This Fall I began with a recommended book called The Addict, a story written by a psychologist about a drug that can help narcotic addicts. I moved from there to The End of My Addiction, written by a surgeon, a severe alcoholic, who sought a cure for alcoholism. He had found a limited amount of information on a substance that might help him but couldn't find anyone willing to participate in the experiment, so he tested it on himself. He is now sober and living a full life. Then I read The Power of No, a quick read with some good and simple things to always keep in mind before saying yes.
You may be wondering why these books... my daughter is an alcoholic, possibly an addict and definitely a manipulator. She has been in need of help for several years and it's been extremely frustrating to me that I seem to be incapable of reacting to her in a way that is helpful.
Throughout these books there were references to other writers/thinkers/resources. I followed with Wherever You Go, There You Are, a completely unexpected lead to mindfulness, compassion and an insight to meditation. This author referenced Henry David Thoreau's Walden, which I just finished. Walden was slow reading but there were some beautiful insights on nature, human nature and materialism.
What's next? I have no idea.