Overdue Fines and a Book List
- Monica Rae
- Jan 1, 2023
- 7 min read
Blog #26 -- Monica Rae
January 1st, 2023
Since 1931, The New York Times has published a weekly ‘best seller’ list. Recently, I learned about the controversy surrounding how it’s compiled. You would think it is straight forward, the books that sell the most would make the list. But it seems the less than transparent method for publishing this list relies on a mysterious algorithm based on sales, guidelines and ultimately ‘trade secrets!’
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I am going to share something I have never shared before.
A list of 12 books.
That I picked from the over 45 books I have read in the last year.
This is difficult. To pick only 12 (hence why you will see a couple extra that I snuck in).
While there is nothing mysterious about my choosing and no algorithm to my methods—I do feel like I am inviting you to search the contents of my closet or introducing you to a room full of my friends.
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I am a writer.
But first, I was reader. My favorite place in school was the library. My first paying job was at a bookstore. And if you joined my baby crawling under my bed recently, you would find thousands of books stacked in boxes and held together by rubber bands. This passion for literature has fueled the creation of multiple start up libraries in schools in Africa – and it is also the reason why I have overdue fines at the community library!
There is usually an ‘ah ha’ moment when I read a book—any book—a children’s story, historical account, or novel. This hook can occur at any point in the book. My mind pauses (something it rarely does) and I reread the sentence or paragraph and stand enlightened, surprised, educated, or inspired. And those are the books that make up the list I have compiled.
But the list alone would have made this blog a much less compelling read. After hearing about the topic for this blog, I was given ‘an assignment’ by my teenage daughter; to explain what I learned from each book. Per her suggestion, I should also keep from lengthy responses! We will see how concise I can be?!
In the last year I have read (or re-read) the following and would recommend them based on what I learned from each one. Side note: They are in no particular order!
The Storyteller – by: Dave Grohl
I will be honest, I didn’t think I would read this book, let alone like it. Five pages in I was hooked.
I was not a fan of Dave Grohl’s music, in fact I didn’t even know who he was. The back cover informed me of his musical fame. I assumed that his status would overshadow how he recalled memories creating exaggeration to feed the audience. I was proven wrong when I read story after story about an ordinary boy, a man with musical talent and a desire to live an intense existence. He writes with ease— a beautiful mix of vulnerability and pride. (I read the hard copy and listened to the audio book. I recommend both)
What I learned: Your life is your own. Our journeys aren’t supposed to look the same. Sometimes it’s nice to be proven wrong.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone – by: Lori Gottlieb
Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and writer, who like most adults goes through periods of transition, grief, and confusion. She seeks the assistance of a therapist to ‘work through’ her problems. This book is a parallel relaying of her work as a therapist and her challenge in becoming a patient herself. It is funny and insightful in unexpected ways.
What I learned: First, that I am grateful for my therapist! And second, I wonder how I would be described in her book of patient characters?!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – by: Bryan Mealer & William Kamkwamba
One of my favorite books (and movies) of all time. William Kamkwamba was a 13-year-old boy who is determined to help his village during a famine. As someone who has started school libraries in Africa, I see the need and opportunity that comes with quality education and the tools to learn. But the choice remains with the individual, to learn regardless of the circumstances. What others saw as limitations William saw as a challenge he could navigate and use.
What I learned: Do not let your circumstances limit your creativity, your drive to know, and your determination to help.
The Henna Artist / The Secret Keeper of Jaipur -- by: Alka Joshi
In this trilogy (third book comes out this spring), you follow the characters of Lakshmi (a henna artist turned healer) and Malik (her assistant). You become instantly attached to their plight, feeling their sorrows, and rooting for their success. Set in the backdrop of 1950-60’s India the author lures you into a time and place that leaves you longing for the next book!
What I learned: We discover how resilient we are after going through great transition. The sweetest relationships are found unexpectedly. And…I want to go to India!
Can we Talk about Israel? – by: Daniel Sokatch
Everything I never knew I wanted to know and needed to know about the history, conflict and humanity behind the creation of the state of Israel. Filled with accuracy, honesty and personal anecdotes.
What I learned: It is a good idea to get all the information (from both sides) before forming opinions. I am not 'pro' one group of people over another, but I am in support of tools to address the chronic ignorant sickness that exists because of hatred of a specific group of people.
The Letters to a Young Poet – by: Rainer Maria
“If you wake up in the morning and all you think about is writing…then you are a writer.”
I first heard reference to this book on the movie “Sister Act 2” in the 1990’s. The teacher/nun was trying to help her teenage student understand that regardless of her poor circumstances she was what she couldn’t help but being (a singer) and would always find a way to be that which she was. This book, written in old English prose, is a series of letters between the poet and his undeclared mentor. He reminds the young man repeatedly that who he is and what he creates is subject to only one judge—himself.
What I learned: We are what we seek—we seek what we are.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – by: Charlie Mackesy
Like a peek into a diary filled with simple insights, delightful script and whimsical drawings that bring you along for the ride. Reread and then read again.
What I learned: The wisdom found in getting lost in the beauty of prose and imagination.
Malibu Rising – by: Taylor Jenkins Reid
A novel set in 1980’s California. A family’s pain and drama unfold as siblings enter adulthood and make decisions about who they want to be. An easy read, but surprisingly attention grabbing!
What I learned: We can find bits of ourselves in characters of all kinds.
Born a Crime – by: Trevor Noah
I have read this book multiple times. Even assigning it to my daughter for a book report. Trevor is a comedian, but first he is a storyteller. His ability to use humor to highlight ignorance and retell stories of hardship is uncanny and innate. But it’s his emotional intelligence that reminds me to remain open minded and not take myself too seriously.
What I learned: Travel is the anecdote to ignorance. And there is a gift and a burden to being able to see both sides of a situation.
Stuart Woods Novels & Susan Mallery Novels
Because sometimes you just need an easy read. I rotate between them—based on whether I am in the mood for a TV crime series or a hallmark movie.
What I learned: Sometimes mom needs a day with herself to just read!
Women who Run with the Wolves – by: Clarissa Pinkola Estes
What I learned: I am all that I need to be even as I am healing from past wounds and abuses.
The Girls in the Wild Fig Tree – by: Nice Leng’ete
The Long Walk to Water – by:Linda Sue Park
To be honest, I had to put both books down a couple of times—the true accounts were like a slap in the face, making me want to cry. Each one follows the lives of people determined to change their circumstances and help others. The Girls in the Wild Fig Tree follows the calling of Nice Leng’ete to address and end the female genital cutting in her village and other communities. Tears fell repeatedly as a woman, as a mother of girls. But it also made me want to know more. Her vivid accounts and the suffering she faced and stopped is both dark and enlightening.
In The Long Walk to Water the author relays the telling of Salva, one of thousands of Sudanese ‘Lost Boys’ who faced horrific conditions as they fled by foot hundreds of miles while facing starvation and attacks in search for safety.
These stories reveal the worst and the best of humanity side by side. You are broken and made whole again by the determination of these individuals.
What I learned: I learned things I didn’t like learning that I can’t unknow. And we begin our ‘own truths’ when we are young—even if they aren’t nurtured or understood by our families and communities.
Think like a Monk – by: Jay Shetty
When I was in my 20’s I was invited by a nun to attend a retreat in the southern part of our state. A place where there was no technology, just basic provisions (but thankfully a much more comfortable bed then Jay Shetty describes in his experience as a monk) and an opportunity to reflect and simplify. It was like taking a long deep breath and leaving with clarity of mind and purpose. The author of this book takes the learned outcome of experiences like that and teaches you how to apply it to your daily life. His self-reflection inspires you to a greater confidence and emotional intelligence.
What I learned: There is a freedom that comes from setting boundaries and protecting your mental and emotional health.
DEDICATION ‘ASSIGNMENT’:
I would like to hear from my readers. Your comments continue to fuel and inspire me!
What would you like me to write about in a future blog? No topic is off limits! I will use this as my writing guide for 2023! Your suggestion could be my next blog!
Please email me at middleofordinary@gmail.com or message me on Messenger (Facebook). I look forward to hearing from you!
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