It's a new year, which means it's time to begin focusing on what you can do to make it an even better year than the last (even if our well-intended promises turn out to be short lived). What we all want out of the new year is to be the best possible version of ourselves, and luckily, there's lot of ways to get there. But it all starts with inspiration- with a drive and motivation to really make all those things you've been dreaming about happen. For those looking for a little inspiration, here's a few books that can help start off your new year right.
1. Witches of America by Alex Mar
This is an incredible book for a few reasons. Mar's debut novel, this non-fiction account of modern paganism made the New York Times 100 Notable Books list in 2015. Mar has a way of storytelling that makes her thoughts and experiences read like fiction, pulling you in and holding you captive throughout the story. But what I most loved was her questioning of belief- of how we all want it, and how in some strange way, we're all ultimately trying to find it. As she writes, "Because I envy them, the believers. They have guidance; they have clarity; their days have structure and meaning. And, quietly, for a long time, I've coveted these things- after all, they're what most of us want badly, whether we consider ourselves lapsed Catholics or born-agains or strident atheists".
2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The Goldfinch features my all-time favorite quote, one that ends a few pages discussing the meaning of life and how we perceive being happy. As Tartt questions through her character Theo: "If your deepest self is singing and coaxing you straight toward the bonfire, is it better to turn away? Stop your ears with wax? Ignore all the perverse glory your heart is screaming at you? Set yourself on the course that will lead you dutifully towards the norm, reasonable hours and regular medical check-ups, stable relationships and steady career advancement the New York Times and brunch on Sunday, all with the promise of being somehow a better person? Or...is it better to throw yourself head first and laughing into the holy rage calling your name?”. The Goldfinch is a story of thievery, perseverance, sorrow, friendship, and morality, and will leave you questioning both your priorities and your place in the world long after you turn the last page.
3. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The story of teen and societal rebel Chris McCandless, Into the Wild is a thrilling biography that can at once be both the tale of incredible failure and inspiring belief. As McCandless rejects society, wealth, need, and connection in order to venture into the Alaskan wilderness alone, the reader is forced to question both his drive and his sanity. And yet, much of what McCandless left behind for Krakauer to piece together in a wild re-telling of his life makes sense. How much do we depend on our communities and the ingrained social beliefs we hold in order to convince ourselves we are happy? Is it possible to maintain this facade of happiness if those conventional needs are taken away- and even more, to come face to face with true happiness? The main point that this book makes is that perhaps it is better to die happy and have lived what some would perceive as a "failed life" than to follow all the rules and wind up alone- unhappy and entirely unfulfilled.
4. Crooked Kingdom (Sequel to Six of Crows) by Leigh Bardugo
Yes, this is a YA lit series, and most of the time, YA gets a bad rap. But I find there's so much that can be learned from YA books that we often overlook. This book in particular focuses on a band of misfits, murderers, and thieves in a fantasy world often compared to a dystopian Russia. By giving these characters viewpoints and providing insight into their lives, we realize they aren't really immoral at all, but just working to protect their friends and families in the best ways they can. Besides being a fascinating fantasy fiction book, it forces one to think about their outlook on morality and what it means to be a "good" person.
BONUS ARTICLES: These aren't technically books, but they're still very worth the read.
1. The David Foster Wallace Disease by Sasha Chapin: A fantastic article on genius, depression, desire, and creativity.
2.Hunger Makes Me by Jess Zimmerman: On need, femininity, and hunger- both physical and emotional.
