november books to read

hello.

how are you?

how are you, really?

it’s been a very difficult week and while i don’t have answers or resolution, what i can provide is comfort and things to educate yourself to be more informed and prepared for what’s to come.

yesterday, i posted a video on tiktok about some books to read if you’re feeling alone, enraged, scared… the antidote to fear is knowledge. while sometimes it can exacerbate fear, it simultaneously makes one more prepared. fear and anxiety are inevitable but knowledge and preparedness becomes a balm to the soul- a tool, a weapon, and armor to push thorough difficult times.

i spoke to my professor yesterday about the gravity of the current situation our country is in, especially for women, people of color, the queer community and other marginalized individuals. he said that these days, the conversation around anything related to politics is too polarizing that all communication goes out the window (as i’m sure many of us have experienced). what we do have is art, literature, music, and other creative mediums that can communicate, inform, and provide reassurance and potentially resolution.

i want to make it very clear that everything is political. writing, reading, art, existing on this earth- everything. and the people who are shying away from taking up space on their platforms (especially influencers) to talk about difficult conversations and hard topics that need to be addressed are foolish.

i’m still learning myself how to be more educated about everything that’s going on right now. as i continue to find resources like the ones i share above in my video, i will continue to share them with you.

with all of this said, the letter below was meant to be posted yesterday, but it didn’t feel right. i also needed to take the day to stare at the wall and wallow for quite a bit of time because i could pick myself back up again.

lastly, before we get into today’s letter, if you are in a situation like me who’s entire family has voted for trump and you’re feeling isolated, confused, angry, alone, etc, i truly understand how you’re feeling. it’s painful to sit with this and know that if you need to talk or vent, my inbox is open.

okay, moving into todays letter… today’s is very short. tomorrow i will be sharing a thanksgiving inspired list full of books, films, recipes- you know the jist. so stay tuned for that.

i’ve decided to curate a november reading list for those of you who want to fully embrace the aesthetics of one of my favorite months of the year. if you’re looking for a dark academia tbr, check out this post i wrote recently. if you’re looking for something new, continue reading below.

november tbr:

the brothers karamazov by fyodor dostoevsky- this landed a spot in my top 3 all time favorite books the first time i read it. the story follows the lives of the karamazov brothers, exploring themes of faith, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. it challenges readers to confront profound philosophical questions while delivering a compelling family drama.

the fawn by magda szabo- a woman reflects on her past while caring for a mysterious fawn, symbolizing innocence and lost youth. the narrative delves into themes of identity and the complexities of human relationships.

the book of disquiet by fernando pessoa- this fragmented, brilliantly written book offers insights into the mind of a disillusioned man living in lisbon. it reflects on the nature of existence, dreams, and the search for meaning in a world filled with uncertainty.

babel by r.f. kuang- set in an alternate history where language and magic intersect, this novel follows a young scholar at a prestigious translation institute grappling with the implications of colonialism and power. it's a gripping tale of identity and resistance. babel is one of my favorite dark academia books of all time.

chess story by stefan zweig- this psychological thriller centers on a chess champion who faces off against a prisoner who mastered the game in isolation. the story explores themes of obsession, mental strength, and the complexities of the human psyche.

fear and trembling by soren kierkegaard- another philosophical work examining the story of abraham and the binding of isaac, focusing on the conflict between ethics and faith. it invites readers to ponder the nature of belief and the struggles of making moral choices. if you’re looking to get into philosophy, this is a great gateway book.

the price of salt by claire morgan- also known as carol, this love story follows the relationship between two women defying societal expectations. it beautifully captures the complexities of desire, identity, and the quest for acceptance. if you haven’t seen the film, i highly recommend it.

villette by charlotte bronte - this semi-autobiographical novel follows lucy snowe as she navigates life in a foreign land, dealing with loneliness and longing. it explores themes of isolation, self-discovery, and societal constraints on women. arguably one of bronte’s most brilliant works. jane eyre lovers, you will love this one, too.

crime and punishment by fyodor dostoevsky - this novel follows raskolnikov, a young man in st. petersburg, who justifies murdering a pawnbroker as a test of his moral philosophy. wracked by guilt, he spirals into paranoia and despair. dostoevsky explores themes of morality, justice, and the psychological toll of transgression.

cardiff, by the sea by joyce carol oates – a collection of novellas centered on themes of trauma, family secrets, and the dark sides of human nature. each story follows a complex female protagonist confronting eerie or violent forces, with oates weaving suspense and psychological tension into each narrative.

surplus enjoyment by slavoj zizek – zizek explores contemporary social issues, examining how desire, ideology, and capitalism shape modern life. drawing from psychoanalysis and philosophy, he dissects the concept of "surplus enjoyment," offering insights into the contradictions and compulsions that drive society.

rebecca by daphne du maurier – a gothic tale of suspense, rebecca follows an unnamed protagonist who marries wealthy widower maxim de winter, only to find herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, rebecca. as she unravels rebecca’s mysterious past, secrets and rivalries surface, creating an atmosphere of psychological tension.

okay, this letter is short and sweet. i hope you find some books in this list you enjoy.

if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated. 

i love you.

bye.

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