Monday, April 14, 2008

parenting from the inside out

How a deeper self-understanding can help you raise children who thrive

by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell

Lots of neurobiology that I didn't understand. But some of what I did understand is pretty interesting, especially the parts about the types of attachment we had with our parents, and how this will affect our attachment with our children. Also found interesting the discussion about "ruptures" with our children and how to heal them.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

lore of running

by Tim Noakes, MD

This is a huge (900 page) volume on running. It contains some detailed information about healing achilles tendinosis (not tendinitis, which in itself is helpful to know). Lots of technical information and scientific-looking graphs, as well as everything you need to know about beginning running, marathon training, shoes, etc.

the new rules of lifting for women

by Lou Schuler

Subtitle: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess

Okay, go ahead and laugh. But while I'm not running (achilles tendon problem) I'm going to look into this.

middlemarch revisited

I did in fact finish this, if you don't count the chunks I skipped over. The novel was a different animal in those days, more inclusive, you might say. I'm opposed to abridgments on principle, but I might reconsider for Middlemarch.

Somewhere around page 200 or 250 I began to care more about these people. Dorothea seems like a flake when she's introduced, but she, along with the other main characters, has depth, complexity, and even likeability. The author provides insight into long-term relationships and what makes them work, or not work. Eliot delves into the nuts and bolts of romantic love, marriage, and family relationships. I especially like the way she treats even her less admirable characters with a little empathy.