Skip to main content

Re-imagining a pandemic through books - what are you reading?

By Felicia Clark. 

As we all know, Covid-19 put a damper on all of our spring plans, summer plans, and travel endeavors. It changes the most in the spring. I love spring. It reminds me of new beginnings.  We had a new beginning, just not the one everyone hoped for. 

I don't know about you, but I tried everything I could to release my Covid anxiety. All through my timeline I saw, push-up challenges shot challenges, and wine.  Everyone was stocking up on wine. This was completely understandable, right? We can't do ANYTHING, we're losing our minds and our jobs, so let's all just get drunk; and exercise.  

And somehow, there was a race for tissue. Nevermind racing for beans and rice or non-perishables. Folks were running for toilet paper. It was insane. No judgment. Well, maybe a little bit. But, hey, it happens. After the Charmin Olympics ended, there was a level of acceptance. This was around the time a lot of us picked up new hobbies, and further exercised self-care. 

I meditated. And I still do. It works wonders for me. I can’t do without it. I also nestled up to a good book, or two. I am a collector of books. I have hundreds of them. SistaGurls, I have no plans of stopping. Books calm me in a way that television never could. After pushups, a bottle of wine, or two, and becoming one with the universe, I decided to dig into my library and escape.

“Becoming”, by FLOTUS Michelle Obama, was the first book that grabbed me. With being stuck inside and death looming outside, I was more than willing to be taken to a time of before; before Trump, before Covid, before empty toilet paper aisles. The first lady’s knack for storytelling had me completely drawn into the storyline. 

I imagined myself playing with her as a kid. I saw myself sitting at the dinner table with her parents and brother.  I was there mentally when she met Barack Obama.  I shared her wedding day with her. The heartbreak and pain from miscarrying. And later, going on the campaign trail. I felt for her, as she was judged and nitpicked. I was able to transport myself to the moment when she and Barack shared their first dance at the Neighborhood Ball. 

At Last...at last... Every page, bringing me closer and closer to her. Idolizing her more than I already did. And it was in those moments that I spent curled up on my couch, I escaped the pandemic. Through my book. With Mimi, at least for a little while.  As a divorcee, it brought renewed hope that love will come along. The kind that makes you want to cuddle and kiss in front of the fireplace...with a glass of wine. And beans and rice on the stove. And an unlimited supply of toilet paper in the linen closet. 

So…your turn... What are you reading?




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

April Preyar: Unveiling Trials & Triumph Board Game -SG Holiday Gift Guide Feature

Legal Empowerment and Cool Vibes Collide in the Perfect Holiday Gift Hey SistaGurls, Laura Miller here, aka Capt SistaGurl, and I am beyond excited to introduce you to a game-changer in legal education and empowerment. As we dive into the SG Holiday Gift Guide, let's shine a spotlight on April Preyar, the legal luminary behind th revolutionary Trials & Triumph Board Game. Trials & Triumph: A Legal Luminary's Vision: Crafted by the brilliant mind of April Preyar, a 21-year-old criminal defense attorney, Trials & Triumph is more than a game; it's a tool for navigating police encounters and fostering critical thinking, especially in our teens. As Capt SistaGurl, I'm all about empowerment, and this board game is a game-changer in that department. Empowering Critical Thinking in Teens: One of the standout features of Trials & Triumph is its ability to awaken critical thinking in our teens. In a world full of challenges and peer pressures, this game equips the...

The Mary Jane Syndrome

The Mary Jane Syndrome By Kesia King Being labeled a "strong black woman" used to be a badge of honor.  A "strong black woman" takes on every battle life throws her way, while smiling with all thirty-two teeth, wearing 6 inch heels, a brief case on her shoulder, a baby bottle in her right hand a spatula in her left while on the phone listening to someone else's problems, when deep down she knows that she's actually the one that needs to be laying on somebody's couch, airing it all out! It's funny because a couple weeks ago when I threw this particular outfit on, I was dealing with some internal struggles myself.  Now, add in my homemade, bone straight wig, red shoes and matching red clutch, when I looked in the mirror I immediately felt like Mary Jane Paul, from Being Mary Jane!  I can relate to Mary Jane, because on the outside, she always looks like she has it together. If you've watched the show on BET, you know when she walks into a roo...

Boost Your Product-Based Business's Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales with SG Media's Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the colossal shopping events that mark the beginning of the holiday season, are no doubt the busiest and most competitive times for product-based businesses. These days offer an incredible opportunity to boost sales and increase revenue, but the daunting challenge of standing out from the crowd and capturing the attention of potential customers can be overwhelming. That's where SG Media comes in to lend a helping hand.  With over 6 years of marketing and publicity services, SG Media's holiday gift guide offers an affordable solution to ensure your products, books, and services are discovered by eager holiday shoppers. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday Challenge: For product-based businesses, the holiday season can be a make-or-break period. The competitive landscape is fierce, with major retailers, e-commerce giants, and countless other businesses vying for the same customers' attention. This daunting challenge can often lead to frustration an...