Pages From the Pandemic

I read a ton of books in 2020; some new publications, some old ones.

What was your favorite read of 2020? Leave a comment with your recommendations!

Here are 5 of my favorite…

1.

Caste

By: Isabel Wilkerson

This is by no means a fast or easy read/listen, and yet, it was one of the most - if not the most- important and influential books I read in 2020.

To skip this book would be an act of ignoring the world we live in.

Wilkerson’s writing and research are powerful, and this book is full of ideas, thoughts, feelings, problems, and possibilities that each of us needs to think critically about for the betterment of humanity.

2.

The Book of Longings

By. Sue Monk Kidd

In The Book of Longings Kidd tells the story of Jesus’s wife- a brilliant and loving woman who in her own right contributed greatness to the lives of many.

This is the story of a great woman whose greatness was honored, nurtured, and shared with courage; rather than the all too familiar trope of a great woman who suffered in the shadow of her greater husband.

This book is an opportunity to travel back in time and share your imagination with a handful of incredible characters that you’ll be sad to leave behind when the book ends.

Highly recommend this one, and all works of Sue Monk Kidd.

3.

The Last Season

By. Eric Blehm

If not for reading this book, the brilliant telling of the inspired life and interesting death of Randy Morgenson, I would have missed out many thoughts, ideas, and rituals that provided solace and inspiration the the past year.

For example, Randy Morgenson introduced me to The Artist’s Way, and the practice of ‘morning pages’; an almost daily morning ritual that has given me immense inspiration, structure, and confidence.

If you love nature, adventure, creativity, and a little mystery, I think you will love this book. And honestly, if you don’t love all those things…well, what the hell are you waiting for?

4.

Legends of the Fall

by. Jim Harrison

I’d heard so many wonderful things about Jim Harrison’s novels and poetry before reading this book. And I can see why his work is held in such high regard.

His words and characters are gritty, visceral, and beautifully raw. Don’t get me wrong, these stories are brutal and at times very dark, but my god they are so good.

Since binge reading first book of his I read on of his books of poetry and two other novels are in queue to read.

Jim may be dead and gone, but his spirit surly exists in the pages stories he crafted.

*The movie -which I love- is loosely based on one of the stories, but as always, the book is better.

5.

Mind in Comfort and Ease

By. His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Reading this book provided me with support and compassion during a period in 2020 when I desperately needed it.

I would make a cup of tea, sit under a pool of light, and allow myself to be swept up in the wind of his prayers, wisdom, and compassion.

This was one of the most important books I read all year. I learned many things from these teachings, and I will treasure that knowledge always.

Highly recommend.

*please purchase this book from a Tibetan business if possible.