Library Lover
I have forever loved books. Lets blame Matilda coming out during the perfect time for my childhood book lover to soar. Im pretty sure I thought if I read enough, I too could be magic. And that's the thing, you can. Reading gives us somewhere to go, when we have to stay where we are. I cant tell you how many worlds both fantasy and historically I have lived in. And I feel right with my soul when I am reading as much as possible. Which usually means staying up way past my bedtime or sanity....and reading till 3 am. So here's some current reading lists I am vibing on lately.
Currently Reading
IT'S OK THAT YOU'RE NOT OK - MEGAN DEVINE
description
When a painful loss or life-shattering event upends your world, here is the first thing to know: there is nothing wrong with grief. “Grief is simply love in its most wild and painful form,” says Megan Devine. “It is a natural and sane response to loss.”
In It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Megan Devine offers a profound new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy. Having experienced grief from both sides—as both a therapist and as a woman who witnessed the accidental drowning of her beloved partner—Megan writes with deep insight about the unspoken truths of loss, love, and healing. She debunks the culturally prescribed goal of returning to a normal, “happy” life, replacing it with a far healthier middle path, one that invites us to build a life alongside grief rather than seeking to overcome it. In this compelling and heartfult book, you’ll learn:
• Why well-meaning advice, therapy, and spiritual wisdom so often end up making it harder for people in grief
• How challenging the myths of grief—doing away with stages, timetables, and unrealistic ideals about how grief should unfold—allows us to accept grief as a mystery to be honored instead of a problem to solve
• Practical guidance for managing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing anxiety without trying to “fix” your pain
• How to help the people you love—with essays to teach us the best skills, checklists, and suggestions for supporting and comforting others through the grieving process
Many people who have suffered a loss feel judged, dismissed, and misunderstood by a culture that wants to “solve” grief. Megan writes, “Grief no more needs a solution than love needs a solution.” Through stories, research, life tips, and creative and mindfulness-based practices, she offers a unique guide through an experience we all must face—in our personal lives, in the lives of those we love, and in the wider world.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK is a book for grieving people, those who love them, and all those seeking to love themselves—and each other—better.
ALISSA'S REVIEW *****
I am only 1/3 of the way through this book and I am currently using a highlighter to define the passages and parts I love. The whole book is basically a highlighter now. I find myself telling people about this book constantly. I think everyone, regardless if they are going through personal grief or not, should definitely read this book and pass it on to as many people as possible.
RECENT READ
HEALING YOUR GRIEVING HEART AFTER STILLBIRTH - ALAN D. WOLFELT PHD.
Beloved grief educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt compassionately explores the common feelings of shock, anger, guilt, and sadness that accompany a stillborn child, offering suggestions for expressing feelings, remembering the child, and healing as a family. Ideas to help each unique person—mother, father, grandparent, sibling, friend—are included, as are thoughts from families who experienced a stillbirth. This new addition to Dr. Wolfelt’s popular series is a healing companion to families when they need it most.
ALISSA'S REVIEW *****
This was the first book I felt able to tackle after Anna's loss. It was suggested to me by my therapist. I liked it because it is short chapters, usually only a page long, on a number of topics. Written in bullet form, since I had trouble concentrating on reading at this point in my life. At the end of each topic is a helpful suggestion on how to heal you in that theme. I felt it was the best place to start and I have the kindle version as well, to reference while away from home.
Current favorite
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE - ANTHONY DOERR
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the stunningly beautiful instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.
Marie-Laure lives in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where her father works. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.
In a mining town in Germany, Werner Pfennig, an orphan, grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find that brings them news and stories from places they have never seen or imagined. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments and is enlisted to use his talent to track down the resistance. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.
ALISSA'S REVIEW *****
I am known in book club for loving the "not tied up with a bow" endings. The subject being holocaust related, means it definitely should not have that kind of ending. I think its a diservice to stories when that happens, because life just simply doesn't work that way. This is an incredibly richly written book. I couldn't put it down, and it is always the book I suggest or give as gifts. I was recently the receiver of this book, my own copy being long gone, and I plan to reread it after 2 years.