As you flip your picture calendar this month (to February), it’s quite likely there will be images of hearts, flowers or lovey-dovey fantasies. I explored some on the heart portion in previous years when Valentine’s Day approached. This time it’s love. Not exactly the Valentine type, but instead Love of Reading.
There are volumes and volumes, and VOLUMES of books on reading benefits, history, instruction, and reading payback. I want to weigh in with my top reasons to promote reading as we age. Generally, my 5 points (which are not strictly original), can be categorized as ‘Reading for Mental Health.’
5 Reasons Why I Read for Mental Health
- Relaxation. A warm bath venue or a cozy chair escalates my view of this actually being relaxing. A glass of wine doesn’t hurt either.
- Escape. Whether I wish to avoid NPR news, or an overwhelming TO-DO list, even a half hour delving into another world can offer sought-after escape.
- Vicarious Living. We only get one life (at least this time around), so a good book can offer supplementary ‘lives’ of place, era, activity, or even a different personality. This might include adventures we would love to experience but fear we may not, or the ones we wish to avoid at all costs. I don’t want to imitate Kinsey Millhone’s existence, but I enjoy living her life along with her as I read. [So long, Sue Grafton.]
- Learning. Whether we have a hobby or profession we want to keep up with, or still work within, we can do so through our own initiative. If we want to volunteer in the civic or charity world, we can feel “adequate” (at the least) learning more about it. Only time limits what you can “teach” yourself. Ask any autodidact.
- Sharing. No, not necessarily the Facebook “share” click, but I mean real face-to-face sharing. Reading offers a topic of conversation. After all, isn’t this the foundation of the abundant success of book clubs? [Book clubs have been one of the few ‘clubs’ growing in number over the past few decades.]
What did I Read in 2018?
I feel compelled to write a forward to my list, which includes 3 caveats.
- I am not including the innumerable articles, newspaper stories or research I scan or read. While I believe these can be compared to an “investment” in the bank, they aren’t my favorites.
- I love to hold a book, but because I have a life comprising various projects of ‘bits-and-pieces,’ finding that cozy-chair time is not always easy. As a compromise, I do much of my ‘reading’ via audio book. You may like them when driving, but never consider such ‘books’ otherwise. I assure you that they also make laundry, washing dishes or walking much more enjoyable. [Well, walking more enjoyable, cleaning time just more bearable.]
- I stick to no specific genre. And it doesn’t matter if the book was the most recent, or on the “best-seller” list; I may still read it. Although most books have something to offer, I can’t say I’d strongly recommend everything I read, but remember, tastes vary.
Non-Fiction
1776 by David McCullough. Wonderful book for revolutionary war history fans. BUT because much of my life was spent in the lands near Saratoga NY, I was disappointed by the choice of times, battles, and places he choose to cover (not much in ‘my’ area). Nevertheless, he is a good story teller, providing a convincing and tangible feel for the time.
Flat Broke with 2 Goats by Jennifer McGoha. Perhaps not the step-back-and-evaluate type reporting on Appalachia as in the wonderful Hillbilly Elegy (J.D. Vance). Still, a similar demonstration of tough life in the area, especially after 2008.
Them: Why We Hate Each Other – and How to Heal by Republican Senator Ben Sasse. Something for everyone to hate…..and everyone to love. An oft quoted point from the book is “Something is wrong. We all know it.” I am not sure his comparisons are always equitably balanced (apples to apples), but I know he is giving it a good shot. Additionally, this is an intimate look at what we are losing as people, and how we might regain some of it back. Democratic friends – don’t be stubborn, Republican friends – don’t be annoyed….just read it.
Blue Zone Books by Dan Buettner. I got caught up on reading a couple books I have known about for years, like the Blue Zone Solution. For those wishing to Age with Pizzazz, these books offer encouragement to make a few changes where you are willing. [For those unfamiliar, Blue Zones are areas of the world in which the average lifespan is much greater than typical norms in other areas.]
On Tyranny. 20 Lessons from the 20th Century by Timothy Snyder. Democrats will probably love this book, as it is full of Trump-thumping. But Republicans and Libertarian minded folks will find clear parallels from the past regarding values that need protection, like liberty and freedom. I could venture to guess who will like the book MORE, but then you might not read it. By the way, this is the smallest book you have read all decade, I can almost guarantee it. If you don’t want to read it, here is a thoughtful video of Snyder being interviewed at the Woodard Wilson Institute.
Fiction
Before We were Yours by Lisa Wingate. An historical fiction novel based on a 1939 scandal surrounding the Tennessee Children’s Home Society Orphanage. The perfect example of how a ’story’ can touch you more than a newscast. Secrets (always a big theme in books) keep two very different families (one river folks) apart. The real life story of Georgia Tann will stay in your mind from the portrayal in this book much longer than from any historical report.
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent. Historical Fiction about the first woman to be hanged for witchcraft in Salem (1692), Martha Carrier. Told in the voice of Martha’s daughter, a clear story emerges of women too bold, intelligent and unorthodox for their time. The painfully-real descriptions of farm life, the trials and mostly the prison experience will make you hesitate to joke about Salem witch trails ever again. The author is actually a descendant of the historical Martha.
The Rise and Fall of DoDo by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland. This near-future thriller is perhaps fantasy or perhaps science fiction. Those interested in linguistics will also discern how those skills might emerge as a vital link when dealing with new or lost (and rediscovered) societies. The science is amusing and the bureaucracy of the military is all too real. If the idea of another book that uses time-travel makes you gag, stay away from this one. Still, there is enough realism to make one sympathize with some of the characters, and thoroughly dislike or fear others.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. I assume that there are probably at least a few of my readers who haven’t read this yet. The popular novel is often described as ‘experimental’ but is (questionably) best categorized as historical fiction. Clearly, it is a different type of book (and initially hard to get your mind around the interruptive starts and stops). The true part of the story is that Lincoln’s son “Willie” William Wallace died of typhoid fever at the age of 11 in 1862, while Lincoln was president. The novel takes place during one night (mostly in the grave yard), although interrupting flash backs offer history, letters, news reports and more. I did not read this novel in physical form, so I can’t say how the different sections were approached; normally I would guess that the book form is easier. However, whether you have read this book already or not, listening to the celebrity cast of characters on the audio is magnificent. [You will know many of their voices.]
The Turner House by Angela Flumory. I often feel that when the word ‘diversity’ is attached to TV or pop books (not text books) it’s setting you up for something silly. Admittedly, it has been only recently that I have felt black portrayal in movies or TV (especially sit-coms) has been respectful. What a great exception this is. The novel follows the Turner family who has lived on Yarrow Street in Detroit for over 50 years, from the mid-1940s. Thirteen children have all the qualities and flaws that 13 different personalities might have, while still being a family. [You’ll even learn what a ‘haint’ is if you read long enough. If you don’t want me to give it away, avert your eyes now, and just read about it yourself. The answer is that a haint is a southern ghost.]
Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm. This is an older, perhaps young adult novel, and set in Virginia in a post-apocalyptic era. An interesting plot looking at where global disease, environmental changes, pollution and unfettered science could lead.
Circling the Sun by Pamela McLain. Another in the historical fiction realm. This is an imagined look at the life of Beryl Markham from her days in 1920s Kenya as a child, through her horse breeding/training business and to her life as the first aviatress, long before Amelia Earhart. Enough epic history here to keep even the strictest of ‘non-fiction only’ fans happy. And if you like pioneering woman, you will be in love.
Bonus: I revisited George Orwell’s 1984; just uncertain whether to change its category from fiction to nonfiction or not.
Final Thought
I didn’t rank these books in any particular order. My main aim was to remind you that February may be a good month to expand your Love of Reading by trying one of these titles (or a zillion others). For a special challenge, perhaps try something outside your ‘comfort zone’ of normal choices.
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Picture Credit: Rose and Book by Plush Design Studio via Pixabay
