Reading & Mini Reviews

Light Shining From Within…

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen / 31 Comments

…reveals the world in a new light.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

It is that time of the year, autumn, when I’m tempted to curse the dark. I’ve written previously about how dark autumn feels like in this part of the world. For a long time I carried a grudge against the season, for the uncharitable welcome, until I made reading a priority. I’m talking here about books that inform, entertain and inspire as I take full advantage of the dark.

So, with days growing darker as the season progresses, poetry by Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha and more poetry by Celestine Nudanu help illuminate light from within. And that’s a cause for celebration! What books keep you company, when you need one?

Note: The post is in response to Sanaa at Prompt Nights, “Darkness exists so that we may see the Light shine”, and Josh Fisher’s 3-Day Quote Challenge, thanks Josh for inviting me to participate.

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Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

31 Comments

  1. Whistles!! ❤️? this is absolutely splendid writing, Khaya 🙂 I agree, as the seasons change and darkness attempts to settle, its better to shine a light with our warm and comforting words. Beautifully penned. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support ❤️?

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

  2. Wonderful and inspirational. . . You have inspired me again to pick up books and read. I used to read like books were meals, but for some reason (depression?) I stopped doing this. Now I know I need “words and more words that help illuminate light from within.” Thank you!

  3. I love the quote, Khaya – and your idea of lighting the dark autumn days with words. This year I’m really not looking forward to long winter days and feeling ‘trapped’ indoors but like you love reading. As I received some Amazon vouchers for my birthday I stocked up on books for my Kindle – only problem I’ve read three already! Don’t know if my purchases will last until Xmas.

  4. What an uplifting piece – words and more words.. They can take us wherever we need to go.. I like children’s stories at the moment – ‘Marianne Dreams’ is passing my nights by Catherine Storr 🙂

  5. Luckily I have never had an excuse to read summer or winter, spring or fall as they are a great insulator for me.

  6. Embracing the individuality of the seasons can only led to new experiences more deeply enjoyed XXX

  8. Thank you! I’m super glad to hear that I’ve inspired you to up the books again. It’s not always easy to find time to read with all the other responsibilities, which include writing:-) or be in the mood to read. But I find that reading helps me cope with everyday mundane and challenges. Do take care, and happy reading!

  9. Now, that’s a lovely and thoughtful gift to receive – Amazon vouchers. There are a lot of new books launching around the blogs, if your purchases don’t last till X-mas.:D I used to read books fast but not anymore with all the juggling I do with other responsibilities, and my ‘to read’ list is always growing. So, during dark autumn when it’s not so enticing to be outdoors, I try to catch up before winter comes and winter sports start. 🙂

  10. Thank you, Jae. Marianne Dreams, I’ve just quickly looked the book up. Sounds like a touching but educational book for young minds. Happy reading!

  12. This is so true, Gina. I read all year round but other seasons not as much as I do in autumn. There’s a certain and lovely feel in cosying up with a good book during the dark autumn season!

  14. A favorite time of year for me, Khaya. I like to burrow inside with writing and reading and have no guilt about missing out on the rain. So brew a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine, get a comfy comforter, light a candle, and enjoy a great book!

  15. Books are the brightest of lights. I have many titles that illumine my days and night. Right now, I’m delighting in Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It is a hysterical novel that always brings chuckles into my life. 😀

  17. I remembered your post from last year on the dark. It’s the one drawback of the season but in some weird way I always look forward to and even enjoy it until January hit, then I’ve had enough. There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book on these cool, dismal days.

  19. Hi Diana! And thanks to you for the written word. I’m wrapped under a spell and gazing at “The Sorcerer’s Garden”. What an enthralling read!

  20. Aah! Compelling read and great choice of words. Thank goodness for writers, who light up our worlds with their imagination. Happy reading! 🙂

  22. Thanks Steph for reading. You would think by now I’m used to the dark season. But I have to go an extra mile to bring light to my daily activities, otherwise the dark would suck me in. 🙂

  24. There is something cozy about a good book and warm beverage at this time of year. I cycle between fiction and non-fiction, but yeah, I think it’s time for some fiction right now. I’ll see what catches my eye at the local library.

  26. I agree, one of the best things autumn is the slow rhythm that allows time to catch up on reading. I like the cycling between fiction and non-fiction, and something I do as well. 🙂

  28. I love a good book but lately the very hot summers have been taking me away from my reading and at the moment, Haruki Murakami has my attention. Khaya I would exchange the heat wave we are having on this side of the world with your autumn 🙂

  29. Oh yes, Haruki Murakami always has my attention too. Tell about hot summers, they can be uncomfortable. So, I say keep out of the sun and read under the shade. 😀

  30. This is BEAUTIFUL – thank you.

    One of my favorite songs is “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…. ”

    Much love – Debbie

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