
Book Club
Our online book club offers a supportive and inclusive space for families navigating the challenges of navigating the experiences of living alongside a loved one with a first responder workplace injury.
Through thoughtfully selected books, engaging discussions, and shared experiences, we provide a sense of community where family members, supporters, friends can find comfort, understanding, and strength.
Whether you’re looking for emotional support, helpful resources, or simply a chance to connect with others facing similar circumstances, our book club is here to foster growth, resilience, and hope.
Join us and be part of a group that understands the unique journey you’re on.
Borrow a book from our Book Club Library
The Living Alongside Book Club operate on a circular sharing model of Read Learn Return.
1. Select a book from our online shelves below, the Living Alongside book club pack will be sent to you including: the selected book, a book mark, candle and a prepaid return envelope.
2. Inside each book will be a QR code that you can scan and join the online book club conversation about the book. You can share insights, take aways, perspectives, how the book resonated/provided understanding or growth/ how you have taken learning from the book into your personal experiences.
Online Book Shelves
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"I Love a Cop: What Police Families Need to Know" by Dr. Ellen Kirschman offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration into the lives of police families. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by families of law enforcement officers, Kirschman combines professional expertise and personal experience to create an accessible guide. The book discusses the emotional toll, stress, and sacrifices that police officers—and their families—make, while offering practical advice on coping strategies, communication, and maintaining a healthy relationship. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone in a relationship with a law enforcement officer, providing both empathy and tools for navigating the complexities of such partnerships. Whether you're a partner, spouse, or parent, this book is a must-read for better understanding the demands of police work and how to foster resilience within the family.
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Authored and illustrated by serving North-West police officer Stewart Williams, the book addresses the challenges faced by children of emergency service workers dealing with PTSD. It aims to demystify PTSD and related illnesses, fostering understanding and open communication within families.
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"What Happened to You?" serves as a compassionate and informative guide, encouraging readers to approach trauma with understanding and empathy. It not only educates about the science of trauma but also offers a framework for healing and building resilience, making it a significant contribution to discussions on mental health and personal growth.
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"Line in the Sand" is a raw and courageous memoir by Dean Yates, chronicling his journey from the harrowing experiences of war journalism to confronting the profound impacts of PTSD and moral injury. As Reuters' Baghdad bureau chief during the 2007 conflict, Yates witnessed and endured traumatic events that deeply affected his mental health and personal life. This book offers an unflinching look into his struggles and the path to healing, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the unseen scars carried by those who report from conflict zones
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Supporting a partner with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires understanding, patience, and effective communication. "PTSD and Relationships: Loving Someone With PTSD" by Tim L. Gardner offers valuable insights for those navigating this challenging dynamic.
Content Overview:
The book delves into the emotional complexities of living with someone affected by PTSD, providing guidance on:
Understanding PTSD: Gaining insight into the condition to foster empathy.
Effective Communication: Learning strategies to improve interactions and reduce misunderstandings.
Setting Boundaries: Balancing support for your partner while maintaining personal well-being.
Self-Care: Recognizing the importance of caring for one's own mental and emotional health.
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"Fit For Off-Duty: A Manual for Firefighters" by Dr. Peter Salerno addresses the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by firefighters due to their exposure to traumatic events. Drawing from his background as a trauma therapist with personal ties to the firefighting community, Dr. Salerno offers insights into how such experiences can affect both personal well-being and relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing trauma's impact and provides actionable steps for healing and maintaining healthy connections with loved ones.
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This book not only recounts the harrowing events following Luke's death but also delves into Rosie's personal struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and self-doubt. She candidly shares her path to healing, emphasizing the importance of finding hope amidst despair. Rosie's narrative is a testament to resilience, offering inspiration to those facing their own challenges.
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"I Love a Fire Fighter: What the Family Needs to Know" by Ellen Kirschman is an insightful guide that delves into the unique challenges faced by families of firefighters. Drawing on her expertise as a psychologist, Kirschman addresses the emotional complexities inherent in loving a first responder. The book offers practical advice on navigating occupational hazards such as trauma, marital tensions, and the psychological effects of fighting wildland fires. With candor and wisdom, Kirschman helps readers understand how to cope with the physical dangers, cumulative stress, and long hours spent away from home that come with the firefighting profession.
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"Loving Someone with PTSD: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Connecting with Your Partner" by Aphrodite Matsakis is an invaluable resource for individuals supporting partners affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Matsakis, a renowned trauma expert, offers concrete skills and strategies to help readers comprehend the signs and symptoms of PTSD, enhance communication, set realistic expectations, and cultivate a healthy environment for both partners. The book also addresses the importance of managing one's own emotions, such as grief and helplessness, when caring for a loved one with PTSD. By emphasizing empathy and mutual support, this guide fosters stronger relationships and personal well-being.
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"Good Boundaries and Goodbyes" serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to navigate complex relationships while preserving their own well-being and faith. It combines scriptural wisdom with practical tools, making it a recommended read for those looking to cultivate healthier relational dynamics.
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"Profiles in Hope" is a compelling anthology curated by John Brogden, featuring the personal accounts of fifteen Australians who have survived suicide attempts and found paths to recovery. Each narrative offers a candid glimpse into the struggles faced and the resilience demonstrated, providing hope to those who may be facing similar challenges.
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"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of traumatic experiences on both mental and physical health. Drawing from decades of research and clinical practice, Dr. van der Kolk delves into how trauma reshapes the brain, particularly areas responsible for pleasure, engagement, control, and trust. He emphasizes that traditional talk therapies may not suffice, advocating for a holistic approach that includes innovative treatments like neurofeedback, mindfulness, and yoga to help individuals reclaim their lives.
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"Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families" by Dr. Kevin M. Gilmartin is a seminal work addressing the unique emotional challenges faced by law enforcement professionals. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Gilmartin explores how the demands of police work can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and strained personal relationships. He introduces the concept of "hypervigilance," a heightened state of alertness essential on duty but potentially harmful off-duty if not managed properly.
The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced life, encouraging officers to cultivate interests and relationships outside of their profession to mitigate the negative impacts of their work. Dr. Gilmartin provides practical strategies for recognizing early signs of emotional distress and offers guidance on seeking help and fostering supportive environments both at work and home.
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"Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That's Beautiful Again" by Lysa TerKeurst is a heartfelt guide that delves into the complexities of forgiveness, particularly when the wounds are deep and the offenders unrepentant. Drawing from her personal journey through betrayal and heartache, TerKeurst offers readers a compassionate roadmap to healing. She emphasizes that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event, and provides practical steps to help individuals release the grip of past hurts.
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“The Art of Letting Go" by Nick Trenton is a practical guide aimed at helping readers release negative thought patterns and embrace a more peaceful, present-focused mindset. Trenton, who holds an MA in Behavioral Psychology, offers strategies grounded in psychological principles to assist individuals in overcoming overthinking and emotional distress.
The book delves into techniques such as practicing nonjudgmental observation of emotions, challenging ingrained beliefs, and adopting a growth mindset. These methods are designed to help readers break free from the constraints of past experiences and future anxieties, fostering a sense of freedom and inner peace
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"The Emotionary" offers a lighthearted approach to understanding and expressing our emotions, making it a delightful read for those interested in language, psychology, or simply seeking a good laugh.
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"Was I Not Supposed To Say That?" is a candid memoir by Sara Springer, offering an unfiltered look into her experiences with PTSD, marriage, and motherhood. Springer combines wit and vulnerability to address the complexities of mental health, aiming to destigmatize these conversations.
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"Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family: A Resource Book for Good Mental Health" by John Ashfield is a comprehensive guide focusing on mental well-being for individuals and families. The book provides accessible information on various common mental health topics and offers practical strategies to address mental health concerns.
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"Mindfulness for Warriors: Empowering First Responders to Reduce Stress and Build Resilience" by Kim Colegrove is a heartfelt and insightful guide tailored for those in high-stress, trauma-exposed professions such as law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services. Drawing from personal experience—having lost her husband, a dedicated law enforcement officer, to suicide shortly after his retirement—Colegrove emphasizes the critical need for mental health support within these communities.
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"Any Ordinary Day" by Leigh Sales is a profound exploration of resilience and coping mechanisms following life-altering events. Sales, a seasoned journalist, delves into her own harrowing experience—a life-threatening complication during pregnancy—and extends her inquiry to others who have faced unimaginable tragedies, including:
Stuart Diver, the sole survivor of the Thredbo landslide.
Walter Mikac, who lost his wife and daughters in the Port Arthur massacre.
Hannah Richell, who endured the sudden loss of her husband in a surfing accident.
Through intimate interviews, Sales uncovers the diverse ways individuals process grief and rebuild their lives. The narratives are interwoven with insights from professionals—such as forensic counselors and clergy—and complemented by Sales's personal reflections, offering a comprehensive view of human resilience.
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"You Don't Have to Have a Dream: Advice for the Incrementally Ambitious" by Tim Minchin is a collection of three commencement speeches the Australian comedian and musician delivered upon receiving honorary degrees from various institutions. These addresses, infused with Minchin's characteristic wit and insight, explore themes of life, art, success, kindness, and love.
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"The Wolf Was Not Sleeping" is a heartwarming children's bedtime story penned by Avril McDonald, designed to alleviate the anxieties of children whose parents serve as first responders. The narrative follows Wolfgang, a young wolf whose father, a dedicated helper in the forest, often responds to urgent calls during the night. This frequent absence leaves Wolfgang troubled, leading to sleepless nights filled with worry about his father's safety.
The story not only addresses common childhood fears associated with parental work in emergency services but also fosters open dialogue about emotions and safety. Wolfgang's journey toward understanding and managing his concerns offers a gentle avenue for children to express their feelings and find reassurance.
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"My Dad, My Hero" is a children's book published by Code 9, an Australian organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families. The story follows a young child navigating the challenges of having a parent in the emergency services, particularly focusing on the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It serves as a compassionate resource to help families understand and discuss the complexities of PTSD in a child-friendly manner.
Benefits
We know from personal experience the connection, validation and understanding that can come from seeing your experiences reflected on the page. It is our hope that through this book club we can create connection for our community as well as instil learning, growth and hope that provides comfort to those living alongside first responder workplace injury.
This is a growing and sharing community so if you have any book club suggestions we would love to hear them, maybe you have a book you think we should add to our shelves, maybe you would like to host an in person book club catch up or maybe you have an idea on how we can grow and improve the book club. Drop us a line here we would love to hear your suggestions
Sign Up To Read A Book
Interested in a book? Complete and submit the form.