good books | Paper Clay Nature

My dear readers, I have suggested in the past that a truly “good read” can’t be all that serious, but I have just read, perhaps, one of the finest books I have ever read and it is, by all definition, a truly dark book. But, since I feel so strongly that it is a beautiful piece of literature that, as dark as it is, ultimately affirms life, so I’m going to recommend it as a “Good Read” anyway. You have been warned!

Title: Stone Upon Stone
Author: Wieslaw Mysliwski
Translated from the Polish by Bill Johnston

Reviews can be found here.

This next recommendation is dark, but the tone of the writing is comedic and it does not feel as heavy as Stone Upon Stone (no pun intended). But, it also stretches the limits of darkness allowable for a truly “good read” and I don’t recommend it for anyone who is sad or currently in a therapeutic process of any sort. No reason to torture yourself, even for a truly excellent novel.

Title: The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine
Author: Alina Bronsky
Translated from the German by Tim Mohr

Reviews can be found here.

Both of these recommended books are available through the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, for those of you who are local to the Burgh! And, the Bronsky book is available as an e-book through the Library as well.

Enjoy!

These recommendations are made by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, Director of Yoga Matrika. Yoga Matrika is an intimate little space in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh for exploring meditation, yoga and movement. You are welcome to join us!

Ever since I could read, I’ve taken great joy in the process. From the selection of the book to finishing the last page, I’m just happiest when I am reading. I tend to read for the sake of reading and am not particularly attached to any one genre. This being said, I take great pleasure in reading novels. There’s something divine about becoming absorbed in the relationships, experiences and processes of other people when you don’t have to worry about the reality of it all.

In both of these novels that I recommend below, the characters struggle with considerable problems and negotiate complicated relationships, but neither are tragic. What I mean to say is, these are not upbeat or funny novels, but they aren’t going to have you crying into your pillow as you fall asleep either. Perhaps that is what makes them perfect reading for this transition from the dark of winter to the lush potential of spring.

I’ve recently checked-out and read two good books from the Carnegie Library here in Pittsburgh (I’m returning them soon so reserve now!) and I thought I would share. Both of these novels are about family in their own unique ways and neither of them have anything to do with yoga, but both receive my Sharon’s fiction picks thumbs up:

The Last Talk with Lola Faye (2010)
Thomas H. Cook

Sacramento Book Review for this book

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
Aimee Bender

Seattle Times Review for this book

These books are suggested by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, an independent yoga and meditation instructor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Teaching schedule and information about private appointments and teacher training programs can all be found at https://www.yogamatrika.com/.

Tag: good books

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