Books and Stories
And how a good book can lead us back to ourselves.
While writing last week’s Summer Reading Rec’s post, I noticed a pattern in the books I chose.
Even though they spanned genres, they all offered a kind of portal. Not just into another world, but back into a part of myself.
For me, the hallmark of a great reading experience is when I put the book down and want to stay in the experience.
When I want to sit in the story or message for a bit longer, reflect, explore the memories it brings up, or make new connections.
Sometimes it’s the actual story in the book. And sometimes it’s the story of reading in my life.
For example, the YA books on the list. I returned to this genre last year, after being away from it for more than 30 years. Reading YA brings me back to Young Erin, sneaking into the hallway where the light was on after bedtime so I could keep reading.
Why does that memory matter? It reminds me reading has always been a core value for me, even when I lacked the vocabulary to articulate it. It brings me back to myself.
Sometimes the act of reading itself is the mirror, the invitation. That is: sometimes it is the story in the book and sometimes the story is the reading itself.
So if you’ve been moving fast lately, working, doing, managing, consider letting a good book or a good story slow you down.
Any story from any source. It doesn’t have to be deep or long or even nonfiction. You don’t have to “be productive.”
Along the way, you can reconnect with yourself. And you might even have fun doing so.
You can be 47 years old with a PhD reading YA for fun. You can read any genre. You can try something new! Graphic novels, audiobooks, children’s books, go for it. If you need permission to expand your reading horizons in an unconventional way, here it is.
The world is really hard right now. If something nourishes you, refills your tank, expands your perspective, or offers you a new way to connect, it is worthwhile and necessary.
For me, that’s always been reading. So I’ll be posting reading rec lists at least quarterly, maybe more frequently if inspiration strikes.
Want tips on finding books, making the most of your library or Libby App, or more recs? Let me know! In the meantime, I’d love to know what you’re reading.