by Mira Eagan
I try to take time each day to get away from my phone. Whether I go on a walk, hang out with friends, or journal, I notice that these moments improve my mental health. Recently I’ve gotten into reading. But, I don’t know what books are good to read. So, I decided to make a book of the month guide. Hopefully, this will help you to read or check out new books!
February
In bell hooks’ book, “All About Love,” she takes us on a deeply personal journey of finding love for herself, those around her, and her romantic partners. She explores the question, “What is love?” hooks touches on societal standards for women and the failure to provide a model for learning to love. A perfect read for a month celebrating love.
March
New York Best time seller Eckhart Tolle writes about the power of living in the now in his book “Stillness Speaks.” I enjoyed this book because it reminds me to enjoy every moment in life. This book is a relaxing read with a great message behind it.
April
“The Bell Jar,” written by Sylvia Path, follows a college student who dreams of becoming a poet. She is accepted to a summer internship in New York City. In this semi-autobiographical book, Path takes the readers on a gripping journey of struggles with identity and societal norms.
May
“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne explains the law of attraction, which breaks down that positive energy and thoughts bring positive things into your life. This novel changed my life after implementing its teachings into my everyday life.
June
In Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel “Normal People,” the readers follow Marianne and Connell as they partake in a relationship roller coaster. Rooney brings to life the struggles of finding yourself and how it translates into personal relationships. After you finish the novel, you can watch the short series on Hulu.
July
The minute I started reading the book “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” I couldn’t put it down. Taylor Jenkins-Reid brings the readers on a fantastic journey of drama, celebrities, fashion, and hidden secrets of the entertainment industry. I fell in love with every character, and I would do anything to read it for the first time again.
August
“Thousand Splendid Suns” was written by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The readers follow Mariam, a teenager from Herat who is forced to marry a shoemaker from Kabul. The plot follows her on a profoundly personal journey experiencing a family tragedy, war, and violence.
September
Written by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women” is a classic. This coming-of-age novel follows the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. I loved this book because I could resonate with the characters through their journeys of finding themselves. After you read the book, you can watch one of the live-action movies. I recommend watching the 2019 film with Timothée Chalamet.
October
I pick up Gillian Flynn’s novel “Gone Girl” every October. This thriller follows Nick Dunne after his wife mysteriously disappears. I recommend watching the film!
November
If you want to take a walk on the wild side, read “Girl Interrupted,” a best-selling 1993 memoir by American author Susanna Kaysen. The story follows a young woman diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder in a psychiatric hospital. Before reading, make sure you are entirely comfortable reading this book because it has many dark themes.
December
American feminist author Marylin French wrote “The Women’s Room” set in the 1950s. The story follows Mira Ward; I read this book because we have the same name, but with that aside, this book is an excellent read. We follow Mira as she dismantles the patriarchy and goes on a journey of finding herself.
January
My favorite on this list is “My Year of Rest and Relaxation,” written by Ottessa Moshfegh. Set in New York City in 2000, the narrator takes us on a journey of becoming addicted to sleeping pills in an attempt to sleep for an entire year. In a satirical novel, we follow her mental health journey that makes viewers want to sleep for a whole year along with the protagonist.
I hope you find joy in all of these novels. It is essential to make time for yourself, and reading has been a great way outlet to help me improve my mental health.
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