The Book Room: 2
Hello and welcome to the second book review list in the Book Room series. This year, I find myself in a reading rut. I love books and that actually seems to be the problem. I keep starting books and starting more books, never quite finishing the previous one. I get so excited to start a story…and then another, and another, littering half-read stories all around my library. Does anyone else fall into this stage? My attention span seems to keep jumping from topic to topic based on my mood. The only book I can seem to stay determined to get through and focus on is my weekly study of the Bible. I have many favorite books, but the Bible is absolutely my favorite of all. In my opinion, the stories written in it are the best stories ever written. Though it isn’t mentioned on the list, I’d say it’s a given that I advise anyone and everyone to give it a go (start with the book of Matthew). The books on my reading list today were my favorites read between the end of last year to now and ones I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I chose three novels and three books of poetry & prose. They were so enthralling I couldn’t put them down, reading them all the way through in almost one sitting. So with no further ado, here they are.
Novels
1. Where the Crawdads Sings by Delia Owens
I absolutely loooved this book! Where do I begin? I don’t think any description would do it justice. Kaya’s voice is startingly clear and honest, full of intricate descriptions and beautiful language. This book was such a love letter to the natural world, to the loveliness of words, and a heartbreaking coming-of-age story. The book is about young Kaya (known as the Marsh girl) raised in the isolated marsh of North Carolina between 1952 and 1969. It goes back and forth between her lonely upbringing with the seagulls and the sand to the murder investigation of a popular local, Chase Andrews, in the fictional coastal town of Barkley Cove. The book discusses her perceptions and learning of the world (shaped largely by the earth and animals around her), falling in love, the turbulent emotions of anger, ethology, and the effect isolation has on a person. It has phenomenal imagery and so often while reading, I found myself melting in empathy with Kaya. This was such an exquisite read and has jumped up to becoming my favorite book. It stayed with me long after I turned the last page. This book was also selected for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Book Club, was on the NY Best Sellers list for 44 weeks, is number one on Amazon’s charts for fiction, and has been picked up for a film adaptation with production by Hello Sunshine (Reese’s production company).
2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Wow wow wow. Isabel Allende has truly created a visionary, unique, and intricate tale of a family through the generations and the backwash repercussions that our choices have on ourselves and those around us. Told through the eyes of different characters in the household (though mainly through Esteban, Clara, and Alba), The House of Spirits spans four generations of the Trueba family among the post-colonial social and political turmoil of Chile. The book has elements of magic realism, colorful characters, and shows how connected our lives really are. Dealing with themes of passion, secrets, love, revolution, and ultimately, redemption, it is truly a masterpiece of writing. It is a family saga like no other and won her worldwide acclaim when it was first published in 1982. It is definitely one of my favorites.
3. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
I’m actually still reading this book but am close to the end and have enjoyed it so much, I had to add it to the list. I first came upon this book in the 6th grade when our teacher started reading it to the class- one chapter every class period. I remember being so entranced by the story. I don’t remember if my teacher ever finished reading it to us, but I do know that I graduated onto highschool and completely forgot about it…until it caught my eye again years later at a local thrift store. The memory of the excitement of waiting for that class just so I could hear the rest of the story came rushing back and I bought the book on impulse (with no regrets). Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir by Mitch Albom on his Professor Morrie Scwartz, who continued to teach him long after Mitch graduated. Years after Mitch has started his career as a journalist, he finds himself caught in the monotonous and un-purposeful cycle of routine, until a familiar face appears on tv. His former favorite Professor, whom he’d promised to stay in contact with (and didn’t), appears on an episode of Nightline, now dying of ALS. Mitch flies down to see him and so begins his final class with Morrie, who teaches him profound lessons on kindness, love, family, money, dying, and reminds him what it truly means to live. The book chronicles their time together, meeting every Tuesday for discussions, and recounts memories between past and present. Thoughtful, heartwarming, and beautifully honest, this is a book to hold dear to your heart and carry its lessons with you.
Poetry
4. Behind My Eyes by Li Young Lee
Li Young Lee is quickly rising up on my list of favorite poets. His works are built on memory, shaping words that embody emotions rather than a clear storyline, almost mystical, and using fluid imagery. He dwells on childhood, immigrant experiences, the universe within him, spirituality, and expresses his observations through a lyrical narrative. I enjoyed his words so much I bought another poetry book of his titled Rose (which won him the Delmore Schwartz Memorial Award from New York University) and am looking forward to reading it.
5. Dreamwork by Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver! Of course, I’ll read anything written by her. She is one of my favorite poets and I enjoy her musings, imagery, and deep view of the things around her. She is a profound lover of the natural world and dives into self-awareness, solitude, and choices. Her poems exemplify her willingness to find joy and are genuine, as well as perceptive. A perfect day for me would honestly consist of sitting outside with an iced caramel latte and reading her poetry, which seem to come all the more alive in nature. Her words always inspire, influence, and move me.
6. The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry is a new read for me, but one I’m looking forward to continuing reading. I actually found him through an Instagram post someone posted with his poetry. The words captivated me and I immediately looked the book up, checking reviews, and deciding to order it. I’m glad I did because I loved this book. Like Oliver, Berry writes beautiful imagery focused on the natural world. His poetry makes you stop to reflect and savor moments. He writes on the flow of seasons, nature, death, belonging, freedom, love, hope, and the peace of wild things “who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.” (PS: As I was taking this photo, my schnauzer jumped up to peer outside the window and I thought it was so cute, I took the photo with him in it. It seemed fitting that a little wild thing would appear behind The Peace of Wild Things, haha)
If you decide to read any of these, let me know your experience and thoughts in the comments! I hope you enjoy them and thanks for reading.
