Friday 30 June 2017

Spreading Ripples: A Book List

Reading is one of the constant and indulgent joys of my life. My love of reading began with the Enid Blyton storybooks a family friend gifted to me when I was smaller than six and which I still have, my name carefully written in my child's hand, on the inside covers of many. (I have shared the adventures of all those at the top of the Magic Faraway Tree with my beautiful boy and would still dearly love to try an exploding toffee shock!)  There was always a book tucked up with me in bed when I was young and now I always have a tall pile of them, teetering on near collapse, on my bedside table. I borrow many from my local library and there are some I have bought and kept over the years that I treasure and visit with time and again, like old friends!

A little book filled with inspiration!


One such book, that has lived on my study bookshelf for many years and which I return to from time to time when I feel a little overwhelmed by the challenges facing our world, and what I can do about them, is this one. Written by the inspiring and optimistic Tony Ryan, The Ripple Effect:  How You Can Make A Difference to the World Every Day is only a little book but it is filled with examples of the way in which positive ripples can be created and how they can spread out to bring about change and hope. In this book's preface, Tony has written:


"All of the little things you do in every moment of your life can ripple out to create endless changes in the lives of others ... one of your tiny actions this very day could ripple out and make a positive change to the world."

So, in the spirit of spreading ripples and weaving in with this post I did earlier in the week, on the changes we've made to try and live more sustainably here, I have added a page at the top of my blog with a list of books, poems and a film or two that are filled with words and hope for nature, our Earth... and us! I have read (or viewed) all of them and they have all inspired me in one way or another. Many live here with me on my bookshelf. Perhaps you might enjoy a few, or all, of them too!

I hope you have a lovely weekend. Perhaps you'll have time to read a little or to intentionally create a happy and hopeful ripple ❤

Meg

p.s. Please feel free to comment with the titles & authors of books you have read, or documentaries and films that you've seen, that you have loved and that you think inspire hope for nature, our world and us. 

11 comments:

  1. So many of us have Enid Blyton to thank for starting us off on this incredible reading journey. The Magic Faraway Tree was the series that turned me into a chronic reader. My daughters loved them too, and how lovely to hear that the next generation of kids are still enjoying them. Thanks for the review, I'll look this one up at the library.

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    1. I am a chronic reader just like you, Sally, isn't it wonderful! I think the Magic Faraway Tree series still appeals to many children...their sense of fun and imagination and adventure. Meg:)

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  2. I love books too Meg. My favourite growing up was The Giving Tree. I've looked at your list and am interested in some of your book recommendations. I have quite a few on the go at the moment to concentrate on first. I've also just ordered Force of Nature DVD through our inter library loan service.
    School holidays start today so really looking forward to relaxing with the kids. Enjoy your weekend too.
    Kylie

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    1. I have quite a few books on the go at the moment too, Kylie. I seem to flit from one to another depending on what I feel like reading. I hope you'll enjoy Force of Nature. I watched it twice! Meg:)

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    2. I'll let you know Meg.

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  3. I love your description of the tower of books on the bedside table, that is me too!

    I did read Enid Blyton as a child, and liked them, but they didn't have the effect on me that you and Sally described. For me it was the Little House on the Prairie Series, and later on Anne of Green Gables that rocked my world, oh and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, I read them all so many times. I credit Anne of GG for "saving" me from being a wayward teenager!

    I love the sound of the Ripple Effect, funny, I often use this term, and more so lately as I ponder our simple actions and their effects, I will be sure to look that one up.

    Thanks Meg :)

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    1. My tower of books never seems to get any shorter...as soon as I finish a book, another I want to read takes its place! I loved Anne of Green Gables too, Cheryl, though I remember reading that much later than Enid Blyton's stories which were the ones that started my life-long love affair with books. I too think you would like the Ripple Effect...as just one example, think of all the possible ripples that could flow as a result of all those lovely handmade bags you've been sewing for your community. I also like to think of all the ripples that can spread out from a smile, a simple thing that may send someone on to a better day. Meg:)

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  4. I love the look of your lasagne Meg. I will make it when we get back from the beach as our silverbeet is just coming good. I have a fridge full of veggies I need to use up before we leave next week. Enjoy the cooler weather.

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    1. I hope you have a lovely time at the beach, Chel. The lasagna is a delicious way to use up silverbeet. Meg

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  5. Oops I commented on the wrong blog post. LOL! It was meant to be on the current post.

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