I am a voracious reader and every week I come across either a book, online piece or website I want to share with others. I’ve decided to curate these gems and highlight them on Friday. I hope you find these faves as insightful as I do.

• Have you suffered from depression and can’t identify why? “The depression made me numb. It put me in a state where I felt nothing: no joy, no love. I forgot how to laugh. I cried often. At other times, my emotions felt too frozen for me to cry. I felt paralyzed. I couldn’t make decisions. Intellectually, I knew I had all the ingredients for happiness in my life—a wonderful and understanding husband who was the love of my life and two beautiful, healthy sons.”  Kathye Fetsko Petrie’s essay “On Depression and the Drive to Write,” offers a compelling case for the need to fulfill one’s artistic dreams.

• The opening paragraph and the essay, “Writers, The Loneliest Artists of All” by Michele Filgate spoke to me: “I’m never as lonely as when I’m in a crowded room. It’s always been that way; as a child, I’d always wish I could slip away from family functions, and find some secluded spot where I could use my book as a shield against the world. Why was it ok to watch a football game, the rules of which baffled and bored me, but rude to engage in a more quiet, private activity like reading? When we’re in a room full of people, we’re expected to make conversation. But what if I didn’t want to talk?”  Thanks to Alexandra Rosas of Good Day, Regular People for directing me to this piece. 

• I love James Corden and his carpool karaoke segment. This one features Gwen Stefani and a few surprise guests. It brought a smile to my face watching this video. 

• In honor of Mother’s Day, I love this compilation of must-read books on motherhood. Check out this list by Jessica Grose.

What were your favorites this week?