A Bookish Guide to De-Stressing After the Election

So the election happened. Maybe you’re happy, maybe you’re not. (Please don’t leave political views in the comments section! This is a strictly book-and-music safe space.) But I think we could all use a bit of a detox. So here are some books to read in the aftermath of the crazies:

1. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

A simple and lovely picture book, follow Madeline into the world of tigers in the zoo and those two straight lines.

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Escape to the world of balls and suitors, where Lizzie receives all the engagements and turns them all down. Ah, the simpler times.

3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Everything is so wacky and different that it’s the perfect escape! Go play croquet with some flamingos.

4. Heap House (Iremonger #1) by Edward Carey

It’s different than the books I normally talk about, but this felt like an appropriate time to plug it. It’s one of the quirkiest, most otherworldly, fascinating books I’ve read in a while. I highly recommend it! (Although it might be slightly dark. Fair warning.)

5. Your favorite book

Whether it’s happy or sad, calming or thrilling, re-reading your favorite book is always refreshing.

Bonus: For some gorgeous, soothing music, check out John Field’s nocturnes! They sound like part of the soundtrack to the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice to me. Chopin is another great choice for beautiful, lyrical music that can soothe the soul. Here’s an example of his in case you’re interested!

Super Deluxe Bonus (What NOT to Read Right Now): 1984 by George Orwell.

Trust me. Just let the election settle down and then you can read it. (It’s an absolutely fantastic book.)

 

Further recommendations: 

Another shorter piece to help de-stress might be A Fairy Tale Retelling of Jane Eyre.

You might like If Macbeth Met Thor, too! (Yay for political-ish humor.)

Happy reading and listening!

 

Twitter: @ifmermaids