What I Read This Month - February 2024

Attached - Dr. Amie Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A.

After describing the way that I had become so deeply attached to somebody I barely knew, I was recommended the book Attached. And, due to my high trust in this person’s opinion, I bought it. Studying and annotating almost every page, I learnt about the type of adult attachment styles there are, which one I possess, and how to transition into a more secure one. From people in relationships who are unable to escape to single people who fear becoming dependent on one another, this book explores a variety of situations that the readers could experience. 

Although, at times, I found the book to be repetitive, I believe the purpose of this repetition was to solidify the message to those who may lack a strong self-awareness. Understanding my attachment style and that human dependency is part of our genetic makeup gifted a great comfort to me - as I continue to better myself and the mindset I own towards relationships.

How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? - Pandora Sykes

How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? consists of essays discussing topics I find most relevant to this generation. Things that I question every day, including my inability to relax due to the pressures of implementing constant productivity. And, what wellness truly is where we all perceive it to be something not always attainable. Though I found the quantity of sourced references compelled into one essay a bit too heavy at times, Pandora Sykes excelled in reaching the hearts and minds of a confused species.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running - Haruki Murakami

After reading Murakami’s short story collection, Men Without Women, I fell deeper and deeper in love with his writing with each page turn. Curious to read his non-fiction work, I purchased What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a memoir-like recount of his experiences when running. Though this particular subject is not of great interest to me, to hear another speak about a passion of theirs and the ways it enriches their lives, what they have learnt and endured, I am fascinated and enthralled.

Genuinely, I believed that I would read anything Haruki Murakami writes. His setting descriptions are mesmerising. Combined with a dry wit that does not fail to make me laugh. Thoroughly, I enjoyed this read. And, I look forward to reading another of his art.

Pretty Boys Are Poisonous - Megan Fox

A devastating recollection of toxic love and abusive relationships, Megan Fox bears her truth in Pretty Boys Are Poisonous. With poetry that catapults your heart into unexpected darkness, I felt that my contrast of connection to this work was extreme. Some poems I found lacking the depth that I, preferably, desire. However, in others, including ‘ii’, a gut-wrenching recitation of miscarriage, I found each word grabbing me tighter and tighter until the unnerving release that such rawness can prevail.

Last Time We Met - Emily Houghton

Heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Last Time We Met unravels the narrative of a childhood friendship that cracks and grows through the darkness of life. There was a philosophy behind romantic and platonic relationships weaved within this book that allowed me to enjoy its style more than I would a typical romantic comedy.

Absolutely & Forever - Rose Tremain

From beginning to end, I adored the novel, Absolutely & Forever. Each word held a divine nature that I became utterly engrossed within. Captivating the process of teenage infatuation that shapes a future, the narrative and purpose were raw. Honest and unashamed. I just loved it.

Read This If - Thought Catalog

After reading This Is Me Letting You Go, I immediately fell in love with Heidi Priebe’s writing and found myself craving more. So, the joy I felt when I stumbled upon Read This If, a collection of essays including those of Priebe, was immense. There will be something in here to ease the heart or the mind of somebody. With topics ranging from body image, heartbreak and depression, each article carries an air of hope through it.

Prep - Curtis Sittenfeld

I find Sittenfeld’s writing refreshing. It includes fragments of the intense emotive language that I long for. Though, the majority of the narrative is told with dry humour and satire. Prep follows the journey of a young girl attending boarding school, including themes of infatuation and self-discovery. Discussing topics such as race and class, I found Prep rather enjoyable and educational.

The Human Element - Brianna Wiest

Despite this book surrounding the topic of spirituality, I found it immensely relatable. After certain sentences, and many of them, I nodded my head to myself. Such as, “Finding yourself does not mean defining yourself.” The Human Element provides an alternative perspective on the lives we live. Each word was purposeful and full of poise. My only complaint is that it was not longer.

The Art of Letting Go - Thought Catalog

Another collection of powerful essays that are both awakening and comforting. Containing word written by writers that I have recently adored, including Brianna Wiest and Heidi Priebe, books like The Art of Letting Go never fail to make me feel understood, valued and heard.

Seeds Planted in Concrete - Bianca Sparacino

Seeds Planted in Concrete - a beautiful collection of honest poetry that speaks to the soul of past, present and future selves. Understanding the ugliness of raw pain and grief, but understanding the ways to search for beauty within it. A wonderful line, “How you managed to emerge like wildflowers from the cemeteries you held within your soul.”

The Truth About Everything - Briana Wiest

Through a compilation of enlightening and inspiring essays, my adoration for Briana Wiest’s writing grew exponentially in The Truth About Everything. I want to read all that she has birthed.

Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston

Writing a review for this novel will prove to be a challenge for me - as it has left me speechless. What a powerful piece of art. Based in twentieth-century Florida, Their Eyes Were Watching God surveys an array of deft topics - including racial inequality and the female desire for freedom. Through motions of self-discovery, the concept of youth is discussed in a thoughtful and stimulating way. Almost lyrical, the words used to portray this narrative were gorgeously purposeful. Poetic and poised. Combined with a wonderfully expressive use of phonetic dialogue, I adored every moment of this story.

Literary Places - Sarah Baxter

Sitting atop a shelf taller than my head, I spotted a book in the travel section of the bookstore. With a gorgeous printed hardback cover and a concept to appeal to my soul, I was delighted to have found this book. Literary Places highlights the locations deeply delved into within classic literature. Accompanied by charming illustrations, this book holds more purpose than to be only a stunning coffee table book - but to please the mind and warm the heart.