By Anne Gerlach/Adult Services Librarian/Montgomery County Public Libraries/ Kensington Park Library
While you may not initially think of it, it’s unsurprising that August — with its long summer days filled with last lingering trips and scenic routes — would be American Artist Appreciation Month. Whereas September — with its opening salvo into homework and preparation (read “back to the grind” month) — would make sense to mark it as Self Improvement Month. While Montgomery County Public Libraries has loads of titles to inspire artists and encourage improvement, these titles initially snatched my interest. May they also help you on your journey towards your picture-perfect masterpiece in life and art!
“How to Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life” by Frank Lipman, MD
Founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in NYC and pioneer in integrative and functional medicine, the author focuses on six main areas for improving and maintaining overall resilience: eating, sleeping, moving, protecting, unwinding and connecting. Each area contains a list of actions, outlined in the Table of Contents, that one can use to achieve balance. Rather than a doctrine, bootcamp or crash course, this resource is a field guide for navigating various aspects of life affecting our health, including our mental and emotional landscapes, moving beyond the pill-popping solutions of Big Pharma. Before the index, the book includes a “What To Do When …” section to refer to when experiencing certain symptoms. Specific insights, accessible writing style, colorful illustrations and bold headings help make this resource a valuable beginning primer for those striving to achieve synergy and a quick reference for those further along on their journeys towards health and happiness.
“How to Be a Better Person” by Kate Hanley
Author, yoga teacher and personal development coach gives 400-plus thumbnail prompts in seven different areas. Pick from anywhere to become a better, more authentic you!
“The Art of Eric Carle” by Eric Carle
Syracuse-born, best-selling illustrator of 70-plus books, Eric Carle shares his autobiography and artistic insights in a welcoming format filled with photos and his iconic illustrations.
“Amazing Fantastic Incredible” by Stan Lee
NYC-born comic book icon and creator of legendary characters in print and on screen, shares his “Marvelous Memoir” in bold, graphic novel format.
