5 Inspirational Reads to Nurture Your Empathy
They may transport you into an alternate reality
Words have unprecedented power. They can make us feel a myriad of emotions, or transport us to a far off place or time.
If you enjoy living vicariously, you’ll enjoy these works of fiction.
These books were captivating. It was hard to put them down. When I absolutely had to, I often thought about the characters.
I have been a fiction reader. About a decade ago, I caught the self improvement bug, so I started reading non-fiction more. However, I still appreciate a good fiction now and then.
These books were some of the best fiction I read during the pandemic.
While looking for inspiration, these books will come handy. So take your time to indulge.
‘City of Girls’ by Elizabeth Gilbert (Pub. 2019)
It’s a vivid portrayal of the 1940s New York City. The central character is a lady by the name of Vivian Morris. She is a young woman who moves to the city and becomes immersed in the vibrant theater scene.
To be honest, I didn’t like New York City when i visited it, but I fell in love with the surreal way the author described it here.
Favorite quote
Let us not become so cautious that we forget to live — Elizabeth Gilbert
Takeaways
- Embrace your individuality. Vivian acknowledges that one’s past doesn’t define their future.
- Embrace self-acceptance. Throughout the story, Vivian reflects on her past and forgives herself and others for mistakes.
- Our relationships transform us. The book explores the profound impact relationships have on an individual’s life. Vivian’s relationships shape her experiences and growth.
- Hedonism is alluring, but you need to understand it’s consequences. The novel portrays a bohemian lifestyle prevalent in the theater world of 1940s New York. It explores excitement, freedom, and consequences of indulging in excess and prioritizing pleasure.
- Women faced many more challenges on the personal and professional front back then. This was due to the shifting societal expectations.
‘How to Pronounce Knife: Short Stories’ by Souvankham Thammavongsa (Pub. 2020)
The stories share experiences of Laotian immigrants and their families in Canada. It’s a poignant and intimate portrayal of the immigrant experience.
It stood out for me because it was real, like it was happening next door. Also, it’s relatable as an Indian living abroad.
Favorite quote
Sometimes people have a way of looking at you that makes you feel you have to explain yourself. ― Souvankham Thammavongsa
Takeaways
- Understand the challenges of assimilation into a new country. Characters search for a sense of belonging, while navigating complexities of forging an identity.
- The stories delve into conflicts between parents and children because of the cultural differences. It’s delicate to balance traditionality with independence and self-expression.
- Despite the difficulties the characters encounter, they adapt, persevere, and find moments of joy and connection.
- Many stories touch upon themes of loss and longing. The characters yearn for a sense of home, a connection to their cultural roots, and the opportunity to realize their dreams.
- The language barriers and the expectation to speak English is a common struggle. This is shown to create both barriers and opportunities for individuals.
‘Between Two Kingdoms’ by Suleika Jaouad (Pub. 2021)
The book chronicles Jaouad’s journey of battling leukemia and finding purpose after her recovery.
This one left me speechless and inspired. The emotional toll of the disease and yet the capacity for growth in the circumstances.
I’m glad the author found the courage to pen down her experience as it makes for a rich reading.
Favorite quote
The power of the story is to heal and to sustain. And if we are brave enough to tell our own story, we realize we’re not alone, again and again. ― Suleika Jaouad
Takeaways
- The resilience of your spirit carries you through tough times. Jaouad shares her journey of enduring physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
- The memoir explores how illness can be a catalyst for personal transformation. Jaouad reflects on how her diagnosis and treatment forced her to reevaluate her priorities. She confronted her fears and loneliness and discovered what mattered.
- Throughout her journey, Jaouad emphasizes the role of community and support. She shares the impact of the compassionate people who stood by her side, offering love and support.
- The book explores the complexities of survivorship. Jaouad deals with survivor’s guilt and the challenge of reintegrating into society. Her story sheds light on the often unspoken struggles faced by survivors and the ongoing need for support.
- The author shares her journey of learning to appreciate small joys and finding beauty in uncertainty. This is an essential reminder, as many of us find it difficult despite being overall healthy.
- Jaouad highlights the power of using your voice to raise awareness, advocate for change, and support others with her personal examples.
‘Educated’ by Tara Westover (Pub. 2018)
The memoir covers Westover’s journey from an abusive household in rural Idaho to her pursuit of education and self-discovery.
The insight into the search for personal truth, and the complexities around reconciling your past and present were eye-opening. It was not for the faint-hearted.
Favorite quote
My life was narrated for me by others. Their voices were forceful, emphatic, absolute. It had never occurred to me that my voice might be as strong as theirs. ― Tara Westover
Takeaways
- The central theme is the transformative power of education. Despite growing up without formal schooling, the author’s determination to learn lead her to pursue education. This enables her to challenge existing beliefs and empower her to shape her destiny.
- Westover explores the complexities of her relationships with parents and siblings. The memoir delves into the dynamics of abuse, manipulation, and loyalty which can exist within a family. To break away from ingrained familial patterns requires enormous courage.
- Westover’s memoir sheds light on the impact of trauma and the resilience required to overcome it. She shares her experiences of physical and emotional abuse, as well as the effects it had on her well-being.
- Westover shows the power of empathy and compassion. She reflects on the kindness she received from individuals along her journey. The book reminds readers of the impact they can have on others through empathy.
‘Sputnik Sweetheart’ by Haruki Murakami (Pub. 1999)
The story follows the life of an unnamed narrator infatuated with a woman named Sumire. Sumire, an aspiring writer, falls in love with an older woman named Miu.
What made it unique for me is you want to keep going into this world of unrequited love hoping for the best.
Favorite quote
In the world we live in, what we know and what we don’t know are like Siamese twins, inseparable, existing in a state of confusion. ― Haruki Murakami
Takeaways
- It explores the bittersweet nature of relationships. Especially the yearning for the unattainable.
- The relation between the real world and dream sequences is well-integrated and adds to its allure.
- The key characters struggle with self-identity, which offers parallel insights.
The stories of a bygone era, a cancer patient recovery, a hopeless lover, an abuse victim and immigrants will offer new perspectives. Some of you may find them serious, but you won’t find them boring.
If you have read none of these, I can’t help feel a little jealous. You have so much to look forward to, my friend :)
If you have, I’d love to know what stood out for you in these enlightening works of art.
You use a glass mirror to see your face. You use works of art to see your soul. — George Bernard Shaw
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