Origami & 6 Books I Read in 2024 That Changed Me for the Better <3.
a short list of books that impacted me in 2024, plus origami!
Hi readers! I've compiled a list of books that have left a lasting impression on me. While I have a list of all-time favorites, these books have changed the way I see the world in a unique way.
Rather than interpreting these as a hierarchical order, these all impacted me in different ways, so I’d recommend picking the one that you think might positively impact you!
Democracy’s Discontent: A New Edition for Perilous Times, by Michael J. Sandel
This book genuinely changed the way I see myself, how I seek fulfillment in life, how I want to participate in the consumerism America raised us on, and of course, how I want to raise Enzo. What may sound less surprising, but actually surprised me just as much, is that this book dramatically shifted my understanding of America’s politics (past and present), and what makes sense as a solution to our current state of affairs. I’d say in the most tangible way, I feel less disdain for America as a whole after reading this. However, that has perhaps been replaced by a a new flavor of disdain for corporations, and the politicians who have enabled them.
As discussed in last month’s episode, this book changed me in so many ways, it is incredibly readable, insightful, and refreshing. Over a month later, I can genuinely say that I think of this book almost every day in some way or another.
Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This book taught me reciprocity! It is the most meaningful presentation of the giveth and taketh between plants and humans i’ve ever encountered. She taught me to recognize the beautiful side of what a human relationship with the earth can look like. It also gave a sliver into the indigenous history, that encouraged me to pick up books like Killers of the Flower Moon.
In a practical sense, this book is the reason why I decided to upturn the sad patch of grass we had along our curb and plant mammoth sunflowers and pumpkins there instead! It inspired me to make sure enzo is watching when we dig into the soil, and to associate it with joy and gratitude. This book is above all else poetic, but in the process of you find yourself learning much about the history of indigenous peoples in America, as well as finding yourself hungry to give back to the nature you find on your block.
PS, You can actually purchase the Thanksgiving Address that is included in this book from Skanonh (an indigenous organization). They print it in a variety of languages, and they come in a very cute little booklet. Each page includes the language you bought it in, and a translation into the indigenous language it was written in. I got the Italian and English copies, each one was $9.99, and they are so special to read to Enzo! Would also make the sweetest gift.
You Make This Place Beautiful: a Memoir, by Maggie Smith
This book snuck up on me, it is very hard to find the words of exactly what this did, so bear with me here. I think it is that it opened my eyes to the ways in which, despite my best efforts, and without me even noticing, I have fallen into the mother as the primary caretaker cliche.
This is particularly surprising in Maggie’s case, as in my own, because we consider ourselves (and our marriages) to be progressive. It was an unexpected reflection of myself and my situation, and regardless of the degree to which your experience mirrors Maggie’s, it is worth attuning yourself to. While I love being as involved with Enzo as possible (literally obsessed with him), I no longer feel like I am proceeding blindly. Time will tell how this shows up for me in the years to come.
This book created in me, a yearning for community and connection. This book provides the most personal look into the collapse of small town America I’ve read yet. It is intimate, delicate, and pure in its delivery. A piece of me yearns for this place and nudges me toward connection in my neighborhood and community. This book pairs well with Democracy’s Discontent, and Braiding Sweetgrass actually, as a fictional counterpart.
At the Pond, Swimming at the Hampstead Ladies’ Pond, by ‘various'
This book made me feel like I was being hugged and high fived for being part of the sisterhood. It sparked my feminist pride on a new plane, not one of political activism, but one of love for what makes us special and strong.
It is a collection of essays/submissions from women who all swim/swam at the Kenwood Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath of London. This pond, which I had never heard of, and am of course obsessed with, is a Women’s Only pond that was established in 1925. It has become a bit of a Lilith fair of swimming ponds, and it is incredibly beautiful what it has provided for these different women in different ways. This book is about women having their own space to be wild and free, to retreat for a moment away from the masculine world.
PS, the link in the title brings you to Daunt Books, which is a famous bookshop in London that specializes in international translations, travel guides, etc. and it is the home of so many gems! I have purchased some of my favorite English versions of novels from Daunt Books in London (particularly Natalia Ginzburg’s books), so if you order this from them, add a few other books! Alt. you can find this on Amazon.
A History of Burning, by Janika Oza
I read a lot of books like this one because they never leave you. But this one, for no way I can clearly decipher, has left me marked. It isn’t in a literal sense the most intense book I’ve read on a subject matter like this, but perhaps as a new mother it hit differently. I’d say for those who were deeply impacted by Cutting for Stone (aka everyone), it is a similar feeling. What’s interesting is I didn’t find myself page turning this book in the way that others maybe did, but I kept reading because it felt painful in an important wat.
I also will forever remember this book as one that I leant to someone that I noticed had a cold relationship with the large Indian community that has formed in Seattle over the last 20 years. Fortunately, this individual is someone who is receptive and open, not everyone is this way, but nonetheless it changed the way this person engages with a community of immigrants, which is perhaps the most beautiful facet of books of this kind.
This book made me feel an intensity about being present with Enzo and cherishing every day I have with him. This is technically a photo book, but it impacted me as much as any of the others did this year. Adam’s book includes images, stories, stills of home videos, emails, etc. I happend to meet Adam at a wedding I was photographing in early 2023, he was a good friend of the groom. I can attest that he is incredibly kind and humble, which can be rare in the world of successful and published photographers/artists : ). I feel so fortunate to have met him, as I would have likely not discovered this book otherwise.
Up next, I’ve decided I will pick my what to read based on a fortune teller that Nick helps me execute:
see ya next month!