Favorite Category: For Adults

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The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person

By Frederick Joseph
Why we recommend this book:
  • Frederick Joseph’s memoir/guide talks directly to the reader, and shares real experiences from his past as well as current perspectives from artists and activists.
  • The clear language and engaging tone make this book accessible to teens and young adults, who may see some of themselves in Mr. Joseph’s descriptions of his own adolescence.
  • A beautiful blend of empathy-inspiring examples and concrete tools for personal – and societal – growth and change.
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

By Atul Gawande
Why we recommend this book:
  • This is an amazing resource to help people reflect on their own aging, or the aging and changing needs of elders they care about, or care for
  • Helps us consider our life choices and values, and whether “more medicine” is always the right choice
  • Clearly and compassionately written
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

By Thich Nhat Hanh
Why we recommend this book:
  • While this was published over 30 years ago, the general advice for pausing in small moments, and using every day opportunities to breathe and reframe, are timeless
  • Clearly written for anyone to read – no previous experience with mindfulness required
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict Into Connection

By Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD and John Gottman, PhD
Why we recommend this book:
  • The latest book written by the couple who developed The Gottman Institute
  • Clearly written for people to read on their own (no therapist interpretation needed)
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find–and Keep–Love

Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A.
Why we recommend this book:
  • Clearly written for people who want to learn about their own attachment style, or maybe about their partner’s
  • A good blend of theory and real action steps you can start taking right away
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel