Must Reads
This year I set a personal goal to read 50 books, so far I have read ***. Today I wanted to take the time to briefly discuss the four books that have helped me see death in a new light, learn its okay to take up space,
Everything Happens for a Reason, and Other Lies I’ve Loved, Kate Bowler
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference. Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved" by Kate Bowler is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's personal journey with faith and illness. Bowler, a professor of religion and a young mother, confronts the harsh realities of life when she is diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. The book challenges the notion that everything happens for a reason and explores the complex relationship between faith, suffering, and mortality.
Bowler skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, theological reflections, and academic insights to provide a compelling narrative. She grapples with the question of why bad things happen to good people and exposes the inadequacy of simplistic answers. As she confronts her own mortality, Bowler reflects on the ways in which her faith has both sustained and faltered in the face of suffering. She invites readers to consider the unanswerable questions of life and death, urging them to embrace the uncertainty and find meaning in the midst of pain.
Through "Everything Happens for a Reason," Kate Bowler offers a raw and vulnerable account of her own journey through illness, inviting readers to question the comforting but often shallow narratives we construct to make sense of suffering. Her courageous exploration of faith, doubt, and the limits of human understanding resonates with readers on a profound level, making this memoir a powerful and thought-provoking read for anyone grappling with the complexities of life's hardships.
Untamed, Glennon Doyle
This book was recommended to me by one of my friends, and I have never read a book that has left me feeling as empowered as this one did. Untamed" by Glennon Doyle is a captivating memoir that explores themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and liberation. Doyle, a popular writer and speaker, shares her personal journey of breaking free from societal expectations and finding her true voice. The book challenges traditional norms and encourages readers to embrace their inner wildness, untethered from the constraints of societal conditioning.
Through powerful storytelling and reflective insights, Doyle takes readers on a transformative journey. She delves into her struggles with addiction, her experience with motherhood, and her journey towards discovering her own desires and needs. Doyle challenges the notion of living a life that is dictated by external expectations, advocating instead for embracing one's own instincts and desires. She highlights the importance of trusting oneself and listening to the inner voice, even in the face of societal pressures.
"Untamed" is a thought-provoking and empowering memoir that challenges readers to question societal norms and reevaluate their own lives. Glennon Doyle's honest and relatable storytelling encourages individuals to tap into their inner courage and authenticity. Through her personal anecdotes and uplifting messages, Doyle offers a compelling narrative that inspires readers to break free from the cages of societal expectations and live a life that is untamed, true to themselves, and filled with purpose.
When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi
"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi is a profoundly moving memoir that explores the author's journey from being a promising neurosurgeon to facing his own mortality. Kalanithi writes with a poignant and introspective voice as he grapples with the devastating diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. The book delves into themes of life, death, meaning, and the fragility of human existence.
Kalanithi's memoir is a beautifully crafted exploration of his experiences as both a doctor and a patient. He candidly reflects on the intersection of medicine, identity, and the search for purpose. As he confronts the reality of his terminal illness, he navigates the complexities of what it means to live a meaningful life in the face of imminent death. Through his eloquent prose and philosophical musings, Kalanithi invites readers to contemplate the profound questions of human existence and the fleeting nature of time.
"When Breath Becomes Air" is a poignant and deeply affecting memoir that offers insights into the human condition and the quest for meaning. Paul Kalanithi's eloquence and vulnerability make this book a compelling and unforgettable read. It serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and to find purpose in the midst of life's uncertainties. Kalanithi's memoir resonates with readers on a profound level, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the fragility and preciousness of life.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Ocean Vuong
"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong is a stunning and lyrical novel that explores themes of identity, family, love, and the immigrant experience. Written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, the book delves into the complexities of the narrator's Vietnamese-American heritage and his coming-of-age in America. Vuong's poetic prose and raw vulnerability create a captivating narrative that captures the reader's emotions and imagination.
The novel explores the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and grappling with his identity as a gay man of mixed-race. Vuong beautifully weaves together past and present, exploring intergenerational trauma, cultural assimilation, and the challenges faced by immigrant families. The narrative not only delves into the personal struggles of the narrator but also addresses broader themes such as addiction, violence, and the impact of war. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, Vuong's novel offers a profound examination of the human condition and the power of language to connect and heal.
"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" is a masterful literary work that combines Vuong's poetic voice with a deeply personal and introspective narrative. The book challenges conventional notions of identity and love, inviting readers to empathize with the characters' struggles and reflect on their own experiences. Ocean Vuong's debut novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human existence and the universal longing for connection, making it an essential read for those interested in themes of immigration, identity, and the power of storytelling.