Which book have you just finished or are currently reading? What did you think?
The book I’ve just finished reading is Mental State by Dr Mark Cross. It is a harrowing account of what’s wrong with Australia’s mental health system from someone who lives it every day. It also graphically describes how, while we were in lockdown during Covid and experiencing trying to manage our own, personal mental health issues, health professionals such as doctors and nurses were turning up to work without knowing if they would return home alive, or infect their own families with a deadly virus. It also highlights how difficult it is to get professional support at present, and hence the importance of looking after our own, mental health in other ways.
How many books have you read this year?
I’m not sure how many books I’ve read this year, but I always have one on hand. I don’t necessarily have prescribed times where I read, but whenever there is a quiet time, then out comes the book. It might be on a train, waiting for an appointment, or a flight has been delayed when I’m travelling. Whenever one of my grandkids says, “Poppy, I’m bored”. I reply with “Read a book”. My local Belgrave Library has a wonderful variety of books, and if there’s one that I need that they don’t have, they can usually organise one from another Library.
What’s the first book you ever remember reading?
The first book I ever remember reading was John and Betty. You need to be older than 60 to know this book. My memory from so long ago was that this was the “only” book available when I was in Prep in Primary School, and we read it over and over and over again. Now, when I attend our local Primary School and help the Preppies with their reading, they have a variety of books to assist with learning to read at all levels. I encourage people of my age to offer their reading services to their local Primary School. It’s very rewarding, and you are encouraging young people to have a love for reading and books.
What book had the biggest impact on your life and why?
Having spent more than 50 years owning and operating my own businesses, I learnt very early that there are many views on how to achieve a positive outcome. I came across The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and it was a game-changer. The habits he identifies are relevant to your personal, as well as business life. Whenever I feel as though I am working too hard, I remind myself to stop and “sharpen the saw”. Another wonderful business book that helps with dealing with people is FISH Principles by Stephen Lundin. His message was simple. “Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude”.
If you could write your own novel or nonfiction, what would you write?
Last year, I had the opportunity to co-author an academic book called “The Positive Psychology of Laughter and Humour”. This was done in conjunction with Professor Jerome Carson and Dr Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky from Bolton University in the UK. As a non-academic, my question was “What do I have to contribute”? And the answer was simple: “Stories”! Since time began, we have communicated through stories. We all have a personal story, or hear of other people’s stories that move us, inspire us, or educate us. A good book, in my opinion, tells a story that resonates with the reader. I believe that every week should be Book Week.
