Dear Reader,
Five months ago I started writing little letters to books, I cannot believe how much fun and difficult it has been! I have definitely learned a lot during the process and have had to give myself a lot of grace.
With Thanksgiving today, I wanted to first take the time out of my normal book reviews to say, a huge “thank you” to YOU! Thank you for reading my thoughts on the books I read. I absolutely love the bookish community I have found online. If you have a book blog, feel free to put your blog in the comments so I (and any reader) can see more of the blogs out there. Sometimes I find it difficult to find other blogs (mostly because I am still learning!), but I would love to meet more of you.
Recently I listened to a Hidden Brain podcast, Where Gratitude Gets You. It was incredible and a wonderful reminder to take time out of our daily routines to cultivate gratitude. So, between Thanksgiving and the podcast I wanted to share two books which I am thankful for, and two books which encouraged me to practice gratitude (click on the titles for the Goodread’s link):
Books I am thankful for:
- Anne of Green Gables – Anne is a lifelong friend to me. I remember as a child biking to my local library and knowing exactly where Anne of Green Gables was located, and which copy was my favorite (soft green canvas cover with a gold engraved title). As a fellow red-head, I found an instant connection with Anne. She was able to articulate feelings so well. I find I still use her wording when I am struggling to express what I am feeling. I am thankful to have met her so young and to have her as my first literary kindred spirit!
- The Reason I Jump – Naoki Higashida (author) has a beautiful way of telling his story about living with autism and being non-verbal. I loved meeting him (through the pages of his book), and am so thankful for the courage to write about his experience. As a successful children’s book author in Japan, he did not have to share his personal story with the world. I, for one, am so grateful for him doing so. I love hearing about experiences from people who area actually living in the circumstance or situation. Naoki brings the reader in and vulnerably shares his story.
Books that encouraged gratitude:
- The Phone Box at the Edge of the World – This book was beautiful in the midst of tragedy. As I read this book, I loved how Messina wrote about love and loss. The characters in the book saw so much in the world, and as a reader I found myself looking at the world a tiny bit differently. I realize that sentence is vague, but I believe each person will take away something unique from the characters perspective. I want you to have the opportunity to connect to them in your own way. But, I will share away my two primary takeaways in the context of gratitude: Enjoy the small daily moments; Treasure and cherish the people in life right now. Here is my full review.
- A Man Called Ove – Ove was someone who made me notice the people in my life closer. Yet, it isn’t actually Ove who encouraged gratitude, but instead the neighbors. I appreciated how the neighbors noticed Ove and the others in their community and reached out to them. There are so many people in my own life I can reach out to… and those who reach out to me. I felt encouraged after this book to acknowledge the people in my life who I am thankful for.
I hope you all are having a wonderful week and reading some superb books! Feel free to share any books you are thankful for in the comments, I would love to hear about more books that impact others. I look forward to sharing more thoughts on books next week!
Happy Thanksgiving!
With Love,
Hannah
To Books, With Love 