Welcome to the Hypfocus Book Club
Looking for more ideas? Have a browse of the Amazon Australia bestsellers, The New York Times Best Sellers and The Times bestsellers.
Browse by genre: All books | Therapy & Mind | Fiction & Humour | Fiction & Classics
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I was a voracious reader in my youth, but over the years I lost the habit. I’m creating this page to find my way back to it. Even in starting this book club, I can feel my enthusiasm for reading beginning to spark again, and I hope it will do the same for others. Reading really is a joy.
I also often find myself recommending books to people, both in the counselling room and out of it, so this page is where I’m collecting some of them.
You’ll find a mix here. Some books are about the mind, habits and how we cope with the world, and some are simply good stories or very funny essays that I think are worth your time. Reading for pleasure matters too.
These are my personal picks as a reader. They aren’t a substitute for professional support, and if something you read brings up difficult feelings, please reach out to a health professional.
I’d love to hear what you think of any of these books, or what you’d add to the list. Comments are moderated, so there may be a short delay before yours appears.
Got a book you think I should read? I’d love your recommendations, so please share them in the comments.
Finding it hard to focus on a book?
Quite a few people tell me they used to love reading but now can’t get past a page or two without reaching for their phone. If that sounds like you, you’re far from alone. Years of scrolling, a busy job or a stressful stretch of life can all make it harder to settle into a book. Stress in particular is known to affect attention, so if you’re having trouble focusing, please don’t take it as a personal failing.
The good news is that reading is something you can ease back into. A few things that may help:
Start small. Five or ten minutes is plenty to begin with, and you can add more as it gets easier.
Choose something easy and enjoyable. Short story or essay collections are good because you can finish a piece in one sitting.
Put your phone in another room while you read, or at least out of reach.
Try reading at the same time each day, such as with your morning coffee or just before bed.
Give yourself permission to stop a book you’re not enjoying. There are plenty of others.
Audiobooks count. So does rereading an old favourite.
If you’d like somewhere to start from this list, the David Sedaris collections are made up of short, funny essays that are easy to dip in and out of. The Barbecue at No. 9 is a light, warm read that’s easy to pick up again after a break.
Most of all, be kind to yourself. For most people, concentration tends to come back with practice, a little at a time. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s fine too.
