All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read. The writing and imagery evokes Ondaatje, who is my favorite writer of fiction of all. I finished it on Saturday morning and moved through the weekend in a bit of a trance, images from the book cartwheeling through my mind, loathe to leave the world that Doerr created. Somehow he drew a landscape both scarred and devastated by war and also breathtakingly beautiful. I adored this book
Unprepared. I made the mistake of reading Rob Lowe’s essay about sending his son to college, in Salon, before meeting a friend for a walk. I showed up with red swollen eyes and had to explain that I’d been bawling – not just wiping tears, but actively weeping, gasping for air, drenching my own shirt, minutes before. This piece is powerful and beautiful, and because of it I read and loved Rob’s new memoir, Love Life
Chill. I don’t often read Garance Dore’s blog, and this piece makes me realize I should. I really love what she has to say about how there’s room for all kinds of success, and about the risks of imposing our own dreams on others. It’s a fine line, because I do think some people back away from dreams they maybe should go for, but I do believe there’s tremendous joy to be had in embracing the life you have. As the title of Rob’s memoir above makes me think, and as the point below reminds me … (hat tip to Raluca, on whose wonderful blog What Would Gwyneth Do I found the link to this piece.)
This season of my life. We weren’t able to go away for Memorial Day this year, which was a bummer, because traditionally we’ve spent it with some of those we love best in a place we adore. But we had a soccer tournament, so instead we stayed home and embraced what is right now. And I realized that this, this particular moment, is unspeakably rich. I love the families of the kids’ on our childrens’ sports teams, I love family dinner, I love reading in bed with my children, I love now. And so, gladly, we continue to sink further into this particular season. (photo above: Whit at Grace’s Friday night soccer game; photo below: Grace carrying in Matt’s birthday cake on Sunday night)
What are you reading, thinking about, and loving lately?
I write these Things I Love posts approximately monthly. The previous ones can all be found here.
I’m loving A God in the House: Poets Talk About Faith. When I’m finished, I’ll just start over again.
I loved Rob Lowe’s piece on Slate too, so yes, his memoir is on my to-read list.
Need to Anthony Doerr’s book on that list too, because a) I love Ondaatje and b) I love books that make me think about it all the time afterwards.
Thank you for sharing.
Can’t wait to check some of these out. Thanks! xo
I am reading The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. Brilliant collection of short stories and non-fiction.
Also, thanks to your recommendation, I am loving calm.com. It really helps. We tried it as family and loved it.
I will definitely check out your book recommendations. The list always keeps growing.
I so live these lists. I am reading a lot lately and I appreciate your recommendations. I am so glad you had a good Memorial Day/birthday!
That book sounds magical in the way my favorite books are, the way they seep and bleed into your daily life, the kind of story you just can’t shake. Thanks for the recommendation!
-Dana
Adding these to the list – which is often so much more rich because of your influence.
Also, me too, enjoying today. So much so, that I’m finding it harder to leave my boys and go to work every day. Their company has just become so enjoyable.
Just finished Seating Arrangements which I loved but found so different from Astonish Me both in topic (obviously) but also in voice and style (surprisingly). Also just read Still Alice- good but disturbing. I am getting ready to start All the Light We Cannot See and I cannon wait. Both you and Jennifer are calling it a favorite- so exciting!
And I just finished the Rob Lowe piece. Thanks for the mid day tears!!!
I recently finished the Goldfinch, which won the Pulitzer Prize this year. Beautifully written, but sad, sad, sad. As a parent, it was tough to read. As a pastor who works with people dealing with addiction, it was tough to read. As someone who has benefitted from all sorts of privilidge, it was tough to read. I’d read it again.
Well, obvs, I’m excited to read the book you recommended! I am reading The Husband’s Secret right now, and it’s kind of mind-candy but also very well-written and witty. Thanks for the list!
I will out Doerr’s novel on my list. I get so many great reading suggestions from your blog and I thank you for that. I liked Rob Lowe’s first book too. He is humble, self-deprecating and insightful. I’m reading Some Nerve by Patty Chang Anker and Amy Tan’s Valley of Amazement right now. Anker’s book is touching a nerve. Amy Tan is one of my favorite authors. I’m also reading Eleanor and Park with my almost 10 year old daughter. Such a treat! Reading with her at he end of the day and Rowell’s gem of a story.
Downloaded All the Light . . . !
I know how you think Grace looks like Matt, but, at first when I saw the picture without reading the post, I thought this was a young Lindsey.
These all sound wonderful, Linds. I can’t wait to check them out. Thanks for sharing–love these posts!