Last year I joined a three month “weird moms book club” organized by Elisha Bidwell and I learned about bibliotherapy, a name for the way that books helped me learn about myself and from the experience of characters in books. Even if it is a made up story, it is written by a person who is sharing experiences, beliefs, and perspectives that can be delightful, thought provoking, and illuminating. We can just enjoy fiction but there is also so much we can learn from stories.
Yes, I have found in that embracing fiction again that there are much more rich, complicated portrayals of motherhood and being a human. And more enjoyable in many ways. And other times it can serve other purposes like rest from all of what is going on in the world, so that we can recharge and have resources to move forward. So many benefits.
I love this reflection. I have done the opposite. I've almost entirely stopped reading non-fiction because it feels like too much to try and take in when life feels like a lot. I read for the joy of it and the escape into stories, so the idea of reading something that is forcing me to think hard about a topic I already think hard about and might even be regularly confronted with in my life, feels excessive. So I read fiction almost exclusively.
In some ways, this essay is a gentle invitation to bring some of the non-fiction back in -- although we'll see if I listen.
I also want to add that I also went through a bit of the "if I am reading for pleasure is it a good use of my time" question. But I dismissed it quickly because reading is one of the few easy pleasures I can offer myself and one I value modeling to my kids.
Isn't it interesting how we shift? In some ways I have found memoir as a nice part of non-fiction that feels less about learning and acquiring new knowledge. It sounds like you have listened well to what you need and enjoy.
I made an effort to read more fiction last year, and it was really life affirming! I used to read a lot for work and personal development, but lately I've been reading more for pleasure, and it's been such a good escape.
I did exactly the same thing when I was practicing medicine full time and raising three children. I read to learn more neonatology, parenting, child development. When I began to work part-time, two years before I retired, I rediscovered my love for fiction. I have read fiction voraciously ever since. Your essay is right on point, and important! If we read for joy, we will find ourselves more joyful and well-rounded. You are so right about this. Thank you, Kathryn!
I so relate to this. I often "don't have time" to read fiction, but I can feel my soul curdle a bit if I spend too much time only immersed in non-fiction. So here's to prioritizing the things that fill our souls!
Ay! I want to read more non-fiction in my next year so opposite dilemma!! I don’t like people telling me what to do tho, punk rock core. lol. My husband loves Burkeman and I feel I’ve read by proxy, but it’s on my TBR. What did you think of lessons in chemistry? Wasn’t it kinda heavy? But also so good? That was my takeaway.
Lessons in Chemistry was a good return to fiction. I enjoyed the story and I read in a couple of days, and I felt a little culturally relevant since I hadn't read any popular books in so long :) I really like Burkeman because he doesn't tell you what to do. His new book, too is so bite sized, it's an easy way to read.
This is such an important reminder!
Last year I joined a three month “weird moms book club” organized by Elisha Bidwell and I learned about bibliotherapy, a name for the way that books helped me learn about myself and from the experience of characters in books. Even if it is a made up story, it is written by a person who is sharing experiences, beliefs, and perspectives that can be delightful, thought provoking, and illuminating. We can just enjoy fiction but there is also so much we can learn from stories.
Yes, I have found in that embracing fiction again that there are much more rich, complicated portrayals of motherhood and being a human. And more enjoyable in many ways. And other times it can serve other purposes like rest from all of what is going on in the world, so that we can recharge and have resources to move forward. So many benefits.
I did her book club too! It was such a great collection of books and helped me dip back into fiction.
Oh, awesome! I really enjoyed it! And proud to be a weird mom :)
It's always good to be reminded to make space for the things we enjoy, even when it means we are choosing joy over things we "should" do.
There is always space for joy but we have to choose it first!
I love this reflection. I have done the opposite. I've almost entirely stopped reading non-fiction because it feels like too much to try and take in when life feels like a lot. I read for the joy of it and the escape into stories, so the idea of reading something that is forcing me to think hard about a topic I already think hard about and might even be regularly confronted with in my life, feels excessive. So I read fiction almost exclusively.
In some ways, this essay is a gentle invitation to bring some of the non-fiction back in -- although we'll see if I listen.
I also want to add that I also went through a bit of the "if I am reading for pleasure is it a good use of my time" question. But I dismissed it quickly because reading is one of the few easy pleasures I can offer myself and one I value modeling to my kids.
Isn't it interesting how we shift? In some ways I have found memoir as a nice part of non-fiction that feels less about learning and acquiring new knowledge. It sounds like you have listened well to what you need and enjoy.
I made an effort to read more fiction last year, and it was really life affirming! I used to read a lot for work and personal development, but lately I've been reading more for pleasure, and it's been such a good escape.
I so agree! It really has brought so much more joy into my life (even if not reading joyful books...I like a good mystery or thriller sometimes).
I never would describe myself as someone who reads mysteries but I’ve gotten into the cozy ones!
I love cozy too! Bonus points for it being in the British countryside.
I did exactly the same thing when I was practicing medicine full time and raising three children. I read to learn more neonatology, parenting, child development. When I began to work part-time, two years before I retired, I rediscovered my love for fiction. I have read fiction voraciously ever since. Your essay is right on point, and important! If we read for joy, we will find ourselves more joyful and well-rounded. You are so right about this. Thank you, Kathryn!
I had an inkling this was a challenge not just for me but many other professionals. Thank you, Susan.
I so relate to this. I often "don't have time" to read fiction, but I can feel my soul curdle a bit if I spend too much time only immersed in non-fiction. So here's to prioritizing the things that fill our souls!
Absolutely yes to filling our souls!
Ay! I want to read more non-fiction in my next year so opposite dilemma!! I don’t like people telling me what to do tho, punk rock core. lol. My husband loves Burkeman and I feel I’ve read by proxy, but it’s on my TBR. What did you think of lessons in chemistry? Wasn’t it kinda heavy? But also so good? That was my takeaway.
Lessons in Chemistry was a good return to fiction. I enjoyed the story and I read in a couple of days, and I felt a little culturally relevant since I hadn't read any popular books in so long :) I really like Burkeman because he doesn't tell you what to do. His new book, too is so bite sized, it's an easy way to read.