In this episode, Lucy McCarraher and her childhood friend Lisette Schuitemaker delve into the books that have profoundly influenced their lives and perspectives. From the whimsical adventures of Mary Poppins to the negotiation strategies of "Getting to Yes" and the feminist exploration of "The Female Eunuch," these two lifelong learners share how certain books have shaped their thinking, challenged their assumptions, and inspired them to see the world in new ways.

Key Highlights

* The Magical Realism of "Mary Poppins": Lucy discusses how the original Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers transported her to a world of imagination and wonder, with a surprisingly feminist heroine role model - contrasting with the more saccharine Disney adaptation.

* The Importance of Traveling Light: Lisette reflects on how Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" inspired her to simplify her life and travel more mindfully, carrying only the essentials.

* Exploring Feminist Perspectives: Lucy shares how Germaine Greer's "The Female Eunuch" awakened her to the systemic challenges and inequities faced by women, igniting her own feminist journey.

* The Power of Win-Win Negotiations: Lisette explains how the book "Getting to Yes" by the Harvard negotiators influenced her approach to conflict resolution, emphasising the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions.

*Lucy also describes how Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey helped her structure and improve her first novel, leading to it being published.

* The Interplay of Free Will and Interdependence: Lisette's discussion of the book "The Story of Gaia" led her to reconsider the notion of free will, exploring the concept of "interdependent agency" and our interconnectedness with the natural world.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation offers a glimpse into the transformative power of books, showcasing how literature can shape our worldviews, challenge our assumptions, and inspire personal growth. By sharing their book-influenced insights and experiences, Lucy and Lisette invite listeners to reflect on their own literary journeys and the ways in which books have enriched their lives.

Join the Conversation

What are the books that have influenced your thinking or changed your life?Do you feel you have to conform to what's expected of you - especially as a woman? What compromises do you make to fit in and be likeable? Do you wish you could write your book but don't quite dare? Do you feel you have 'enough' in your life, or do you always feel the need for more?

Watch our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm&si=eb4Q7JI8ZQhD0yi7

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