March Reads: Books This Therapist Enjoyed in March 2023
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a thought-provoking and emotionally-charged novel that explores the themes of love, grief, and memory. Spanning several decades, the story follows the lives of two main characters, Max and Rosie, as they navigate through the joys and sorrows of their relationship and ultimately confront the inevitability of death.
The novel begins with Max and Rosie as teenagers, growing up in the suburbs of New York City in the 1980s. Max is a shy and introspective boy who struggles to fit in with his peers, while Rosie is a vibrant and confident girl who is popular and outgoing. Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other, and their relationship blossoms over the years as they both navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world.
Max and Rosie face new challenges and obstacles that test their relationship as they reach adulthood. Max struggles with his career as a writer, while Rosie grapples with her own personal demons. The two drift apart, and their relationship becomes strained, but they never lose their love for each other.
The novel turns unexpectedly when Max is diagnosed with a rare and terminal illness. As he faces death, he becomes obsessed with preserving his memories and legacy and sets out to create a digital archive of his life. Rosie, who has always been his rock, stands by him as he embarks on this journey, and together they confront the brutal truths about life, death, and the power of memory.
One of the strengths of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is how Zevin handles the complex and emotional themes of the novel. She can capture the raw emotions of grief and loss and the beauty and power of love and memory. The novel is also notable for its use of technology as a central theme and the way it explores the implications of digital archives and the preservation of memory in a world increasingly reliant on technology.
Another strength of the novel is the depth and complexity of its characters. Max and Rosie are fully realized and multidimensional, with strengths, weaknesses, and flaws. The reader can empathize with both characters; their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and genuine.
Overall, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores some of the most fundamental and universal aspects of the human experience. Zevin’s masterful storytelling and ability to capture human emotion's nuances make this a truly unforgettable read. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally-charged stories.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby VanPelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a delightful and heartwarming novel that explores the themes of self-discovery, love, and loss. The story follows the journey of Mia, a young woman who has always felt like an outsider in her own family, as she embarks on a road trip across the United States to scatter her mother's ashes.
The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the landscapes Mia encounters on her journey. From the dusty deserts of the Southwest to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, Van Pelt brings each location to life in a poetic and authentic way. Through Mia's eyes, we see the natural world in all its wonder and complexity, and we appreciate the American landscape's beauty and diversity.
But Remarkably Bright Creatures is more than just a travelogue. At its core, the novel is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who must confront her own fears and insecurities to find her place in the world. Mia is a relatable and sympathetic character, and readers will root for her as she navigates the challenges of adulthood and grapples with the legacy of her mother's death.
One of the novel's strengths is Van Pelt's ability to weave together multiple storylines and themes organically and naturally. Along the way, Mia encounters various characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. From a lonely truck driver to a reclusive artist, these characters add depth and richness to the novel, and they help to illuminate Mia's own journey of self-discovery.
Another highlight of Remarkably Bright Creatures is the portrayal of Mia's relationship with her mother. Although her mother is no longer alive, Mia's memories of her are vivid and poignant, and they drive much of the novel's emotional resonance. Van Pelt deftly explores the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, and she does so with sensitivity and nuance.
Overall, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. It is a touching and uplifting story about the power of love, the importance of family, and the beauty of the natural world. Highly recommended.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time is a powerful and moving collection of two essays that explore the realities of being Black in America. Published in 1963, the book is a testament to Baldwin's unwavering commitment to racial justice and equality. It is a passionate and personal call to action, written during the great social upheaval and political change.
The first essay, "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to my Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation," is addressed to Baldwin's nephew and serves as a deeply personal meditation on race relations in America. Baldwin uses his experiences as a Black man in America to convey to his nephew the urgency of the moment, warning him that "the very time I thought I was lost, my dungeon shook and my chains fell off." He encourages his nephew to be proud of his Blackness, while acknowledging the challenges and injustices that come with it.
The second essay, "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind," is a longer and more complex exploration of race relations in America. Baldwin recounts his experiences growing up in Harlem and describes the pervasive racism he and other Black Americans have endured. He also explores the role of Christianity in shaping America's racial identity, arguing that the white Christian establishment has historically used religion to justify and perpetuate racial inequality.
Baldwin's writing is infused with passion and conviction throughout The Fire Next Time. His prose is lyrical and powerful, sometimes soaring to the heights of poetry. He writes with a searing intensity that leaves no doubt about the depth of his convictions. His message is clear: Black Americans are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and the systemic racism that has plagued America must be dismantled if true racial justice is to be achieved.
One of the most striking aspects of The Fire Next Time is how Baldwin uses his own personal experiences to illustrate broader social and political issues. He writes from a place of deep empathy and understanding, never shying away from the brutal truths that must be confronted to achieve meaningful change.
In conclusion, The Fire Next Time is a powerful and timely book that remains as relevant today as it was first published. James Baldwin's writing is a testament to the power of literature to change hearts and minds. We must continue to heed his message of racial justice and equality to build a more just and equitable society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race relations in America and the urgent need for change.
Turn the World Inside Out by Nora Samaran
Turn the World Inside Out by Nora Samaran is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to question the systems and structures that perpetuate violence and inequality in our society. Through personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and philosophical insights, Samaran invites readers to consider how we can work to create a more just and equitable world.
One of the book's key themes is the idea of "care work" and its role in our society. Samaran argues that care work, which includes everything from raising children to providing emotional support to others, is undervalued and often dismissed as "women's work." She argues this is a form of violence that perpetuates the oppression of marginalized groups and reinforces the patriarchy.
Samaran also discusses the importance of listening to and centering the experiences of marginalized people rather than dismissing or ignoring them. She argues that by doing this, we can better understand how oppressive systems function and work to dismantle them.
One of the most powerful sections of the book is the chapter on "calling in," which offers a thoughtful and nuanced approach to addressing harmful behavior within our communities. Rather than immediately resorting to shaming or canceling individuals who have caused harm, Samaran suggests we should engage in compassionate and empathetic dialogue with them. This approach, she argues, can help to foster greater understanding and create a path towards healing and reconciliation.
Throughout the book, Samaran weaves in personal stories and experiences, which helps to make the ideas and concepts she discusses feel more tangible and relatable. She also provides concrete examples of how individuals and communities can work to create change, whether it's through grassroots organizing, political activism, or everyday acts of kindness and compassion.
Overall, Turn the World Inside Out is a profoundly insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a compelling vision for creating a more just and equitable society. Samaran's writing is clear and engaging, and her ideas are challenging and inspiring. This book deserves to be read and discussed widely, and it has the potential to inspire real change in the world.
