on my bookshelf (and why i read)

For clarification: this is not "my bookshelf" (I wish!).
In reality, it is a corner of a favorite bookshop of mine in the East Village - the best kind of dusty whimsy. 

These days, I'm finding such inspiration in the books I am reading. I have read about a dozen volumes since moving to New York, a testament to my commutes to the office and my desire to achieve a set goal of 30 books this year. For some, this may seem like a modest amount- but slow reader that I am (especially when I was in school, a few short months ago!) I felt this would be a reasonable objective.

Among the many reads which followed me on subways around Manhattan or Central Park benches, to Rockaway Beach or a coffee bar in the Bronx - these were some of my favorites.

I devoured two beautiful works of fiction- Mr. Pettigrew's Last Stand and The Secret Life of Bees which, truly, I couldn't recommend enough. The former was charming, skillfully navigating such themes as community, race, religion, ageism, family, companionship and falling in love. The latter made me dream of Carolina summers -fresh honey and sticky heat and ripe peaches- while thoughtfully weaving in questions about racial tension, motherhood, female empowerment and spirituality.

While eating lunch at Tudor City Greens one Sunny afternoon, I found The Rosie Project  by Graeme Simsion in a little free library box, and gave it a whirl. While I did find it endearing and entertaining, I found certain plot lines to be a bit of a humdrum, and the narration left me confused (read my GoodReads review here), which was disappointing. Specifically, I just was unsure whether the narrator was simply true to reality or an overly stereotyped archetype of Asperger's syndrome. In the end, this led to interesting reflections on my ableist presumptions! That said, I was completely enamored and charmed by the heartwarming love story at play and found myself laughing out loud at times - and would recommend it as an easy Summer read.

Perhaps the Summer's highlight was The Glass Castle, a striking memoir I finished a few weeks ago- which delights and devastates all at once. It follows the story of famed writer and journalist Jeannette Walls, as she grows up with parents who loved fiercely but were stubborn nonconformists who refused to grow up and face life's harsh realities.

To quench my thirst for feminist literature, I finally got my hands on a copy of We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Easily read in one sitting, the essay is a glorious survey of the essence of feminism - an uncomplicated explanation of an uncomplicated logic. Whether you are a skeptic, a militant or simply someone wanting to better grasp the feminist framework but reluctant to dive into the complexities of Simone de Beauvoir or Kimberle Crenshaw... I would recommend this piece.

It is important to me to actively read in French, which I often call the language of my heart. I was mesmerized by a piece which was gifted to me by my aunt and uncle as a congratulatory present for the beginning of my internship. Le capitalisme expliqué à ma petite fille: En espérant qu'elle en voit la fin, by Jean Ziegler (translated: Capitalism explained to my granddaughter, in the hope she'll see its end) was absolutely fascinating. It is admittedly political and may appear dull to some, but Ziegler's thesis was simple and utterly convincing. I'll do my best to translate one of the most striking quotes, in the hopes of inspiring you to give it a try:

"Do you wonder who governs the world economy? Well, it is precisely the 'oligarchs', the holders of globalized financial capital, the small group of men and women of different nationalities, religions and cultures, all of whom share the same vitality and greed, the same contempt for the weak, the same ignorance of the public good, the same blindness for the planet and the fate of the men who live in it."

On a lighter note, another French piece I quite enjoyed was Le mystère Henri Pick, a mystery piece about an editor who finds a literary jewel amongst a pile of rejected manuscripts -and attempts to find its anonymous author. While I appreciated the book, I have to admit Foenkinos' books Charlotte and La Délicatesse were far superior in my opinion. I still am eager to watch the movie. 

I always try to read a book about Christian living or theology. A particularly moving one was Beyond Colorblind by Sarah Shin- offering a thorough discussion about the gospel's role in ethnic identity and reconciliation, as well as cross-cultural relationships. It was incredibly powerful and convicting.

Currently, I am working through Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton -which leaves me in awe, convincing me of important shifts I want to make in my life to better connect with God. The book is divided into different spiritual disciplines and practical advice on incorporating them into daily life. It is beautiful.

I am also reading my way through My Own Words, a collection of writings by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What an inspiring, mighty woman she is. The book involves a hefty amount of legal jargon and documentation, and much background information on the judicial system of the United States which I love and am utterly fascinated by - but I can see how some my consider this a bit dry. Regardless, the story of Justice Bader Ginsburg and her legacy has truly inspired me.

I read many articles, essays and beloved blogs throughout the Summer as well (and would happily recommend some if such things are of any interest to you!).  Of course, reading Scripture is a practice I value deeply and have weaved into the fabric of my days. I decided in the late Spring that I would read through the Bible this year in chronological order (see my plan here), which has been the greatest encouragement to a broken but hopeful sinner like me. It is a slow pilgrimage through the Old Testament, but I am so grateful to be pointed to Christ through words written thousands of years before the incarnation. It is, simply put, amazing. 

For many years, I lamented, again and again, the fact that I just didn't have time to read. Specifically, I was frustrated that I could not seem to find the momentum to focus on (or even enjoy!) whatever book I was reading when piles upon piles of school readings awaited me every day after classes. Looking back, just a few months following my graduation, I see that I could have made a more thoughtful effort to set aside my phone and scroll less to feast on literature more. 

While I empathize with the reality that reading while in school (and in many other busy seasons of life) is no easy thing, I want to nurture my love for reading and carve out the time for it, always. I want to continue the practice of packing a book in my purse whenever I walk out the door, just in case the commute is slow or the line is long. I want to fall asleep whilst thinking of the words of well-worn pages, not a screen. I want to forever maintain the same delight in the feel of a new book between my fingers and the smell of a volume as I place my nose by its inner hinge. I want many slow nights with the boy, where we leaf through novels by the fire and the sound of a scratchy record. I want to marvel at the craft of writers as I would a kaleidoscope sunset or a majestic mountain range. I want to associate moments and travels to the books I was reading then and there. I want a home that is brimmed with an ever-increasing pile of oeuvres to devour. I want to pass on the value of reading to my children and grandchildren. I want them to feel the same joy I do when I see a parcel or gift wrapped in the shape of a book, under the Christmas tree. I want adventure to feel as precious in the bounds of a paperback as it is when embodied. 

And, because this is what I want my days and years to look like, I have sought to be mindful about finding (creating!) the time to read whenever possible. A huge part of this means cutting down on time spent online, and I can't tell you how truly lifegiving it has been. And let's be true to ourselves... we all could do a bit better in this area! I try to end my day reading, put my phone away during commutes, bring books on my lunch break and any errand, etc. etc. If you, too, desire cultivating your love for reading but don't seem to find the time... know that seasons ebb and flow, contemplate the overwhelming amount of lifelong benefits that reading offers -and simply do it. Make sacrifices to see it happen, and make space for it in small batches of time (even as little as a few minutes scattered throughout your day!)- here and there and everywhere. 

As said by the academic Charles W. Eliot, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

In this thought, I concur without reservations. 

Happy reading!