While my blog posts have been lacking this year, my reading has not. I'm here to reflect on all that I've read so far in 2021 and share my recommendations. A mix of fiction, classics, trending, and non-fiction. I am currently at 37 books, on track to meet my goal of 52 this year. Maybe I'll push it to 60? No matter how many books you read or if it's Cat in the Hat or War and Peace, just keep turning the page and finding that magic. We've got this!
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
by Caroline Criado Pérez
“The fact is that worth is a matter of opinion, and opinion is informed by culture. And if that culture is as male-biased as ours is, it can’t help but be biased against women. By default.”
This book was so interesting and engaging, yet also disheartening to recognize the layers of injustice still built into our society. One section that really stuck out to me was how urban planning and transportation are influenced by gender bias. I highly recommend reading because I had never considered some of the important discussion points. We often hear of the pay gap or lack of women in STEM, but this book dives into why and how our system was built this way.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
"Don't give in to your fears...If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart" (146).
I am surprised at how long it took me so long to read this book, but I am glad I finally got around to it. If I had to pick one word to describe the reading experience of The Alchemist, it would be peace. Each page was an exploration of life and purpose that felt like a warm hug. The unfolding journey of the protagonist was all of us in his shoes, just trying to figure life out. If you are looking for moments of wisdom and peace, this book is for you.
Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss
by Jenna Bush Hager
I love Jenna Bush Hager (possibly because she has my dream job), but also because of her grace. I listened to the audiobook version and got to hear the emotion within each of her words- she is genuine and reflective. As I am getting older and experiencing the realities of life, it is reassuring to hear her experience. While I am not a former president's daughter, we all are human beings on this crazy planet and life can be hard. I love the power of sharing stories to keep people alive.
"Consolation has come from sharing their words and stories with family, friends, and anyone else who will listen."
Friday in Florence
by Matthew Huguet
This author is pretty cool, and not just because we have the same last name. He is thoughtful, intelligent, funny, and imaginative. Friday in Florence is the combination of all of these characteristics, with engaging characters that you will be rooting for throughout. I felt like one of the study abroad crew, wandering the streets of Florence and having the time of my life. This book will take you on a trip that you won't want to leave. You should really check it out.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
by Ocean Vuong
I will admit, when I think back to this book, I am struggling to piece together the plot. This is slightly embarrassing because I read it less than a month ago, but my summer brain is failing me. I will say that this book is simply beautiful to read. A tragic reflection of family, love, and pain that reads like poetry.
“They say nothing lasts forever but they're just scared it will last longer than they can love it.”
I'll Take You There
by Joyce Carol Oates
I read this book in my English class called Reading the Heart: Emotional Intelligence and the Humanities. This class will always hold a special place in my heart (maybe because it was all about the heart...). In all honesty, it was impactful to study emotions in an academic setting. Here is a little excerpt from a reflection I wrote for class.
“How happy I am here, I love my Kappa sisters and my new life as a sorority girl, I am breathless so busy every minute almost! So I wrote to girlfriends from high school who’d gone to other colleges or to a few selected girl cousins This certainly is a change from my own life, I’m a Kappa Gamma Pi sometimes I have to pinch myself or give myself a little stab with my pin” (36).
I wasn’t expecting to be so enthralled by this book so far. Oates manages to perfectly replicate the confusion of self and situation in college. I strongly relate to the uncertainty of who I am compared to who I want to be or how I want to be perceived, specifically in the sorority context. I recently went through sorority rush and wish that many of the elements prominent in Anellia’s experience were not still relevant today. It is so easy to get caught up in aesthetics and wanting to fit in, thinking that a “top house” will change you and make you “happy”. Even when you know that something may not be the best fit, or as Anellia understood that it would not be cost-effective for her to join, you feel a pull to something bigger and better than yourself. This pressure on college students is immense and unwavering, during a time when your most authentic self should be discovered and celebrated.
All About Love
by bell hooks
Now apart from my brother's book, this one might have been my favorite. bell hooks is truly masterful and I was left in awe after the final pages. I found myself underlining nuggets of gold on almost every page that I couldn't bear to let slip away. Love is fascinating and confusing and amazing, and I felt a glimpse of understanding thanks to bell hooks. One of the simple but most impactful takeaways would be this: "As long as we are afraid to risk we cannot know love."
love > fear
Thank you for reading!
And keep on reading!
Fight on,
Lindsey
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