Need Recommendation for friend turning 40

[gagurl]

A good friend just had her 40th birthday, and at the same time was "forced" out of her job of 6 years as PR for a non-profit. It has been a stressful and depressing time for her. I don't want to call it a mid-life crisis, but I suppose it is. Her plan is to take a few weeks to relax, rejuvinate and consider her options and what direction she wants to take.
I'd like to get her some books that she can read during the time off. Either inspirational fiction, career/job oriented or self-help. Her personal interests (in case this helps with book suggestions) are plays, music, literature, healthy/organic foods, animals. She runs, but is not an athletic type, or edgy busnesswoman. Very much a free-spirit.
I appreciate any responses.

 

[Stewart]

Since I'm fresh from a course yesterday, I suppose I should suggest The Oz Principle - it's a self-help/motivation book based around the story of L Frank. Baum's The Wizard Of Oz. Based on the client list of the company that came up with it, it may be worthwhile.

 

[novella]

Well, these are all different and I don't have time for reviews and comments, but I would say:

The Memory of Running
The Secret Life of Bees
Bird by Bird

There are comments on this site about all of these.

 

[Flowerdk4]

"The 7 habits of highly effective people - powerfull lessons in personal change" by Stephen R. Covey. Its a great book to get in touch with what you really want in life and how to get it.

 

[spikeyli]

Nothing brightens my mood more than a nice stay at a day spa or playing with puppies. If your friend is really into animals, she can spend a day doing volunteer work for the local SPCA, they have adoption days every weekend so she can help place the animals and play with them the whole day

 

[Stewart]

Nothing brightens my mood more than playing with puppies.

Ooh? My ears just pricked up. I think I'd like that too.