I have had a great reading week. Seriously, it’s been pretty fantastic. I’ve found a new favourite book, I’ve re-read a favourite modern classic, I’ve found a funny book about mental illness (I know it sounds weird, but humour is my coping mechanism, so the worse the situation, the more inappropriate humour I employ – this is something that I connect to) and I’ve started reading a book that I’m hoping will become a parenting classic as well as a more widely-read book on the history and current experiences of racism. I wish ever reading week was this good!
Just Shelved
I purchased the audiobook of The Reading List on an absolute whim because it was the deal of the day on Audible and the description sounded interesting (also who am I kidding – I will be interested in basically any book that talks about readers). I ended up really loving it and getting completely drawn in by the characters (stay tuned for full review, but preemptive trigger warnings for mental health, death, isolation, and suicide just fyi). The first book on the reading list referred to in the title was To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve been toying with the idea of re-reading it for a while, but keep putting it off. I finally decided to give it a go, and it was even better than I vaguely had the impression it was when I read it about three decades ago (fuck I’m old). I still feel like it’s a classic for a reason, I still feel like it’s one of the only books school curriculums and I agree on, and I still think it’s a book everyone should read (and will probably find something to connect to in). Very good choice on my part to read it again pats self on back. I’m considering looping back and re-reading or reading for the first time some classics that are often read during school. I did try to find The Catcher in the Rye – but (and this blows my mind) did you know there does not exist an audiobook version of it anywhere I could find on the internet? Link me if I’m wrong, but I checked out five online audiobook sources, and nothing. I still can’t even believe it!
Currently Reading
I’m loving Sorrow and Bliss. It’s got the serious themes of mental health and family trauma that I look for, and they’re dealt with well, but it also has something books of this type often lack – a wicked, dry sense of humour. There are hilarious one-liners in here, some ironic observations, some absurdity, some self-effacing humour, even some sibling banter, and I’m totally here for it. I’m finally getting to How to Raise an Antiracist – a book I pre-ordered and that has been languishing on my bedside table ever since it arrived. It’s absolutely brilliant so far. Kendi is doing his trademark thing of interweaving personal (very personal) experiences, historical context and practical information and advice. It’s not a typical how-to guide, and yet it does give a great road map as to how we can try to frame and discuss race with our children, while also allowing for foibles and mistakes along the way. I’m listening to the audiobook read by the author, which is a fantastic way to experience this book. I’ve only just started The Enchanted Hour, but I’m really liking it so far. She talks about why reading aloud to kids is so important, shares the statistics on the impact it has on later life, and talks about some of the books she loved reading with her own children.
Up Next
As usual, who the hell knows.
That’s it for my reading week! I’m considering trying some classics next, but it’s still in the mulling phase. What have you guys read this week? Have you read any of the books on my list?
A weekly post that encourages bloggers to share what they have read in the past week, what they’re currently reading and books they’ve recently added to their TBRs. Originally started by Sheila at Book Journey, it is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.
I really loved THE READING LIST too! I tried SORROW AND BLISS a while ago, but I don’t think it was the right time for me and I had to put it aside. I may give it another try. Have a great week!
Yeah, I can definitely see that. I’m nearly done, but the last third has been a bit of a slog.
How to Raise an Antiracist is on my list, but since I have already raised to two boys, who are mostly antiracist, I guess it isn’t top of my list.
Haha, yeah, that’s fair. It’s part memoir, so not like your typical parenting manual. I like that about it – he mixes in his own experiences as a child and a parent, information from studies and then goes a bit into steps parents can take to encourage open mindedness and, eventually, antiracism, but mostly in a round about way by teaching critical thinking and historical context. It’s good that way! But definitely not one you need to get to right away.
One day I will have to read To Kill a Mockingbird. I have a copy on my TBR mountain. It was not an assigned reading at the schools I attended but was at the schools where I taught. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I do hope you find the right time – I don’t think it’s one you can force yourself through, you have to be in the mood. But when you are, it’s excellent, in my humble opinion! Thank you, you too!