A big part of my self care routine is reading. And I dig it all. I love to read to educate myself, to learn new skills, and to disappear into a dynamic story. I’m one of those readers that has multiple books going at time, depending on what hits the mood. I wanted to create a home for my favorite reads because it’s SO much a part of the ETY community. We geek out over our favorite books and in our own little book mandala, we often hand them off to each other. So here is a wrap up of my favorite reads so far this year. XO, Emily
Social inequity:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: I could not put this down. An impelling story about race, family, and how we choose to be in the world. Part of the magic of reading is the ability to learn about different life experiences, and this book tells the story of two sisters who chose different paths, exploring the nuance of life-changing decisions.
Women’s empowerment:
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd: This is a story that stuck with me for days. I am not a religious person, so it might seem like a strange pick, but the exploration of relationships and women’s resiliency was inspiring.
Human Rights:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: This book is such an imaginary delight! The descriptive magic of the story feels as though you have been transported to another world, but the essence and core message of the story is potent for our current world reality. This story is sweet, it invokes magical imagery that delights the senses, and the message is important. A must read.
Mental Health:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: I love, love, loved this one. After the first page, I had a little hesitation on the topic, but I kept with it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It brings forth the beautiful challenges of our human experience, what Glennon Doyle calls “brutiful,” in a way that left me feeling grateful, happy, and wholly alive.
Historical Fiction:
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn: Set in World War I, this is a story of women’s grit, courage and ingenuity. A page turner for sure.
Memoirs:
Educated by Tara Westover: What an incredible memoir and chronicle of perseverance! Another story that has stuck with me. Tara is a beautiful writer with an important account of overcoming challenges and becoming the person she was always supposed to be.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama: Because duh. I love him, you love him, we all love him so of course it’s interesting to get a peek into his micro world and how he became him.
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