3 Helpful, Healing Books For You, From Clare

Lots of us, more often than not, have self-improvement at the forefront of our minds. Though, with 'new year, new you' clichés all around us, right now it grabs everyone's attention. Every other book I read tends to have some focus on self-improvement. And the last one I read, 'Frazzled' by Ruby Wax, surprised me. Read on to see why. And to see a few other healing books I think you’ll enjoy too. With one you can enjoy sharing with someone close to you.  

3 Helpful, Healing Books From Clare

The Course of Love – Alain de Botton

We live in a world where people meet and, often, move on. Alain de Botton’s novel follows a couple with another story we can easily relate to. They meet, fall in love and get married. Though what happens next? Does ‘happily ever after’ exist? This book explores both things. With a look into post-honeymoon period relationships. And how love endures and evolves over a shared lifetime. “Rabih and Kirsten meet, fall in love, get married. Think this is the end of the story? It's only the beginning.” – Penguin Books

Know Yourself – Cards for self-exploration

Ok, I’m cheating, this one isn’t quite a book. It was a Christmas gift from my parents and it’s from The School of Life. Alain de Botton, author of the above book (The Course of Love), runs the company. It's all about helping people build their emotional muscle. These cards offer exercises and questions to help you explore and learn more about who you are. Topics like family, love, fear and perception appear. And there are some challenging ones in here; but that’s the whole point. My top tip is make sure you give yourself time to sit down with them (and actually do them). It’s a revealing exercise. One you may or may not want to share with someone close to you. And, of course, you don’t have to do them all in one sitting.

Frazzled - Ruby Wax

Packing for India I heard Ruby Wax promoting this book on the radio. My first (naïve) thought was that she could be jumping on the mindfulness bandwagon. Though that’s a very good vehicle to hitch a ride on. And in the book I felt I got to know Ruby better. Obvious, perhaps, but it was refreshing to hear she manages ups and downs like everyone else. If you’re new to mindfulness, Ruby’s book is full of easy hints and tips on how to get started. (With plenty of insight and proven facts on why you should). Some practice behind you? Then the book will serve as a brilliant reminder of the practice’s principles. Her off-the-wall wit, and self-sketched brain illustrations, make her book an easy, funny read. Don’t miss: the 6-week mindfulness course in the middle.

A little, Aloud – Edited by Angela Macmillan

I’ve had this book for an age. It’s a collection of prose and poetry, as the cover describes, “for reading aloud to someone you care for.” That’s exactly what I’ve done in the past – read to my partner one of the short chapters before bed, or in the morning. It’s a really lovely thing to share. Try reading aloud for someone in your life. It doesn’t have to be this book – it can be any. And you can do it for children, grandparents… anyone you choose. It’s amazing how such a small thing can bring you closer.   Are there any healing books you’ve recently read or return to for a little boost, reassurance or guidance? We'd love to hear from you! Make sure you let us know by commenting below, or on Facebook or Twitter. You may also love our 10 Mindful Movies blog post or Our Team's Favourite Reads.