Herein lie some of my favourite books. These works have profoundly influenced my life, in one way or another. Some have been inspirational, some have brought me to tears, others have cheered me up when nothing else has. All are excellent. [ january 23, 1999 : I am now an amazon.com associate, so click on the title to purchase the book and give me credit! I'm such a retail slut. ] [ Christmas, 1999 : And, in the name of hedonism & shameless grovelling everywhere, I have a wish list at amazon.com. It's where I put the books I want someday ] whipped cream: She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb the heart-wrenching story of Dolores Price, and her journey through life as she seeks peace & contentment, ultimately surprised to find it within herself. Prozac Nation : Young and Depressed in America - Elizabeth Wurtzel A witty, intelligent and honest account of one woman's struggle with depression. The Education of Little Tree - Forrest Carter A lovely book about a young Cherokee boy's life. Forget the politically correct rumours--just read it. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath the classic story of a woman's descent into, and out of, madness. An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison the true story of a woman with manic-depressive illness; a brave and brilliant book. The Robber Bride - Margaret Atwood I picked this particular novel of Atwood's because I heard her read excerpts of it, and will always remember how the text came alive in her voice. However, I do love every book Atwood has ever written, and recommend each of them equally. My Name is Asher Lev - Chaim Potok One of my favourite books of all time. I read this in my late teens--at a time when I was struggling with my artistic nature and the fundamentalist dogma that engulfed me; that way of thinking/being which I felt was completely contrary to who I was as an individual. This book is for all who struggle with the demands of their family,church,community,god. It gave me a path to freedom, and sanity, and helped me realise I was not alone. cinnamon & nutmeg: Cries of the Spirit : Celebration of Women's Spirituality - Marilyn Sewell (Editor) a glorious collection of poems; one of the best collaborations I've ever seen. It embodies feminine spirituality, power, insight and hope. One of my ear-marked favourites. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson - Emily Dickinson the work of a gifted woman who wrote for herself, and not for society. The Fact of A Doorframe - Adrienne Rich Some of the most poignant poetry I have read. A favourite. One book I would have to have wherever I was. Ragman and Other Cries of Faith - Walter Wangerin, Jr. A beautiful collection of stories, by one who understands truth. I love it for its simplicity, its eloquence, and its portrayal of the human condition. chocolate sprinkles: Full Catastrophe Living : Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness - Jon Kabat-Zinn I first read this book when I thought I might have cancer. Although it turned out the tumour was benign, I found that this book revolutionized my life. I recommend it to everyone; terminally ill or not. Women Who Run With the Wolves : Myths & Stories About the Wild Woman Archetype - Clarissa Pinkola Estes An incredibly empowering book. Unfortunately, these kind of books make the "best seller list" and lose some of their impact as they are misinterpreted and watered down in the re-telling. (My book snobbery almost forced me to avoid this book altogether)! But this is an important book -- one that can revolutionize the female condition. Healing Words : The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine - Larry, Md. Dossey On loan to me from a dear friend, this book examines the link between "prayer" and healing...not merely the Judeo-Christian aspects of prayer, but all forms of meditation and communication with that higher life force -- that which is outside of, or within, our selves. extra beans: Suffer the Child - Judith Spencer An account of satanic ritual abuse & multiple personality disorder. Intense & emotional. Difficult to find, but Amazon will try. Multiple Personality Disorder from the Inside Out - Barry M. Cohen (Editor) An excellent book written by many multiple systems & supportive friends & So's about life as a multiple. Highly recommended for an honest, vulnerable glimpse into the multiple mind. Other Altars : Roots and Realities of Cultic and Satanic Ritual Abuse and Multiple Personality Disorder - Craig Lockwood An informative book for anyone interested in the history behind modern day satanism. Another out of print satanic ritual book. Interesting, eh? The Journals of Sylvia Plath - Frances McCullough, Sylvia Plath An insight into the woman behind "the bell jar," in her personal journals. Initially I thought it would be a trendy goth angsty poetic thing, but it is excellent. Plath was an amazing woman. Motherless Daughters : The Legacy of Loss - Hope Edelman A book that had me in tears from the beginning. An excellent book for those who have lost the most important women in their lives. (Even though I lost my mother to divorce at age 3, I felt the emptiness of not having her as a part of my life every day since). The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood I don't normally like "science fiction" or futuristic works, but this one is by one of my favourite authors, so I decided to try it. Read it before it is banned. the cherries: Angry Women (Re/Search; 13) - Andrea Juno (Editor) A collection of interviews with the cutting edge artists of our day--including Annie Sprinkle, bell hooks, and others. This is raw, uncensored, powerful stuff. The Anger Workbook - Carter, Minirth, Meier A recommendation from Spug. I haven't read it yet, but am ordering it from Amazon today.

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