Kahani’s Bookshelf Pg. 3
It’s been a minute since we talked about books, but we’re back to appreciating what’s been on our bookshelves, and what’s been on our minds lately. In our previous book recommendation blogs, we talked a lot about love, about life, and about the way the world works. The previous books brought me some sense of comfort, and made me feel seen. This time, I thought we’d dive into a few books that have pushed me to think outside of my own comfort zone.
Here we go!
1. My Body by Emily Ratajkowski. This book had been on my “To Read” list for a very, very long time. I finally picked it up at my local bookstore, and I devoured it in a couple of days. This book truly destroyed many of the biases I (unfortunately) realized I had unknowingly. Emily discusses many topics that we’re aware of, but don’t bother dissecting to this level. From body image, to sexuality, to feeling empowering through sexuality, appearance, the way our world perceives beauty, to sexism, to misogyny, and more. This book is a must read.
2. Midnight’s Borders by Suchitra Vijayan. I picked up this incredible read when I was in Chennai in 2022. Again, I gobbled this one up within a couple of days. Suchithra’s remarkable journey through the borders of India is documented with such incredible detail, analysis, memory, and storytelling skills. Suchitra notes the struggles of living between borders, the conflicts that arise, and all that people suffer through for the sake of political and geographical power. Please give this book a read - it is eye-opening, and forces you to think about your own opinions about migration and our own neighbors across the borders, wherever they may be around the world.
3. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. This book and author need no introduction. If you have not read Vuong’s work yet, please do. I found myself crying at multiple points during this book, overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil, but also by Vuong’s powerful words. This book is heart-wrenching, yet deeply poetic at the same time. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous made me want to hold everyone in my life close to me, and ensure that people I love know that I love them.
4. Who is Wellness For? By Fariha Róisín. Fariha’s research, work, and strength behind writing this book is truly admirable. This book discusses what wellness means for individuals of colors, how wellness is perceived, understood, and practiced in the West. Fariha thoughtfully lets the reader in on the commodification and appropriation of “wellness”, making us question everything we know about how we take care of ourselves, where practices come from, and how to make wellness accessible for all.
