Generation Text

Get a reality check about what we should expect from our kids.

Join Kindred editor, Kali Wendorf as she chats with Bay FM broadcaster Nyck Jeanes about Generation Text, the effects of modern media on children and teenagers. Edited by Kali’s son, Arun Shapiro.

Click here to listen.

Kindred Book Review - The Perfect Day Plan

The Perfect Day Plan
by Jost Sauer
Allen & Unwin

There are plenty of people, myself included, that feel there is something not quite right about the way we go about our day.

Getting up just in time to wake the kids, getting a cup of coffee or tea into our system to get us going and then setting off on our busy days. For most of us a regular day consist of family commitments, work, followed by more family commitments. Keeping the modern family going is a full time job, which many of us do in addition to our full time paid work. No wonder we are exhausted at the end of the day. We try to squeeze in some exercise, healthy food and time for ourselves but so often it falls by the wayside.

But what if we could do something to stop this crazy treadmill we somehow got ourselves on? Jost Sauer’s new book The Perfect Day Plan can help you do just that. By following principles based on Chinese medicine, which show how each organ influences your health and emotional well being, you can have more energy and feel more relaxed as you go about your day.

The book focuses on the theory that every two hours of the day is ruled by a different organ and if you begin to schedule your day in according to the plan laid out in this book you will be healthier. Not all of us will be able to follow the plan religiously and that is not really the point the author is trying to make. What becomes apparent as you read the book is that in Western society we pretty much do the opposite of what this ancient theory recommends.

Here are a couple of interesting ideas you might like to consider. By rising between five and seven am and exercising you can actually burn fat at a much faster rate than if we wait until after work like so many of us do. You will have more energy throughout the day and sleep will come easier at night. Also we are most expressive and creative between eleven in the morning and one in the afternoon. Try setting some time aside to do your creative work in these two hours or let your mind wonder to what creative things you might like to do at this time. If you have an important conversation you would like to have with your partner or someone you care about, meet them for coffee at 11 instead of a drink later in the day. This two-hour period is dedicated to the heart, your conversation may be more productive then if you talk later.

This book is well written and easy to read. The concept makes intuitive sense and it is quite easy to implement one or two at a time and see how they really do help you feel better.

Buy online from Allen & Unwin


Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred
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Flight of the Bumblebee

Flight of the Bumblebee
by Hazel Edwards
Illustrated by Mini Goss

Published by New Frontier

Bumble is having trouble. How is a bee supposed to do his job when he can’t fly properly?

The Queen sends him back to flying school where a kind drone tries to teach Bumble the necessary skills. Nothing seems to work-then the flight instructor has an inspirational idea!

Bumble tries using the song Flight of the Bumblebee to get his wings flapping. It works! Bumble is successful; moving his wings along with the song he is able to fly.

Antonia Kidman reads the story and Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is mixed in as background music and highlighted so children can hear how the story was inspired by the music. There are also short lessons on bees, the composer and the music.

Also in the Music Box Series-The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.


by Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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Love Is Not For Cowards

Love Is Not For Cowards
by Birgit Weber
Finch Publishing

Do you sometimes feel like you have hit a brick wall with your partner? Are you wondering what happened to the love you felt when your relationship was fresh and new? Birgit Weber’s book is for those people who are ready to take their relationship to another level. This book encourages readers to get out of the blame game and take a look inward, in particular the influence our childhood experiences have on our adult relationships.

When we can fully accept ourselves, we can accept others and our relationship with our partner will be more comfortable. Once we can stop the cycle of either trying to change the one we love or constantly trying to change ourselves for our partner, we can grow closer and have healthier relationships.

Weber is a psychotherapist and she brings insights from her practice and some very practical advice. This book is perfect for people who are ready for a shift in their approach to relationships and are also ready to put in the work to make that happen.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred
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Nature Deficiency Disorder

Join Kindred editor, Kali Wendorf in conversation with Nyck Jeanes as they discuss why nature is the great healer.

Edited by Kali’s 13 year-old son, Arun Shapiro.

Download podcast here.

The Transition Handbook

The Transition Handbook
Creating Local Sustainable Communities Beyond Oil Dependency
by Rob Hopkins

Australian & New Zealand Edition
Finch Publishing

Do you have an great idea that will help your community become more sustainable but are unsure about how to bring the idea into action?

Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, can help you realise your dream. The Transition Handbook is an entertaining and inspirational read. However, the books greatest strength lies in the guidance the author gives groups who want to follow the steps taken by several communities in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Hopkins shares experience in working with community groups, potentially sparing new initiatives some of the more common difficulties faced, be it working with government or overcoming fears and negativities. The book is full of tips on things like how to write a press release and how to make the most of public events. A must read for any group looking to bring their vision into reality.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred.
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Does My Head Look Big in This?

by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Pan Macmillan Australia

Sixteen-year-old Amal is like any other girl growing up in suburban Australia. Her parents drive her crazy with their over protectiveness and nagging, she worries about her looks and if her wardrobe is current enough and she has a crush on her science partner.

There is only one thing that Amal worries about that most girls in her class don’t have to think about-should she wear the hijab or not?

The thought of wearing a veil in public-especially to school scares Amal to death but when she finally decides to go for it, she gets the support of her friends and parents. Having those she cares about behind her gives Amal has the courage to wear the veil, but the idea is still pretty daunting. What will the cool crowd say? Will she be quick enough with her comebacks? And what about Josh, will he still talk to her? What if she applies for a job? Or even shopping at the mall, will people stare?

This is only part of what Amal has to think about, her friends have problems of their own and she wants to support them. The lady next door is crazy, blaming her for every small thing that happens on the street. And she has more homework than she can even imagine getting done.

Does My Head Look Big in This? is a charming book and readers will immediately relate to Amal. Abdel-Fattah has amazing insights into the teenage mind and an ability break down cultural barriers. This is a captivating story, you never feel preached to, important lessons are picked up naturally through getting to know the characters.

Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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