Recommended Reading
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers -Debbie Ford - Hodder & StoughtonThrough an exploration of the emotions and behavioural traits we habitually react to in others and bury within ourselves, Debbie Ford's book invites us to consider their hidden gifts and become more complete.
First break all the rules - Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman - Free Press Business
An enormously insightful expose of the beliefs and behaviours of the most successful managers. Having analysed the results of two major research studies by the Gallup Organisation, Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman have produced a clear and eminently readable guide to What the World's Greatest Managers do Differently.
How to be a complete and utter failure in life, work and everything - Steve McDermott - Prentice Hall Business
Steve McDermott's energy and enthusiasm leap off the pages of this unique book. Through reverse psychology, humour, common sense and old fashioned story telling, he jolts you into consciousness of which beliefs and behaviours will contribute to you achieving your goals.
I don't want any more cheese I just want out of the trap - Richard Templar - Prentice Hall Business
How do you feel on your way to work on a Monday morning? Trapped, miserable, demotivated? This book will help you to to escape the treadmill.
Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom - Time Warner Paperbacks
Through a series of conversations with Morrie Schwartz, who had been his favourite college professor twenty years previously and who is now dying, Mitch Albom studies a final class - The Meaning of Life. We are privileged to be 'flies on the wall' of these intimate lessons and are enriched by the experience.
The five people you meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom - Time Warner Paperbacks
In this novel Mitch Albom explores the interdependences of our lives. It is a powerful, thought provoking, delightful book and one which you will not easily forget.
Martian in the Playground - Clare Sainsbury - Lucky Duck Publishing Ltd
A unique book about the experiences of schoolchildren with Asperger's syndrome, written by someone with first-hand experience.
The Upside-Down Kids - Harold N. Levinson M.D. & Addie Sanders - Evans
Written for children and adults, this book examines through its symptoms and behaviours, the experience of living and learning with dyslexia.
The Kid - Kevin Lewis - Penguin
Kevin's frank and open story of his childhood scarred by cruelty, neglect and deprivation, his youth among the criminal underworld and his outstandingly courageous determination to escape and build a good life for himself and his family is harrowing but totally inspirational.
Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder - Dr Christopher Green & Dr Kit Chee - Vermilion
An authoritative overview of ADD combined with clear, practical guidance on its management combine to make this an essential read for parents and professionals dealing with this particular challenge.
Desert Flower - Waris Dirie & Cathleen Miller - Virago
The remarkable, awe inspiring story of Waris Dirie's transformation from Somali nomad girl (circumcised at five and sold for five camels at the age of twelve), to Pirelli girl and UN Special Ambassador.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon - Vintage
Look at the world through the eyes of a teenager with Asperger's syndrome. A superb, sad, funny, rewarding novel and an absorbing insight into the emotionally detached thinking associated with autistic spectrum disorders.
Inspirational Films
It's a Wonderful Life (1946/7) - Frank Capra - starring James Stewart & Donna ReedWhen George Bailey's world collapses around him and he contemplates suicide he shown what life would have been like for those around him if he had never existed.Whale Rider (2003) - Niki Caro - starring Keisha Castle-Hughes & Rawiri Paratene
Twelve year old Pai has learned to live with her grandfather's crushing disappointment that she was not the male child traditionally required to step into the tribal leadership role, yet she feels called to lead and sets out to prove that she has what it takes.
Life is Beautiful (1998) - Roberto Benigni - starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi & Giorgio Cantorini
A beautiful, painful, heart rending, heart warming story of hope, love and triumph against adversity. You will be amazed by the courage, creativity and strength of the human spirit shown by Guido who turns the experience of being in Nazi concentration camp into an adventurous game for his young son.
"You can lose all your points for any one of three things. One: If you cry. Two: If you ask to see your mother. Three: If you're hungry and ask for a snack! Forget it!"