Reading can be a powerful way of escaping, relaxing and realizing truths about ourselves and the world, says Kara Alaimo, who shares her thoughts about some of her favorite novels. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee is a truly beautiful book that tells the story of Koreans who were persecuted during Japanese occupation.
Analysis by Kara Alaimo, CNN
Editor’s note: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book “Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back” was published in 2024 by Alcove Press. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.CNN —
Like most parents, I’m exhausted from juggling the needs of my family and work in the 21st century. But after the kids fall asleep, I’ve been escaping to southern India in the early 20th century. It’s warm there, I’m surrounded by water and the air smells like jasmine.
I’ve been pulling this off with Abraham Verghese’s gorgeous book “The Covenant of Water.” It’s been just the opportunity to relax that I’ve badly needed.
During a particularly rough spell in which my kids and I were constantly ill this winter, I read Glynnis MacNicol’s “I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman’s Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris” and vicariously traipsed through Paris as a single person.
Please click here for the rest of the article.
