Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Books are a wonderful resource to learn about metal health support strategies, as well as glean insight from others who have struggled in the same way we may be struggling currently. Our Psychology, Memoir and Wellness section have many such titles (a sampling linked here), but for today’s blog post, we wanted to talk about those books we turn to for escape and comfort. Perhaps they’re funny, or soothing, or transport us to another place and time. Of course, these types of books won’t apply a magic “fix” to any mental health struggles, but can perhaps be a tool in our arsenal.
Ally’s Picks
If you’re needing a mental health boost this month, you must listen to Happy Go Lucky by David Sedaris. We’re so stoked to be hosting him in the store on May 31st. There’s still time to buy a book and come out for the book signing line. I listened to this collection while gardening and highly recommend the combination of sunshine and his hilarious essays!
There’s something so soothing about the Penguin Clothbound Classics editions. A comfort read I always turn to is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, but it’s gotta be the clothbound edition! I love the feel of those books, the sound of turning the pages, the smell. They’re just an amazing sensory experience in addition to having the best introductions and footnotes. Right now I’m reading Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. I watched the recent Netflix adaptation and ugh. Just so good! So beautiful! Lush! Embodied! Horny! I had to read the book after seeing it, I can’t believe I hadn’t already. The penguin clothbound edition has an introduction by Doris Lessing, which is just so so good!
I also always have a stack of emotional support garden books at hand. Gardening in all forms is a big part of my mental health toolkit, and I’ve found a really gorgeous glossy gardening book helps me regulate, relax.
Athena’s Picks
Social Engagement by Avery Carpenter Forrey
Funny and relatable in an all-too realistic way - picture the unputdownable-ness of Emily Henry without the romantic happy ending. It perfectly encapsulates the mental toll of a relationship that has lasted for longer than is probably healthy for either person involved.
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
Picture watching your favorite cozy feel-good movie… while sitting in your therapist's office. It’s so wholesome and adorable while making you reflect on what it means to be human and what makes a life worth living, especially when you feel stuck in a daily repeat.
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin
Call me twisted because this book made me laugh out loud over how insanely relatable it is. If you have ever dealt with “fun” (emphasis on the quotations) intrusive thoughts, let me introduce you to your next read that will not make you feel alone.
Kim’s Picks
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Whenever the state of the world gets me down I pick up this much loved favorite to escape for a bit in the action, romance, and found family all perfectly balanced.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Banner
We're not going to talk about how many times I've already reread this 2022 release or how I cry just as hard every time I pick up this magical fantasy and get lost in the world Banner created.
Rachel’s Picks
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston- McQuiston writes in their author note that they thought of this book in early 2016, but following the event of late 2016, they weren’t sure they could ever write it. Thankfully they did, partially as a means of escape for themselves, because it is my go-to comfort book to escape the world. More than just a romance, I identify greatly with Alex - his late life identity discovery, his anxiety, his search to stay grounded and what it means to have a home. On my most recent re-read (I think the 6th time through?) I was still up until 2am reading it, and I’m always sad when I have to return to the real reality and leave this one.
Nicole’s Picks
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Lawson writes about her mental illness with humor and heart, frustration and determination. And she has funny anecdotes for days! If you’re an audio fan, check it out on Libro.fm, she does her own narration & it’s excellent!
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
Look, picture books aren’t just for kids. When I’m really down, I reach for this cheery picture book about finding your people & being yourself no matter your surroundings.
I’m So Happy You’re Here by Liz Climo
Any of Liz Climo’s adorable animal cartoons are sure to brighten my day, and this little pep talk in a book is often just the pick-me-up I need.
Melissa’s Picks
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
This British protagonist suffers from mental illness, exacerbated by the unraveling of her marriage, but her exaggerated pessimism about nearly everything is delivered with infectious, laugh-out-loud charm, while her vulnerability nudges us to consider our own fallacies around marriage, motherhood, and sisterhood in a way that feels immensely liberating.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Listening to Tina Fey read her autobiographical essays is every bit the smile you’d expect it to be, though fair warning that her mishap aboard a cruise ship might cause you to accidentally swerve into traffic, if you’re listening while in the car
Su’s Picks
You're Doing Great!: And Other Reasons to Stay Alive by Tom Papa
The title is self explanatory and so true! Tom Papa brings his signature comedic style to his storytelling as he hilariously talks about what it’s like being a middle-aged girl dad who just wants to bake bread and be content. We’re all doing our best and that’s more than enough.
Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda
A delightfully whimsical collection of Japanese folklore retellings where humans live side by side with service-providing spirits. The perfect small bites of joy for when you don’t have time or energy for a full-length book.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is laugh out loud funny while ultimately super heartwarming and uplifting. A bank robbery gone wrong turns into an accidental hostage situation with a group of very anxious people (including the robber), but somehow you’ll finish this book being reminded how far kindness can go, and what it means to give and receive second chances.
When making my list, I also continued to come up with books that brought me comfort not because they boosted my serotonin, but because they made me feel seen and that I wasn’t alone in my experiences. You can see more about those books here.
Amanda’s Pick
"The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life" by Laurie Notaro
Notaro is hands down one of my favorite humor writers. I have ALL her books. Laugh out loud, nostalgic, and definitely the laugh I need when reading about her early 20's shenanigans.
While it’s no surprise our team seeks solace and support for our mental health, members of the team recently decompressed by painting together at Paint This! Unsurprisingly, we did talk about books, but the time together (and the ice cream afterwards) was a lovely time of togetherness. Be gentle with yourself, this month and always, book friends.
