FEBRUARY READS

February: The time of year when you’re through with Winter but it’s not through with you. I decided to lean into my softness and enjoy books that feel like a warm sweater pulled out of the dryer. No cliffhangers. No major conflict. Just a lot of fuzzy feelings reminding me that warmth is near.

For the romantics: I picked up Ellie and the Harp Maker on a whim from my local thrift store. The cover was pretty and the two main characters were named after my niece and nephew. For less than a dollar I couldn’t say no. After reading it I am here to say it is well worth paying full-price. The story plops you down in the English Countryside in what feels like a Spring dream. What a serendipitous joy to meet Ellie, the thoughtful poet and Daniel, the quirky wood worker. Two humans who’s meeting turned their quiet lives into a colorful whirlwind. I say this book is for the romantics; the people who are bad at small talk and skip straight into the deeper topics; the curious; the unassuming folks who end up being the most interesting people in the room. I was completely charmed by their friendship. I think you will be too.

5/5 mugs

For the self-critics: A book reminding readers to be gentler on themselves. We are all our own worst critics, we engage in negative self-talk and hurt are own feelings. Instead of cutting ourselves down we should provide ourselves with the same comfort we would to a dear friend. Author Kristin Neff discusses the importance of leaning into self- compassion for a happier and healthier life. Her credibility comes from pioneering the study of self-compassion over a decade ago with a PhD in Human Development. There are practical exercises sprinkled throughout each chapter to help reshape the way we navigate through our mistakes and shortcomings. A part of me feels like I’m walking into a therapy session whenever I open it’s pages.

I wouldn’t describe myself as a self-improvement book junkie. In fact I’ve rolled my eyes at many before even getting past the first chapter. I can only digest so many empty platitudes and cheesy metaphors in the same paragraph before the sleepiness kicks in. While this book isn’t completely free of them, the ratio is pretty low and there are enough stories, humor, and scientific studies to keep me interested. I tend to break my own heart and ruminate over things I said or did longer than is healthy. However I’m finding it easier to move through my insecurities and self doubt into a much more effective and kind direction with the help of Dr. Neff. Keep this one close on grey stormy days.

4/5 mugs