BOOKS / AUTHORS - Draft​

 

THERE ARE NO AFFILIATE LINKS

 

These are the actual collection of books that draw me out of the dark.

 

Often, books can be found for free through public libraries.  Another suggestion is to look on YouTube for a read-aloud.  I also recommend going to thrift stores to browse the book sections (usually less than $1 and can often find interesting and uplifting titles).  

​

--------

​

IF I COULD ONLY SUGGEST ONE BOOK to help guide people through life, whether dark or light, it would be:

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse

by Charlie Mackesy

 

This book saved my life - and I am not alone (article).  It is a staple in my Care Kit and I recommend it to everyone, regardless of age or place in life.  

​

---------

​

BOOKS  (underlined for formatting, not links)

To read for free, libraries likely have these books.  There may also be read-alouds online.  Other places to look, at least for quotes from most of these authors/books, are Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter.   I intend to provide reviews and links, but for now, just a list:

​​

Charlie Mackesy - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse  WOW .  This book is full of absolutely incredible and needed wisdom.  A life saver.

​

Nikita Gill - Fierce Fairytales

Nikita Gill - The Girl and the Goddess

Nikita Gill - Wild Embers

Nikita Gill - Great Goddesses : Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters​

​

Kara Cutruzzula - Do It for Yourself (Guided Journal): A Motivational Journal​ - a colorful book with quotes so beautiful, I have to restrain my desire to cut the book to have the sentiments for display/reference.​

​

Liz Climo - desk calendar (it is full of sweet comics!)

​

Patrice Karst - The Invisible String - a sweet book about how we are all connected, always.

​

Maya Angelou - And Still I Rise - brave and inspiring 

​

Sharon Jones - Burn after Writing - a guided journal with a sense of humor and interesting writing prompts 

​

*This website is intended to help you through dark times without any financial pressure, but if you are able to offer support to artists (writers are artists, as are the illustrators), even if not financially at this time, it can help an artist immensely for you to share/like/subscribe/etc.   If you choose to buy any of these, I recommend doing so through an independently owned bookstore instead of a chain retailer, if an option.

​

------

​

​

WRITERS

​

​

Nikita Gill - I first discovered Nikita Gill's poetry shortly after my mom passed away.  Her powerful words saved me from drowning in sadness and grief.  Now, I soak up every word of hers.  Her poetry has since helped move me out of darkness time and time again -- after the loss of my job, the loss of my home, surviving sexual assaults, braving single-motherhood, caring for chronically sick kids, being a target for narcissists, and right now, while living through homelessness.  She has helped open my mind to an unlearning that has helped reshape who I am.   I will be forever grateful.  As such, she has become my favorite author (which says a lot if you knew how much I love to read).  The world would be a better place if everyone had the compassion and understanding of Nikita Gill's poetry.  

​

Truly a lifesaver, Nikita uses her vulnerability to connect with her readers in a way that strengths them both.  Her words often focus on hard-hitting topics that are necessary and timely, and she presents them in a clever style that makes you think.  She has inspired me (and I know I am not the only one) to become empowered, to take charge of my life, to view the world differently, and to no longer remain quiet.  When I became homeless and could only keep with me my most valued treasures, her books made my list without hesitation.  Because of the open space her poetry allows, I have been able to self-reflect and become a stronger person.  In addition to being a brave woman and talented writer and artist, she is an advocate for change.  You can find Nikita on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. 

​