In just about every memoir by someone who escaped tyranny, the experience that set them on that path was reading--reading something they were not supposed to read. From Frederick Douglass to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, as soon as they opened that first forbidden book, their destiny was clear: They were going to escape, or die trying. It's the power of literacy!
Yes! You abd I have been thinking along the same lines. Literacy, it's power, and those who would deny us both is what I hope to write about in my next post.
I was struck by the story of the woman who participated in the violence on January 6th but refused to take DT's pardon as she felt remorse and wanted to pay for her crimes.
I know what you mean. Her acknowledgment of her complicity and desire to take responsibility and be held accountable was such an outlier in the news that came from all of that.
Loved this. “All I can say is that, for now, it is possible to breathe freely in spite of all of it. I smile, even laugh at times. I can work. I have found myself giving the small joys as much weight as I give my fears. And I’ve observed that when I do any of these things, I am stronger, not only for myself but for other people. It’s a revelation, a new one. I’m still getting used to it. I’m hoping to sustain it. I have no idea if I can. I guess it’s a question of practice, constant practice, as I keep working on being a decent human.” So excited for you and your book. I’m currently rereading my favorite book, The Name of the Wind, which was a gift from my husband.
Thank you, Mary. Isn't The Name of the Wind part of a series/triology? Your husband gets you. When I once told my aunt that my new boyfriend (now husband) was terrible about picking out gifts like clothes for me, he never missed when he got me a book -- even when it was one I'd not heard of. She asked if I'd rather have a man who knew my size or my mind. I've been thinking of that ever since.
Love that! He does get me and I’m grateful. The Name of The Wind is a trilogy. It is so beautifully written but the third book hasn’t been written yet and it’s been a minute so fans are frustrated. I’m content to just reread the first two and hope that the final book might arrive one day
My Friend Flicka and Black Beauty were two of my first favorite books too. My parents had lots of books, and we went to the library often, but despite not having a lot of money to spare, my grandmother (the one I "co-write" with by including her columns in my Substack) made sure I had beautiful editions of so many classics, including everything Louisa May Alcott wrote. Now, in this phase of my adult life, I have two friends who sometimes gift me books, and they are so good at it that I tend to drop everything and read whatever they give me, because I know it will speak to what I need at that moment in my life. One of my current reads is also a gift—both my brother and my daughter gave it to me for Christmas, and if that's not a sign, I don't know what is. It's cacophony of bone by Kerri ní Dochartaigh and I can't recommend it enough
I love that your friends know you so well and that this means you get to read books that nourish you. There is an extra glow that comes with reading books that come from people who know you and love you.
I've not heard of Cacophony of Bone but I will definitely check it out.
First, I have been smiling all week because we left the country on Jan 20 in "celebration" and have spent the week in La Paz, BCS. Beautiful Baja is such a balm to my soul.
As to books, I gift them often and often. Recently the most gifted from me is The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce, also gifted The Ministry of Time, which I loved, to my niece.
My best book-gift memory is getting Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robbins from one of my brothers. Not a new copy but a much loved copy, read by both brothers by then. I loved it, and we siblings still reference quotes from his books to this day.
Oh I loved The Ministry of Time, too! I hope your niece likes it so you can talk about it with her.
I especially love the story of the shared copy of Another Roadside Attraction ( I read it years ago when when I was a kid -- need to read it again). What a gift to still be able to share quotes and common book years later with your brothers!
When I was very young, probably seven or eight, my brother's wife bought me a copy of The Hobbit. It was quite an ambitious read, not something my parents would have chosen, but I absolutely loved it, and it inspired me to raise my reading game. Sadly for many sad reasons Marianne did not stay long in our family. But I always remember that book.
The Hobbit is a terrific read. I first encountered it when our sixth grade teacher read from it aloud to us after lunch every day at school. It has everything. It's special when an adult gives a child an "ambitious" book -- it implies that the giver sees the child as a person. I'm sorry Marianne is no longer in your family but what a connection and what a gift she gave you!
No one has ever gifted me with a book. And I have seldom thought to gift another with a book. I tossed all of my books from the shelf and replaced the shelves with boxes of fabric when I started a journey with quilting. Currently, I get most of my books from the library, so I seldom purchase; I simply don't want to dust a purchased book after placing it on an available shelf. My husband, Jorge, unfortunately, is not a reader, and I have few friends who talk about books. Perhaps I need to look for individuals who might share my reading vocabulary (I don't find book clubs a compelling way to discuss books; their choice selections usually leave me cold). Oh, well...
I read this and thought, "well it's never too late to start" giving and receiving books but you are right, it helps to have the connection with others who appreciate the books that you like too. If you're up for it, I encourage you to pursue that. I've never been in a regular but I do have a bit of envy for those who have made it work over the years.
I wonder if networking here in the SPARK community might lead you to folks who like the books you like?
In just about every memoir by someone who escaped tyranny, the experience that set them on that path was reading--reading something they were not supposed to read. From Frederick Douglass to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, as soon as they opened that first forbidden book, their destiny was clear: They were going to escape, or die trying. It's the power of literacy!
Yes! You abd I have been thinking along the same lines. Literacy, it's power, and those who would deny us both is what I hope to write about in my next post.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was my gateway to generational sagas...can't get enough of them
Ah Betsy, what a gift to know that my words landed in a positive way. Thank you 🙏
I was struck by the story of the woman who participated in the violence on January 6th but refused to take DT's pardon as she felt remorse and wanted to pay for her crimes.
I know what you mean. Her acknowledgment of her complicity and desire to take responsibility and be held accountable was such an outlier in the news that came from all of that.
Loved this. “All I can say is that, for now, it is possible to breathe freely in spite of all of it. I smile, even laugh at times. I can work. I have found myself giving the small joys as much weight as I give my fears. And I’ve observed that when I do any of these things, I am stronger, not only for myself but for other people. It’s a revelation, a new one. I’m still getting used to it. I’m hoping to sustain it. I have no idea if I can. I guess it’s a question of practice, constant practice, as I keep working on being a decent human.” So excited for you and your book. I’m currently rereading my favorite book, The Name of the Wind, which was a gift from my husband.
Thank you, Mary. Isn't The Name of the Wind part of a series/triology? Your husband gets you. When I once told my aunt that my new boyfriend (now husband) was terrible about picking out gifts like clothes for me, he never missed when he got me a book -- even when it was one I'd not heard of. She asked if I'd rather have a man who knew my size or my mind. I've been thinking of that ever since.
What a smart aunt!
Love that! He does get me and I’m grateful. The Name of The Wind is a trilogy. It is so beautifully written but the third book hasn’t been written yet and it’s been a minute so fans are frustrated. I’m content to just reread the first two and hope that the final book might arrive one day
Would you rather have a man who knows your size or your mind? WOWWWWW 🤯
My Friend Flicka and Black Beauty were two of my first favorite books too. My parents had lots of books, and we went to the library often, but despite not having a lot of money to spare, my grandmother (the one I "co-write" with by including her columns in my Substack) made sure I had beautiful editions of so many classics, including everything Louisa May Alcott wrote. Now, in this phase of my adult life, I have two friends who sometimes gift me books, and they are so good at it that I tend to drop everything and read whatever they give me, because I know it will speak to what I need at that moment in my life. One of my current reads is also a gift—both my brother and my daughter gave it to me for Christmas, and if that's not a sign, I don't know what is. It's cacophony of bone by Kerri ní Dochartaigh and I can't recommend it enough
I love that your friends know you so well and that this means you get to read books that nourish you. There is an extra glow that comes with reading books that come from people who know you and love you.
I've not heard of Cacophony of Bone but I will definitely check it out.
First, I have been smiling all week because we left the country on Jan 20 in "celebration" and have spent the week in La Paz, BCS. Beautiful Baja is such a balm to my soul.
As to books, I gift them often and often. Recently the most gifted from me is The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce, also gifted The Ministry of Time, which I loved, to my niece.
My best book-gift memory is getting Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robbins from one of my brothers. Not a new copy but a much loved copy, read by both brothers by then. I loved it, and we siblings still reference quotes from his books to this day.
Oh I loved The Ministry of Time, too! I hope your niece likes it so you can talk about it with her.
I especially love the story of the shared copy of Another Roadside Attraction ( I read it years ago when when I was a kid -- need to read it again). What a gift to still be able to share quotes and common book years later with your brothers!
When I was very young, probably seven or eight, my brother's wife bought me a copy of The Hobbit. It was quite an ambitious read, not something my parents would have chosen, but I absolutely loved it, and it inspired me to raise my reading game. Sadly for many sad reasons Marianne did not stay long in our family. But I always remember that book.
The Hobbit is a terrific read. I first encountered it when our sixth grade teacher read from it aloud to us after lunch every day at school. It has everything. It's special when an adult gives a child an "ambitious" book -- it implies that the giver sees the child as a person. I'm sorry Marianne is no longer in your family but what a connection and what a gift she gave you!
No one has ever gifted me with a book. And I have seldom thought to gift another with a book. I tossed all of my books from the shelf and replaced the shelves with boxes of fabric when I started a journey with quilting. Currently, I get most of my books from the library, so I seldom purchase; I simply don't want to dust a purchased book after placing it on an available shelf. My husband, Jorge, unfortunately, is not a reader, and I have few friends who talk about books. Perhaps I need to look for individuals who might share my reading vocabulary (I don't find book clubs a compelling way to discuss books; their choice selections usually leave me cold). Oh, well...
I read this and thought, "well it's never too late to start" giving and receiving books but you are right, it helps to have the connection with others who appreciate the books that you like too. If you're up for it, I encourage you to pursue that. I've never been in a regular but I do have a bit of envy for those who have made it work over the years.
I wonder if networking here in the SPARK community might lead you to folks who like the books you like?
Oh my...how did I only just find you? Looking forward to the journey!
Thank you and welcome!!!!