When it comes to finding time for reading, my schedule doesn’t always allow for long stretches of uninterrupted free time. Instead, I have pockets of idle time throughout the day that I can devote to reading. Whether it’s waiting at the doctor’s office, riding the train, or before falling asleep, I find these moments perfect for diving into short-story and essay collections. They can be enjoyed in short bursts and are ideal for making the most of these small pockets of time.
Recently, I revisited Jhumpa Lahiri’s Pulitzer-winning volume “Interpreter of Maladies.” This collection of intimate vignettes about the Indian diaspora focuses on characters of all ages dealing with the challenges of assimilation and alienation. Each story creates a vibrant and immersive world, and I challenged myself to read one story every night. These short readings became a brief escape from my busy life, providing a moment of respite before returning to other responsibilities.
Sometimes, finding time to read feels impossible. That’s when it’s helpful to have books that you can read at your own pace. Here are five titles that can be consumed over days, weeks, or even months, ready for whenever you have a chance to dive back in.
1. “Cooking as Though You Might Cook Again” by Danny Licht: This zine-like book is a delightful mix of recipes and essays. It encourages home cooks to approach cooking as a form of emotional nourishment rather than a chore. The instructions for the Italian-inspired dishes emphasize slowing down and savoring the process of preparing a meal. Cooking is compared to a drama in parts, with each act playing a vital role. This book reminds us that cooking can be a meditative and beautiful experience.
2. “Cursed Bunny” by Bora Chung, translated by Anton Hur: For those who enjoy the macabre, this collection of stories offers a gripping and unsettling reading experience. Chung’s stories delve into body horror and supernatural elements, leaving readers in a state of discomfort. Translated with straightforward language by Anton Hur, the impact of these chilling stories is felt anew with each visit to the book.
3. “Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self” by Danielle Evans: This debut collection presents tender and warm stories that resonate like conversations with old friends. Evans explores the complex and intense relationships between young Black women, often blending humor and generosity. Her stories capture significant moments in the characters’ lives, both big and small, and reflect on the power dynamics of friendship and self-discovery.
4. “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks: In this collection of neurological case studies, Sacks goes beyond clinical descriptions to highlight the humanity of his patients. These essays demonstrate the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit in the face of challenging brain abnormalities. They offer a renewed perspective on what it means to be human and the profound impact that neurological conditions can have on our lives.
5. “Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories” by Hisaye Yamamoto: Yamamoto’s collection captures the experiences of the Japanese community in America during and after World War II. Each story provides a snapshot of a group of people navigating a tumultuous period in history. Individually, these narratives offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals facing barriers of language, cultural norms, and racism. Despite being set in the past, they remain relevant and relatable, resonating with readers in the present day.
These books offer a range of themes and styles that can be savored in your own time. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, they are ready to transport you to different worlds and provoke thought and reflection. Embrace the opportunity to read at your own pace and make the most of those fleeting moments throughout the day.
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