Where do you need to build trust? We have a book rec for that.

This month, I was inspired to highlight three different books that get at the layered nature of trust. Trust is often built (or destroyed) slowly over time; it also comes in various forms, essential to feel safe and connected. 

Whether you’re looking to trust yourself, your community, or the journey, these books will inspire you to think about how meaningful trust can be to our quality of life. 

If you want to TRUST YOURSELF read Tacky by Rax King… 

In Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer, author Rax King writes personal essays framed by nostalgic pieces of culture from her youth. “Ode to Warm Vanilla Sugar” is about how Bath & Body Works' Warm Vanilla scent was one of her first concessions to the male gaze. In “Never Fall In Love At The Jersey Shore,” she details how the seemingly vapid reality TV show was critical to her bond with her Dad. King rejects the traditional notion that the popular things she loved were somehow “lesser than” because they were accessible. Instead, she chooses to trust the younger version of herself who unabashedly loved America’s Next Top Model, The Cheesecake Factory, and The Sims and finds meaning in all of these seemingly “low culture” things. Tacky is a coming-of-age story about learning to trust your instincts and personal tastes. 

If you want to learn to TRUST YOUR COMMUNITY, read Together by Dr. Vivek Murthy 

The social and political climate of the last six years has eroded trust in our fellow humans. As I’ve re-entered the world, I have still discussed and recommended this book every chance I get. If you’re sick of me recommending this book, you probably haven’t read it yet because it’s worth the hype! 

In the chapter titled “Circles of Connection,” Dr. Murthy writes about the natural high we get from participating in group activities.

“These chemical responses reward us for beginning friends together, secure our sense of belonging and make social activities good for us, both physically and emotionally.” 

This could not have been more true of my Coachella experience. After a few years indoors, we’re not just craving this simultaneous interaction and shared experiences; they may be necessary to restore trust within communities. 

If you want to learn to TRUST THE JOURNEY read Spineless by Juli Berwald 

I’m going to be honest with you; I haven’t yet finished this memoir-meets-scientific-adventure about the surprisingly exciting world of jellyfish research. However, based on what I’ve read so far, I’m going to trust that the last few chapters will deliver as much as the first 13. As Berwald teaches the reader about the biology of jellyfish, their importance to the ocean ecosystems they inhabit, and their role in solving the climate crisis, she also shares how important chasing her intellectual impulses is to her journey of self-discovery. It’s been a joy to read how obstacles turn into insights as she begins to trust the journey.