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.
- I believe in books. They hold the power to transform and alter our perspectives. I love that my belief in reading and libraries were confirmed in Brain Pickings, “How Libraries Save Lives.”
- David Whyte’s poetry often brings me to tears. His words are so powerful and relatable. I adore his poem, “Midlife Woman.” The opening line to this particular poem resonates:
Mid life woman
you are not
invisible to me.
I seem to see
beneath your face
all the women
you have ever been.
- When my father died, people either responded with silence or awkward conversation starters – “He’s gone. You should sue the company he worked for.” (My father was a chemist and worked with mercury). I didn’t need to hear this advice, but I also understand people don’t know how to talk about death, dying or anything associated with it. I found Bruce Feller’s piece in the New York Times, “The Art of Condolence,” particularly compelling.
- Do you believe the Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat highlight reel of your acquaintances or friends? Don’t always believe the curated versions of what you see. . . There is always a story behind the story. Take a few minutes to read, “Instagram Star Isn’t What She Seems.”
What were your favorite reads this week?
Oh, that David Whyte poem is new to me and it’s breathtaking. Thank you. xox
Awesome links. I’d seen the Feller piece earlier in the week but forgot to go back and share it. I just did (with the h/t to you for reminding me). Such a necessary reminder for everyone that there’s no perfect thing to say, but say SOMETHING.
You said it perfectly, Nina. Saying something is a way of showing up – which is important when someone is grieving.
That Instagram article is fascinating. We are so gullible.
I agree – it’s easy to believe the story we see – is the truth.
I don’t think I knew that about your father? I know you mentioned lung cancer and he was not a smoker.
I also loved the Instagram article.
You’re right, Tamara. I don’t typically mention it. I think it’s difficult to revisit some of the words people said after his passing and it unearths emotions I am not always ready to accept.
The Instagram article was eye opening.