What have you been reading (or listening to!) lately? Any books or poems or essays catching your eyes, ears and heart?
It might not come as a surprise to hear that bibliotherapy—or the use of reading to produce emotive change and personality growth and development—has all kinds of benefits, and especially so if you’re living with mild to moderate symptoms of a mental illness. According to Healthline, studies have shown reading can boost your brain strength, increase your ability to empathize, reduce stress, alleviate depression symptoms, help you sleep and generally, reading can help prevent age-related cognitive decline. The research isn’t partial to a specific genre (go forth with your fantasies!) but it is partial to print books.
So go on, share the stories keeping your mind afloat during this hellish year! I can always use a few more book recs, even if my bank account can’t.
I've personally fallen behind on my reading goals, but, like, I've fallen behind on all my goals this year, so it's fine lol. Three books I read so far in 2020 that I absolutely recommend: NICKEL BOYS by Colson Whitehead, DISABILITY VISIBILITY (edited by Alice Wong), IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado.
And right now, I'm reading Isabel Wilkerson's CASTE, which, um, is essential reading and will definitely go on my Goodreads personal-favorites list as soon as I'm done.
I haven't gotten my hands on Caste, but I'm reading The Warmth of Other Suns and I'm floored by Wilkerson's reportage, her storytelling and the lives of the people she captured. The book is heavy, especially when you turn on the news and see the present-day ramifications of all the things the book addresses. Another book I read this year that I 100% recommend in Sarah Broom's The Yellow House.
I've had Warmth for years but still haven't gotten around to reading it (the size definitely intimidates me!) but I know she's just phenomenal at narrative nonfiction, so it's definitely on my to-read list (when I'm more emotionally...ready). The Yellow House <3
I just finished Pachinko (read the first half a year ago but had to return the book to the library before moving halfway across the country) -- such an amazing and beautiful rendition of family stories! I also just finished The Houseguest: And Other Stories by Amparo Dávila which is a really riveting set of spooky short stories :) I didn't think I was one for spooky fiction but I suppose I am!
Rebecca, PACHINKO is one of my all-time faves! I kid you not, I stayed up all night reading it and called in sick to finish it lol.
Also: You had me at spooky short stories. Have you read Octavia Butler? Her Bloodchild and Other Stories collection is eclectic and intriguing — sci-fi!
Currently reading Hanna Alkaf's The Girl and the Ghost, based on Malaysian folk tale where a girl was 'gifted' a ghostly companion for life. All goes well until the girl realises that the ghost has the potential to inflict harm on other people, so she has to do something before they are both doomed. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-girl-and-the-ghost-hanna-alkaf
I also just recently finished Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic, and what a ride!
I've been reading How to Meditate by Pema Chödrön. Meditation has become a daily practice for me, and I am really enjoying this foundational book. I'll be hitting up some memoirs next including Minor Feelings and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls!
I love that you're getting into meditation! My practice is quite haphazard, but I've been getting back into it after some...very anxiety-inducing news cycles. Will check out this book!
Minor Feelings <3 + need to grab Fatherless Girls! I love a good memoir. Have you read HEAVY by Kiese Laymon? One of my all-time favorite memoirs.
I’m behind on reading goals too, surprise surprise. I’ve read a lot of so-so books this year, but a few I’ve really enjoyed: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (audiobook is read by the author, and it’s a book in verse, so the audio is extra powerful!); The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo (can get the e-book for a few dollars online, quick read with a lot of world-building in a short space); and Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (middle grade, also in verse, really sweet and touching immigrant coming-of-age story). Also hyped for a couple books I’m about to read with book clubs: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid and Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve Ewing. AND waiting for the print version of this to start reading, I can’t wait for the September special issue of Vanity Fair—edited by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the contributor lineup looks amazing.
Fiza & anyone else who spends too much on books (me too!): local library e-lending?
Books in verse <3 I love. Warga's has been on my radar for a while—need to find a copy! Such a Fun Age is a very fun, easy read, so I hope you enjoy it! Definitely a great book club pick. yesssss @ the Coates VF issue!
For some reason, I just can't get into ebooks! I use my Paperwhite on planes and such, but have been struggling to read narrative/verse/poetry/fiction on the device. Usually reserve for nonfiction (non-narrative) books that are more academic or writing career-oriented. But I do love my local library!
I've personally fallen behind on my reading goals, but, like, I've fallen behind on all my goals this year, so it's fine lol. Three books I read so far in 2020 that I absolutely recommend: NICKEL BOYS by Colson Whitehead, DISABILITY VISIBILITY (edited by Alice Wong), IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado.
And right now, I'm reading Isabel Wilkerson's CASTE, which, um, is essential reading and will definitely go on my Goodreads personal-favorites list as soon as I'm done.
I haven't gotten my hands on Caste, but I'm reading The Warmth of Other Suns and I'm floored by Wilkerson's reportage, her storytelling and the lives of the people she captured. The book is heavy, especially when you turn on the news and see the present-day ramifications of all the things the book addresses. Another book I read this year that I 100% recommend in Sarah Broom's The Yellow House.
I've had Warmth for years but still haven't gotten around to reading it (the size definitely intimidates me!) but I know she's just phenomenal at narrative nonfiction, so it's definitely on my to-read list (when I'm more emotionally...ready). The Yellow House <3
I just RACED through "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid. It was addictive, hilarious, warm-hearted and full of sharp observations. Such a fun read!
it was such a fun reaaaad!!
I just finished Pachinko (read the first half a year ago but had to return the book to the library before moving halfway across the country) -- such an amazing and beautiful rendition of family stories! I also just finished The Houseguest: And Other Stories by Amparo Dávila which is a really riveting set of spooky short stories :) I didn't think I was one for spooky fiction but I suppose I am!
Rebecca, PACHINKO is one of my all-time faves! I kid you not, I stayed up all night reading it and called in sick to finish it lol.
Also: You had me at spooky short stories. Have you read Octavia Butler? Her Bloodchild and Other Stories collection is eclectic and intriguing — sci-fi!
Ooh book talk! I love!
Currently reading Hanna Alkaf's The Girl and the Ghost, based on Malaysian folk tale where a girl was 'gifted' a ghostly companion for life. All goes well until the girl realises that the ghost has the potential to inflict harm on other people, so she has to do something before they are both doomed. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-girl-and-the-ghost-hanna-alkaf
I also just recently finished Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic, and what a ride!
nothing better than book talk!! And oh my gosh, this book is right up my alley. Adding to my ever-growing list!
I have Mexican Gothic on my nightstand right now <3
I've been reading How to Meditate by Pema Chödrön. Meditation has become a daily practice for me, and I am really enjoying this foundational book. I'll be hitting up some memoirs next including Minor Feelings and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls!
I love that you're getting into meditation! My practice is quite haphazard, but I've been getting back into it after some...very anxiety-inducing news cycles. Will check out this book!
Minor Feelings <3 + need to grab Fatherless Girls! I love a good memoir. Have you read HEAVY by Kiese Laymon? One of my all-time favorite memoirs.
First Comes Marriage by Huda Al-Marashi, The Lowland and the Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri were my latest reads — all so good!
Jhumpa!! Love it. I gotta check out First Comes Marriage!
I recently finished So We Can Glow: Stories by Leesa Cross-Smith and it was so much fun to read.
ooooooh I'm really getting into reading more short stories, so thanks for the h/t!
I’m behind on reading goals too, surprise surprise. I’ve read a lot of so-so books this year, but a few I’ve really enjoyed: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (audiobook is read by the author, and it’s a book in verse, so the audio is extra powerful!); The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo (can get the e-book for a few dollars online, quick read with a lot of world-building in a short space); and Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (middle grade, also in verse, really sweet and touching immigrant coming-of-age story). Also hyped for a couple books I’m about to read with book clubs: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid and Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve Ewing. AND waiting for the print version of this to start reading, I can’t wait for the September special issue of Vanity Fair—edited by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the contributor lineup looks amazing.
Fiza & anyone else who spends too much on books (me too!): local library e-lending?
Books in verse <3 I love. Warga's has been on my radar for a while—need to find a copy! Such a Fun Age is a very fun, easy read, so I hope you enjoy it! Definitely a great book club pick. yesssss @ the Coates VF issue!
For some reason, I just can't get into ebooks! I use my Paperwhite on planes and such, but have been struggling to read narrative/verse/poetry/fiction on the device. Usually reserve for nonfiction (non-narrative) books that are more academic or writing career-oriented. But I do love my local library!
reading The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Wanh!!
Wang****
Same! I am impressed by how many of my ideas about mental illness are being destroyed altogether! An amazing feeling of growth :)
it is so so good. Would also recommend Bassey Ikpi's essay collection!
ahhh a favorite. How are you liking it?
I'm currently reading the book The Big Short! Wanted to read more on Wall Street
oooh! You know, I've never really read much on Wall Street, but I think I might look into some books. Any others on your list?
That's it for now!
riiiight! omg so many great books to add to my list. Bluest Eye is still one of my favorites.