My Book
From Parents Manual to Kid's story
Over fifteen years ago, while shepherding my son through the Northshore School system I thought "why is there no instruction manual". Many pages of notes were written but never really captured the topics' nuance.
More recently I realized the book does not need to be for parents. It needs to teach both children and their parents. Talking with my friend Elaine Cook I realized the medium should be a children's book.
Now I have the book in final stages and previewed two scenes at the Woodinville Summer Family Day event. Several parents were eager for the full book. Keep an eye here and my Facebook for when it is available.
#WoodinvilleReads
Some of My Favorite Books and Why
And the Band Played On
by Randy Shilts
An incredible history of the response to HIV and AIDS during the 1980s. I first read this in high school and it informed my view of public health’s strengths and glaring deficiencies.
The American health system floundered for almost a decade because placing blame was more important. Bigotry condemned the queer community and blamed them for an epidemic that was not their fault. Diseases do not discriminate, humans do.
My college major in public health emphasized the importance of compassion and humanity.
The Mists of Avalon
by Marion Zimmer Bradley
A feminine perspective on the Arthurian legend, The Mists of Avalon gives women the deeply nuanced character development rarely seen in literature. Each time I read the book I am struck by the power women possess and the ways in which they wield it.
Peaceful Piggy Meditation
by Kelly Lee MacLean
I bought this book 15 years ago when my son was in kindergarten and it remains one of my family’s favorites.
It is a kind and gentle guide that teaches young children how to focus on the calm, even in the midst ofdifficult situations. I find myself rereading this book during stressful moments and remembering that peace is ours to enjoy and share.
Children’s books aren’t just for children.
The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
Have you ever read a book with writing so evocative that you could feel, smell and taste it?
The Night Circus follows two young magicians who were trained to compete with one another. The backdrop is Le Cirque de Rêves, a mysterious circus which only appears at night.
The writing is enveloping and rich, like a deep red velvet cloak.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
From the iconic opening sentence, this book is a whirlwind of magical realism, social commentary and family lineage. The plot ebbs and flows from the magical to the mundane, from juntas to corporate greed.
I have read this book at least once a year for the past 2 decades and each time I come away with a new perspective on both the book and the world in which we live.
Evolution of Infectious Disease
by Paul W. Ewald
Review Coming Soon
The Feast of Love
by Charles Baxter
Review Coming Soon