The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well is a guide to begin bringing the practice of balance and healing into your life using Indigenous knowledge.  The authors, an Indigenous couple who bring together their mixed Indigenous heritages encourage you to change your mindset by using a template they devised, the interconnected Seven Circles of Wellness to guide your day.  The seven circles connect mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.  The categories are movement, land, community, ceremony, sacred space, sleep and food. Each chapter guides you through Indigenous knowledge and practices for the category, the author’s personal stories and journeys, the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual connections and how to learn, engage and optimize your own practice within the circle.
 
The Seven Circles is an amazing resource for improving your overall wellbeing.  I felt a strong tie to the themes of the book and was happy to learn I was already engaging in some of the practices.   I enjoyed that the practices were accessible and really getting back to basics, no special materials or equipment are needed, you don’t need to buy anything to incorporate the practices into your everyday life.  I was able to find simple ways to incorporate actions and practices into each circle.  Some things I already practice, but I am able to see their full worth and value in my life through the lens of the Seven Circles.  I enjoyed reading about the author’s personal struggles and victories within each circle and how they currently practice each circle as a family with two young children.
 

With amazing strength and elegant, truthful, and heartfelt execution,  Goldie Taylor recounts her tumultuous childhood through to her high school years. As a young black woman growing up in Missouri in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Goldie lives through neighborhood changes, racial changes and desegregation of schools.  Goldie’s personal life is full of many ups and downs.  Beginning with her father’s death, then being raped at a young age and dropped at her Aunt’s house, Goldie begins to self-destruct.  However, a teacher at her new school recognizes Goldie’s potential and intense emotion.  Goldie begins to excel academically and finds an outlet for the pain she has carried with her for so long. 
 
Written with amazing authenticity, Goldie reflects on her childhood.  The long-lasting effects of generational trauma and racism were palpable.  Even as Goldie is abused and begins to inflict pain upon herself, I could see the sparks of hope in what Goldie found joy in. It was very interesting to see Goldie’s thoughts on her family members and their dynamics, especially the Aunt and Uncle who raised her.  I was amazed at Goldie’s power to forgive and see that the adults were just as troubled as the children.  Goldie also gave a unique perspective on her community and the differences she saw in her community and predominantly white communities.  Though Goldie’s life was difficult, she is a survivor and found her strengths to persevere through extreme circumstances.  The Love You Save is an eye-opening memoir of childhood, race and hope. 
 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.