Some of my best days are spent conversing with a book. I love afternoons in the quiet, with the welcoming sounds of the pages flipping and my focus on the present moment. There are sentences that push me to pause and in those instances, I love that an invisible bridge forms between the writer and reader. Here are a list of book selections and an online essay that captivated my attention in January and February:
Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Small Victories by Anne Lamott
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The Sweet Spot by Christine Carter
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
“My Own Life” by Oliver Sacks is a must read. This particular line resonated with me: “There is no time for anything inessential.” Reading this article will only take a few minutes of your time, but it is worth every minute.
What books do you recommend?
Image: “book collection” by Chronon6.97 via Flickr.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
I was deeply moved by Oliver Sacks’ essay, too. Wrote about that in my post for Wednesday. Puts it all in perspective, and he so fiercely loves the world. I love your list of books! Two I too have adored (Station Eleven, Small Victories) and many others that I haven’t read, so must check out asap!
Thanks, Lindsey. I am looking forward to your Wednesday post.
Yes, to perspective. This essay lingered with me over the weekend and I love how he articulated so much with such economy of thought.
My mother in law just mentioned The Rosie Project! I don’t give much thought to get recommendations normally, but I’ll have to look it up now that it’s made your list 🙂
Thanks, Corinne. I found the book interesting and different from what I ordinarily read. It explores various aspects of a relationship and the definition of love. There is humor infused into the chapters that keep the story light, but insightful.
I just started reading Station Eleven. I have a feeling I’ll have a few sleepless nights ahead of me!
Invention of Wings is on my bookshelf and I hope to get to it soon.
Invention of Wings is a story that definitely lingers with you days after finishing the book. I hope you share your thoughts about her work after you read it. It is always a pleasure to see you in this space. Thank you.
Hi, I read the Invention of Wings, Orphan Train and The Rosie Project. Enjoyed all. Just finished Gutenburg’s Apprentice, fascinating historical fiction, based on many historical documents, Neverhome, about a woman disguised as soldier during the Civil War, again based on many
historical documents; it is suspenseful, as well as it tugs on your heart. As does Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, the 10th book in the Father Tim series in Mitford by Jan Karon.
I have to have a good book to read as I am a fast reader and devour 4-6 books a week. If the book is not well written, I do not finish it. Thanks for sparking the joy of reading in your blog.
Thanks, Linda, for all of the recommendations. I know you are a voracious reader and I look forward to checking out these books. xo
If we all don’t learn a little something about life and living in the world from Oliver Sacks’ essay, shame on us. Yes to perspective. And I’ve read so much about many of the books you’ve listed here but have yet to read any of them. I’ll have to bump them up on my TBR list now that they have your endorsement.
The essay by Sacks is a piece I will revisit again and again. Every time I read it, I gain a different, but important perspective.
I hope some of these books resonate with you. xo
Loved “The Invention of Wings” which I read per your recommendation. I think I shall pick something from this list for my next read.
Glad you enjoyed Kidd’s book. Hope you enjoy the others as well. Thanks.
Awesome list! I have not read anything yet in 2015 that I’m insisting others read. (Novels, I mean.)
Nina,
Thanks! I cannot wait to hear what you endorse. I always love your book updates.
I’m currently reading “Attachments” by Rainbow Rowell which is a bit of a lighter read than my usual.
Jodi Picoult’s newest one blew me away last month!
I tend to gravitate toward more serious reads, so I will definitely check out Rowell’s book. Thanks for the recommendation, Tamara.
I read Wings but will have to check out the others!
Hope you find a book you enjoy from my list. xo
Great list, Rudri. I am adding them to my reading list. 🙂
I’m hearing good things about many of these books. I’m excited to read Station Eleven. Also, Orphan Train looked really interesting. Small Victories is on my TBR list. Thanks for the link to the article by Oliver Sacks. Great list!
I hope you enjoy these recommendations. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.