Play Book Tag discussion

I have a confession to make friends. I just sped through a book that I know is beautiful and is beloved by everyone. I don't feel great about that. But I admit to being in a mood. I really don't know how much I should say about that. But in this time when our hard fought for democracy is very much at stake, and when our economic prosperity is threatened, our ability to heal the planet from climate emergency is threatened, our rights as women, when education and knowledge is disparaged, I am just having an incredibly tough time this morning, let me tell you. I am feeling like my life is going great, but the looming threat is getting to me. I am praying every day for some kind of a miracle, and trying to figure out what I can do spiritually to make justice, progressive ideals, humanity, and education our top world and country priorities. So, I just could barely get through this. I am sad and scared, and I never thought we would be in this place where we were in Germany before the war, where people could not see what was happening. Where one man who is charasmatic (to some) could destroy a country and the values it was predicated on. Where the very world is at risk. I am in danger of having believed that couldn't and wouldn't happen in the 21st century. So it was hard for me to read about early Afghanistan. I am barely making it through the day.

I know there is some kind of implicit mandate that we shouldn't be political in our reviews and certainly in our discussions. But very soon we are going to be in the place we never dreamed. Where those who spoke out are going to be in danger. I think we have all read books about WWII and have wondered and empathized. Would I have spoken out? Would I have died for my ideals? Would I have tried to hide Jewish families, help with abortions, helped with the underground railway for slaves? Would I have marched? The time has come where we are deciding - are we going to be silent? Or might we have incredible retribution for standing up for what we know to be right. I am doom and gloom right now and have been since last Thursday. Someone needs to find me some light and hope because I am despairing. So until that point that I can pick myself up, I think I cannot read my beloved WWII and holocaust literature. I cannot read about the horrific elements of the past, even if these incredible women were resilient and found something in themselves. Bring on the trash. Bring on the miracles too. That is my plan. Miracles and trash escapist reading. At least for today. Sorry its not the review you wanted. It is indeed the best I can do at the time.

I hear you, Amy. It's a very hard time for our country and around the world, right-wing extremism is on the rise. I'm worried too.

I have taken a breather from watching t.v. news, even though I know that a head in the sand attitude is not a good strategy. It's just a breather and I do still read the NYT.

As per books, "Nothing too heavy" is where I'm at, too.

I agree Amy. Local threats to contraception and no-fault divorce are frighteningly like The Handmaid's Tale. I was supposed to read The Rabbit Hutch for my local library book group. A teenage girl is raped on the first page, then it goes into social/emotional/financial problems of other people in the apartment building. I just said, "I can't read this right now" and turned to some fantasy books.

That feeling you get when you begin a book and think "This isn't going to end well."

Except its not a book.

Dear Amy,
I feel the same way. You are not alone. Books (and other art forms) should be a place to find beauty and meaning in times like this. I want to believe in the goodness of humanity. My own capacity for tolerance seems to be shrinking. Maybe we can all make an effort to share books we've found helpful in this regard.