“Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved,” Kate Bowler
We bought this book last year and I was sitting on reading it. Last week our community was hit with a tragedy that left me somehow unable to remember the helpful words for people in grief, so I finally picked this up. I then finished the book in less than 48 hours.
This book is so kind. It is comforting and not pushy. It is a balm for people who have heard these lies (included are: he’s in a better place now, God has a plan, God needed another angel). It is also educational and enlightening for people who have not experienced intense grief or suffering, and feel at a loss for what to say and how to help friends who are in that dark place.
“Transcendent Kingdom,” Yaa Gyasi
I have been looking forward to reading this since I finished Gyasi’s debut novel “Homegoing” last year, and I was not disappointed. Readers see the life of an immigrant family from the perspective of Gifty as she experiences the human-ness of her parents, her brother’s addiction, and her own faith as it changes and grows along with her career as a brilliant research scientist. Gifty’s grief is searing and the book is emotionally raw and so so real.
“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants,” Robin Wall Kimmerer
I began this book as an audiobook and I highly recommend that method of reading this book. Hearing the author’s pronunciation of Indigenous languages was incredibly helpful, and increased my appreciation of the book. The author also has a beautiful reading voice. (I read most of the book on audio until I didn’t finish it in time from the library).
This book made me angry and want to do something about it. Now that I finished this book several weeks ago, what will I do about it? I will keep reading and educating myself about Indigenous stories and justice. I want to support people who are activists for climate justice. I will plant part of my garden with the layout used by many First Nations people, the Three Sisters, which is based on the symbiotic relationship of corn, beans, and squash.
Thanks Katie - love the newsletter!