May is a month of representation for many groups across the nation. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Jewish American Heritage Month, and we’ve got shelves full of books for people of all communities to enjoy.
Mental Health Awareness:
Way back in 1908, Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognized by Mental Health America, but it wasn’t until 1949 when Congress made May an entire month recognizing the existence of mental illnesses. Over the past century, mental health and wellness as a definition has immensely changed, and only in the fallout of the Coronavirus Pandemic did it become a widely discussed topic nationwide. Many of the books that we have here at the library, showcase the difficult and wonderful stories of people who have lived with such disabilities.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Trigger Warnings: Depression, Abuse, Self-Harm
Similarly to Sally Rooney’s novel, “Conversations With Friends,” “Normal People” also dives into the deep connections between the main characters and the difficulties they face along the way. The novel centers on Marianne and Connell, two teenagers from a small town who navigate the maze of their relationship from the end of their school days into university life. Marianne is intelligent but socially ostracized, while Connell is popular yet struggles with his self-worth and depressive episodes. Despite their difficulties, they form a deep, transformative bond that profoundly molds their lives. Rooney’s narrative deftly examines themes of intimacy though love and pain and overall personal growth, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of how individuals can shape and be shaped by their relationships. “Normal People” is not just a love story but a reflection on how the connections we forge can define our paths and our understanding of ourselves.
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Trigger Warnings: Depression, Abuse, Self-Harm
“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb is a compelling memoir that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of therapy, blending the author’s personal and professional experiences. Gottlieb, a psycho-therapist, takes readers on an emotional journey as she navigates her own therapy sessions while helping her patients confront their own struggles. The book introduces us to a cast of memorable characters: a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen contemplating suicide, and a twenty-something dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. Through these intertwined narratives, Gottlieb explores themes of grief, love, change, and the human condition with humor and compassion. Her writing demystifies the therapeutic process and sheds light on the universal need for connection and understanding. “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” is a reminder that everyone has a story and that seeking help is a courageous step toward healing and self-discovery.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage:
In 1978 Congress passed an agreement to commemorate a week of May to Asian and Pacific Islander identifying Americans and became a permanent month-long celebration in 1992. Asian and Pacific Islanders have had a massive influence on the West Coast States, most prominently in Hawaii and California, and since then have become ingrained in the melting pot of American society. In our collection, we have many books that highlight some of these immensely interesting cultures, such as:
Sigh, Gone by Phuc Tran
Representation: Asian American
Taught this last semester in one of our University’s Creative Writing courses, “Sigh, Gone” by Phuc Tran is a deeply personal and humorous memoir of a Vietnamese immigrant in small-town America during the 1980s. Tran’s story unfolds just south of Susquehanna University in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he navigates the challenges of fitting in while preserving his cultural identity. The memoir vividly captures the tensions of adolescence, particularly as Tran wrestles with the dual pressures of his family’s expectations and the desire to be accepted by his peers. With a love for punk rock and classic literature as his guide, Tran finds solace and a sense of belonging in unlikely places. His narrative is infused with wit and introspection, painting a vivid picture of the immigrant experience and the search for self-identity. “Sigh, Gone” is more than just a coming-of-age story, it is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, belonging, and the power of art to transform lives. Tran’s unique voice and candid reflections make this memoir a thought-provoking read for people of all backgrounds.
Your Driver Is Waiting by Priya Guns
Representation: South Asian, Pacific Islander
“Your Driver Is Waiting” by Priya Guns is a sharp, provocative novel that offers a fresh perspective on class, race, and social justice in contemporary urban life. The story follows Damani, a young woman working as a ride-share driver; she is fierce and resilient, navigating the chaotic streets of her city while dealing with the constant pressures of financial instability and caring for her ailing mother. As Damani contends with the often-dehumanizing treatment from her passengers, she meets a privileged young woman who offers a glimpse into a different world. This relationship forces Damani to confront her own ideals and the stark realities of inequality. Guns’ narrative is both gritty and darkly humorous, capturing the raw energy and struggles of those living on the margins. “Your Driver Is Waiting” is a compelling exploration of modern-day survival and resistance, filled with witty social commentary and a protagonist who refuses to be overlooked. It’s a powerful story about fighting for dignity in a world that often seems determined to strip it away.
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Representation: South Asian American
“Unaccustomed Earth” by Jhumpa Lahiri is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Bengali-American families navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. Each story stands alone yet is thematically connected through Lahiri’s exploration of the immigrant experience and the generational tensions that arise within these families. The title story, “Unaccustomed Earth,” follows Ruma, a young mother who grapples with her father’s visit and the silent distances that have grown between them after her mother’s death. Other stories, like “Heaven-Hell” and “A Choice of Accommodations,” reveal characters at various crossroads, dealing with love, loss, and the search for personal meaning. The final trio of interconnected stories, “Hema and Kaushik,” spans decades and continents, tracing the evolving relationship between two characters linked by their shared past. “Unaccustomed Earth” is a profound exploration of how we carry our heritage and the ways it shapes our paths, illuminating the universal struggle to find a place to call home.
Jewish Heritage Month:
May has also been home to representing Jewish American Heritage. Back in 1980 Congress declared the last week of April to be for Jewish American representation and was eventually expanded to be two weeks in April and two weeks in May, but in 2006 May officially became the host of two different heritage months on-top of its dedication to bring awareness to mental health as well. In the library, we feature many books that focus on the lives of Jewish persons worldwide, such as:
The World To Come by Dara Horn
“The World to Come” by Dara Horn is a richly layered novel that weaves together history, art, and Jewish mysticism to explore themes of loss, identity, and the redemptive power of storytelling. The story begins with a painting theft from a New York museum, an event that sets off a chain of discoveries about the painting’s origins and its connection to the protagonist, Benjamin. Benjamin is a former child prodigy and the son of Holocaust survivors; he embarks on a journey to uncover the painting’s past, which leads him back to the lives of his parents and their experiences in the Soviet Union. Interwoven with Benjamin’s quest are narratives that span time and space, from Soviet-Era Russia to contemporary America, and even into the mystical realms of Jewish folklore. Horn skillfully blends these elements through her lyrical writing that captures deep connections between belief and the human spirit. “The World to Come” is a compelling tale of discovery and resilience, celebrating the enduring legacies we inherit and the stories we pass on to future generations.
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
One of the darkest tales of Jewish heritage exists beautifully wrapped in the pages of “The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman. The harrowing true story set during World War II highlights the bravery and compassion of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The book archives the lives of Jan and Antonina Żabiński, the keepers of a Polish zoo, who courageously used their sanctuary as a home for Jewish persons escaping the horrors of the Nazi regime. When the zoo is bombed and many of the animals are killed, the Żabińskis turn their focus to a new mission. Determined to save the lives of the needy, they converted the empty cages into a safe haven for the refuges. Ackerman, drawing from Antonina’s diaries and other historical sources, vividly portrays the daily dangers and moral dilemmas faced by the Żabińskis and those they sheltered. The narrative blends historical fact with lyrical prose, providing a unique perspective on the war. “The Zookeeper’s Wife” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of compassion and bravery in the face of evil.
May is a month for people of all backgrounds to celebrate and cherish what makes them who they are. You don’t need to be part of a culture to enjoy and support others who hold it close to their identity, one of the best ways to grow as a person is to learn about other people’s experiences and learn lessons that you can then share with others. Remembering our roots and experiencing new adventures is the crucial to fulfilling our natural human curiosity, feel free to do so by checking out any of these books, and hundreds more, at the Blough Weis Library!
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