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Creating a Resilient Community Common Read

Join us on a meaningful journey of learning and growth! 

This book club was set up by PJI in 2019 to encourage a common read of books related to the theme of Creating a Resilient Community. Together, we explore books that inspire understanding of Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs), resilience, wellness, and healing.

Be part of a community dedicated to positive change, where each discussion deepens our knowledge and strengthens our collective resilience. Let’s build a brighter, more connected future together – it’s about us!

To date, we have read the following: 

  • 2019: The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris 
  • 2020: Building Resilience in Children and Teens by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg  
  • 2021: Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakazawa 
  • 2022: What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey 
  • 2023: The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
  • 2024: Healing: From Mental Illness to Mental Health by Dr. Thomas Insel
  • 2025: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy
  • 2026: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

2026 Common Read: Your Brain on Art

Join us on an immersive journey of learning, discussion, reflection, and creative expression — a community book club inspiring connection and positive change! You can participate as an individual and attend any of our sessions, or invite your entire book club to read along and receive free copies of the book. Explore the full list of discussion sessions and register below.

2026 Discussion Sessions

Together Online: Launching the Journey

Wed. January 7, 2026 | 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. (Virtual, Zoom)

Session 1 : Story and Sound Meditation

Wed. January 14, 2026 | 9:30 – 11:30 A.M.

Magnolia Yoga and Wellness Center, Longwood

Session 2: Caffeine and Conversation

Sat. February 14, 2026 | 9:30 – 11:30 A.M.

Writer’s Block Bookstore, Winter Park

Session 3: Pottery and Pages

Thurs. February 26, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 A.M.

City of Orlando Pottery Studio, Orlando

Registration Required – Limited Spaces!

$25 per person 

Session 4: Collage and Connection

Wed. March 11, 2026 | 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Healthy West Orange, Winter Garden

2026 Common Read Sponsor

PJI is grateful for the generous support of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, whose funding made this year’s program possible.

Questions?

Contact sofiya@peacejusticeinstitute.org 

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