Hello friends,
I am writing to you from the desk in my office, right by three large bay windows. Snow is falling in Philadelphia, and we’re preparing for a winter storm this weekend. All this week, I’ve been thinking about the books that help me hold space for myself and the many questions I have, and I want to share just a few of those with you.
So here’s a list of 10 books that I’ve read that somehow speak to liminal spaces in one way or another:
Welcome Home by Najwa Zebian
This is a gorgeous book about learning to find home in ourselves, and I’d recommend it to everyone.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
This beautiful, raw book traces the journey of Suleika throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment, and into the daily, difficult terrain of trying to find and heal ourselves when we’ve been through so much.
Native: Identity, Belonging & Rediscovering God by Kaitlin Curtice
My own book, released in 2020, is about my own journey of understanding spirituality and identity, and how they intertwine.
You Are the Medicine by Asha Frost
Pre-order this incredible book by Indigenous author Asha Frost! Asha uses the cycles of the moon to lead us to loving and knowing ourselves better. This book is a true gift.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
I could say so much about liminal space and boundaries! This book is really helpful for people who are wondering what boundaries are and why we need them. There is a lot of inner work to be done for our own healing, and this book is so helpful to get us there.
You Are Revolutionary by Cindy Wang Brandt
This is a beautiful children’s book that simply meets us all where we are at. Cindy is a gift, and her words made me cry the first time I read them to my kids. Get it for the kids in your life, and yes, get it for yourself, too, you little revolutionary.
Half Baked Harvest cookbooks by Tieghan Gerard
Yes, a cookbook! For people like me who are experimenting with how to eat with food sensitivities, Tieghan’s recipes are so helpful. Some are healthier than others, but they are delicious, and the perfect place to get started in navigating some new territory with food.
This is Real and you are Completely Unprepared by Rabbi Alan Lew
What a beautiful book this is. Rabbi Alan Lew writes from deep wisdom and kindness, and also simply calls out to our own humanness in these pages. I think you’ll love it.
See No Stranger Valerie Kaur
Another book that calls out to the humanity in us, calling us toward love and solidarity. There is so much nuance, hurt, and even joy in the journey of loving one another well, and Valerie isn’t afraid to delve right in.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Another children’s book, told from the perspective of Indigenous water protectors and all those who fight for Mother Earth. Living in an embodied, connected way leads us to a lot of liminal space, and yet, we find our passion there. I love this book, and I know you will, too.
And now your turn! What books are you reading lately that help you hold liminal space? Let us know in the comments!
Have a great weekend!
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Onward, friends, together.
At the Center of All Beauty by Fenton Johnson. I read this a couple years ago; it came out right as the pandemic shut everything down. It felt in a way like it was written just to me to help me come to understanding parts of myself in such a way that, in celebrating it, it often feels like I am revealing more about myself than I prefer to.
https://bookshop.org/books/at-the-center-of-all-beauty-solitude-and-the-creative-life/9780393541441