What Are You Reading?

 I love to read. Always have. And I am one of those odd (so I’ve been told) people who have several books going at once. 

I am always reading a novel, a self-development book, something spiritual, and at times, I’ll add a text on creativity, physical fitness, or health that has caught my attention.

The most recent novel I read is The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. This isn’t a book I would have chosen, but it was a gift from a friend, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It is the story of a Chinese American boy during WWII and his life as an adult over 40 years later. Young Henry falls in love with a Japanese American girl, the enemy, according to his father, as the U.S. was at war with the Japanese. This book also addresses the conflicts of a father-son relationship. I found it profoundly moving and touching. It's so appropriate for today’s world with the current attacks on Asian Americans. And a timely re-release for the novel’s 10th Anniversary.

Another recent read, also not new, is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. I have read Elizabeth Strout’s work previously and am a fan. This book is no exception; it was the 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner in Fiction.

I was surprised to find that Olive is a cantankerous, grumpy woman! I was expecting a kind, loving person and am not sure why I expected that. I will say, however, that this book is quite something. It is more a collection of essays, though the author has intertwined Olive in each. It had me laughing, shuddering, and startled by her in-your-face directness.

I’ve already ordered her follow-up; Olive Again.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is an honest look at racism in various socio-economic communities. It is the story of twin girls and how each one’s decisions of how to live their lives unfold in a world of bigotry and racism. It is a fascinating peek into lies and secrecy and its consequences.

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates.

The physical fitness book that has had the most significant impact on me is Younger Next Year — for Women by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (And for the men in your lives, there is a version for them, too.)

I read this manual for living a long, healthy life in 2018, and it completely changed my attitude towards aging. I didn’t even realize I had an attitude until reading this. I always assumed I would live to a ripe old age healthily. I exercise, eat reasonably well, meditate and have a solid social network. All these factors are components for longevity, the authors explain. 

What I was unaware of is that lifting weights is an absolute necessity to managing our later years. I sporadically used weights — now I’m serious about them, knowing the consequences if left to chance.

Now I understand how the importance of having friends is to our mental, emotional and physical health relative to aging. Besides loving them — they help us stay young!

This book explains that to live vitally and robustly well into old age, we must exercise vigorously six days a week, engage socially with others, and eat healthily. I know, not headline news; however, how many of us do it habitually?

The book was inspiring, funny, and motivating. 

I refer to a spiritual book when I need a pick-me-up. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer never disappoints. I’ve had this one for many years, read it several times, and it never fails to exhilarate me.

I have highlighted dozens of passages, tabbed tens of pages, and keep discovering “new” bits of wisdom. If I’m down or have a problem or issue with someone, I often turn to this book for reminders of what I want for my life and the bigger picture for all humans — LOVE.

The personal development narrative I love right now is Seth Godin’s The Practice — Shipping Creative Work. He aimed this work at writers, artists, salespeople, creatives of every ilk. By Shipping Creative Work, Mr. Godin means — get your art, story, pottery — whatever your work may be — out into the world where others can discover it. 

He reveals the imposter syndrome (I believe all creatives have a bit of this) and helps us get unstuck. The Practice is another book I have highlighted a ditty of insight on practically every page. It is on my nightstand for inspiration before I dream.

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set I go into the other room and read a book.” — Groucho Marx.

That is a peek into my reading at the moment. I’m always up for something new and fascinating. My problem is, finding the time. Even a retired woman has difficulty finding time for reading — but that’s another post!

xo