What Syd's Reading
What I Read in February and March
My goal for 2023 was to read at least 20 books this year. I can proudly report this year so far I’ve read 14. I didn’t enjoy reading as a child but during my freshmen year of college, I started reading books about history and topics of personal interest. I’ve carried this through to this year, still reading some history, but I’ve incorporated some classic fiction and philosophy in an attempt to expand my knowledge in ways that will hopefully carry over into my work. This post includes what I read in February and March.
The History of Sexuality Vol. 1 by Michel Foucault
Foucault dismisses the commonly held beliefs about sexuality promoted by Sigmund Freud and instead attempts to engage the aversion to discussing or acknowledging sexuality in Western society.
Colonialism and Neocolonialism by Jean-Paul Satre
A series of essays from existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Satre on colonialism and how neocolonialism arose in the mid-20th century. Most of these writings specifically discuss France. I briefly discussed this book in a previous newsletter.
Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton
The meditations of Thomas Merton, an American trappist monk on prayer and the place it should have in our lives.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
It goes without saying this is among my favorites I’ve read this year. I recently reviewed this book in a previous newsletter.
Conservatism: An Invitation to the Great Tradition by Roger Scuton
I always try to read differing views and Roger Scruton is a leading conservative philosopher and thinker. A very quick and engaging read discussing conservatism's philosophical heritage.
Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker J. Palmer
One of my friends gave me On the Brink of Everything as a graduation gift last spring. I rarely enjoy books on spirituality because I often find them lacking any real depth or meaning though they may try to feign possession of both. I was pleasantly surprised and decided to read Let Your Life Speak after and cannot recommend this book enough. This is the kind of book to keep on your shelf and return to.
My Grandmother: A Memoir by Fethiye Çetin
I read Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis in December and Davis references this book in her interviews. A very short read, this book left me stunned and pensive for days after I finished. If you don’t know much about Turkey’s Armenian genocide this is an excellent place to start.
Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity by Judith Butler
I know very little about gender theory and wanted to read some of the important texts to better understand gender fluidity and queer theory.
The Evidence of Things Not Seen by James Baldwin
One of Baldwin’s forgotten nonfiction books, this is really more of a long essay. Baldwin shares his thoughts on the Atlanta child murders, his distrust of the police, some of his early childhood memories and more as they come to mind. The book reads like you are meeting up with Baldwin for coffee and catching up with an old friend.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
This book was a part of my explorations in existentialism. A short novel by Algerian existentialist Albert Camus, the book follows the protagonist, Arthur, through his engagements with everyday life. A key tenet of existentialism is the belief nothing has meaning, and Arthur’s almost robotic reactions to life help the reader grasp the concept of absurdity. Even if you are not interested in philosophy the book itself is a great and well developed story and worth the read.
For the month of April my hope is to read at least 4 books, more than likely all novels as a break from my studies as my semester comes to a close. By then I’ll only be 2 books shy of my goal for the year. The beautiful thing about reading is it’s contagious, and if anything, I hope this newsletter inspires those reading it to find something they enjoy reading to engage with different concepts outside of our everyday lives.