderful daily quotes from Gretchen for years and I finally got this book checked off my list. It was helpful to hear how she put Happiness into practice as a conscious Choice (my word of the year for 2015)

• The Little Friend by Donna Tartt ***
• Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes *****

Started this thick read in the last months of 2014 and finished in the first part of 2015. It’s a big read and I couldn’t put it down at times. I’d long wanted to read this book, it almost felt like a right of passage. I was delighted to find out that my 95 year old grandmother had read it. I think it’s a book all women should read (and it was a great segue into 13 Original Clan Mothers).

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert *****

I was skeptical, what more can be said about creativity than already has (especially for someone who’s read a lot of self help/creativity books) but EG had a really fresh take on what makes creative magic happen in our daily lives.

• The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ***

Off to a slow start, was intrigued by the theme and topic of the book and gradually was guided in deeper as the story unfolds to a little mystery, romance, history (non biographical) and magic.

• The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life by Mark Nepo ****

This book has traveled with me through a good part of the year. I read a chapter or two at a time and let the messages, poems and story’s sink in deep. I got this book after meeting Mark and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

• Hildegard of Bingen by Matthew Fox ****

The divine feminine has been a big reading subject for me this year (can you tell!?). I was drawn to this book after meeting Matthew and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

• The Artist Way by Julia Cameron ****

This is the 3rd time around reading this book.  I facilitated a reading group for 5 artists/writers over 12 weeks and watched as all our lives were transformed and catalyzed by the practice of implementing simple process such as the Artist Date and journaling.

• Organizing Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin****

Reference-One of the newer organizing books out this year. Donna breaks down what can sometimes seem daunting into a really simple process. As an organizer I was familiar with almost all the process and suggestions in this book but would certainly recommend it to anyone going through the process of organizing on their own (doesn’t cover challenges such as organizing for ADHD and Chronic Dis-organization)

• Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness by Donna Smallin****

This little “quick reference book” is really fun and an easy, quick read. Well broken up by subject/theme of organization.

• The Two Choices by Carrie Jole Dale ****

This book was written by my friend Carrie and I had to read it because Choice has been my WOTY (word of the year). She simplifies our ongoing quest for finding happiness and self fulfillment by sharing her thoughts on what it really boils down to. (Hint: “You are your own Guru!”-CJD)

• Animal Speak by Ted Andrews *****

I found myself drawn to animals and the messages that they share with us, often looking up references online until I finally got this book for myself. I use it often as a reference but also am fascinated by some of the rituals and practices we can engage in to connect us more deeply to the animals that surround us daily.

• Numerology with Tantra, Ayurveda and Astrology by Harish Johari ****

This is not your typical numerology book. It’s more complex but also leads to a much more personal and specific analysis of how numbers and patterns show up in your life and help you learn and find connections to those around you. I label this one as reference as well.

It’s kind of interesting to look back on my year in books, some interesting themes emerge. I’ve got several books on my holiday wish list and many of them are creative. I also have a few books “left over” form this year that I plan to read in 2016. What books did you read this year and what were your favorites?