The Harder I Fight the More I Love You, is a heart wrenching memoir of American singer-songwriter Neko Case. Raised in impoverished rural Washington by emotionally and often physically absent parents, Case developed a feral independence at a young age. The book’s prose-like style creates a dreamy vibe, even as Case recalls the traumas, loneliness, and heartbreak of her childhood. Knowing Case’s origin story brings an even deeper appreciation for her talents as a musician and songwriter. She includes backstories that shaped her genre crossing sound; classic country queen Loretta Lynn played on repeat by a grandmother, Pacific Northwest punk and alt-rock bands from her days as an emancipated teenager in Tacoma, Eastern folklore from her family’s Ukrainian roots. Take some time to look up the unfamiliar music cited to fully grasp the highly acclaimed artist’s uniquely ethereal sound.

I Don’t Believe in Astrology: a Therapist’s Guide to the Life Changing Wisdom of the Stars, by clinical psychologist Debra Silverman, is a psycho-spiritual approach to mental health. The author describes the book as a way to “understand the beautiful mess of being human”. Using the lens of astrology can help us step outside of our egos to find wisdom and insight into our very human tendencies and quirks. Beginners and skeptics of astrology are welcome here, with chapters focusing on the characteristics, strengths and struggles of each sun sign. The author also provides straightforward “real talk” to encourage readers to reflect on their path in life.

Mayo Clinic on Chron’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Francis A. Farraye, M.D., M.Sc. and Sunanda V. Kane, M.D., M.S.P.H, gives a comprehensive yet easy to understand overview of the two most common forms of Irritable Bowel Disease. With 1 in 100 Americans now affected by either Chron’s or Colitis, this is a helpful guide for anyone with the diagnosis, or for loved ones wanting to be part of a support system for the patient. Chapters on diagnosis and treatment options will help patients have better-informed conversations with doctors. Additional chapters, interspersed with actual patient stories, provide information on the role of nutrition, stress, and support options to round out this valuable guide for navigating life with IBD. Bonus: also on the new shelf is The Crohn’s Disease Cookbook: 100 Recipes and 2 Weeks of Meal Plans to Relieve Symptoms.

Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves from the American Dream, by Alisa Quart, is an unforgiving yet optimistic look at the ongoing obsession with American self-reliance. Quart, who is also the Executive Director of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, argues the “self-made man” idea is a uniquely American myth. Quart claims this fiction of complete self-sufficiency has created an unsustainable, hyper individualist culture where sickness, inequality, lethargy, and unhappiness is the norm. The author then presents an alternative where thriving is naturally intertwined with interdependence and reliance on community for support. Quart gives several examples of what this looks like, such as the early months of the COVID-19 lockdowns where families and friends became “pods” to help each other with needs like childcare. Quart provides inspiration through several stories of people thriving (socially, economically, intellectually) by thoughtfully cultivating and leaning into their community.

Melissa Matuscak Alan

Circulation Department Head