Mother Talkers

MT Book Club Update for May and June

by NJmom

Fri Apr 27, 2007 at 08:05:42 AM PDT

Just for a quick review, we pick a book that at least a core group of people are interested in reading, we pick a date for discussion and we pick a moderator to guide the discussion.  On discussion day, the moderator puts up a diary with some discussion points, a brief synopsis, interesting quotes, etc.

The discussion is not meant to be exclusive; all are welcome to participate whether or not they had a chance to read.  Those who did read along can blog their own commentary on the comment thread.  And of course, we can all bounce our ideas and thoughts off each other.

Ok, so here are our next two picks so we can all get reading!

For May: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg.  

This will take place sometime during the week of May 20th and our moderator is 1plain1peanut.

Do you hunger for skills to improve the quality of your relationships, to deepen your sense of personal empowerment or to simply communicate more effectively? Unfortunately, for centuries our culture has taught us to think and speak in ways that can actually perpetuate conflict, internal pain and even violence. Nonviolent Communication partners practical skills with a powerful consciousness and vocabulary to help you get what you want peacefully.

In this internationally acclaimed text, Marshall Rosenberg offers insightful stories, anecdotes, practical exercises and role-plays that will dramatically change your approach to communication for the better. Discover how the language you use can strengthen your relationships, build trust, prevent conflicts and heal pain. Revolutionary, yet simple, NVC offers you the most effective tools to reduce violence and create peace in your life—one interaction at a time.

See below for June's pick, Parenting Beyond Belief:

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For June, we will read Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids without Religion edited by Dale McGowan.  The date will be Tuesday, June 26th and our moderator will be meanderwithme.

Foreword by Michael Shermer, Ph.D.Contributors include Richard Dawkins, Penn Jillette, Julia Sweeney, and Dr. Donald B. Ardell

It’s hard enough to live a secular life in a religious world. And bringing up children without religious influence can be even more daunting. Despite the difficulties, a large and growing number of parents are choosing to raise their kids without religion.

In Parenting Beyond Belief, Dale McGowan celebrates the freedom that comes with raising kids without formal indoctrination and advises parents on the most effective way to raise freethinking children. With advice from educators, doctors, psychologists, and philosophers as well as wisdom from everyday parents, the book offers tips and insights on a variety of topics, from "mixed marriages" to coping with death and loss, and from morality and ethics to dealing with holidays. Sensitive and timely, Parenting Beyond Belief features reflections from such freethinkers as Mark Twain, Richard Dawkins, Bertrand Russell, and wellness guru Dr. Don Ardell that will empower every parent to raise both caring and independent children without constraints.

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