Read a Girl #19: "Bluets", Maggie Nelson

Before I start this month's newsletter I just wanted to take a moment to check in with you.

How are you holding up with everything that's been going on?

I'm finding it very hard to focus and haven't really read anything but the news. As this only feeds my anxiety, I'm now trying to shift my attention to other things, like colouring and reorganising my bookshelves, but it hasn't been easy.

I hope this month's book is a good distraction, bringing you some kind of comfort, even though it isn't a very cheery read.

If you’re heartbroken, this one is for you. And if you are self-isolating, this might be a good option to keep you company and help you understand a bit better loneliness and all the feelings attached to it.

I read “Bluets”, by Maggie Nelson, earlier this year after a dear friend recommended it to me. It nearly broke me. 

This collection of 240 prose poems - or, as the author calls them, “propositions” - is centred around three main topics: the colour blue, a close friend who was seriously injured, and the loss of a lover.

Even though it is not a light read, it sure is an unmissable one. Not only because it deals with difficult themes, but because it does so in such a brutally honest way. You can feel her pain, her despair. And the way it is written, oh my, it is just... beautiful.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and see you next month.

My first book, “a spectacularly sad ending”, is a collection of poetry and prose about heartbreak, loss and survival. It chronicles experiences of love, loss, abuse and grief, and is for anyone who is or ever had to mend a broken heart. It's available as a paperback and also on Kindle.
 

📷 Are you following us on Instagram? Make a girl happy and hit that 'follow' button: @readagirl

🐤 We're also on Twitter. Follow us here.

Like this newsletter? Share it with a friend and tell them to sign up.

📚New to our little club? Read our previous editions here.