Reading for a Better Life
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
Seventy-Eights Books in 2023 Challenged Me to Live Fully
Ever since the passing of my beloved wife, I have found solace in the pages of good books. As a child and young adult, I was an avid reader, but as I grew older, I found myself reading mainly newspapers, magazines, work-related materials, or other non-book formats. However, since my wife’s passing, I have developed a newfound appreciation for fiction and have been lost in the world of novels. Some of my friends have questioned why I read books that deal with topics like death or loneliness. But, for me, the answer is simple: I read to explore life’s complexities, which include the experience of loss, grief, and the struggle to survive against all odds. Through the pages of these books, I find comfort, understanding, and a deeper connection to the world around me.
Last year, I enjoyed immersing myself in seventy-eight captivating books, surpassing my reading record of the previous year by four. While perusing the 24,475 pages of the novels, I stumbled upon specific phrases that stood out like beacons, beckoning me to bask in their brilliance. These phrases were crafted to make them feel like a new language, yet as I continued reading, their meaning became clear and resonated with me deeply. One of the most poignant phrases I encountered was in Lauren Groff‘s novel, “The Vaster Wilds,” where she wrote, “To be alone and surviving is not the same as being alive.” This passage made me pause and reread it multiple times, as it eloquently captured the essence of my life. Though I live alone and manage to survive, I realize that being alive is more than just existing; it is about truly embracing life and all its complexities.
“To be alone and surviving is not the same as being alive.”
Lauren Groff‘s novel, “The Vaster Wilds
In our modern age, many of us find ourselves alone, struggling with the challenges of everyday life that seem to consume all of our time. This is true not just for those who have lost a loved one but also for everyone who seeks to find meaning, purpose, and love in their life. In her thought-provoking piece “I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home,” Lorrie Moore raises a fundamental question that many of us can relate to. She ponders about the transformative power of love and how it shapes our destiny, even amid less-than-ideal circumstances. Moore reminds us that love is not something we should wait for. It is a feeling and a condition that can be experienced anywhere, whether in a hospital, a prison, or even during a war.
“Love is a feeling and condition that seldom waits for perfect circumstances. One can love in a hospital or a prison or in a war.”
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
Throughout my current reading journey, I have come across two hundred and seventeen books that have made me ponder how to cope with grief and lead a fulfilling life in an increasingly isolated and lonely world. Each book I have read has its unique perspective and message, and depending on what you are looking for, every book is worth recommending.
While not everyone is willing to confront their inner self, we can always find solace in a good baseball metaphor that guides our life’s journey. In this regard, Ms. Moore‘s book offers a comprehensive overview for those who yearn to resume summer games, providing a refreshing perspective to help us deal with life’s challenges.
Yeah, baseball is really the game that tells you what life is going to be: fastballs, errors, wild pitching, clutch hits, strike-outs, not getting to first base, things coming in from left field. Near misses. And that’s just the romance part.”
I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
What kind of books are you currently reading? Would you happen to be looking for any recommendations for novels? I always enjoy assisting people in finding their next great read. Reading has been a valuable tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Through books, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself and have been able to navigate my grief while also learning how to live more fully and be a better version of myself.
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After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
Hello Richard, I enjoy reading but only a few. I agree with all your comments. Reading about the things that can improve your life through different perspectives makes you realize how complicated life is. Remember, everybody is lonely in a different way.
Hugo, I appreciate your thoughts on my reading. During most of my adult life, I didn’t read many novels. Work and nonfiction reading demands made it difficult to prioritize leisure reading. But after the funeral, I woke up the next day feeling the fear of loneliness and isolation. Walking helped me cope at first, but I soon turned to books. Reading helped me fill the void by allowing me to step into alternate lives and find a different perspective on life. I learned that grief and loss are part of everyone’s lives, and reading helped me grow around my grief and loneliness.
I also learned that everyone experiences loneliness differently. It’s easy to feel like we’re alone in our struggles, but the truth is that we all face tough times in our way.