That would definitely be the book called “Spark Joy” by Marie Kondo. I wanted to lead a less materalistic life and her book was such a huge help. I think the first time I read it, I cleaned out 5 or 6 garage bags of stuff from my room to throw away or donate. I’m not even a hoarder! That was just collecting stuff through the years and we all do. It’s amazing how it adds up. I’m ready to do another clean up soon.

Well, The Van Gogh Blues has been making me think recently. It's all about the ways depression can affect people in creative professions, and has helped me a lot with reframing how I think about some of the stuff that bothers me. There's a lot of fluffy pseudo-science in it as well (alas), but if you sift past that there are some really good points about meaning and how to apply it in your life.

The first book that comes to mind is Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith. It made me realize that a traumatic childhood is far too common under a capitalist society. So many children are raised in a way that leaves them damaged, mentally ill, and in need of healing soul wounds. So many parents use outdated methods of parenting and think they are doing what's best for their kid. It really made my heart hurt to think of how many children suffer abuse from their parents under the guise of "discipline."

For me it would have to be Farewell to the East End by Jennifer Worth, which is the final memoir that she wrote and that the TV show Call The Midwife is based on. Jennifer talks about her changing from being a midwife to working as a palliative nurse, and her perspective on death, as well as how it should be for the dying was really insightful and really helped me. Because as I was reading it my own grandfather passed away, which I was there for so it really gave me perspective and comforted me while I was grieving.

Edited 2018-06-25 09:42 am (UTC)

I read The Handmaid's Tale when it was first published and it has remained one of the most emotionally draining, thought provoking books I've read. Watching the United States shift toward making this dystopian nightmare our reality is terrifying.

I tried to read that years ago and really couldn't get into it. I feel like it's one of those books that I *ought* to read, but just can't. I have been watching the TV show, though. That's difficult enough!

If you couldn't get into the book the show sends the same message (I'm watching it, too).

Sadly, I'm almost at the point of giving up on the series as well. Series 1 was brilliant, and definitely one of those things that you *have* to watch. But series 2 I kind of feel like it's gone *too* dark. I know it's *supposed* to be dark and nasty and dystopian, but in S1 there were enough moments of hope and defiance and little wins to keep you going through the bad stuff. But series 2 mostly just seems to be bad stuff, more bad stuff, some even worse stuff... and it's really just not enjoyable to watch any more. :-(

I don't have HBO and watched the DVDs so I can't weigh in of Season 2.

The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. It really does make you think about how close any so-called civilised group of people are to anarchy when they are removed from the normal rules and restrictions of society.

When the boys first get stranded on the island they start out by creating a boys' version of British society, with rules and everyone taking roles and forming hierarchies. But gradually, the longer they are on the island by themselves with no adults, the more their 'society' descends into chaos and violence. It's scary because it's so utterly believeable.