I (Mike) admit it, I’m listening to Christmas music as I write this post. I can’t help it. Once Halloween is over, it’s the Christmas season as far as I’m concerned. My family usually revolts. They try to stop me, stage interventions, even re-hide the Christmas decorations. But they have no control over my Christmas lists on Spotify :-). Yes I know, it’s not Christmas yet. The fall has just begun. So, because of that, I’ve got a hot-off-the-press fall reading list to make these windy, nippy fall nights a little warmer.
Here are my latest 5 must-read books…
- Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide To Caring For Self While Caring For Others (Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky). One of the best books I’ve read in a long time on the importance of self-care. This is an unconventional approach as far as foster and adoptive parents are concerned, because Van Dernoot Lipsky’s perspective is geared more toward first-responders, therapists, shelter workers, and ER personnel, to name a few. However, the principles I learned through this book are hugely valuable, and applicable, for us as parents who are caring for children with trauma histories. Click here to order.
- Little Branch Gets Adopted (Sherrie Eldridge). The only children’s book to make the list, this is a must-read for you and your children. Not only is it totally adorable, but it’s written by an adult adoptee. Sherrie Eldridge has a deeply encouraging and empowering perspective on the adoption journey as an adoptee. This book is a favorite for our children and I know it will be for yours too! Click here to order.
- Replanted: Faith-Based Support For Adoptive & Foster Families (Josh and Jenn Hook with Mike Berry). Yes, I had the pleasure of co-authoring this book with my good friends Josh and Jenn Hook and frankly I am so honored they asked me to take part in this project. I continually stand amazed at their wisdom, and passion for foster and adoptive families. They have created, what I believe to be, the most effective and transformational approach to finding located, physical support as parents on the journey. This book should be on your shelves or nightstands! Click here to order.
- FASD And The Online World (Dr. Ira J Chasnoff). I never get tired of learning from Dr. Ira Chasnoff, or consuming the content he creates. As I’ve said in previous posts, he’s a world-renowned medical professional with in-depth expertise in areas such as the effects of drug and alcohol exposure on unborn children, behavior management strategies, and more, and yet he’s deeply concerned about, and committed to helping, families like mine. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical insight into a fast-paced world that is all-consuming to children who have a FASD. Click here to order.
- Honestly Adoption: Answers To 101 Questions About Adoption & Foster Care (Mike and Kristin Berry). Shameless promotion here, but what kind of an author would I be if I didn’t begin this recommended list with our latest book? All joking aside, I believe in this book for three BIG reasons- 1) This is the book I WISH we would have had at our disposal when we first began the adoption and foster care journey 17 years ago! 2) The majority of the questions we pose in this book come from YOU, our amazing tribe. 3) Several questions are answered by adoptees because they provide valuable insight into the journey that we, as parents, can learn from! Click here to order.
There are so many more books I could recommend for your list. I’ve read so many great books this year, it’s hard to decide. But I believe these 5 are must-reads. What’s on your list? We’d love to have you share your favorite titles with us and our audience. Click here to leave a comment on our Facebook Page.
