Now, looking back, I realize that it was one crazy roller coaster ride that went only downhill for a long while. This state of being gave me quite some time to read.
I don’t know if it was a coincidence, but almost every book I read resonated with me in one way or another. It even inspired me to overcome my hardships seeing that life is not always as rosy as we wish for.
If you’re around to slow down and enjoy the coziness and cocooning of winter, here’s my read list of 2024.
Wintering by Katherine May is a memoir that explores the restorative power of rest during life's difficult times. It encourages shifting our mindset from constant productivity to healing and renewal. I read this book when I became ill. Whooping cough did a surge at the beginning of the year in the Netherlands. Despite being vaccinated for it as a child, I was probably one of the thousands who suffered badly from it. This book helped me understand the importance of letting things go and taking your time to heal
Unlocking the Secrets of the Teenage Brain: A Guide to Nurturing Your Teen's Potential Authors: Bettina Hohnen, Jane Gilmour, and Tara Murphy Parenting teenagers in today's world has been my biggest challenge yet. It's never supposed to be easy, but guiding them through the complexities of a digital age feels especially daunting. Trying to grasp and keep up with a digital era I wasn't born into is one task, but staying ahead in its rapidly changing landscape is quite another. Over the past few years, there have been countless moments when I felt like I finally got the hang of it, only to have the rug pulled from under me by a new update or the latest technology launch. This book has been a revelation, offering insights into how the teenage brain functions and providing a new perspective on how to support them through their adolescent years.
Getting Better: Life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it by Michael Rosen
This book is a heartfelt exploration of the author's journey through immense personal challenges. He has endured the pain of losing a child, battled chronic illness, and stared down death during a severe illness that landed him in the hospital. Despite these hardships, Rosen has managed to not only survive but also uncover joy in life after facing such profound losses.
This book is a touching and insightful read, making it a must-have for anyone who has experienced the pain of loss or the struggle to overcome adversity.
I was particularly captivated by the simplicity and appeal of Rosen's writing style. It's straightforward yet fascinating, and it even motivated me to think about writing —perhaps in another lifetime.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett: A Reflection on Love and Life
"Tom Lake" stands as a exploration of love in its many forms—be it the innocence of youthful affection, the deep bond of marital commitment, or the complex relationships parents share before their children's arrival. This novel skillfully weaves hope and nostalgia, delving into the essence of happiness amidst life's inevitable turmoil.
Ann Patchett, known for her unmatched ability to blend engrossing storytelling with sharp insights into the human condition, does not disappoint. "Tom Lake" is a testament to her narrative prowess and deep understanding of familial bonds. Through a narrative that is both rich in detail and emotionally resonant, Patchett offers readers a story that shines with intelligence and emotional depth, reaffirming her status as one of the most respected and beloved authors of our time.
To me, it was an enjoyable read with well-built characters and a good transition in storytelling between the old days and the current day.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy: A Heartfelt Journey
Charlie Mackesy's "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" is a beautifully illustrated book that captures hearts with its simple yet profoundly impactful story. It's a delightful read that effortlessly blends warmth and wisdom, touching readers deeply with its gentle storytelling.
As you flip through the pages, you'll find yourself pausing now and then, lost in thought, thanks to the meaningful phrases sprinkled throughout the book. It's the kind of book that not only entertains but also invites you to reflect on life's big questions in a soft, approachable manner.
Truly, Mackesy's work is a light read that carries a heavyweight message, making it a memorable journey for anyone who picks it up. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a moment of peace, or a gentle reminder of life's beauty, this book promises to be a treasure trove of wisdom.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a heartwarming tale that wraps you up in the world of books, the warmth of relationships, the bonding of family, and the charm of community life. While the story keeps it straightforward without delving too deep into complex narratives or character development, it stands out as a delightful and effortless read. This book came to me as a cozy companion during a time when I was battling whooping cough at the year's beginning. Its simplicity and joyfulness were just what I needed to lift my spirits and soothe my mind.
The Journey by James Norbury is nothing short of a beautiful and inspiring read. It's a reminder of how enjoyable and freeing it can be to immerse ourselves in the playful and light-hearted world of an illustrated book, even as adults.
This book carries a timeless message of hope, perfect for anyone who is embarking on a new adventure. Whether you're navigating the complexities of life or simply trying to make it through the day, "The Journey" speaks to the heart of the explorer in all of us.
The Salt Path: A Journey of Heart, Nature, and Renewal by Raynor Winn
In "The Salt Path," Raynor Winn shares a heart-touching narrative that unfolds just days after she discovers her husband Moth, whom she has been with for 32 years, has a terminal illness. To add to their trials, they suddenly find themselves without a home or a way to earn their living. Faced with their world collapsing around them and time now a precious commodity, they make a bold and impulsive choice: to walk the entirety of the 630-mile South West Coast Path. This path stretches from Somerset to Dorset, embracing the landscapes of Devon and Cornwall along the way.
It is a profound reflection on finding one's way through the toughest of times, the meaning of home, and how it can be astonishingly lost and found in ways one never anticipates. This beautifully written, inspiring story is a testament to love, survival, and the rediscovery of joy and purpose in the most unexpected places.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout: Captures the Beauty in the Ordinary
I recently finished "Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout, making it the second book of hers I've delved into. And I've realized, there's a certain magic in Strout's storytelling. She has this unique ability to take the everyday moments of life and paint them in a light that makes you see their hidden wonders.
What stands out about Elizabeth Strout is her knack for finding the extraordinary in the mundane. She crafts stories that resonate deeply, simply because they're so grounded in the real, often overlooked, aspects of life. It's this perspective that has me captivated, making me eager to explore more of her work.
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