I’ve probably been shaped more by fiction than nonfiction over the years, simply because I read more of it. But the older I get, the more I find I…don’t hate nonfiction? Surprise! And of course these are not the only nonfiction books that have ever changed my life. They’re just foremost in my mind at the moment.
Also I want to be very clear: these aren’t just books I think about a lot. They have literally altered the way I think about and move through the world. That kind of fundamental, noticeable shift doesn’t happen often, so I think it’s worth paying attention to.
Obviously your mileage may vary.
The Lazy Genius Way
Written by my beloved Lazy Genius, Kendra Adachi, this book is meant to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t. Kendra put together thirteen principles that can be mixed and matched an applied in endless different combinations to solve endless different problems.
Almost every day I ask myself The Magic Question: what can I do now to make [fill in the blank] easier later? When I feel overwhelmed with the scale of a decision or project, I remember principle #2 says to Start Small, and principle #11 says Go In the Right Order. Kendra’s voice in my head reminds me to take a breath, reconnect with what really matters to me, and be kind to myself as I go along.
This book lives on a shelf in the living room so it’s always within reach when I need it.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Samin Nosrat’s memoir/cookbook/food guide has completely changed the way I approach cooking. Everything you cook needs all four of those elements to be *chef’s kiss* delicious. This book explains what they do, how they work together, and so many various ways they can be used.
Reading it was like being given the instruction manual for building blocks I’d been playing with for years. I had a general idea how they fit together, but now I feel like I can wield them more masterfully. When a dish doesn’t taste quite right, I add salt or acid until it does. When the texture is off, I know I probably need to adjust the heat next time. And I’m embracing all the amazing things fat can do in a dish. It’s like magic, I swear.
This book lives in my kitchen, obviously. I’m probably due for a re-read soon.
The Nature Fix
This is the only book on this list that I don’t (yet) own. In it Florence Williams walks you though plenty of depressing statistics about light pollution and lack of green space and the general noise levels of urban areas. She details the mental and physical toll we experience when we are so far removed from nature. The facts are depressing and discouraging, but not really surprising.
But. The book is not just about why we need nature; it’s about how we can get small doses of nature that make a big impact on our well-being. Just a little time in green spaces makes a huge difference in our health. The more we can get outdoors, away from the bustle of humanity and closer to the quiet majesty of nature, the better. Even just listening to natural sounds, having plants in our homes, or digging in a small garden can be hugely restorative.
So while I don’t have a copy of my own, I think about this book often. When I’m feeling extra cagey, I know it’s probably because I haven’t been outside in a while. I’ve scheduled weekly nature walks with the kids so we all have a couple hours a week to reconnect with the earth: listen to flowing water, look for bunnies, smell some trees, whatever we can do that week. And David and I have tried to prioritize outdoor adventures every few weeks, whether it’s hiking or camping or just driving out somewhere for a picnic.
With limited options for activities during a pandemic, this mindset has been especially helpful. We’re already seeking out safe, socially distant activities anyway! Could we get out more? Absolutely. But any little bit makes an obvious difference.
Which takes me back to The Lazy Genius Way: name what matters and start small. We can do that.
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