readwrightreview

Because mental health is health

everyone in this room will someday be dead by Emily Austin

Choosing to explore the absurdities of every day life, Emily Austin offers a sometimes humorous and other times terrifying narrative through the voice of Gilda in everyone in this room will someday be dead. Gilda’s thoughts fill the pages with a reality that will make readers want to laugh so that they don’t cry. There is nothing delicate about this narrative, and yet the author has managed to portray Gilda’s expressions with a lightness that prevents the uncertainties of life from weighing on us. Gilda’s experiences begin when she takes on the secretarial position at a church previously occupied by a recently deceased older lady, prompting Gilda to make choices that ask us to consider how we can help others by just offering them our company. Quoted recommendations for the novel as they appear on the book’s front and back focus on the opportunity for readers to find humour within the novel. While I have no doubt that readers are likely to laugh at the descriptions offered by the novel’s narrator, Gilda, I think it is also important to examine the reality that the experiences Gilda recounts and the sentiments she expresses are more than real for many people. I know that reading this novel allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the possible effects of anxiety and depression in relation to every day actions, and I think that is part of what makes Austin’s work so beautiful—by making an often heavy subject appear lighter, that subject becomes more accessible and more likely to be discussed.

Taking the time to talk about stories, about their many facets and how we perceive them based on our previous experiences as readers is something that brings me great joy, it is the reason I chose to study literature, the reason I started writing this blog, and arguably one of the reasons I knew becoming an educator was the right choice for me. This novel was a gift from my sister, and in discussing the novel with her I was reminded of the importance of collaborating when attempting to disentangle the intricate themes we find in the best of stories. I invite readers to not only take on the challenge of choosing to read Emily Austin’s everyone in this room will someday be dead with a compassionate heart, but to take the time to share their understandings of the novel with a friend so that they are better able to appreciate the realities this novel reflects.

Readers should be aware that everyone in this room will someday be dead discusses issues which may be sensitive, including mental illness and substance use.

For the Girls

the dirty girls social club by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

Some novels bring us to tears, others prompt bubbling laughter, and others still might leave a smile carved onto our faces. the dirty girls social club by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez is capable of provoking all of these emotions within one well-constructed plot. Following the lives of six young women who are facing off against challenges in their personal lives while also making strides in their professional lives, this novel by Valdes-Rodriguez is sure to be relatable for readers and might even have them envying its main characters. The spirit of friendship radiates from the narratives found in the dirty girls social club and made me reflect on how thankful I am for longtime friends, near and far. More than encouraging gratitude, the novel reminds us of how wonderful it is, and how lucky we are, to be able to share pride in our friends’ accomplishments and to share in their moments of happiness. Beyond moments of joy and laughter, this novel also confronts stereotypes concerning Latinas, and addresses issues that may be sensitive to some readers including domestic violence, and discrimination based on sexual identity. Although this novel does not have direct applications within a classroom setting, it may offer educators an opportunity to gain insight regarding the diverse communities their students call home, in addition to universal social issues that impact student learning.

Fried Chicken and Small-Town Chatter

The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia

Sisters, small town gossip, and scrumptious fried chicken is all you need to know about KJ Dell’Antonia’s The Chicken Sisters to know that it is a worthwhile read. Although readers will no doubt sympathize with the novel’s characters, this story is sure to bring more laughs and smiles than tears. The importance of family, whether it be family by birth or by choice, is at the heart of this novel, and it is sure to remind you to take the time to thank them for sharing their life with you.

Readers should be aware that this novel discusses topics which may be sensitive to some including the death of a partner, and hoarding.

It’s a fall read!

A TOWN CALLED SOLACE by Mary Lawson

I recently picked up A TOWN CALLED SOLACE by Mary Lawson on my journey through an airport, but unlike my flight, Lawson’s plot offered pacing so steady that the ascent and descent were imperceptible. Centred around the convergence of two mysteries, the missing sixteen-year-old Rose and the mistake elderly Mrs. Orchard made decades before, this novel offers an examination of the vulnerabilities that make us human. Set in a fictional northern Ontario town, the character dynamics in A TOWN CALLED SOLACE will feel familiar to all raised in small rural towns. Readers should be aware that this novel discusses issues which may be sensitive, including death among the elderly and sexual assault.

This one is for the teachers

educated by Tara Westover

I read educated by Tara Westover on the recommendation of friends and family, and not only am I thankful for their recommendations but I would argue that if there is one story educators should take the time to read outside of their classrooms this year, this is it. Westover’s novel is a memoir related to her journey in learning, but the descriptions she offers and the memories she examines are so terrifyingly vivid that it can become difficult to comprehend her experiences as a reality. As someone so incredibly fortunate to be raised surrounded by so much love and laughter, many of Westover’s memories were not only horrifying to me, but also felt strange, as though there was an impossibility related to the choices her family made. More than the horror associated with her family’s actions, I felt a deep admiration for the strength and courage that Westover describes as she chooses to prioritize her learning, and herself. When we see others experience, or hear of others experiencing, less than desirable situations it can sometimes be easy to suggest that they ought to make different choices to better remedy their situation. educated by Tara Westover provides honest insight into the challenges individuals face when they desire to change their circumstances, and the power associated with the opportunity to learn. As a teacher it reinforced aspects of my educational philosophy that focus on the impact of personal experiences and perceptions on learning, the power of education and access to information, and the role of learning in students’ lives as it takes place beyond the walls of a classroom. Readers should be aware that this novel describes experiences which may be sensitive, especially family violence and unsafe labour.

A Reader’s Dream Vacation

The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar

Kiley Dunbar’s The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday will bring smiles and laughs to readers’ faces. A narrative that follows the adventure of a young woman, Jude, while she chooses to invest in her own happiness, this novel is feel-good and Hallmark channel worthy. Avid readers will dream of also going on a vacation that allows them to stay in a bookstore on the British coast and make it their own for a short time. Made sparkly with an ultra meet cute relationship, this novel should be enjoyed on the beach, cozied up on the couch, or to pass the time while in transport. A quick and enjoyable read, this novel is fun and worthwhile for all.

Let’s Talk Equity

POWER SHIFT by Sally Armstrong

Originally a CBC Massey Lecture, Sally Armstrong’s POWER SHIFT investigates gender-based inequities, both historically and contemporarily. Explored in the text are issues of wage inequity, gender-based violence, discrepancies in opportunities for non male individuals, and the narratives that help to perpetuate sentiments that non males are less deserving or worthy. Armstrong also recounts first hand observations of women’s experiences with inequity on a global scale that relate specifically to war and reproductive rights, and it should be noted that some of these accounts may be particularly sensitive to readers that have lived through similar events. As a woman, the contents of this text prompted feelings of fury, frustration, deep sadness, and reinforced my understanding that education is capable of making incredible impacts. As a teacher, I know that it can be difficult to discuss topics such as gender inequities with students, but also that offering students a safe structured environment in which to better understand sensitive issues is crucial for their learning. Offering students well-researched, insightful, and accurate sources to improve their understandings of sensitive topics is an important first step, and Armstrong’s POWER SHIFT makes for a great source to introduce students to research concerning social inequities. More than a useful text for students, I believe that this text offers an opportunity for all to better understand the roots of social inequities and how they may be overcome. If you are a non male who has ever been told that a task was intended for men, that you are less capable or worthy because of your gender, that your knowledge or abilities were limited because of your gender, that your potential was limited because of your gender, then this book will validate your experiences as a non male. If you have ever had your credentials undermined, your wardrobe policed, or your reproductive rights attacked because of your gender then you understand the vital importance in education related to gender-based inequities. Take this opportunity to educate yourself, so that you may better educate your students, families, friends, and acquaintances. With the current resurgence of political actions on a global scale that target women’s rights, specifically their reproductive rights, the conversation related to gender inequity continues to remain vital.

Because of Dr. Smith

THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER by Carson McCullers

Taking the time to read Carson McCullers’ THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER was an important reminder for me of how our relationships as educators are capable of offering long lasting impacts on students’ reading. I initially picked up this novel after seeing it in a bookstore and being reminded of my first year as an undergrad student when my English professor, Dr. Smith, included McCullers’ The BALLAD of the SAD CAFÉ (another worthwhile read) in our course syllabus. I had really enjoyed reading The BALLAD of the SAD CAFÉ but had not yet taken the time to read more of McCullers’ work. Going forward, I realized how much my own professors and teachers had influenced both my reading interests, and the variety of literature that I have been exposed to. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the educators that have positively impacted your reading choices thus far, and how you are capable of positively impacting student reading by familiarizing yourself with a greater variety of genres, and incorporating them into your course plans as well as your classroom library. This latest read evoked joy, sadness, and intrigue in a way that only southern gothic literature is capable of. McCullers is dedicated to exposing the depth of pain and compassion present in her characters’ lives as she establishes a plot centered around the lonely Mr. Singer. Members of the early twentieth century community in Georgia are drawn to Mr. Singer as they seek his silent wisdom in response to their queries and woes. Unknowingly, Mr. Singer brings together members of his community with his kindness. As with all southern gothic there is an aspect of the absurd, and a truth that functions to describe the uncomfortable aspects of society we aren’t always willing to address. Novels that address the reality of our world often include sensitive topics, and THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER is no exception. Readers should be aware that the novel details childhood violence, discrimination on the basis of race, the struggle of poverty, death of a loved one, and death by suicide. As an educator I would not introduce this novel into my class in its entirety, but would instead suggest the inclusion of short passages that illustrate characteristics of southern gothic as students are made aware of a growing list of genres and what defines them.

Thank You Grace

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens

This reading recommendation comes with thanks to my friend Grace who encouraged me to read WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING. A novel full of raw emotion that will bring you to tears and also force giggles to bubble from your lips, the story of Kya Clark is one of strength, courage, and determination. Set in the mid to late twentieth century North Carolina coast, the narrative follows Kya Clark while she grows increasingly independent, inventive, adventurous, and as she develops relationships with her surroundings and select neighbours. Throughout the novel there is an air of mystery as readers begin to associate Kya with a recent crime, question her innocence, and ponder what it means to achieve justice. It should be noted that Kya’s narrative includes abuse, assault, and poverty that may be sensitive to some readers. As an educator, the novel asks you to reconsider your personal prejudices and the impact they have on your teaching, as well as your opportunity and ability to positively impact the lives of students who may need you the most. What is more, there is a depth to the scientific information regarding nature presented in this story that is undoubtedly attributable to Delia Owen’s expert knowledge in biology. Whether you introduce this novel to your students, add it to your personal bookshelf, or share it with a monthly book club, it is a must read that will inspire you to re-examine what you constitute to be a worthy read.

a sure-fire read

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE by Celeste Ng

A novel worth all of the hype, Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng offers an immersion in the emotional roller coaster that is teenage life, coupled with intricate mystery and an examination of how we determine identity. Primary characters and mothers, Elena Richardson and Mia Warren lead seemingly opposite lives that encourage readers to question what it means to be happy, and how we set out to achieve that happiness in our lives. Ng’s writing is capable of entertaining even the hardest to reach readers and is a sure recommendation for secondary teachers’ classroom libraries.