I spent the weekend in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with my biological father and his wife. I was adopted as an infant, and he never knew of my existence. We found each other through the Ancestry website. I was interested in my ethnic makeup; I wasn’t really looking for relatives - but I found a second family, and they welcomed me in, and for that I am grateful.
Thanksgiving approaches, and at this time of year we are urged to count our blessings, to be mindful of the good things in our lives. Found family, or the families that we craft for ourselves, are definitely a blessing. From a scientific perspective, focusing on the positive aspects of our lives - on the fullness, rather than the deficits - has mental and physical health benefits. Melody Beattie said “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Below you will find some newer titles on gratitude and mindfulness.
Gratitude
- “Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes” by James Parker (2024) - A volume of odes of appreciation for everyday life.
- “The Poetry of Grief, Gratitude, and Reverence” by John Brehm, ed. (2024) - Includes poems, an essay, and links to guided meditations.
- “The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie (2023) - The bestselling authors bring 100 blessings for imperfect days.
- “Please, Sorry, Thanks” by Mark Batterson (2023) - Strengthen your spiritual, mental, and emotional health and reach your most audacious goals with three simple, power-packed words.
- “Chicken Soup for the Soul” by Amy Newmark (2022) - This edition of the series is called Attitude of Gratitude.
- “Gratitude” by Oliver Sacks (2015) - The author’s meditation on living a rich and full life, even as he was facing the end of his own.
Mindfulness
- “Breath” by Prem Rawat (2025) - Bring peace into your present moment through the power of breath with Global Peace Ambassador Prem Rawat.
- “How to Dream” by Thích Nhat Hạnh (2025) - Zen master Thích Nhat Hạnh shows how to realize your dreams in this very moment.
- “Bright Shining” by Julia Baird (2024) - From award-winning journalist Julia Baird, comes a luminously beautiful, deeply insightful and most timely exploration of grace.
- “How to Thrive in Hard Times” by Stephen Fulder (2024) - Fifty essays applying Buddhist practical teachings to modern life.
- “Deeper Mindfulness” by Mark A. Williams (2023) - Examines research into the therapeutic powers of mindfulness.
- “The Power of Awe” by Jake Eagle, LPC and Michael Amster MD (2023) - Describes a clinically proven method for reducing inflammation, stress, and burnout while improving well-being.
- “A Field Guide to Nature Meditation” by Mark Coleman (2022) - 52 engaging meditation practices for every week of the year.
- “Fully Present” by Susan L. Smalley (2022) - An all-in-one guide for anyone interested in bringing mindfulness to daily life as a means of enhancing well-being.
Beth Wood is a senior collection development librarian for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. Her column, Check It Out, is published weekly in The Columbian. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.
New at the Library
This is just a small sampling of the many new titles added each week to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District collection. Visit the district’s 15 locations, our website at www.fvrl.org, or call (360) 906-5000 to reserve titles or find additional listings.
FICTION
“Music for Leaving” by Erika Randall
“Turning Toward Eden” by Cate Touryan
“The Killer Question” by Janice Hallett
NONFICTION
“Journey Route 66” by Ryan Ver Berkmoes
“1942: When World War II Engulfed the Globe” by Peter Fritzsche
“The Genius Bat” by Yossi Yovel
CHILDREN
“Yumi and Monster” by Kam Redlawsk
“Mythology Land” by Claire Cock-Starkey
“Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind” by Donna Barba Higuera
At this time of year we are urged to count our blessings, to be mindful of the good things in our lives. From a scientific perspective, focusing on the positive aspects of our lives has mental and physical health benefits. This list contains titles on gratitude and mindfulness.
Add a comment to: Check It Out: Things That Make You Go Ahhh…