books

Second round!

After proofing and reading our latest issue, a few of us have been indulging in some extra pages. Here’s what the team has been reading in the off-hours:

From Melanie:

What We're Reading Right Now / No. 2 | DARLING

Since “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is about cremation and burial, you might think I’m actively looking for horror thrills. But your early career can feel like discovering one whole new world after another and Caitlin Doughty’s account of when she was a mortuary rookie feels exactly like this, yet strangely familiar.

Her humor is sobering and relatable as she explains how foreign our relationship with death itself can be in the West. Walking with her on the job brings up questions of what is intimate, sacred, untouchable and what is grieving and what is living. Sometimes I couldn’t feel my hands while holding this book.

From Ziza:

europa

On a bus ride from Milan to Strasbourg, for a job he doesn’t like and with co-workers he doesn’t respect, “Europa” is the fictional personal commentary of narrator Jerry Marlow as his lover abandons him, his marriage falls apart and the relationship with his daughter does the same. It might sound depressing, but author Tim Parks weaves a humorous, sarcastic thread throughout the novel that offers a slice of (realistic) European life refreshingly different from dreamy travel guides and come-of-age Grand Tours.

From Cassidy:

chasing slow

I love this book, “Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off The Beaten Path.” It’s about contentment, renewing priorities and refreshing perspective. This book encourages readers to slow down and focus on the journey that matters the most: the journey of grace.

Some good quotes:

“I used to think the opposite of control was chaos. But it’s not. The opposite of control is surrender.”

“We are doing ourselves no favors when we look to the crowd to tell us where we are.”

“Sometimes when we’re not looking for what we want, we find what we need.”

From Teresa:

secret lives of people in love

I first read ‘The Secret Lives of People in Love,” a collection of short stories by Simon Van Booy, over ten years ago and loved it. I recently returned to this book, curious if the little vignettes that so moved me then would still have the same effect and I wasn’t disappointed. Booy’s glimpses into the moments that depict loves lost, regained and remembered are both romantic and searing. It’s a perfect book to tuck into your bag for summer — each story can be read while waiting for a friend who’s late, or on that final bus commute.

What are you currently reading?

Featured Image by Beth Cath

6 comments

  1. Currently reading a book I re-read a lot: “Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic”. It is packed with wonderful tips about being a poised woman, how to be more confident and dressing with style in a timeless manner. The author is Jennifer L. Scott. An inspiring read that you can put into practice in your own life.

  2. I can’t wait to read the books on this list! I am currently reading two excellent books! Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod – one of my top 3 books on the creative process! And Why Won’t You Apologize by Harriet Lerner – one of the best books I have ever read about learning how and when to apologize. It also is some great info about healthy emotional boundaries!

  3. Love this post! Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Europa, and The Secret Lives of People in Love all sound incredible.

    I am currently reading and loving What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan. I am a huge fan of thrillers and this one hooked me from the first page. Gripping and brilliantly structured.

    I recently read and can’t stop thinking about and talking about The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
    I read it in 24 hours. This is a story that desperately needed to be told and Thomas tells it with such honesty, intelligence, courage, clarity, passion, and wit. I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking while reading certain parts. I cried, I laughed, I felt sick to my stomach, I felt angry.
    The narrator’s voice couldn’t be more authentic and the dialogue leaps right off the page.
    This should be required reading for everyone. I won’t soon forget this story!

    Thanks for sharing!

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