The smallest piece

On my quest to have a well rounded life I have gone back to reading books for pleasure.  Since my daughter was born, there have been very few times I let myself escape into a book. My life B.C. (before child) was filled with time for devouring books. Along with the below mentioned categories I would frequently get lost in fiction.

 It is not that I haven't flexed my reading muscle in 3.5 years, but it has mostly been books that are non fiction, focused on family, well being and career, dry very dry. The occasional  magazine would appear, I always aspire to buy ones with quality writing. Vanity Fair is a favorite as is Ascent (sadly that one is no more). And sometimes the empty calorie laden rags that are US and People make an appearance. Never the lower level of tabloid (mind you back when I was younger I loved buying the Weekly World News, it was pure entertainment, sincere in its' outlandishness.) These appear when I do not have the stamina to commit to a book. Which has been the issue as of late, and for much longer than I'd like to admit.

Some how I had gotten it stuck in my head that spending time reading something to get lost in seemed like a waste of time. The tizzy I had myself in, trying to be all things - learned, organized, zen. Unfortunately for me after a while this fervent drive made me reluctant to commit to reading books, all books. I also began to feel a little out of sorts.

I have come to realize that reading for fun is not a waste of time, it helps to create space for me. Investing time into another characters' life, it can give insight into our own behaviors and motivations. It takes us out of our own heads, allows us to empathize with someone else's trials for awhile. Denying this to myself was unwise, exhausting. I resolved to do better.

It was delicious to jump into the Stieg Larsson trilogy. To be carried along in such a swift and violent manner, it was a rush. I followed this with a wonderful awakening to "The Alchemy of Voice'. A profound explanation and instruction on the power our voices hold. I perused "How to Raise a Mindful Child.' Again practical wisdom and instruction on mindfulness in word and action.

It is always interesting to hear what someone else is reading. I love getting recommendations, or taking chances to discover a character or tale that fully engulfs me.

As part of this well roundedness I also knew / decided I needed to get out more. Fortune smiled upon me and I was asked by a client / friend to join her book club. Oh my! Join my love of reading with my need for socialization? What a marvelous idea!  As this wonderfully intelligent woman and I talk often of writing, books, plays and movies, I was more than excited about the invitation. My introduction to this diverse group of ladies was to a movie night.  (Saw the very excellent Moonrise Kingdom.) They were all very interesting. I am eagerly anticipating listening to not only their interpretation of the chosen books but their own personal tales as well. Ahh... the joy of story telling. Connection. Best of all, required reading.

My first assigned book is 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'. We are given a month to read. Truth be told I blew through this book in 4 days. WOW!! It is Non fiction but it reads like a gripping novel. The Author, Rebecca Skloot is brilliant. She is a master at explaining complex science mixed with emotional turmoil, all the while being respectful that these are real, in some cases live, people that she is talking about. The smallest piece of Henrietta Lacks has in some way effected all of us. The use of this woman's cells has resulted in many medical advancements. But the novel loudly calls into question the ethics (or lack thereof) of the medical research community. It really makes you think. I hope more people read this book.

Now I pose to you, what are you reading, or have read, that you would whole heartedly recommend and why?

Do you read not only for the enjoyment and learning opportunity that books can bring, but also for the connection and conversations we can build on or around a book?