I can sum up my thoughts on books with one Joan Didion quote: “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” Here are a few of the types of books that give me life: graphic novels, YA with queer themes, well-researched non-fiction, books that make me laugh, books that make me cry, and anything that makes me stop and think. Oh, and queen Joan Didion herself, of course.
This book is small but it's packed with wisdom. These short lessons will revolutionize how you see your loved ones. Full of new ideas as well as reminders. [Karen]
A funny and moving debut that has a lot to say about our families—chosen and otherwise. [Karen]
I tore through this book of poems. Deep and heartfelt, Sotelo's work resonates with me as a woman but also speak to the larger human experience. [Karen]
I am of the opinion that "Freight Train" is the best folk song. So I loved this book about the song's writer, Elizabeth Cotten. Bonus: It's written by folksy dreamweaver Laura Veirs. [karen]
This memoir is the most moving meditation on grief I have ever read. Didion's writing is so smooth and measured that it leaves me breathless. If you are going through something difficult, this is the book to read. You won't find self help, just a fellow traveler on the difficult road of grief. [karen]
Dolly. Loretta. Emmylou. These are names that mean a lot to a lot of people. These essays express that love. But this book will also introduce you to pioneers like Lil Hardin and Mother Maybelle Carter. [Karen]
This book makes you realize that your atlas could become outdated. Here, in deeply researched details, are countries that no longer exist. Some you may have heard of (Biafra), some you may not realize used to be countries (New Brunswick), and some you've never heard of (Tannu Tuva). [Karen]
What could be better than butter, booze, and writers? A collection of readings by authors with the prompt that it include pie and whiskey. Each piece is different and it's fun to pick up and select at random. Perfect for the person in your life who loves to indulge. [Karen]
The National Book Award winner for non fiction, Masha Gessen's work about modern Russia offers a window into the psyche of a nation. This is a necessary book for our times. [Karen]
Looking to whittle away the time this holiday season? This book is full of patterns and illustrated instructions to make everything from a doorstop to an earphone winder. [Karen]
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