Digital Library
Welcome! This digital library is an opportunity for you to browse a curated list of some of the titles on my bookshelves, with recommendations on what I like about the authors and what you might find useful, and links to some resources. This is an evolving resource list, so check back periodically as I expand it and add more titles and topic areas!
General Reading
Healthy Relationships & Communication
NP notes: Turning towards each other in relationship, responding lovingly to bids for connection, and avoiding the four horsemen of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling offers a great set of foundational principles for anyone who wants to cultivate more intentional, loving relationships, married or not.
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Recognizing Abuse
NP notes: A core book on taking ownership of one’s own feelings in relationship, to help avoid blame, limit projection, and practice honoring oneself and one’s own needs. This is a simple, step-by-step intro to “I statements” and emotional literacy with super helpful lists of feeling words to help tap into what you might be experiencing at any given moment. A great place to start for healthier self-understanding and communication!
Abusive behavior can take many forms, and may be designed to manipulate you into feeling crazy or questioning your instincts that something is wrong. If you suspect you are in an abusive relationship, please consider seeking support:
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/
https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheel-gallery/
Growth and Healing
NP notes: An evocative read with common sense metaphors to help overcome resistance to doing the occasionally confronting work of healing and personal growth. One that sticks out is the image of a thorn in your leg - you can either keep bandaging it, grimacing it, growling at anyone who comes near you and your wound, or start the work of releasing the thorn and letting the wound heal. I first read this over a decade ago but it stuck with me.
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NP notes: Another good read for heart healing after seemingly impossible grief, loss, or difficult circumstances.
Spiritual Discovery, Spiritual Recovery
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Parenting & Working with Children
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