Summer is for Reading

Posted by: Dawn Schell on July 8, 2014 4:09 pm

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.

http://www.therapyonline.ca

 




*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA

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