Books That Matter

From the day I cracked the code and found myself reading (Robert the Rose Horse, by Joan Heilbroner and P.D. Eastman), I have found no greater pleasure than holding and delving into a book. (Yes, I’m a Luddite: I’ve never had a reader or downloaded a book to my laptop or phone.) I read to escape, to learn, and for the sheer pleasure of the beautiful use of language. Because I am a tiny bit compulsive and indiscriminate, I read a great deal, and find some value in almost every work. I am also getting a tiny bit forgetful, so if you ask me the plot of a novel or the three-step plan laid out in a non-fiction work, you’re likely to get an unsatisfactory reply. What I’d like to share here are a few of those rare gems that have had a lasting impact on me; that for some reason have spoken to me, penetrated the fog, and in some cases provided guidance for navigating my life.

Yoga for Life: A Journey to Inner Peace and Freedom, by Colleen Saidman Yee. A great combination of an illustrated yoga manual and a memoir. My favorite quote has been posted prominently above my desk since the start of this journey and serves as a daily reminder: “It takes immense bravery to break a habit of thinking you aren’t enough.”

Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change into Gift and Opportunity, by SARK. Her books are all a visual feast, and this one is no exception. Never a Pollyanna, she makes a great case for getting in touch with and savoring the positive while undergoing tumultuous change.

Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions, by Johann Hari. This was well researched and written and, in my opinion, a highly plausible alternative to our “fix it now” culture of dealing with depression. My favorite nugget: the idea that using our skills and talents in service to others can prove an effective vaccination against depression. I’d never combined the two pieces previously and am happy to report that Hari is not just whistling Dixie.

Why Write?:  A Master Class on the Art of Writing and Why it Matters, by Mark Edmundson. I mentioned this jewel in an earlier post. In addition to being a great read, this book changed the way I approach my writing both mentally and practically.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, by Michael A. Singer. While I found much of this book a bit too abstract (I kept thinking, “but how do I make these changes?”), one idea struck me as radical and is now never far from my thoughts: that one can choose to be happy regardless of their life circumstances. That happiness is not something one works toward, but a choice made and lived every day.

Bliss More; How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying, by Light Watkins. I have dabbled in meditation on and off (mostly off) for many years. This book gave me permission to just do it, imperfectly: there’s no “true” way, no “right” position, and that stuff that your monkey mind churns up is the reason you’re meditating in the first place. The idea that the only “bad” meditation is one you don’t do is liberating, and I’m happy to report that I’ve now got two weeks and counting of daily practice under my belt.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, by Brene Brown. I’ve just recently completed this book and am still digesting its abundance of wisdom. She grabbed me with her opening line: “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” Brown’s thesis that the gifts of imperfection are courage, compassion and connection has imprinted itself on my consciousness and provides a concise, alliterative reminder when I need a reality check.

I’ve just started The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison. Her breathtaking use of language in the first few chapters makes me think that this “blend of memoir, cultural history, literary criticism, and reportage” will make it notable.

What books matter to you?