It’s been a few years since I’ve posted a Book Thoughts on Thursday, so I’m feeling a bit rusty and unsure of myself. But I feel like this topic is the perfect way to dive back in, also because I’m curious to hear you guys’ thoughts!
The pandemic has changed so many parts of our lives. The most basic of daily activities and interactions are now done at a distance, through a mask, or not at all. We are constantly concerned about our safety, the safety of our loved ones and the overall situation for people all over the world who are in danger. Many have lost someone (or multiple someones) and are trying to grapple with the grief of that loss while still unable to connect with shared loved ones and find solace. Many have lost work or have had to find a way to do that work from home while caring for kids. Depression and anxiety are at record levels and people’s pre-pandemic struggles have been pushed off the charts.
For those of us who turn to books when things get tough, the pandemic has changed our reading habits in many different ways. I’ve heard some book lovers say they’re barely able to focus on reading at all. Others say that they’re reading more than ever as a means of checking out of what’s happening. Some have found themselves reaching for happy books or old favourites to buoy flagging spirits, while others are reaching for more serious books that remind us that things could be (and are for many) much worse. Some of us have changed formats to fit our reading into our new routines.
I have found all of the above to be the case for me. Early in the pandemic I was reading a lot because it gave me tangible goals to focus on. Later in the year my energy flagged and I didn’t finish a single book for months. I’ve gone through cycles of reading really serious non-fiction books about some of the big issues in the world – particularly racism – because I want to focus on learning, still growing as a person even if I’m stuck in one house, and because it does help me to remember that my issues might feel huge to me, but there are bigger ones that still need attention. But I’ve also worked in a lot of books that have been lighter reads and funny ones when I’ve been in need of some comic relief. I’ve found that audiobooks are a great way to still read when I’m too tired to sit and focus on words. They mean I can “read” while going for a walk or cleaning the house, and there’s something soothing about feeling like I’m being read to.
I have found some amazing books in the past year, and I know they’ll stick with me – perhaps even more strongly because of the context in which they were read. These are some of the books I’ve read in the past year that helped in one way or another:
The Salt Path reminded me that even when everything seems lost, if you can find your strength and rely on your ability to take care of yourself, then it can be a gift. Life In Pieces was the book that added humour to a truly crap year and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. The Skin We’re In taught me about anti-black racism in Canada, an area I know too little about and one that is of vital importance. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was a little bubble of tranquility and calm that transported me somewhere that felt safe and kind.
I’d love to hear from all of you about your experience of reading in pandemic times. Have you read more? Less? Are you reaching for happy books to take you out of it? Stories of pandemics past to understand what is happening? Books about hard times or important issues to put everything in perspective? Are your reading habits changing in other ways? Which books stood out from your reading in the past year? Please feel free to share your answers in the comments, or share anything else you’ve noticed about your reading in the past year!
The world of books is never boring. Every week (well, some weeks) I’ll discuss a different topic related to books, often inspired by or in response to what’s going on in the online book community (or something I’ve seen another blogger talk about). I call this Book Thoughts on Thursday. Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments, or even write your own post on the topic and share the link with me!