Here we are… week 2 of A Year of Words book challenge!! How’d last week go? I’d love to know what you read. I’ve set up a challenge group on Goodreads. Come share your books and let’s talk about them!
Word of the Week:
Dedication. When I think about dedication I usually tend to see it in terms of work, however, as I thought more deeply in preparation for this week, there is really dedication in every area of life. I’m dedicated to being mindful, to being a present, kind parent, I’m dedicated to being a present and loving wife, I’m dedicated to a lot of things.
With this in mind, I went looking for books, and it was harder than I thought it would be to find them. However, I’ve found a few and I’m going to share them with you. I’d love to hear what you’ve found, and what you’re reading to dig into the ideas around dedication.
Book Recommendations for Dedication:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:
Description from Amazon:
One of the most important and influential books written in the past half-century, Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a powerful, moving, and penetrating examination of how we live . . . and a breathtaking meditation on how to live better. Here is the book that transformed a generation: an unforgettable narration of a summer motorcycle trip across America’s Northwest, undertaken by a father and his young son. A story of love and fear — of growth, discovery, and acceptance — that becomes a profound personal and philosophical odyssey into life’s fundamental questions, this uniquely exhilarating modern classic is both touching and transcendent, resonant with the myriad confusions of existence . . . and the small, essential triumphs that propel us forward.
Chapter After Chapter: Discover the Dedication and Focus You Need to Write the Book of Your Dreams
Description from Amazon:
Writing a book requires a focus, a sense of knowing and trusting in yourself and your work. And it requires an unflinching commitment to staying the course. Chapter After Chapter shows you how to build on your good writing habits, accrue and recognize tiny successes, and turn your dedication to the craft into the book you always knew you could write if you could just stay with it.
What I’m reading this week:
The Baby’s Coming: A Story of Dedication by an Independent Midwife
Description from Amazon:
Virginia Howes was a mother of four doing the ironing when she had a revelation. Still broody, but not really wanting to add to her family, she realized that becoming a midwife was her true vocation. It was a long journey to get the education and qualifications she needed, especially with a young family, but she was determined and never doubted her decision. Following her training, she spent three years working within the NHS, but her naturally independent spirit fought against the constraints of the system and twelve years ago she decided to set up on her own. Virginia works with mothers who want to give birth at home naturally, something which Virginia believes in passionately. 350 births later, Virginia still loves what she does. The Baby’s Coming is Virginia’s memoir and tells the stories of her training as a midwife as well as some of the most memorable of those 350 births: the most dramatic, the most touching. Virginia particularly remembers the births of her own grandchildren, whose arrivals in the world were some of the most special moments for her as both a midwife and grandmother.
Movies for the word Dedication:
I will tell you, this was a little easier than finding books. 😉
The Peaceful Warrior
Description from Amazon:
A gifted young athlete, bound for Olympic gold, Dan has it all: trophies, talent, and all the women he wants. But after a life-changing event, Dan comes to rely on Socrates (Nick Nolte), a mysterious stranger, and Joy (Amy Smart), an elusive young woman, to teach him the secret to overcome incredible odds and tap into new worlds of strength and understanding.
You can find this one on Netflix, and/or amazon.com
8 Mile
This is the award winning film about rapper Eminem. His struggles, and how he overcomes poverty, alcoholism, and even being white in the world of rap.
You can find this one on Amazon.com.
Good Will Hunting
Description:
Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. When he solves a difficult graduate-level math problem, his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who decides to help the misguided youth reach his potential. When Will is arrested for attacking a police officer, Professor Lambeau makes a deal to get leniency for him if he will get treatment from therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).
You can stream this classic award winner on Amazon prime, Netflix and Hulu.
and of course:
Jiro Dreams of Sushi. 🙂
Description from Wikipedia:
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a 2011 American documentary film directed by David Gelb. The film follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a Michelin three-star restaurant, on his continuing quest to perfect the art of sushi. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station. Jiro Ono serves a tasting menu of roughly 20 courses, for a total of 30,000 Japanese yen (just under $240).
Have you watched it yet?! I’m going to keep recommending it until you do. 😉 You can stream it on Hulu, Netflix and Amazon.
There you have it, the picks for the week. I’d love to know what you’re reading and watching, and what you discover about dedication as the week progresses. Join us in the YOW Group over on Goodreads and share!
I’ve got all the goodies uploaded, so if you want the extras for the challenge, make sure you’re signed up!
Book Challenge!
The YOW Book Challenge is simple. Each week is a new word. Choose a book that somehow relates to the word of the week. You can jump in this relaxed book challenge, no matter where we are in the year. Start with any word, any book, any week. It's up to you!
You will receive the full list of words as well as weekly word reminders, book recommendations and reviews... as well as some other goodies and a link to join the YOW Book Club to chat about and track your books.
