lady.livresque

...When a war breaks out, people say ‘It’s too stupid, it can’t last long.’ But though a war may well be ‘too stupid,’ that doesn’t prevent its lasting. Stupidity has a knack of getting its way, as we should see if we were not always so much wrapped up in ourselves.

...A pestilence isn’t a thing made to man’s measure. Therefore we tell ourselves that pestilence is a mere bogey of the mind, a bad dream that‘ll pass away. But it doesn’t always pass away, and from one bad dream to another, it’s men who pass away; and the humanists first of all, because they haven’t taken their precautions.”

-Albert Camus

(The Plague)

When we were talking about books today, I have to admit I nerded out a little bit lol. BUT I wanted to share a few things, if you’re interested. I fully understand if you’re not into reading or don’t have time because you’re still studying! Reading for fun is something I wish I had made more time for during nursing school, because it really is satisfying reading something that interests you but isn’t mandatory lol.

Goodreads is a cool app to keep track of books you read, write reviews, follow authors, and find new books to read. I’ve been using it for several years now and it’s pretty handy.

My local library gives cardholders the option to check out physical books from multiple branches (if the one you want to go to doesn’t have it, they’ll have it on hold for you within a couple days usually) or you can download the Libby app and read them on your phone/iPad/computer. There are a ton of audiobooks too! The coolest part, though, is that if you want a book that none of the branches have, you can request a book on their website. Most books I’ve asked for have been purchased by the library! So awesome 👏 - it’s like getting a free book, that other people get to read when I’m done!!!

Feminist Book Club is one of my favorite new podcasts. There’s also an actual monthly book club you can subscribe to, but I like listening to the weekly podcast because the founder/host Renee interviews all different women authors. One of my favorite reads so far has been The Farm. Each chapter is written from the perspective of a different woman, all of whom are somehow related within the larger storyline. It’s almost futuristic without being too dystopian (more realistic); several of the characters live on a beautiful farm while they carry, as surrogate mothers, the future children of their clients - extremely wealthy customers willing to pay top dollar to ensure the young mothers have only the best diets, healthcare, housing, and amenities. My favorite part of the novel, though, is it's beautiful portrayal of Filipino Americans, including work ethics, family ties, and making the ultimate sacrifices.