Hi all. I guess I will try to make this post short. For those who’ve followed this blog, which dates back to 2009, you know this isn’t a political blog and I try not to include my opinions about that here. But this past week with the election was truly shattering and deeply disappointing. It was not the outcome many — including me — were hoping for, and I think dark days and irreversible damage are ahead. It’s a very big downer and one that feels worse than in 2016.
I feel a time of withdrawal is here … unplugging from news and social media and taking a step back. Who are we as a people? Where is the human race heading? Good grief, it doesn’t look anywhere good. I wish I could offer some solace, but there’s very little to say right now. I went back and read my post from November 2016, remembering those days and now this. Both are terrible. For those distressed perhaps one can find comfort in: reading and books; those we hold dear; and the outdoors, nature, sports, and chatting with other book enthusiasts. These are things I cling to, especially in troubled times. You can see from my photo I’m reading on our front stoop Elena Ferrante’s novel My Brilliant Friend.
Perhaps unsurprisingly over the past chaotic years “healing fiction” from Japanese and Korean authors has really taken off … like Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s series Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Hiro Arikawa’s The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Many of the novels are set in mundane locations and center on people struggling and overcoming everyday problems, and often feature cats with magical healing powers. You can read Alexandra Alter’s NYT article about the genre trend here. While I haven’t read these, I can see their cozy appeal. For me, books don’t have to be in this category to offer good escape and comfort. So many do that already, which is part of the magic of reading.
And now I’ll leave you with a review of the book I finished lately.
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing /357 pgs/1959
I think I reread this book every 20 years, my first time was probably in 1999 when I went to an exhibit of the expedition at the Natural History Museum in New York. In the book, Lansing wastes no time in his telling of one of the greatest survival stories of all time. It’s a roller coaster action-filled story. Caroline Alexander’s book The Endurance gives a bit more context, but Lansing was one of the first to give a full account of the Antarctic expedition of 28 men whose aim it was to cross the Antarctic continent in 1914 led by Irishman Ernest Shackleton. Apparently Lansing talked to 10 of the survivors and was granted access to the journals and diaries of those on the expedition in order to write this.
As you probably know, they failed in their attempt to cross Antarctica because their ship the Endurance became trapped and crushed in the ice and they were left on the ice pack. But what they accomplished in their amazing survival turned out to be so much more. They drifted for a while on the ice pack until it melted and they launched three lifeboats into the Southern Ocean and managed to make it to Elephant Island where most stayed. Then Shackleton led a crew of five on a lifeboat trying to get help at the whaling station at South Georgia Island, which took 16 freezing days in an open boat. When they finally made land, they had to trek over icy mountains by foot to get help.
It’s a rousing tale and I could almost feel the cold and salt-water wounds on their hands, their inadequate clothes and shivers, and the grossness of their rotting food rations. I don’t know how the 28 men survived the various legs of their scary predicament and the two years lost from the world, but their teamwork, fortitude, and how they rose to the occasion was incredible. A lot of credit goes to Shackleton’s leadership as “the boss” and keeping the men together and moving forward. To my knowledge, he’s one of the few polar explorers who brought his entire crew back alive after their ship was destroyed by ice and they were left abandoned.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read this and what did you think? Are you enjoying any good reads now?
I watched a great mini series on Shackleton starring Kenneth Branagh, it was spot on. Will certainly look for this book.
Enjoying the buddy read and have picked up loads of new books from the library today. The Kawaguchi title is one I don’t have but have another title in my holds list on both Goodreads and the local library.
As you mentioned, can’t read the news now as it’s so depressing so indulging myself in reading and DVDs in the evenings.
Hi Tina, stay away from the news! It’s great to load up on books and DVDs. I’m enjoying our buddy read as well. And it’s more accessible than I thought it would be. I’m glad you reminded me of the Branagh Shackleton series. I have seen it once but that was long ago. I’d like to watch it again. Enjoy your weekend … it appears Veterans Day is on Monday.
I read about the booming business of Japanese and So. Korean cozy lit. The Shackleton book sounds fascinating. It must have been quite an ordeal. I haven’t picked up a book since October 30 when I finished Kushner’s. Playground is sitting on my tablet waiting for me to start it again and stick to it this time around.
Hi Carmen, it is distracting and difficult to read right now, so I can relate. I have another PW review to write this weekend and it’s hard to think. Alter’s article was quite interesting … it’s not really my type of genre generally but I haven’t been displeased with Japanese lit yet. I hope you can get back your mojo. I have to unplug to do so. The Shackleton book is a quick and eye-opening one. I’ll be curious to hear what you think of Playground whenever you get to it.
Hi Susan, I try to stay away from politics too because it’s too divisive but in May 2019 I posted a review of Susan Bordo’s book The Destructiin of Hillary Clinton in which I laid it all out regarding my feelings. I am worried for the future. But I recommend The Bulwark news and opinion website. Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, J V Last and the gang are great and it’s the only news I am consuming now.
Thanks Kathy, for the tip about The Bulwark. I hadn’t known of it before, but I’ve seen their gang talk on other places and can relate. I think I need to unplug for a while to try hold onto sanity. So disgusted at the moment. I’ll check for your review of the Bordo book, glad you mentioned it.
Things certainly do not look good for our country or the world over the next four years. It is depressing to realize that I live in a country where the voters could freely choose to foist this horror on the world. As always, books are my refuge from the dismay I feel with my fellow citizens.
Hi Dorothy, I agree, it is so bad. I’m pretty speechless right now and I haven’t been this low in forever. What does it say about people? I’m grasping at straws, but you’re right to keep to your books and garden and birds. Take refuge. It’s a complete stumper to me – the outcome. So bitterly awful and disappointing.
Until this week, I thought young people would (at least ultimately) be the salvation because so many were passionate about the climate and more tolerant of each other’s differences than adults, but I guess I was wrong. I am glad I live in a state where I am surrounded by people who share my values.
Books are a good escape as are spectator sports (cleaning the house is not). I also think I will splurge on Netflix at some point soon because I doubt I’ll be watching the news.
Hi Constance, I agree. I thought she would come through this election — by women voters or some group like us … who didn’t want their rights to be taken away. But we were terribly mistaken. I’m glad for the blue states — it’s critical to have people who share one’s values. So glad – the places I’ve lived: Calif, Colorado, Wash state, and Virginia all went Blue. Thank heavens, & to you in New England as well. The news will be brutal and the new coming regime, so stick to your reads, sports, and movies!
I was surprised that I mostly felt numb after learning the results of the election. And we had a friend visiting on the day after, so preparations for that and their arrival distracted me from thinking about it too much (for a while). Since then I have been up and down. Usually it is me calming down my husband but this time he has been trying to cheer me up. My main worry is that enough people support him and his ideas to get him elected.
Anyway, my first thought was that I was going to be reading mainly feel-good books for a while, and I am sure I will be seeking out those, but really there are many types of books I like that will help. Espionage fiction of all types take me into a world that I enjoy. Science fiction can be good and uplifting.
I have read the first two Before the Coffee Gets Cold books and I ordered the third one, Before Your Memory Fades, yesterday. The funny thing about those is they each have a cat on the cover and I don’t remember one cat in the stories. The stories are light, but they definitely have sad and serious elements too.
Hi Tracy, glad to hear your thoughts. I’m sort of at my wit’s end over the swath that would vote for such a felon. It is very worrisome … for now & the future.
And I agree that other types of fiction can help — not only feel good ones. Some of the ones I’ll be reading this month have European settings so I am far away in my escape mode. And it’s funny that many of the Asian ‘feel good’ stories are marketed with cats on the cover but they don’t all have cats in them. Apparently the cats are so popular that they put them on covers … to perhaps identify as cozy ‘healing fiction.’ It seems you’ve enjoyed a couple of them … I should try the series. I sort of think the Morisaki Bookshop, which I read, is a part of this genre.
I need to put the Shackleton book on my TBR list.
I honestly did not see Trump getting re-elected. Once again, I underestimated people looking out for their own self- interests. The number of whites women who sold out the reproductive rights of their daughters and grand-daughters is horrifying. The misogyny and racism makes me physically ill. I’m starting to investigate leaving the United States.
Hi Olivia, I understand your sentiments. Which state are you in?
I agree the result reeks of sexism & racism and is appalling. I live outside the U.S. but not far enough away. I’m sure the policies will affect everyone. It is upsetting. We all sort of have to reevaluate at this point … where & how to deal with this. It’s tough.
Shackleton’s story is really remarkable. I read his first-person story, reviewed it here:
https://maefood.blogspot.com/2018/01/shackletons-incredible-voyage-to.html
I know I have lots of inner resources and good material possessions that will sustain me through the coming darkness, but I’m feeling really bad for the victims who will genuinely suffer from the electorate’s disastrous choice.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae, thanks for your link to your Shackleton review. I really look forward to reading it. I’m glad to find other fans of Shackleton’s story.
I agree with your sentiments — and I’m sure it will get harder for many. I’m sorry about Michigan – I thought with Whitmer it would be blue. Many states didn’t go as we hoped, alas.
Susan, I’m glad you shared your feelings about the election. You mentioned that your blog isn’t a political blog, but I feel it’s important for us to voice our disappointment (and fear) of what lies ahead for this country. I agree that it feels, and is worse than 2016. We have more knowledge about how he plans to run the country and it is terrifying. My heart breaks for all those who are vulnerable… Rod & I have begun serious discussions about possibly moving to Canada, but it won’t be for a bit. Glad I have dual citizenship.
I haven’t read Endurance, but I know Rod has. I may give it a try now that I’m into shipwreck stories. 😉
I’m currently reading Maggie Smith’s beautiful, yet heartbreaking, memoir. I could easily read it in a day, but I’m trying to savor each page.
Thanks Lesley, it is good to voice our disappointment — as I can’t just go on posting as if nothing epically awful didn’t just happen. I think Canada is a good choice — though it is getting fairly crowded here now, lol. Millions of people have moved here in the past 8 years. Major growth & pains due to it.
The Endurance is a great survival story — I think you’d enjoy. I’m not sure which book about it I enjoy best. I’ve read several. But this one is a good start.
I listened to Maggie Smith’s book last year … whoa that’s a heartbreaking book about divorce! So sad! But she writes very well. I look forward to your review.
Yes, Smith’s memoir is heartbreaking… and at times, far too much like my own with my first husband. But I love her writing, so I keep reading!
Smith’s love for him ran very deep and long so the breakup is devastating to her. I was moved by her feelings. The book is like a strong jolt of power & sorrow … is what I recall. I can only hope yours what not as extremely devastating as hers? But regardless, divorce must be so very hard & painful.
This has been such a tough week. My only solace is that I live in a safe place in a state that (mostly) takes care of its population. That doesn’t help the rest of the country and I really fear what is coming.
Hi Helen, it’s good to be in a blue state … though there are some areas there like in Orange County which are totally nuts for the guy. Quite a shame.
I’ve heard some Canadians say they will only travel to blue states now, and others who plan to bypass the country altogether due to the outcome. Sad eh? But true. I think there’s much to fear ahead.
I’m struggling with what to read and watch right now for some comfort. Cozy reads only work sometimes. For today, I’ve landed on some adventure plots that are distracting.
Hi Joy, I feel for you there in Missouri. I think we’re all struggling to find something … to reach for after this outcome. It’s a bitter disappointment.
I think we can be distracted some — but I’m still waking up to it and thinking: how & why. I hope you can find something that will help.
I’m certainly feeling the same after this week. I love what you wrote: find comfort in: reading and books; those we hold dear; and the outdoors, nature, sports, and chatting with other book enthusiasts.
Hi Sarah, thanks for stopping by. Nice to find another book blogger and blog I can visit. I think after such a disappointment … we all could use something to grasp onto. I hope you can find some comfort somewhere.
I drifted along for days, maybe in shock, until yesterday I had a complete meltdown and I began to question everything I have done in my life—the values I focused on with my children and students, my choice of a profession, my approach to the world. I was in despair. I read The Book of Saints, a whole series of little stories about people who did their best in life, including many secular saints, and, like books always do for me, I was renewed a bit, for the days ahead, confident again in my steps forward.
I shall do as you suggest in your wise words, Susan, and find comfort in books and nature and other people.
Good Deb, I hope you can find some comfort in these things. I know those who wished for a much different outcome are all struggling right now. I can relate to your meltdown & feelings. I’m waking in the night despairing about everything.
And this time I think our despair will last much longer than in 2016 since we know better now what he’s about & the chaos & disaster he will bring. It’s such a terrible shame for the country. I don’t know where we go from here.
But just keep reading & going out into nature!
We’re all going to be okay. We’ve just need to focus on family and friends, taking each day as it comes, looking for the positive, giving thanks for what we have, and not giving up on ourselves or each other. It is not the end of the world. We’ll get through it…and it will be okay.
Okay Lark, thanks for the words of encouragement. I hope we will. Yes we need to take it one day at at time and see what happens.
My cat, Marilyn, definitely has magical healing powers and I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these past 8 years without her. She’s definitely the love, light, and joy in my life. I’m grateful that she ran away from home and came back to L.A. with me and that I still have her.
As for Shackleton…which version did I read??? Alfred’s or Caroline’s??? I don’t know! I’ll toss Alfred’s back on my TBR shelf just in case it wasn’t his. Whichever book I read, I loved it.
Hi Jinjer, Yeah your Marilyn has been a wonderful magical support system. I love seeing photos of her in your posts. Our dogs too are great comfort. Thank goodness.
I’m glad you’re a fan of Shackleton’s expedition story. It’s incredible. I wonder which one you read. Hmm. Enjoy your Sunday.
I read Before the Coffee Gets Cold a long time ago – maybe time for a reread? I deleted Facebook from my phone since I don’t get to actual computer very often. I don’t want to be reminded which of my family and friends voted against…well, humanity.
Hi Becki, thanks for stopping by and your thoughts. Any cozy healing read might be good about now. It is tough when one has family & friends voting that way. I got rid of Twitter or X recently because I didn’t want to align with Musk anymore. We do what we have to do after this, right? Wish you well.
Thank you so much for linking! I appreciate the support, and since I forgot to put it in my TBR list, I appreciate the reminder.
No problem Olivia. I like your idea of the Thursday link up for reviews. I will continue to do so. I’m glad to find your site and your reviews as well.
I totally buy into the magical powers of the cat! I find a lot of comfort from Peanut! I think I feel about the same as I did in 2016, because I didn’t think he’d win then either. I have to stay away from the news now. I can’t watch or listen to whatever is going on. Just hearing anything that comes out of his mouth stresses me out. The news makes everything even worse. Like you, I find comfort in my family, nature, books and my cats!
Good Rachel, just stick to those things that provide solace. I love news of your new kitties; they have magical powers! And Peanut too. I’m definitely staying unplugged from the news — as if I hear anything I head into a big tailspin. I’m not sure how we can stand 4 years of it. Even Canada is not far enough away.
Keep reading & being in nature!
It was a rough birthday for me–I didn’t get what I truly wanted! My trans niece is really scared, and it’s hard not to spout platitudes.
I do have faith that we have the checks in place to prevent the worst-case scenarios from happening. I don’t want to be bitter, angry, scared–I am hopeful.
I’ve had Endurance on the TBR shelf for quite a while now…just not properly motivated, but the time will come! Interesting and encouraging that you reread this periodically–that is endorsement enough for me.