And other dystopian things...
I can confidently say that I have a new favorite book.
How to Fall in Love in a Time of Unnameable Disaster by Muriel Leung has made its way onto my list of favorite books OF ALL TIME. I don’t remember how I discovered this book but I’m so glad I did. I love reading. I read everyday. I read everything. All genres (which makes my TBR absolute chaos). And, while I LOVE tons of books, it’s been ages since I read something that felt like it will forever feel special to me. This book is timely, devastating, gorgeous, and super fucking weird.
This dystopian novel takes place in New York City, now a toxic wasteland thanks to acid rains, and focuses on those living in a single apartment building. There’s ghosts, a headless man named Sad, and (my new, all-time favorite character) a cockroach ghost named Shin. The world is beyond strange, but those elements are woven through the plot so effortlessly that it all feels completely normal.
The truly unnerving elements of the story are the questions the reader (and characters) are faced with. What does grief look like when your loved ones come back as a ghost? What does grief look like when your loved ones DON'T come back as a ghost? What does grief look like if you have to lose them a second time? How do you try and move on when you’re stuck? How do you navigate belief/faith when everything you know and love is completely upended? How can you focus on connection when you’re surrounded by so much loss? How/why do you find love, any kind of love, when you’re not even sure you have a future?
Here’s the opening page:

Perhaps this story resonated with me so much because I read it now, during a time that regularly feels completely hopeless. When things are spiraling at such a rapid pace that it feels like solutions will come too late. A time when connection is more important than anything else. When I worry that something might obliterate my ability to maintain those connections.
I suggest you read this book with the intention of letting things just unfold as they happen, and kick away any standard expectations you think you should have of a story. This is one of those gems that isn’t going to give you what you’re used to, and that’s why it’s so spectacular. It follows several characters, their relationships with each other, their points of view, a regular back and forth between past and present, and a few loose ends because, well, that’s exactly what grief is.
It’s the kind of book that will make you want to read it again, knowing what you know, and will likely reward you with something new every single time you do so.
If you’re looking for something that feels hopeful even in the face of a devastating reality, please check out this book. (Yes, I’ve added the link twice for REASONS)
Anyhoo… on the topic of dystopians…
Times are really fuckin’ bleak. So, I’d like to say a few things about the current state of…everything. I’m seeing a lot of folks start newsletters with things like “I know this isn’t a political newsletter” and ramble off an apology for why they’re veering from their normal topics. But, honestly, I’m a bit concerned for anyone NOT talking about what’s going on politically.
I, like many of you, am drowning in despair and struggle to find a healthy mental balance throughout my day. But, unfortunately, now is not the time to fully disengage (BIG emphasis on“fully”). Sure, it’s good to step away from the information/overwhelm onslaught if/when we need to. We’re not much use when we burn out. But, things are not okay and I don’t think they’ll be okay for a while.
Here are some resources I’ve been turning to when I’m feeling afraid or angry that you might also find useful:
Find your elected officials HERE.
Bookmark this site’s checklist of items currently in need of attention, complete with scripts and links for who you need to contact and what to say. I refer to this site whenever I have a bit of free time.
I also highly recommend subscribing to Jessica Craven’s newsletter. She updates information daily complete with scripts, links to articles, and helpful information regarding each issue. She makes it easy to understand what’s happening and how you can help.
It was Sarah Gailey’s birthday this week (preorder their next book!) and they shared their linktree with all kinds of fantastic resources. (You should also know that Sarah’s newsletter is my favorite and I think everyone should be subscribed)
I’m gathering other resources to include in future newsletters. If you have any that you’d like to share, please let me know and I’ll check them out. If you’ve never contacted your representatives, I recommend doing so ASAP. Knowing who your reps are and how to contact them is something we should all get comfortable with.
Please be kind to yourself and others. Make sure you’re gathering information outside of social media. Shop local as much as possible. Stay present and connect with friends/family/books. Hopefully these bastards won’t manage to do everything they’re trying to.
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