Did you know we have a book lover in our executive director here at Momentous Institute? We reached out to Dr. Jessica Gomez to find out her must-read books for the summer and she gave us the scoop!

Here’s her list: 

1. The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER, by Thomas Fisher, MD.

This book challenges us in healthcare to look at how we provide care and how we can do better, because research finds some people live shorter and more painful lives, which is completely preventable. We have to ask ourselves why this is and build trust with diverse communities. The book is a snapshot into our healthcare system during the pandemic in a major city in America.

I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Equal Justice Initiative Health Convening hosted by Bryan Stevenson… but I did not have the courage to ask him for a picture. Here’s one I took of him on stage. 

2. I am Not your perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika Sanchez

This is a powerful story of a teenage girl who takes us on a journey bicultural youth often navigate. It is a story of family, stereotypes, grief, culture and the path to discovering our identity. It takes place on the Southside of Chicago, which many of you know is my home 😉


3. Neurobiology Essentials for Clinicians, by Arlene Montgomery

I read this book a few years ago on a beach vacation. Now, I would not recommend it for a “typical” beach read, but it has absolutely influenced how I work with clients in therapy. Arlene is able to weave in the science of neurobiology, brain development and affect regulation to validate what we as clinicians have always known in our gut, relationships matter. She helps us recognize that safe and healthy relationship are a “right brain, to right brain connection” and when this happens, we are able to help the mind, body and whole person heal. This is a must read for any clinician who wants to integrate the latest neuroscience into their clinical work.

 

4. Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder

This was required reading for me in my graduate training and I found myself called to read it again a few weeks ago. Dr. Paul Farmer passed earlier this year and it sent shockwaves to many of us dedicated to working with communities that have limited access to healthcare resources. Dr. Farmer is known as “a man who would cure the world”. Reading it again following his passing reminded me about the power of one person wanting to change the world and the ripple effects this commitment can have on many. This book is hope.


5. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, by Cheryl Strayed

I read this book right before hosting Cheryl Strayed at our annual conference last year. I cannot believe it took me that long to read this body of work. Cheryl Strayed masterfully captures the human experience ranging from love, loss, grief and joy. I could not put this book down once I started! I remember standing in my kitchen, drinking my morning coffee and having to often stop after one sentence, because of the power of each narrative. 

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