June 2020: Books I'm Reading

“It seems we all struggle with late-night Netflix binges, skipped workouts, and deeper existential concerns about our mental health and belonging. I’ve learned that most people are fighting their own version of this internal war.” —page 7, You’re A Miracle (and a pain in the ass)

With compassion and a mind toward research, Mike McHargue’s new book, You’re A Miracle (and a pain in the ass) leads us through the mysteries of our brains and bodies, helping us toward a deeper understanding about why we do what we do. I found Mike’s approach relatable and interesting. Even though I’m not a science person, Mike breaks down hard-to-understand scientific topics into something easily digestible for the everyday reader. What impresses me most about Mike is his humanity and willingness to go deeper. He’s not satisfied with simple answers. He remains curious and engaged even when his discoveries require him to change himself. I enjoyed reading Mike’s most recent book and even more, I enjoyed getting to know him better as a person through his writing.

“Striving to find God in the ways I used to, or to remake my life into how it used to be, only prevents me from seeing how God is present and at work in the here and now.” —page 65, The Long Night: readings and stories to help you through depression

Jessica Kantrowitz knows what it’s like to suffer deeply from depression. The Long Night is for all of us who need someone who knows what depression is like and can guide us through it. I so appreciated Jessica’s stories and suggestions. She is a safe companion who comes alongside you and offers her support and wisdom without expecting you to snap out of it. She understands the process of depression and through her writing she offers hope and ideas for managing and getting through difficult seasons. I’m so thankful for this book and think it will be helpful for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

“There is so much I want to tell you, Ma. I was once foolish enough to believe knowledge would clarify, but some things are so gauzed behind layers of syntax and semantics, behind days and hours, names forgotten, salvaged and shed, that simply knowing the wound exists does nothing to reveal it.” —page 62, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

This beautiful, poetic book tells the story of a son trying to connect with his mother. War, immigration and language barriers all conspire to rip their connection to shreds. It is a story of hope and sorrow told in the most lovely prose imaginable. This is a literary book for literature lovers. If you liked There, There by Tommy Orange you will love this book, too.