As of this writing, the great majority of Americans, and a very high number of world citizens, have been asked to shelter in place, hunker down, self-isolate.
We’re sheltering in place.
Separated from much of the outside world, many of us feel the need for connections once again. Without those connections, we see increases in worry, stress, restlessness. And a different kind of frustration than most of us have ever experienced.
Maybe we need some good stories.
A lot more stories. And yes, I am serious.
Stories are as old as our DNA. Whether through cave drawings or storytellers, on parchment, paper, or digital form, story is built into who we are.
Throughout all of human history, there is story; In every war, every government, every tragedy and triumph, we have shared our stories. They are as grand as the origin of the universe, and as trivial as a child’s first words.
Why?
Because we need story. Stories tell us who we are, and give focus to who we want to be. They help us make sense of this sometimes crazy, mixed-up life, and provide a little crazy mix-up when life becomes dull and troublesome. Through story, we organize our thoughts, hold faith in our dreams, and experience our emotions.
Stories are all at once windows, bridges, and mortar in the foundations of our identities, even our humanity. They are the way we connect to others, in a time when we need connections so much.
If you are feeling isolated/lonely/bored/stressed/frustrated/irritable, it might be a sign that you need story.
Find a book to read, with your family, or by yourself.
If the story you want to read isn’t nearby, then create it. Pick up a pen and write.
With that in mind, you might be aware of these amazing stories that either came out in this last week. If you choose to purchase any of these (and I hope you will!) please buy from your local indie bookstore. Keep your dollars in your own community.
PICTURE BOOKS
FROG BOOTS by Jill Esbaum and Joshua Heinsz (March 31). There’s only one thing Dylan wants: frog boots But what happens when this little boy discovers they’re meant for . . . girls?
PLAY LIKE AN ANIMAL by Maria Gianferrari and Mia Powell (April 7).A celebration of all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf.
A BOOK FOR ESCARGOT by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson (April 7). Follow a funny and charming French snail through a library to find the book of his dreams.
MARIE CURIE AND THE POWER OF PERSISTANCE by Karla Valenti and Annalisa Beghelli (April 7). Meet Marie Curie. Famous physicist, chemist, and… superhero?
MIDDLE GRADE
THIEVES OF WEIRDWOOD (April 7) by 2020 Newbery Honor Winner Christian McKay Heidicker. Arthur and Wally are young thieves who are thrust into a magical order that protects the balance between the real and imaginary worlds.
NO FIXED ADDRESS (April 7) by Susin Nielsen. Felix doesn’t want anyone to know his family is living out of a van. When he gets the chance to audition for a game show, it could save his family, or make everything much worse.
ALSO, as a side-note, if you order any of my books through my local indie, THE KING’S ENGLISH BOOKSHOP, through April 17, 2020, you will receive a swag pack in the mail AND be entered to win an ARC of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM (Ascendance Series Book 4)
17 Comments
So agree with you that stories matter, and good ones can help deal with these challenging times. I’m reading a lot these days, and it’s really helping. I just bought the first two books in your Traitors Game series to re-read before reading your newest book in the series so I’ll remember the story better.
Hope your family and you stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Natalie. Stay safe.
Yes, I agree so much with what you said. We need stories. That’s why I’ve been reading a lot since I’ve been stuck at home.:) It helps tremendously. I’ve also been writing.
Awesome – keep going!
This is so inspiring! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this post! I ordered “The Traitor’s Game” from that bookstore because I’d been meaning to buy it anyway. I also loved all these recommendations and I’m planning on reading some of the middle grade ones. I can’t wait for “The Captive Kingdom” to come out, I’m so excited!!!
Thanks, Audrey!
And that story that has really helped me during this has been the Mark of the Thief trilogy. It makes me happier when I know I can go read it any time I want. It’s my second time reading them and I forgot how much I love them. Thank you so much!!
Thank you, Katie!
I love what you say about writing and books!
That really inspired me to read! If we can’t order from The King’s English, is there another way we can enter to win an arc of The Captive Kingdom? I’m so excited!
Hi Gabrielle – Starting in another month, I’ll be doing some giveaways, and there will be a contest this Friday on my blog for a book giveaway as well!
I ordered The False Price from The Kings English Bookshop on April 7 and it can in last Saturday. I am so excited to reread the book! Is there a date we expect the swag pack to come? I am really excited!
The swag pack didn’t come with it? Hmm, I’ll have to look into that.
I bought the paper-back addition, maybe that has something to do with it?
Yeah, maybe, but that still shouldn’t make a difference.
That’s so true. Stories matter. I’ve been reading a whole bunch and find that it’s keeping me sane. I think the only reason why my family hasn’t gone mad yet is because we read stories together as a family. I like what you said about connection. It’s all true.
Stay safe and keep reading!