Hi. Hello. I'm home. Not as in today, but as in the week. As in, for weeks. If you're reading from the future, the world has been hit by a virus - the fearless Covid-19. I'm safe, we're safe, but many are not, and my heart and thoughts go out to them and their families.
Goes without saying that there is a silver lining in spending a lot of time at home. Being the introvert that I am, I find immense joy from being by myself in my space. I have dedicated a number of hours to reading (let me just say: there's an art to finding the right reading position and reading spot and reading light and reading pace and reading drink... all of which I look forward to learning about myself as I dive into more and more books into the coming weeks and months).
Here is what I've read in the past couple of weeks:
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| Notes to Self by Emilie Pine |
I really loved this collection of essays, written in such a vulnerable, honest yet modest way, that left me contemplating and reflecting my own experiences and memories. The first two stories of her alcoholic father and of her miscarriage left me in tears, and reminded me of the importance of journal writing as a form of introspection and therapy. If you're looking for a quick read, a page turner, a conversation with a friend, a gentle cry, give this one a go.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
There's quite a buzz about this book since the show has been made a few years back, which I'll get round to watching now that I've read it (though, I want to read Testaments, the follow-up book, first). And I can see why. Written in 1985, it was certainly a thought-provoking book about female repression. The book is narrated from the perspective of Offred, a Handmaid, and is set in a futuristic dystopian world where women are divided into different roles - Handmaid's to bare children for the Commanders. I felt the plot losing itself towards the middle and craved a little more to happen, but it was still an interesting and chilling read that didn't disappoint.
Lanny by Max Porter
Lanny Lanny Lanny, what a lovely afternoon read. The book is written from the perspective of Lanny's mother, father, close family friend and Dead Papa Toothwort (I know, strange!). He's a sweet and lovely boy, with a great imagination and curiosity. The book is fairytale-esque, confusing, perplexing, dreamy and poetic. One to come back to.
How to Fail: Everything I've Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day (on Audible)
This was a surprise, a great recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth divides the book into chapters of failures of different types, work, relationships, families, etc, that are so easily relatable. Witty, tender, funny and reflective. Will check out her podcast too.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig (on Audible)
A book about Matt Haig's experience with depression. His perspective is heartbreaking, vulnerable, unashamed and somewhat humorous. A good listen.
What have you been reading?
Much love,
Sofia
