Read any good books lately? I have. Reading has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Dr. Seuss, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and others filled my childhood. I am what some might consider an indiscriminate reader. I like to think of myself as eclectic! I usually have 2-4 books in process at any given time. I vary between fiction and non-fiction. I have had periods of my life when the only thing I read was textbooks.

Lately, though, I have read several books that deal with death, loss, dying, and healing. Some may consider this morbid reading material. I assure you, between the serious books, I have done what I call “snack reading”. Many may have heard of Mitch Albom and his bestselling books. I started re-reading them when the Regional Theatre of the Palouse put on the play ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’. Reading ‘Tuesdays’ got me started, and I didn’t stop until I had read five more! Read on for short synopses of recommended reading:

Tuesdays with Morrie: an old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson. This is a beautiful nonfiction book that will open your eyes to what it means to truly live the life you have been given.

Albom’s other nonfiction book is called Have a Little Faith. This is another poignant look at discovering what you believe, living what you believe, and connecting hearts.

Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel that explores what happens when we leave this life. It also asks us to feel more deeply the connections we make in our lives. I enjoyed the weave of the story in this one.

For One More Day is a “beautiful, haunting novel about the family we love and the chances we miss”.  (Words from his website.) I love how Mr. Albom invites us to feel as we read. We cannot help but think of our families and how we may enrich the relationships we have while we have the time.

The Time Keeper is a compelling fable about the first man on earth to count the hours. He is the man who became Father Time. Reading this book will inspire you to reconsider your notions of time, how you spend it, and how precious it is.

Mr. Albom continues to explore the power of human connection in The First Phone Call From Heaven. Many long to hear from departed loved ones just one more time. This explores that notion. He writes the story so well I almost forgot it was a novel!

Finally, I sort of stumbled onto Chasing Charlie, by C.M. Newman. It was one I downloaded onto my Kindle and forgot about. How it caught my attention at this time is anybody’s guess. This novel is about  loving, dying, and living well. This book grabbed me and didn’t let go until I finished.

All of these books require deep thoughts, feelings, and tissues! I invite you to deepen your experience here on earth. As I deal with death, dying, and loss in my everyday chosen work, and read about them, I try to remember the lessons I can learn. We must live fully while we can. Be happy, be silly, love and be loved. Forgive and ask to be forgiven. Burn the pretty candles. Use the nice china. Live while you are alive!