I’ve been trying to read more since November of last year. In doing so, I’ve found some common themes through the books that have stuck with me, even though they’re from rather distant topics.
Again and again, I found myself drawn to stories and guides rooted in transformation of people, of landscapes, and of the quiet rebellions that shape both. Whether through dragon fire, family roots, or the mossy trail beneath my feet, each book whispered something about renewal, resistance, and the joy of connecting. I think these books serve well as a call to action on persistence in the face of an overwhelming dystopia.
📘 When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
In a 1950s America where women spontaneously transform into dragons, this speculative novel explores female rage, liberation, and the societal suppression of women’s power. Through the eyes of Alex Green, the story delves into the aftermath of the “Mass Dragoning” of 1955, challenging the norms of a world that wants to keep women small.
I read most of this book in the week following the election and I cried quite a bit. It was a hard read in that context. In my book club we discussed our desire to be able to “dragon” to solve our society’s problems. I don’t think that this book will change anyone’s mind about patriarchal systems, but I think it’s a poignant read nonetheless.
📗 The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
This multigenerational saga follows the Trueba family through love, loss, and political upheaval in a Latin American country. Blending magical realism with historical events, Allende’s novel examines the personal and political forces that shape a family’s destiny.
There is a heavy focus on the Patriarchy and the ways in which it harms the family and even their Patriarch himself. I found it more uplifting than When Women Were Dragons. If you enjoyed Little, Big and One Hundred Years of Solitude I would say this reads very similarly, but it centers the women in the story more so then men.
🍒 The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In this lyrical meditation, Kimmerer invites readers to reimagine our economic systems through the lens of nature’s generosity. Drawing inspiration from the serviceberry tree, which freely shares its fruit with all, she explores the concept of a gift economy rooted in reciprocity and community. Combining Indigenous wisdom with ecological insights, the book offers a vision of abundance grounded in relationships and mutual care.
This was the most encouraging non-fiction book of all of my reading. It did address the difficulty of The Tragedy of the Commons, but ultimately landed in optimism and a call for everyone’s better nature to prevail over short-sighted selfishness.
📙 A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
In a world where robots gained self-awareness and disappeared into the wilderness, a tea monk named Dex encounters a robot named Mosscap, who seeks to understand humanity. This gentle sci-fi tale explores purpose, consciousness, and the essence of being.
This is one of my new favorite novels. The dedication is “For anybody who could use a break.” and I feel like the book accomplishes that need. It was both a lovely break from the current reality we’re all facing, and it was a hopeful north star to point to the possibility of better days ahead.
📕 Party Discipline by Cory Doctorow
Set in a near-future dystopia, this novella follows a group of activists who challenge corporate and governmental control through subversive parties. Doctorow’s story is a sharp commentary on surveillance, autonomy, and the power of collective acton.
If you’re looking for a cyberpunk style story about making Good Trouble, I feel like this is a good short dive in.
🌿 Pacific Northwest Foraging by Douglas Deur
This practical guide introduces readers to the edible plants of the Pacific Northwest, offering identification tips, harvesting guidelines, and preparation methods. It’s an invitation to connect with the land and rediscover the natural abundance around us.
As someone who didn’t grow up in this area, this book and the guide to Native Plants below have been especially helpful in planning out our garden.
An extensive reference for gardeners and landscapers, this encyclopedia provides detailed information on native plants of the Pacific Northwest, promoting sustainable and ecologically friendly gardening practices.
My copy now has about 25 scraps of paper scrawled with scientific names sticking out of it, labeling which plants I’d like to add to our garden.
🥾 50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington by Wendy Gorton
This is a lovely guide that transforms the Pacific Northwest’s trails into enchanting adventures for families with young explorers. With 50 hikes under four miles and gentle elevation gains, it’s tailored for little legs and exhausted parents. Each entry offers clear directions, maps, and insights into local flora and fauna, including activities like a nature scavenger hunt based on the expected sights along a trail.
We took a detour to Hug Point two weekends ago based on the recommendation of this book, and it was the highlight of our trip. My daughter gently poked sea anemones and a small crab crawled right up to me while we walked the trail hugging the coast.
This anthology gathers Solarpunk stories, essays, and art that envision optimistic futures rooted in sustainability, community, and harmony with nature. It’s a hopeful exploration of how humanity might thrive in the face of environmental challenges. There are political essays next to guides on how to serve your own website and everything in between.
I appreciate this one because it, along with other Solarpunk works like A Psalm for the Wild-Built are hopeful in the face of a bleak landscape of consumerism and apathy. This book lays out a better path forward and reminds readers that every step towards that path is valuable and worth the effort.
as the monks say in Psalm for the Wild-Built.
Em Nouveau 