Recommended Books
Breath by James Nestor
Written by an investigative journalist, this incredibly well-researched and well-written book is hard to put down. Who knew the way we breathe affects so much? Who knew inhaling through your nose is so important and that mouth breathing can destroy our health? If you’ve also wondered, like me, why it seems everyone now has sleep apnea, this book will answer that question for you. This book really should be required reading for every human. -AM
Whole by T. Colin Campbell, PhD
Having studied nutrition since I was a teenager and being a graduate-level-trained scientist, I thought I had a pretty good handle on science and nutrition and this book still rocked my world. Professor Campbell is a nutrition professor, a world-renowned researcher, and member of numerous scientific organizations and boards. If anyone is going to explain how most of the nutritional advice we receive is flawed, it is he. This book provides truly useful information and guidance about why eating a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet is the best way to eat for our own health and also for the health of the planet. -AM
Things That Matter by Joshua Becker
Joshua Becker is a minimalist best known for his decluttering methods. He has many great books, especially “The Minimalist Home,” but this book was a huge wake-up call that brings the purpose of decluttering into focus: when the clutter is gone, we have the time, space, and mental bandwidth to focus on things that matter. Although these things are different for each of us, they typically include our closest relationships, meaningful work, faith, restorative play, and caring for others. This book is an inspiring discussion of how stuff can distract us from enjoying what actually matters in life. -AM
Eat To Live by Joel Fuhrman, MD
Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, is a family medicine physician and world-renowned nutrition researcher. This book is a massively updated version of his 2003 book, “Eat to Live.”
After one decides to eat a WFPB diet (see “Whole,” above), this book is extremely useful in explaining what to eat on a daily basis to achieve nutritional excellence. My advice is to plan to read one chapter per week. This keeps the reading interesting and manageable, rather than overwhelming. -AM
Books by Persons Living with Dementia (PLWD)
If you are experiencing cognitive impairment or dementia, reading or listening to books by people going through similar experiences can be helpful, both emotionally and practically. Check out this great collection of books curated by Dementia Alliance International.
For PLWD Care Partners
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss
A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia: An Unintended Journey, by Janey Yagoda Shagam