What I Have Been Reading Lately
Books have been a source of comfort to me during the past few months. I have noticed a substantial change in my attention span and in the preferences for what I read— as my brain swells to take in all of the changing realities of the day. Have you noticed a difference when you sit down to read? For whatever reason, the past month or two has had me reaching for more fiction. And with that, I have also had to allow myself the freedom to pass on any book at any time. If it isn’t working for me, I am done. As a result, I have passed on more books than ever! These are a few of the highlights. I had no trouble losing myself in the following stories.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A New York Times Bestseller. A Book Club Pick for Good Morning America. The plot of this story follows the lives of twin sisters who run away from their southern, black town as teenagers. One sister returns to that community to live. The other sister passes as white in a different community, marries, and creates a much different life from the one she grew up in. An incredible exploration of the history of passing in America and also, a breathtaking look at racial identity, family relationships, and the legacy of community. That is all I will say…but know it is worth the read!
Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia. Mysterious. Riveting. Dark. Addicting. Here is what the New York Times says about the story— “Stylish and edgy. . . While the book draws inspiration from Gothic classics like Rebecca and Jane Eyre—there is a spunky female protagonist and an ancient house filled with disturbing secrets—its archly intelligent tone and insightful writing make Mexican Gothic an original escape to an eerie world.” Enough said. This book created an alternative world for me. I could see it. Feel it. It was real. WOWZA.
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. This is a highly accessible and beautiful read. Have you read The Nightingale? Did you appreciate the story of Lilac Girls or The Tattooist of Auschwitz? This book also takes place during WWII —in Poland. We follow the lives and love of Alina and Thomasz as they both must do what they can to survive during a time of war.
This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger. This story centers around four orphans who escape from the horrors of an Indian Training School and travel along the Mississippi River during the time of The Great Depression. They are looking for a place to belong. The land, the main characters, the travel, and the adventures all add up to an unforgettable tale!
The New York Times newspaper on Sundays. I appreciate reading my news. I love a good browse. I can take my time. Go deep. I value feeling like I am getting a bit of the depth I need to understand the meaning behind the headline. The New York Times provides this for me—and the writing is heavenly. Having a newspaper in our home has been a welcome addition… and I read it all week long!
Oprah Magazine. I just subscribed. I have yet to read an issue but I wanted to add a little variety to my reading mix. I will keep you posted!
I have definitely leaned toward more fiction than usual the past couple of months. My nonfiction book selections have been limited to daily readings of The Awakened Family and A New Earth as part of my morning routine. They always help me start my day right. I also read Michelle Obama’s Becoming again—as a refresher. I cherished it a second time. Next on my list for nonfiction? Factfulness by Hans Rosling, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie, and How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay.
