More Books That Matter

It’s been five years since I shared a list of books that I found singular in their wisdom and their ability to stimulate thought on what I consider important subjects. (And I’m happy to report that, although I still love holding a book in my hands, a silver lining of the pandemic was that I finally embraced also downloading books on my laptop.) Reading accounts for perhaps the largest chunk of my schedule, and my memory isn’t what it used to be, so it would be difficult to create a truly inclusive list covering the last five years, but the following books are among those that I found unforgettable.

The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, by Meghan O’Rourke. An incredible blend of memoir, history, and social science that is obviously written by a poet. Whether you’re somehow affected by chronic illness or just curious, there’s something in this book for you. And with the mass disability brought on by Covid, it couldn’t be timelier.

Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again, by Johann Hari. This guy is the master of well-researched deep dives into important subjects. Unsurprisingly, social media and what he refers to as surveillance capitalism are major culprits of our epic distraction. He also discusses the effects of poor nutrition, overwork, and the disappearance of childhood.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown. While I would recommend any book by this amazing researcher who excels at making important information accessible with humor, humility, and compassion, this book has the additional plus of being gorgeous to look at. The book investigates and gives us language to understand some of the emotions that arise from common human experiences (“places we go when…). It’s one I revisit often.

Little Pieces of Hope: Happy-Making Things in a Difficult World, by Todd Doughty. This book made me so happy as the pandemic lingered that I gifted copies to several friends. Perfect for a quick boost, it’s a fabulous, illustrated compendium of lists, short essays, quotes, playlists and more. Truly something for everyone.

Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men, by Lundy Bancroft. Another meticulously researched work by a counselor who specializes in working with abusive men. Because it includes early warning signs as well as debunking common myths, I feel strongly that it’s a must read for every woman at the earliest possible opportunity.

These Precious Days, by Ann Patchett. The woman is my idol. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I am breathless at her use of language, her stunning detail, her humanity. This collection of essays is perhaps my all-time favorite. The title essay, written during the pandemic, is one you won’t soon forget.

Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, by Kate Manne. This is an eye-opening examination of the pervasiveness of patriarchal notions and the resultant, and often unquestioned, entitlement of males in our society. The author, a philosopher, looks at everything from relatively harmless mansplaining to deadly assault.

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, by Gabor Maté. So much food for thought from this physician who specializes in addiction. The author examines the disconnect between our “advanced” western healthcare systems and the precipitous rise in illness and addiction. His definition of trauma as not what happens to you but what happens inside you is a groundbreaking step towards more understanding and effective treatment.

You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir, by Maggie Smith. Almost every page of this memoir in short essays and poetic vignettes resonated with me. While Smith is many years younger than me and an acclaimed poet, her journey is astonishingly similar: from the sudden implosion of her marriage, to the realization that there had been serious lines all along, to her recommitment to herself, with all of the emotional rollercoaster rides along the way. Unique and powerful.

As with my previous post, the titles listed above are non-fiction. I read fiction like I eat potato chips, and I generally hesitate to make recommendations because personal preferences play a much larger role, but I’ve decided to add a few titles that I found noteworthy.

Anthem, by Noah Hawley. A wild ride of a youthful quest against the backdrop of a keenly observed and sharply skewered America.

Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The combination of suspense and a deep dive into a subject (beekeeping) I’ve come to expect from Picoult, with the addition of an exploration of issues faced by transgender youth.

Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano. Vibrant characters and the articulation of the beauty and sorrow of the human condition make this nod to Little Women unforgettable.

Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. A David Copperfield transported to modern-day Appalachia, this masterpiece took my breath away. If the author’s incredible mastery doesn’t make you fall in love with Demon, there might be something wrong with you.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. Maybe I just have a thing for octopi, but I found this unique story of friendship both memorable and deeply moving.

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus. I adored quirky, iconoclastic Elizabeth Zott, and loved watching her one-woman repudiation of the patriarchy of mid-century America.

Yellowface, by R.F. Kuang. Extremely timely, smart, and entertaining examination of the publishing industry today and how it’s affected by racism and the quest for diversity.

Happiness Falls, by Angie Kim. A gripping mystery fabulously narrated by a strong, self-aware teenage girl which also explores important issues surrounding disability and communication.

***

Let’s talk. Any must-reads you’d like to share?