Kylie Tusing | Assistant Site Director
There is a feeling of renewal and refreshment hit when the clock strikes midnight ending quite an adventurous year. Though the problems have not magically disappeared (although I did hope they would) and there are waves to come, ones of recovery and moving forward will come with the new year. When in need of answers, assurance, and peace of mind, there are books. Here are ten suggestions to not only start the new year but also to help guide us through this year.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
A New York Times bestseller Katherine May gives a personal narrative that helps readers move through the unknown. May’s life erupted after her husband became ill, her child dismissed school and her own medical issues resulted into the leaving of a demanding job. Losing in the battle of life and hope, May goes on a path of not only self-discovery but renewal. This book captures your attention from the first page and finds the peace that comes from self retreat and rest.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
In a world that gives limitless options and tells you to become everything, this book gives you the option of nothing. Artist Jenny Odell shows us how in a world that is continuously trying to win our attention and oftentimes does that we can still win back our lives. Odell created a field-guide for how to change your mindset.
I Used to Have a Plan by Alessandra Olanow
It started with sharing her illustrations on Instagram to going viral and now to writing a book. Author Alessandra Olanow gives advice, inspiration and stories to help her writers see the value in life’s ups and downs. Most importantly, she gives readers the lesson that while life might move slowly it certainly will move on.
Hello, Habits by Fumio Sasaki
A scientific and theory based book minimalist Fumio Sasaki talks about how our habits form our lives. Using neuroscience and sociology, Sasaki writes a book about how while minimalism changed his way of living, starting with the habits he had and formed along the way. This is the perfect book to leap into a new year set for creating new habits.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Eight years of experience as the President of the United States, Barack Obama writes a personal narrative sharing his story and the value of being an American. With the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden coming on January 20th, this book shares what it is like to sit in one of the highest seats in democracy. The coming year is going to be filled with change and grace, both of which are given in this personal narrative.
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Award winning author Ibram X. Kendi explores the statement that the opposite of racist is not “not racist.” Kendi reshapes and reshares the conversation of racial injustice throughout America. In this memoir Kendi uses ethics, history, law, and science to start the conversation of what it means to be anti-racist. He does this by helping readers identify their hidden bias, privilege, and identity while at the same time equipping them to start the conversation within their communities.
The Home Edit Life by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
Too many times to count new year’s resolutions start with getting and staying organized through the year. Authors Shearer and Teplin give a how-to guide on staying organized, redesigning your home, and creating the functionality you need for success.
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten
Baking bread and watching cooking shows was the top of most lists in the quarantine year. And hanging on to some new talents is not always the worst thing. Chef and bestselling cookbook writer Ina Garten shows readers how to prepare all the best comfort foods.
Welcoming in 2021 means going through seasons of renewal, recovery and most importantly discovery. This short list of book recommendations can help you right into the new year.
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