The keys to resilience
Megan Collins of @themanicuredshelf shares her recommendations that fall under our July theme of RESILIENCE. Let us know which one[s] you’re reading in the comments!
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Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
“Hot take, but Sophie Kinsella’s Becky Bloomwood is the most resilient character in all of fiction.”
If you, like me, were a fan of Amelia Bedelia for her ever-present optimism and good-nature in the face of her own constant mistakes, you will love Rebecca Bloomwood. Becky, the chaotic protagonist of the long-running shopaholic series, is both deeply flawed and incredibly charming and industrious. Yes, she’s living in a privileged world of her self-created problems— but don’t a lot of us? I find redemption for Becky’s frivolity in the inspiring way she perseveres through her comedy of errors with grace, humor, and of course, style,
CULTURAL THEMES: Women, Fashion, Humor, England, Romance
READ SPEED: Very Fast
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
“The resilience of women is a major theme in all of Ferrante’s work.”
If it were up to me, I’d put Elena Ferrante on every book list I create. However, I’ve realized that due to the density, nuance, and complexity of her writing that she’s an acquired taste. That said, with all due respect, please acquire some taste and read this book! You’ll probably need some resilience to tackle this ambitious read about two complicated dynamics between two young girls growing up in the same neighborhood in working-class Naples. But once you’re invested, you’re in for a literary treat.
CULTURAL THEMES: Women, Feminism, Politics, Marriage, Motherhood, Education, Family, Italy
READ SPEED: Very Slow
A HOUSE IS A BODY by Shruti Swamy
“These stories of resilience will take your breath away.”
The only thing better than reading a great book is reading a great book at the right time in your life. That’s what A HOUSE IS A BODY was for me, at a time when I needed a little resilience of my own.
Shruti Swamy crafts a series of richly layered vignettes that read like poetry. My personal favorite stories were Mourners, The Siege, The Neighbors, and the trifecta that closes out the collection: Didi, A House is a Body, and Night Garden.
CULTURAL THEMES: Motherhood, Marriage, Family, Art, Loss, Grief, Parenthood, India
READ SPEED: Fast
ALL ABOUT LOVE by Bell Hooks
“The key to having resilience? Love.”
Coming out of the pandemic, I’m obsessed with the idea of creating a more loving culture. I think the more supportive we are of our communities (work, school, family, neighborhood, whatever they may be).
In ALL ABOUT LOVE, Bell Hooks talks about how people unintentionally undermine love of all kinds in their lives. From the fear of being vulnerable in relationships to how masculinity keeps men from having better friendships, the book explores the role of love in culture and humanity.
CULTURAL THEMES: Love, Relationships, Gender, Social Commentary
READ SPEED: Fast
Megan Collins is a Cultural Insights Analyst & Founder of @themanicuredshelf and a regular contributor to the M.T. Deco Blog