Time for some humor and heart
Recommendations for such a time as this
Last month, at the beginning of our quarantine I shared books that might provide escape and comfort during this strange time. Since then I have noticed how important both humor and faith are in getting me through each day. This month I am sharing a few books (and links to other things) that have made me laugh out loud and some resources that have calmed my soul.
Humor
For days our family has been sending each other links that make us laugh. Shared humor reduces our stress levels and helps us bond over our common experience. Here are a few favorite books and authors to make you laugh out loud:
David Sedaris is a national treasure. His most recent book Calypso was one of my favorites books in 2018. I highly recommend the audio version (as he reads it himself, which is delightful). I also cry-laughed my way through his time as a Macy’s Elf in The Santa Land Diaries. Holidays on Ice includes a number of short stories but his experience as an elf is unforgettable. I also loved his book about learning French while living in Paris. The title says it all- Me Talk Pretty One Day.
You can’t go wrong with this trifecta of funny women:
Yes, Please , Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me & Bossypants
I recently enjoyed Mary Laura Philpott’s book of essays called I Miss You When You Blink. I found it both funny and touching. Again, this is a great listen because Philpott reads the book herself. For an idea of her humor and style, read her essay just published in the New York Times.
Going back a few years, there are some great laugh-out-loud moments in Bridget Jones Diary, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, and I Feel Bad About My Neck by the always brilliant Nora Ephron.
MORE LAUGHS
Boredpanda.com is fabulous right now. Always quirky and amusing, they have taken it to the next level by bringing together posts, tweets, etc. about our current pandemic circumstances. A few topics that cracked me up are quarantine haircuts, a costumed dog walker, and Zoom meetings. I dare you to not find these funny!!
Podcast Recommendation
Don’t miss “Staying in with Emily & Kumail.” Kumail is a stand up comedian/actor married to Emily, who is a writer. They are SO FUNNY and so very real. Definitely start on episode 1, and if you haven’t seen the movie The Big Sick (which is a deeply touching and very funny film about their relationship) do that too! It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
Soul Care
Prayer - Forty Days of Practice offers brief contemplative prayers that you can dip into and spend time on what resonates. Each of the short prayers is accompanied by a carefully crafted visual from artist Scott Erickson.
Ruth Chou Simon’s Gracelaced was one of my favorite books in 2019. Her watercolors are beautiful and she always has the right words for my soul. This is a wonderful book to give to yourself or a dear friend.
Shelly Miller’s Rhythms of Rest examines sabbath rest. What a better time than now to look at rest as a spiritual practice as opposed to a punishment? I also enjoy her beautiful instagram account - she lives in London not far from where we lived and I love her photos of the neighborhood.
Other Soul Care Resources:
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
This book was HOT last year and I think it could be really helpful right now. “Burnout” offers practical advice to help you complete your stress cycle and keep your bodies out of fight or flight mode. Here is a little blurb:
“This groundbreaking book explains why women experience burnout differently than men - and provides a simple, science-based plan to help women minimize stress, manage emotions, and live a more joyful life.”
Two summers ago I saw Brooke speak about her journey from a chaotic and consumerist life to a slower simpler pace. Now that we are being forced to slow down, this book provides a much needed way to reframe our circumstances. I also enjoy The Slow Home Podcast where Brooke and her husband discuss topical issues dealing with practical life.
And my last recommendation is to read some poetry, maybe start with Wendell Berry or Mary Oliver. Many of their poems are calming, reflective and oh so beautiful. Here is a link to Mary Oliver reading her beloved poem Wild Geese:
Well, I hope you find something in here to make you laugh and soothe your soul. Don’t forget to follow me on instagram @shaynelj where I try to post book reviews at least once a week. I am currently reading and enjoying The War that Saved My Life and Waiting for Tom Hanks. Please share this newsletter with friends or family.
Happy Reading dear ones and take care of yourself!