July is here, and for me, summer officially starts with the 4th of July celebrations. That’s tomorrow already! So before I move on into more of my summer busy-ness, I want to take a moment and share my June with you.
I’m delighted to report that I read a number of books in June! Surprised myself, actually. “Grief brain” for me is a very real thing, and for months now my focus (especially on reading) has been scattered and my attention span minimal. So that’s why I was happily surprised when I looked at my Goodreads list of books read in June and realized I actually finished 5 books! Those quiet afternoons, after mornings filled with yard work, have been a productive and therapeutic reading time.
The five books I read in June were enjoyable and varied. Early in the month, I completed a book I’d been “reading slowly over time” (my new category for my Goodreads lists). It was a book about grief, a collection of poems and short essays written by a variety of people. The Language of Loss: Poetry and Prose for Grieving and Celebrating the Love of Your Life, edited by Barbara Abercrombie, was a lovely collection that I found very healing. It took a long time to read because I would only read one or two selections at a time, and that gave me time to really think about what was shared by other grievers.
from the publisher:
When Barbara Abercrombie’s husband died, she found the language of condolence, no matter how well intended, irritating. “My husband had not gone to a better place, as if he were on a holiday. He had not passed, like clouds overhead. He wasn’t my late husband, as if he’d missed a train. And I had not lost him, as if I’d been careless.” She yearned instead for words that acknowledged the reality of death, that spoke about the unfathomable sorrow and loneliness (and perhaps even guilt and anger), and that might even point the way toward hope and healing. She found those words in the writings gathered here. The prose and poetry in The Language of Loss follows an arc that mirrors the path of many mourners — from abject loss and feeling unmoored, to glimmers of promise and possibility, through to gratitude for the love they knew. C.S. Lewis wrote, “We read to know that we’re not alone.” These writings, which express what often feels ineffable, will accompany those who grieve, offering understanding and solace.
The other four books I read were so interesting and each deserves its own separate review. But for now, I will just say that each transported me to someplace else while giving me new insights into my own world right now here at home. That’s why I read … and I’m so grateful to be able to spend my afternoons with good stories and wonderful talented storytellers.
My June reading:
I hope that you are all enjoying your summer reading!
A Fondness For Reading 
I HATE all the euphemisms. “Passed” seems to be the big one now. A while back a very popular local newspaperman died, and in his obiturary, someone said he would have wanted to be called dead, not any of those silly words. Do people really think it is easier, better, blah blah to say a “softer” word.
So, Nan, tell me how you really feel. haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I love it, Nan. I so agree with you and the newscaster about those silly words. Our culture has such a hard time dealing with death and how to respond to the bereaved. I recently went to my eye doctor for my yearly checkup. Byron and I used to schedule our appointments at the same time, and the doc always enjoyed talking with both of us at the same time. When I told him that Byron had died in September, he gave me the most deeply appreciated response. It was totally non-verbal…his face turned sad and he slumped down as one would with great sadness. It was a simple pantomime of sorrow, and beautifully done. I was so touched by the gesture. It felt so warm and supportive, without any of those phrases. I could have hugged him for it.
LikeLike
So happy to hear you’ve been finding the right books. It is so hard to talk about death and losing a loved one. There I go “losing”. The poetry collection sounds very good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iliana, it’s so nice to be back to some reading!
I think I t’s impossible to Not use those words about someone’s loss. We just don’t have an adequate vocabulary surrounding death. But for me, it’s the intent to comfort and connect that comes through, no matter what the words, and that is so deeply appreciated.
LikeLike
Congrats on the reading. It’s nice to hear this. I have read the Bright Creatures novel and liked the parts about the Octopus, Marcellus. The Korean Mom book looks appealing, and the Kyoko book. What a good array … for escape & healing. take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, The Cue Card. I loved Marcellus in the book, too.😊
LikeLike
Hi Robin, Catching up on some of my favorite blogs today and, I was happy to read you have found some comfort books. Our weather has been 2 weeks of heavy rains and flooding – wish I could send some to TX. It’s been very nice for 2 days now and sun (but 90) all this coming week. The grief response from your eye doc was moving; I can understand how it made you feel.
I’ve been updating my 2023 reads on the blog sidebar (lot’s fewer than last year thus far) but, haven’t felt like reviewing or blogging. I am keeping quite busy though with friends, lunches out and a new houseplant obsession. Take care and enjoy life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Diane, it’s so nice to hear from you. I hope the weather and flood situation have improved! I’m glad you’ve been out and about with friends. That’s what we need to be doing! And I’m interested in your new houseplant obsession!
I’m reading more now, but it’s difficult to focus on reviews, so I’m just not pressuring myself to do more than I can do with my blog for now.
Happy summer, my friend!
LikeLike