Dealing with Depression: How Books Became My Remedy

Dealing with Depression: How Books Became My Remedy

This is a post I never thought I would write. I’m usually an expert on suppressing my true feelings, but recently, I’ve been in a constant battle with my emotions. I would burst into tears unsuspectingly, avoid spending time with friends, and hibernate in my room while contemplating the easiest, and most effective way, of hurting myself. Like in most cases, my depression is the result of a traumatic experience I endured near the beginning of this year. I had hoped by now that this devastating pain would just go away, but I’ve realized that rushing my recovery or denying my feelings won’t solve anything. Although it’s recommended to seek professional help when dealing with depression, reading is one of the few things that has helped me to stay afloat.

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My September TBR

I have an embarrassing confession to make. August was not a good reading month for me. I read a total of two books — only two books! Now, before you start thinking that maybe they were two colossal novels, please don’t. That is way too kind of you. They were both under 400 pages. The first book was The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken and the second was Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott. However, I am determined to make sure I put up double digits this month — especially since I plan on reading a few thick books. Without further ado,  here’s my reading list for this month.

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Five Feet Apart Review: grab the tissues now!

Five Feet Apart Review: grab the tissues now!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Seventeen-year-olds, Stella Grant and Will Newman are cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who meet in a hospital where they experience falling in love for the first time while dealing with the uncertainty of their future. Stella’s a rule follower and control freak who is determined to increase her lung functionality in order to be approved for a lung transplant. She is meticulous in taking her medications and treatments, efficiently. Will, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He’s a rule breaker who is tired of medications, treatments, and drug trials, which are often unsuccessful. Since he has also contracted B. cepacia on top of having CF, Will’s goal is to travel the world and live life to the fullest until his very last breath. However, as the two get to know each other, feelings are developed and the physical barriers of remaining six feet apart are tested.

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A Broken Promise Book Haul

At the beginning of this year, I made a promise to myself that I would never set foot in any bookstore until I’ve conquered the mountain-like piles of  “To Be Read” (TBR) books that inhabited my bedroom floor. Had my life depended on me keeping this covenant, I would’ve been dead by now. I have habitually visited my local Barnes and Noble since then, and have walked out with what should’ve been one, but instead, five or more books. Despite the fact that: (1) I probably have too many books at this point, (2) I’m running out of space on my bookshelf, and (3) my bank account is on the verge of depletion,  I give you my “I-shouldn’t-have-bought-these-books-and-am-not-sure-when-I’ll-read-them” book haul with a teeny weeny synopsis! 

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This Middle-Grade Book will have you Sleeping with a Nightlight

“I would say it’s a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness. . . ” –Alastor

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

12-years-old Prosperity –Prosper–, Redding is not like the rest of his famous and ambitious family members. He’s often bullied, doesn’t do well in school, and his relationship with his twin sister, Prue, is drifting even further apart. However, although his family is extremely wealthy and powerful, there’s a dark, hidden secret that is credited to the family’s fame. One of his ancestors made a deal with a demon many years ago for fame and glory in exchange for their souls. Like most contracts, the deal was broken. Now, the demon is hellbent on taking the family down. And Prosper is his first victim. 

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Circe By Madeline Miller

I had begun to know what fear was. What could make a god afraid? I knew that answer, too. A power greater than their own.” – Circe

Circe is an immortal coming of age story about Western literature’s first female witch. Similarly to her debut novel, The Songs of Achilles, Madeline Miller once again creatively explore the second major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. Miller beautifully responds to Homer’s Odyssey by retelling the encounter between the goddess of magic and wily Odysseus after the Trojan War.

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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

My mom did what school didn’t. She taught me how to think.”
– Trevor Noah

Born a Crime is a personal glimpse into Trevor Noah’s life both during and after the apartheid in South Africa. It is also a story about his relationship with his stubborn, courageous, and extremely religious mother who is determined to save him from the cycle of poverty and violence.

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

“There was a vividness to him, even at rest, that made death and spirits seem foolish.” —Patroclus

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of Homer’s “Iliad” which portrays the epic battle between the ancient Kingdom of Troy and Sparta. Madeline Miller, the author of this novel, creatively explores one of the most important events in Greek mythology from the perspective of an often forgettable, but equally vital, player of Achilles’ glory: Patroclus.

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The Wicked King by Holly Black

“You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring. The first lesson is to make yourself that strong. “

It’s been five months since Jude Duarte successfully secured the royal crown of Elfhame onto Prince Cardan’s head, which in turn bounded his loyalty to her for a year and a day. However, holding on to her new power and role as seneschal to the High King is proving to be difficult when Jude learns that someone close to her means to betray her and threaten the lives of everyone she loves. With the political climate of Elfhame growing increasingly dangerous, how will Jude uncover the identity of the traitor, protect those she most dearly cares for and maintain control over The Wicked King?

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