One might reasonably expect that a bookish individual would, during a pandemic that requires shelter-in-place, escape into a stack of books. I am realizing, slowly, that all reasonable expectations might as well hurl themselves out of windows.
Harsh, but also sorta true. The world has spun off its axis and, while I’m mostly fine, there are moments, hours, days when nothing at all feels right. I could, I should, take advantage of this abundance of time to read, to write, to create. Instead, I tumble headlong down the black hole of social media. I start and stop various projects, leaving trails behind me. I read, just not as much as I could.
As this becomes the new normal, at least for now, I’m inching toward adjusting as well as one can. I’m reading more, finishing rather than merely starting projects. Appreciating both the sunny and rainy days as they come. Being gentle with myself and others.
How are you holding up? How are you filling the days? Perhaps I can offer some suggestions.
Gold by Chris Cleave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Cleave is an exceptional writer, stringing together words in gorgeous ways to tell engaging stories. I loved Little Bee. Gold was entertaining and I ripped through it, but it wasn’t nearly as compelling as his previous book.
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I adore Abbi Waxman! This one wasn’t quite as good as The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, but it still grabbed me from the start and kept me engaged till the end. I have a brown thumb, and still this made me want to garden. Spring is here- let’s do this!
The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
As the COVID-19 quarantine came down and I didn’t have sufficient library books, I combed through my shelves to find something I hadn’t read that could take my mind off current events. This fit the bill. It wasn’t as good as State of Wonder. Also slightly predictable, with an anti-climactic ending. Still, Week #1 of containment done and this helped.
Miracles and Other Reasonable Things: A Story of Unlearning and Relearning God by Sarah Bessey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve now read all of Sarah’s books and this is her best. Oh-so-vulnerable, gut-wrenching, thoughtful, loving… I cried with her all through Rome, and hope I will always keep the image of her heel-crushed tulips carefully woven into the Easter cross, right where they belong. Bravo, Sarah, for writing your journey so that we may be blessed through your suffering.
“…learn what it is to be an ordinary miracle” (202)
“May you be swept off your feet by the goodness and welcome of God, the ferocious love and friendship of Jesus, the delight and disruptions of the Holy Spirit. May you love because you were loved first” (211)
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shelve this one under “the sins of the parents will be visited to the third generation” (Exodus 34:6-7).
During shelter-in-place, I’m learning to use my library’s online services. This book was available now to read on Kindle so I clicked on it. I’m glad I did. Fully developed characters, a compelling, multi-generational family story. So sad and yet hopeful.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Cover image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay
