When you’re seeking solidarity:

The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About Raising Kids with Special Needs by denise brodey

A raw and honest story compilation from special parents of all ages and stages.

It was while reading this book that I first saw some of the grittiest parts of raising special children most authentically reflected back to me, and boy did that feel good. 

I am grateful to this courageous group of parents for being willing to comment so candidly on topics such as the choice to medicate, schooling, adapting expectations, big emotions, and so much more.

A favorite quote:
“Parents… usually fall into two camps:  Camp A … offers well-meaning, constructive advice and commentary. Camp B, the ‘We Feel Your Pain’ group, on the other hand, can see, almost instinctively, this is no ordinary kid. These parents are almost all moms and dads of special-needs kids. They know life within the whirlwind” (3-4).

When your heart needs held:

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron

This is a book you’ll want to buy an extra copy of for everyone you know. If you need a book to hold your heart, this is it.

A favorite quote:
“Usually we think that brave people have no fear. The truth is that they are intimate with fear” (4).

For the, “Read? Who has time for that!”moments

As You Go: Words for the Unknown by Tanner Olson

From the “This book goes great with coffee” remark on the copyright page, to the “I wrote this book for you,” dedication, Tanner offers poetry that is unbelievably down-to-earth, easy to read, and offers spiritual uplift in perfectly-portioned literary bites. It’s a universal poem book that even the non-poetry-loving adults (and teens) in your life can resonate with.

A favorite poem:
“despite the storm
she stepped into
the wild
unknown
uncertain
but certain
she would
grow” (47).

When tangible direction would be best:

The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman

This is the book to pick up if life has thrown you a curveball, you’re searching for deeper purpose, or you struggle with the overwhelming stressors of the situations you’ve been dealt.

I wrote my first picture book inside the back cover of this book. A faded condensation ring on the cover marks the steady place it held on my nightstand, as we prepared for our son to undergo double hip reconstruction. The overwhelming message is one that’s become a mantra for me when doubt threatens to hinder any and all direction forward.

Bonus? She has a podcast by the same name.

A favorite quote:
“As people who put their trust in Jesus, sometimes we don’t know what to say when we see someone going through an impossible time. Instead of giving them space to name their own narratives, we rush them into a narrative that makes us feel more comfortable” (37).

When you could use some perspective:

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

I heard Brene Brown first interview her on Brene’s podcast, “Unlocking Us” and I knew I needed more. I was immediately moved by the story of this 90-year-old psychologist who wrestled with PTSD, trauma, and grief after surviving captivity in the concentration camps. Her account is a page turner, especially when you learn how she eventually fought her way back to herself and pursued a career in psychology to help others do the same. 

Her book is one of those you put down and say, “Wow.”

A favorite quote:
“My own search for freedom and my years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist have taught me that suffering is universal. But victimhood is optional” (7).