Healing takes time—a lesson I’m coming to understand, slowly but surely. Amid tears, moments of sadness, flashes of anger, and countless long walks, I’ve realised that my healing isn’t just physical. My tribe could tell you that much. Along the way, I stumbled upon an unexpected ally: reading.
There are only so many walks you can take, laps you can swim, or dishes you can do before the mind craves something more—a connection, a sense of purpose, or even just a spark of joy. Reading became that for me.
At first, it was just a way to escape. I’d steal moments to read, even if it was just a page or two. Those little wins felt like progress when everything else seemed out of control. Over time, reading became more than an escape—it became a lifeline. It helped me regain focus, find joy, and stay grounded in the midst of uncertainty.
Books connected me to new ideas, different perspectives, and—most importantly—a sense of normalcy. Even when the mental fog made it hard to concentrate, I stuck with it. Slowly but surely, they reminded me of the power of connection.
This morning, I completed my 104th book of 2024, wrapping up my Goodreads Reading Challenge—a tradition I’ve cherished since my daughter was born in 2008. I know there’s one day left, but tomorrow I’ll be off the grid. I am going bush.I won’t have the chance to add to the list. This feels like a metaphor for Andrew 2.0. In the past, I’d be reading up to midnight, chasing numbers, competing with myself. Now, that competitive edge has softened. Andrew 2.0 is more chilled.
Still, the rules remain: rereads do not count, no study-related material, just pure joy. Here are my top 5 reads from this year (in no particular order):
“The Life of Dai” by Dai Henwood – A memoir full of humour and resilience, offering a deeply personal and inspiring perspective.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot – A gripping exploration of ethics, science, and humanity, shining a light on untold histories.
“The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” by Daniel James Brown – This powerful story of teamwork and triumph against the odds reminded me of the strength found in perseverance.
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom – A heartwarming reflection on meaning and connection, offering comfort during moments of introspection.
“The Book of Fame” by Lloyd Jones – A celebration of achievement, cultural identity, and storytelling that resonated deeply with my love for finding meaning in the collective human experience.
This year’s reading list feels like a time capsule of my personal journey. These five books, in particular, reflect a year of resilience, rediscovery, and connection. From humour and personal growth to untold histories and stories of collective triumph, they’ve mirrored the ups and downs of my own recovery and the small victories I’ve celebrated along the way.Highly Commended:
“Somehow” by Anne Lamott
“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
“There’s a Cure for This” by Emma Espiner
Favourite Re-read:
“Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts” by Josie Shapiro
I once read that you don’t need a recipe to lose yourself in a book—a comfort, really, as recipes have never been my strength. Books have been steadfast companions on this winding path, guiding me through the ache of loss with their quiet wisdom and offering brief yet vital moments of escape. They’ve taught me that healing is rarely straightforward, and even in the hardest moments, there’s a quiet beauty in connection and the shared stories that remind us we’re not alone.
Happy reading, and happy holidays!