The Overstory is a sweeping and impassioned work of environmental fiction that follows the lives of nine individuals whose paths are intertwined by their connections to trees. The novel is structured in four parts – 'Roots', 'Trunk', 'Crown', and 'Seeds' – mirroring the parts of a tree. It delves into themes of ecology, climate change, and the interconnectedness of trees and humans, using a blend of science, history, and magical realism. The book advocates for the protection of trees and the natural world, posing critical questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and the long-term consequences of human actions[2][4][5].
In 'Women Who Run With the Wolves,' Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés uses rich intercultural myths, fairy tales, and stories to help women reconnect with the fierce, healthy, visionary attributes of the Wild Woman archetype. The book draws heavily on folk tales and mythology from around the world to explore themes of female self-awareness, the forces that stand in the way of this awareness, and the necessary growth cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Estés guides the reader through various stories and commentaries to retrieve, examine, love, and understand the Wild Woman, emphasizing her natural affiliation with the wolf and highlighting the importance of intuition, resilience, and adaptability in reclaiming one's instinctual self[1][3][4].
In 'Ishmael', Daniel Quinn presents a unique narrative where a gorilla named Ishmael teaches a human student about the flaws in modern society's cultural myths. The book delves into themes such as human supremacy, sustainability, and global catastrophe. Ishmael distinguishes between two groups: the Takers, who believe in exploiting the Earth for their benefit, and the Leavers, who live in harmony with nature. Through their conversations, Ishmael challenges the narrator and the reader to rethink their assumptions about the world and their place in it, emphasizing the need for a new vision to save humanity and the planet from destruction[2][4][5].
This book is a unique blend of autobiography and psychological insight, composed from conversations with Aniela Jaffé and chapters written by Jung himself. It covers Jung's childhood, his relationship with Freud, his travels to various countries, and his deep exploration of the unconscious mind. The book delves into Jung's concepts such as the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the integration of opposites, providing a comprehensive reflection on his remarkable life and intellectual contributions[2][3][5].
In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Joe, Lisa and Deb are Jungian Analysts and co-hosts of the podcast This Jungian Life. Our conversation covers Carl Jung & his legacy + weaves together discussions around manifestation, mysticism, authenticity, depth psychology, astrology, suffering, trauma, personal and collective dark nights of the soul & the mythology of the millennial generation.
Find Joe, Lisa & Deb at ThisJungianLife.com
Joe's Book Recommendation: The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune
Lisa's Book Recommendation: Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung
Deb's Book Recommendation: The Inner World of Trauma by Donald Kalsched
Songs featured: "Friends" by Francis and the Lights (feat. Bon Iver) and "Japanese Ceremonial Tea (Interlude)" by The Electric Sons
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A Millennial's Guide to Saving the World 
