Hiya, I spent 12 years of my life as a bookseller so you’d think I have this shit on lock, but I have no idea what to read.
I feel like self-help is particularly difficult because so much of it is generalized, but it’s meant to be generalized. It’s led me on this fruitless search to find something that speaks to me and might actually help.
Context: had my first (unexpected, humiliating) bipolar episode in 2022 at the age of 33, was hospitalized, and basically haven’t been the same since. Lost everything: my job, my apartment, my friends. Spent an entire year in isolation. Moved to a new city with my partner while he gets his doctorate, and I hate it here. Struggling with being present, connecting with others, and making the most of where I’m at despite being chronically dissatisfied. Doing better now. I’m functioning (on meds, in therapy), but still feeling stuck.
TLDR; I’m stuck in my depression, starting over in a new city (I’m homesick and lonely), and I have a shitload of grief.
What should I read? Both fiction/non-fiction are greatly welcome!
by DanielleSpiel
1 Comment
When I’m struggling, I like comfort reads.
For me, that means children’s books, especially funny ones like the Wayside School series.
I also settle into cookbooks and quiet books more. I really like Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin. It’s a sweet, light memoir about cooking and writing, and it includes some recipes. It’s subtly humorous, as well.