Nonfiction4Life

For the Nonfiction4Life Editor’s Picks debut, we used your recommendations to share just three books in the Home & Family category. While none is a new release, they all fit nicely in this category, especially during this time of year.

1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo (recommended by KaRynn). In her New York Times bestseller, Kondo puts magic in decluttering. For instance, she teaches us to fold every clothing item into a perfect rectangle. Then, when stacking them on their side (instead of on top of each other), we can look in our drawers and see everything at once. Kondo also takes a unique approach to helping clients get rid of things. She begins by greeting the house. That is, she literally kneels, bows, and formally introduces herself. After this ritual, she continues to show respect for the people, things, and the house itself by dressing professionally. So, while she declutters, she wears either a dress or slacks and a blazer.
2. My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging by Rachel Naomi Remen (recommended by Carolee). The author, a cancer physician entrenched in the art of healing, hearkens back to times with her grandfather. An orthodox rabbi and friend to all, he taught Remen that “blessing one another is what heals the isolation and loneliness in us all.” Blessings can be small acts of service for even the strangers along our way, and through such service, we connect ourselves to the human race. Creating these connections and belonging to each other is most important in families. Remen recounts a story of listening to a well-known rabbi speak of forgiveness. At the beginning of his sermon, to illustrate how forgiving God is, he took his own infant daughter from his wife’s arms. Naturally, the child began to grab her father’s nose and glasses, as babies do, but nothing the child could do would be unforgiveable—ever. For the first time, Remen saw forgiveness not only as the work of God but also an essential element to strong family relationships.
3. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking (recommended by Alexis Tanner). Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute (a Copenhagen think tank), is turning hygge (pronounced “HOO-guh”) into a household word. Defined as a Danish quality of “coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being,” hygge is not just a thing. Hygge is also something we can do. In fact, the true expression of hygge is joining with loved ones in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. It’s is about slowing down with those you love the most and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Joined now by several other hygge books, this one recommends families embrace hygge…together. 

BUY The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo (2014-10-14)

BUY My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging by Rachel Naomi Remen (2001-04-01)

BUY The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living

SHOW NOTES: Introducing “Editor’s Picks" at Nonfiction4Life! We're giving you a chance to tell us your best ideas for great nonfiction.

Host Janet Perry's book group of 30 years has a long-held tradition following their formal book discussion.  When dessert is served, every member has a chance to talk about other books. That way, everyone can pick up ideas for future reading. The book group has done for Janet what Nonfiction4Life is doing for you, our listeners. Just as it says on the website, the mission of Nonfiction4Life is to "curate books for readers who love true stories and great ideas but who have little time to hunt them down." And, from the beginning, Nonfiction4Life has been doing just that. We've been publishing blog posts and podcasts.

Now, we have a new plan to help you add to your want-to-read nonfiction book lists. First, we’ll put out a request for you to recommend a book in one of our many categories. You can submit your ideas as an individual or as a group. We especially encourage book groups to have fun choosing books together.

From your recommendations, we’ll select just three books to feature in a mini-podcast called “Editor’s Picks.” If your book is chosen for the podcast, we’ll be sure to give you (or your book group) credit. 

We hope you’ll follow our lead at Nonfiction4Life and make your choices from long-standing classics or sleepers that are hidden gems. And, of course, we’re always anxious to hear about hot-off-the-press new releases. Just be sure that the books you recommend are insightful, inspiring, and uplifting.

As we're approaching the holidays, this time we’re looking for nonfiction books about Home & Family. So, we invite you to get started and post your ideas in the “Comments” section of the podcast at nonfiction4life.com. We're anxious to hear from you.

Share recommendations for “Home & Family” books here.

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SHOW NOTES: Introducing “Editor’s Picks" at Nonfiction4Life! We're giving you a chance to tell us your best ideas for great nonfiction.

Host Janet Perry's book group of 30 years has a long-held tradition following their formal book discussion.  When dessert is served, every member has a chance to talk about other books. That way, everyone can pick up ideas for future reading. The book group has done for Janet what Nonfiction4Life is doing for you, our listeners. Just as it says on the website, the mission of Nonfiction4Life is to "curate books for readers who love true stories and great ideas but who have little time to hunt them down." And, from the beginning, Nonfiction4Life has been doing just that. We've been publishing blog posts and podcasts.

Now, we have a new plan to help you add to your want-to-read nonfiction book lists. First, we’ll put out a request for you to recommend a book in one of our many categories. You can submit your ideas as an individual or as a group. We especially encourage book groups to have fun choosing books together.

From your recommendations, we’ll select just three books to feature in a mini-podcast called “Editor’s Picks.” If your book is chosen for the podcast, we’ll be sure to give you (or your book group) credit. 

We hope you’ll follow our lead at Nonfiction4Life and make your choices from long-standing classics or sleepers that are hidden gems. And, of course, we’re always anxious to hear about hot-off-the-press new releases. Just be sure that the books you recommend are insightful, inspiring, and uplifting.

As we're approaching the holidays, this time we’re looking for nonfiction books about Home & Family. So, we invite you to get started and post your ideas in the “Comments” section of the podcast at nonfiction4life.com. We're anxious to hear from you.

Share recommendations for “Home & Family” books here.

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Scott Parazynski, author of the memoir The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed, is the only human to travel in space and reach the summit of Mount Everest. With five Space Shuttle Missions, seven spacewalks (EVAs), and numerous publications and awards to his name, he rightfully earned his place in the US Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center.

He grew up all over the world, making him a “third culture kid,” which opened his eyes to the power of people and made him a fan of multidisciplinary teams. To become both a physician and an astronaut, Parazynski applied lessons learned from becoming an Eagle Scout. Just as he earned merit badges one at a time, he likewise pursued his goals by organizing them into manageable parts. Now retired from his 17-year career as an astronaut, he refers to himself as “former astronaut” since he’s no longer allowed to speak officially for NASA.

When his son Luke was born with underdeveloped lungs, Parazynski felt terrified and helpless. To have no control over the situation was a defining moment. Yet later, mortality caught up with him, too. He suffered an altitude-induced stroke and ruptured disc in his lower back. Still, he returned to space for several expeditions and to Mount Everest for a second (successful) attempt to reach the summit. Although characterized by putting himself in risky situations, he calls himself a “risk manager” rather than a “risk taker.” Like other climbers and astronauts, he always has a Plan B and Plan C.

Evidently, Parazynski’s back problems were a result of his body expanding in space and contracting upon returning to Earth. Over time, repeating this pattern inflicted trauma on his body. Parazynski’s friend/colleague Scott Kelly speaks of experiencing similar physical changes from his prolonged space travel.

Parazynski had the distinguished opportunity to be selected as a fellow crewmember and in-flight physician to John Glenn who returned to space at age 77. Of all Glenn’s qualities, his humility impressed Parazynski the most. Their space experiments included findings that continue to inform the field of gerontology.

According to Parazynski, companies such as Virgin Galactic and Space X will make space travel possible for the layman sooner rather than later. His own finest moment in space came when repairing a solar panel on the International Space Station. The ISS, a symbol of political alliances, is tangible evidence space can be an incredible catalyst for peace.  

Parazynski believes continuing to fund the space program is a smart investment in “tomorrow.” By allocating $18 billion (less than half a cent of taxpayer dollars) to aerospace and aviation, we can continue to bridge nations and inspire young people. His own “greater purpose” is “to try to pay forward to the fullest extent possible.” As CEO of his own robotics startup, he’s working on technologies he hopes will help millions if not billions of people for good.

BUY The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed

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Scott Parazynski, author of the memoir The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed, is the only human to travel in space and reach the summit of Mount Everest. With five Space Shuttle Missions, seven spacewalks (EVAs), and numerous publications and awards to his name, he rightfully earned his place in the US Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center.

He grew up all over the world, making him a “third culture kid,” which opened his eyes to the power of people and made him a fan of multidisciplinary teams. To become both a physician and an astronaut, Parazynski applied lessons learned from becoming an Eagle Scout. Just as he earned merit badges one at a time, he likewise pursued his goals by organizing them into manageable parts. Now retired from his 17-year career as an astronaut, he refers to himself as “former astronaut” since he’s no longer allowed to speak officially for NASA.

When his son Luke was born with underdeveloped lungs, Parazynski felt terrified and helpless. To have no control over the situation was a defining moment. Yet later, mortality caught up with him, too. He suffered an altitude-induced stroke and ruptured disc in his lower back. Still, he returned to space for several expeditions and to Mount Everest for a second (successful) attempt to reach the summit. Although characterized by putting himself in risky situations, he calls himself a “risk manager” rather than a “risk taker.” Like other climbers and astronauts, he always has a Plan B and Plan C.

Evidently, Parazynski’s back problems were a result of his body expanding in space and contracting upon returning to Earth. Over time, repeating this pattern inflicted trauma on his body. Parazynski’s friend/colleague Scott Kelly speaks of experiencing similar physical changes from his prolonged space travel.

Parazynski had the distinguished opportunity to be selected as a fellow crewmember and in-flight physician to John Glenn who returned to space at age 77. Of all Glenn’s qualities, his humility impressed Parazynski the most. Their space experiments included findings that continue to inform the field of gerontology.

According to Parazynski, companies such as Virgin Galactic and Space X will make space travel possible for the layman sooner rather than later. His own finest moment in space came when repairing a solar panel on the International Space Station. The ISS, a symbol of political alliances, is tangible evidence space can be an incredible catalyst for peace.  

Parazynski believes continuing to fund the space program is a smart investment in “tomorrow.” By allocating $18 billion (less than half a cent of taxpayer dollars) to aerospace and aviation, we can continue to bridge nations and inspire young people. His own “greater purpose” is “to try to pay forward to the fullest extent possible.” As CEO of his own robotics startup, he’s working on technologies he hopes will help millions if not billions of people for good.

BUY The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed

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Dr. Kevin Leman first published The Birth Order Book in 1985. Today, more than three decades and two reprintings later, the book still holds relevance.

Evidently, we never fully outgrow our birth order. (Just think about those family gatherings when your older sister is still telling you how to make gravy.) Naturally, every birth order position has its strengths and weaknesses. Learning to leverage the good in each is the key to building happy relationships.

Leman explains common traits of the four birth order positions: firstborn (perfectionistic, dependable, sensitive to criticism), middleborn (secretive, mentally tough, independent), lastborn (uncomplicated, vivacious, manipulative), and only born (self-motivated, fearful, cautious). Contrary to popular opinion, parents need to learn to parent each child differently.

Of course, all families don’t fit neatly into a box of two parents and three children, so it’s important to account for variables such as gender and years apart in age. For example, a second-born girl following an older brother will have many traits of a firstborn, as might a middle-born child with four years in between him and the next oldest sibling. Other disrupters in birth order include death, divorce, adoption, and step-families. (Note: Dr. Leman claims there’s no such thing as a “blended” family. He says these families don’t blend; they collide. And their foundation is “cemented with a mortar of…anger.”)

Sensitivity to birth order traits can also help employers pick the right person for a job. In fact, with some small talk and a little observation, bosses can learn to distinguish among firstborns, who get the job done; middleborns, who make great managers; and lastborns who can “sell dead rats for a living.”

Knowing birth order can also be insightful when choosing a mate. Dr. Leman says the strongest marriages are between any two people not of the same birth order. On the other hand, a marriage between two firstborns can be volatile unless they learn to divide responsibilities. However, the good news is, with a little help from The Birth Order Book, all marital combinations can work.

In the end, “The smart person figures out how to navigate all birth orders.”

BUY The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are

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Photo Credit: Tom Spitz Photography, Tucson, AZ

Dr. Kevin Leman first published The Birth Order Book in 1985. Today, more than three decades and two reprintings later, the book still holds relevance.

Evidently, we never fully outgrow our birth order. (Just think about those family gatherings when your older sister is still telling you how to make gravy.) Naturally, every birth order position has its strengths and weaknesses. Learning to leverage the good in each is the key to building happy relationships.

Leman explains common traits of the four birth order positions: firstborn (perfectionistic, dependable, sensitive to criticism), middleborn (secretive, mentally tough, independent), lastborn (uncomplicated, vivacious, manipulative), and only born (self-motivated, fearful, cautious). Contrary to popular opinion, parents need to learn to parent each child differently.

Of course, all families don’t fit neatly into a box of two parents and three children, so it’s important to account for variables such as gender and years apart in age. For example, a second-born girl following an older brother will have many traits of a firstborn, as might a middle-born child with four years in between him and the next oldest sibling. Other disrupters in birth order include death, divorce, adoption, and step-families. (Note: Dr. Leman claims there’s no such thing as a “blended” family. He says these families don’t blend; they collide. And their foundation is “cemented with a mortar of…anger.”)

Sensitivity to birth order traits can also help employers pick the right person for a job. In fact, with some small talk and a little observation, bosses can learn to distinguish among firstborns, who get the job done; middleborns, who make great managers; and lastborns who can “sell dead rats for a living.”

Knowing birth order can also be insightful when choosing a mate. Dr. Leman says the strongest marriages are between any two people not of the same birth order. On the other hand, a marriage between two firstborns can be volatile unless they learn to divide responsibilities. However, the good news is, with a little help from The Birth Order Book, all marital combinations can work.

In the end, “The smart person figures out how to navigate all birth orders.”

BUY The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are

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Photo Credit: Tom Spitz Photography, Tucson, AZ

Life Is So Good is the unlikely memoir of a slave’s grandson who finally learned to read at age 98. Given the chance to get a formal education, George Dawson took to school the way he did every other experience—with humility and gratitude.

Co-author Richard Glaubman originally intended to give voice to a man relegated to a life of discrimination and prejudice. Instead, he found a man filled with gratitude and a sunny disposition. Even with a front-row seat to the cruelty and severe poverty of Blacks in the Deep South, Dawson remained untainted by bitterness. 

Eventually, Dawson and Glaubman published the story bearing the title, Life Is So Good. These four words became Dawson’s lifelong mantra when his father spoke them soon after the two of them witnessed a lynching. Having seen a century’s worth of life’s ups and downs, Dawson reminds us, “People forget that a picture ain’t made from just one color. Life ain’t all good or all bad. It’s full of everything.”

Soon after the book was released, Dawson passed away at age 103. Yet his pearls of wisdom are timeless. Here are just three:   

1. “Some people are growing children [like farmers grow hogs], not raising children.” 
2. “[Don’t] worry so much” and “Be happy for what you have.”
3. “The world only changes one person at a time."

BUY Life Is So Good

Also by Richard Glaubman:

More Than a Book a Story of Friendship

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Life Is So Good is the unlikely memoir of a slave’s grandson who finally learned to read at age 98. Given the chance to get a formal education, George Dawson took to school the way he did every other experience—with humility and gratitude.

Co-author Richard Glaubman originally intended to give voice to a man relegated to a life of discrimination and prejudice. Instead, he found a man filled with gratitude and a sunny disposition. Even with a front-row seat to the cruelty and severe poverty of Blacks in the Deep South, Dawson remained untainted by bitterness. 

Eventually, Dawson and Glaubman published the story bearing the title, Life Is So Good. These four words became Dawson’s lifelong mantra when his father spoke them soon after the two of them witnessed a lynching. Having seen a century’s worth of life’s ups and downs, Dawson reminds us, “People forget that a picture ain’t made from just one color. Life ain’t all good or all bad. It’s full of everything.”

Soon after the book was released, Dawson passed away at age 103. Yet his pearls of wisdom are timeless. Here are just three:   

1. “Some people are growing children [like farmers grow hogs], not raising children.” 
2. “[Don’t] worry so much” and “Be happy for what you have.”
3. “The world only changes one person at a time."

BUY Life Is So Good

Also by Richard Glaubman:

More Than a Book a Story of Friendship

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Erica Komisar champions the role of mothers in Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. As a licensed clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parent guidance expert, Komisar sees a strong correlation between absent mothers and children diagnosed with mental disorders such as ADHD, aggression, autism, anxiety, and depression.

Her words are a clarion call to society, which has come to devalue mothers and overvalue success, money, achievement, and status. The message is not a political message but rather a human message: mothers are not a luxury to children; they are a necessity. Women are biologically designed to take care of their babies, especially during the first three years. Although this concept is instinctive to many women, Komisar now supports it with research.

In addition to citing numerous studies, Komisar includes experiential evidence and sage advice. She aims to teach all mothers how to be more physically and emotionally present for their children while finding ways to feel more joy and peace in their maternal role. Consider just three important takeaways:

1. Mothers act as a baby’s central nervous system for the first nine months. During this time, babies are unable to regulate emotions and stress on their own. The good news is mothers are uniquely equipped to comfort constantly, from moment to moment, all day long. As Komisar says, "The capacity to develop in a healthy manner, to regulate stress, to balance emotions, and to feel for another human being begins with mothers." In other words, when present, a mother can neutralize emotions and buffer stress. These moms can expect their children to grow up to be resilient adults.
2. Every absence from a baby needs repairing. Komisar tells us,"The most painful times for young children are the comings and goings of their mothers." When a mother leaves for even a very short time, her baby feels distressed. Knowing this, mothers can choose to be there during times of transition. Her presence is especially important when babies go to sleep and wake up. To avoid too many separations, mothers can choose to keep very young babies physically close. Her touch, eye contact, and voice are all very reassuring, increasing a baby’s emotional security.
3. Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Although both mothers and fathers produce oxytocin (the love hormone), this chemical produces different responses in males and females. A mother is “bathed” in oxytocin when she delivers a baby and breastfeeds. This causes her to become a more sensitive and empathic nurturer. A father who spends time with his baby also produces increased oxytocin. But the hormone causes him to become more playfully stimulating. He also produces vasopressin. This helps him protect his young, regulate their aggression, and help them separate healthily from their mothers at the right time.

BUY Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters

More about "Being There"

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