This month was more reflection and poetry with less compelling fiction for escapism. I know I enjoy starting the day with poetry, but I found a gem last month in Morgan Harper Nichols. Brené Brown didn’t grab me like she usually does and I dropped in some chick lit just to round out the month.
There were a lot of false starts, including “Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie (too hard to keep track of everything), “The Unusual Desire to Kill” by Camilla Barnes (not in the right mood), and “All In Good Taste” by Kate Spade (terrible formatting as an ebook, plus a bit dated).
Strong Ground
by Brené Brown
My Brene education started in the late 2000s with “The Gifts of Imperfection.” Which I’ve read a few times now. I followed up with “Daring Greatly,” “I Thought It Was Just Me,” and everything else.
I watched her “Atlas of the Heart” special with my husband and was rapt. Didn’t love the book so much, but I figured the HBO special was enough.
I’m ashamed to say “Strong Ground” didn’t captivate me as much. Since also couldn’t get into Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest, I’m starting to think my life is no longer as tortured, so I don’t need to read about being tortured as much.
It seems like a good thing. But I admire these women so much, I want to be able to enjoy their work again. Do I need more anxiety to do it?
Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life
by Humble, the Poet
For someone who just claimed to be less tortured, it’s strange that I read more of this book than I did of Brown’s or Gilbert’s. I started out by loving the premise and ideas, but gave up about 1/3 of the way through—skimming the rest.
I did enjoy this book and its presentation, but as a 55-year-old woman who’s read a lot of self help, it felt like I’d seen most of it before. Though I hope the voice and packaging of this book inspires a new generation of tortured people in a language they understand.
A Bit Much
by Lyndsay Rush
I think I discovered this poet by searching “poetry” in Libby. I clicked for the cover, borrowed it because I liked the sample, and am still working my way through this intriguing book.
While I don’t always love poetry in Rush’s words words words / words words words format, I do enjoy the tone and experiences she references. They feel familiar and relatable. Plus, the voice is so personable it’s like I’m talking to a young, hip, literary friend who only wants the best for me.
Highly recommend for open-minded poetry lovers.
The Hour I First Believed
by Wally Lamb
High off of my last Wally Lamb read, I thought I’d try this once since I live in Colorado and it relates to Columbine. But I couldn’t get into it. Being close to the tragedy makes it hard to read or explore any content around it.
Maybe I’ll try again one day, but I didn’t finish this one. I barely even started it.
You Are Only Just Beginning
by Morgan Harper Nichols
Another result when I searched for poetry, this book is the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. way to start the day. It’s uplifting and creative, filled with poem art and fresh ideas. Hell, maybe starting my day with this instead of any kind of social media is why Brown and Gilbert aren’t hitting it for me lately. Nichols, a flat white, and beating my husband and cribbage or backgammon get me off on a much better foot.
Plus, poetry books with art are always high on my list. I adore Rupi Kaur for the same reason. Kaur is far more heartbreaking, though.
Great Big Beautiful Life
by Emily Henry
I used to love chic lit like this. But that was twenty years ago. This one was available and kept popping up in recommended lists so I’m still slogging my way through it.
It’s a fine book with mostly uncomplicated characters and a lightweight storyline. But I long for the kind of book that wastes an entire day because I can’t put it down. This one isn’t it. Despite being a Reese’s Book Club pick.
But, you know. It’s cute, lightweight, and suspenseful enough that I finished it. Even if I skimmed the last half. Because when characters do things like “forget to charge their phone” when they’re experienced travelers, I have trouble continuing to suspend my disbelief.
That’s a wrap. If you have a poetry book to recommend (including your own), please do. I’m digging it lately.
I Care What You Think
What did you read last month?
What one book would you recommend for me?
Do you have any fun holiday books to suggest?