It happens to me every time I attend a conference or workshop. And I know I’m not the only one who did this at the recent IAC/CCPA conference. I saw other people doing the same thing.
There we were walking around the book table, eyeing up the goods, calculating how much room there was in the budget, justifying a need versus a want, rationalizing the purchases and then leaving with an armload of books and a contented smile.
Over the years I have tried to curb this habit. Put restrictions on myself such as “you can only buy one” or “no more till the current ones are gone”. I swear it’s not an addiction. I just happen to love books. Maybe someday I’ll get an e-reader but for now I will continue to enjoy the feel of paper and the smell of newly printed books.
Which leads me to my goals for the summer. Last year I focussed on improving my digital career literacy (a work in progress). This summer I will be reading my new acquisitions as professional development.
These are not all newly published books. I keep a list of books that others recommend or are by authors I know or that sound interesting. See, I have learned restraint when it comes to book buying.
Here’s what I will be reading this summer:
Hold On to Your Kids
Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Mate, Vintage Canada, 2013
This one came highly recommended by a colleague.
Metaphor Making
Norm Amundson, Ergon Communications, 2010
I like the set of metaphor making cards that I purchased with the book and have already used them with my clients. One colleague suggested using these cards as conversation starters over dinner. Gotta like dual-purpose purchases!
Creative You
David B. Goldstein & Otto Kroeger, Atria Paperbacks, 2013
I often use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in my work and this book on creativity and passion sparked my interest.
A Career in Your Suitcase
Jo Parfitt & Colleen Reichrath-Smith, Summertime Publishing, 2013
Travel and careers. Need I say more?
The Ultimate Book of Mind Maps Tony Buzan, Thorsons, 2005
I really enjoy doing mind mapping and I can’t wait to dive into this one – coloured pencils and all!
And last but by no means least – the book I have been waiting for…..!
Career Development Practice in Canada: Perspectives, Principles, and Professionalism
Blythe C. Shepard & Priya S. Mani, Eds. CERIC, 2014
While not exactly a light ‘beach read’ I am really looking forward to reading this comprehensive work. I like the layout of each chapter with its pre-reading questions, stop and reflect points, and post-reading discussions and activities. A rich resource!
Upon reflection this might be a lot to get through this summer. Good thing I have a long road trip planned.
What’s on your list? Any ‘must-reads’ you’d like to share?
Dawn M. Schell, MA, CCC, CCDP is an affiliate of Worldwide Therapy Online Inc.
*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA