Reading & Mini Reviews

On My Night Stand

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen / 19 Comments

Read, read, read. —William Faulkner

There are so many things I could write about this “liminal season” I’m in, but I’m a slow processor. Instead I share books I’m reading and rereading these days. Some of the following books are more than entertainment but staple nourishment or part of my self-care regimen.

A great many of us turn to poetry in time of need.

As if I didn’t know this already. But it has been a much needed reminder for me (as a writer of poetry) to keep writing. In the near future, I promise to share why I questioned my writing. 

Am I a bird that skims the clouds along,
Or am I a wild storm, or a great song?

I have to hold space for my words to find new climbing trellises.

This book is like a friend every writer should have. It’s gentle, wise and encouraging.

Imaginative and futuristic things; an Afropolitan in space. This is a series I want to devour but have to slow down so that I can enjoy this imaginary world much longer.

This is the first book of a two-series ‘Living Autobiography’ on writing and womanhood. This has become my reference book. I’ll also write more about this at some point.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of reads that keep me going while in quarantine. By the way, I highly recommend all these books. You don’t have to be a writer to enjoy or relate to the ones about writing, themes are universal.

special note: April is the birth month of my writer friend, Magaly. This post is in response to her birthday request, and for enjoyment of all my readers, to share the titles of stories (in the shape of books and TV shows) that are keeping us entertained these days.

Wishing you all a beautiful spring, regardless!

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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.

19 Comments

  2. Thank you so much, Lavinia. I’m sure Magaly will see your lovely comment, at some point. 🙂

    Wishing you a lovely spring as well, and stay safe!

  3. What a great list of books. I will come back to them later. I tried buying 2 of them but can’t. Strange: Kindle books are more expensive than ever on Amazon, at a time when the paperbacks – my preference – are not available.

  4. Wishing our friend a very Happy birthday, surrounded with many blessings! I hope you are well Khaya! Thank you for sharing these wonderful books! Stay safe! Big Hugs!

  5. I’m glad you find this list worthwhile, Cynthia. And yes books on Kindle seems to be more expensive these days.

    I’m not sure which books you are trying to buy, but I probably need to mention that The Poetry Pharmacy I bought from Audible as an audio. And Levy’s book, as a paperback from my local bookshop; a really nice surprise, considering… 🙂 Rainer’s poems are free from Gutenberg among other sites. The other 2 are from Kindle. Good luck and happy reading!

  6. Hi dear Stacy! The birthday is not mine but Magaly’s. The post was return in response. 😀 But I’m pleased to hear you find these books interesting. It’d also be lovely to hear about your reads. What kind of books do visual artists read, lol?

    Be well my friend, and sending hugs your way!

  7. I’ve been doing a fair amount of revisiting too, with Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett and reading different passages from a few of the witchy books I’ve enjoyed in the past. I got a fair bit of audio book time in too. My husband had recommended Traitor’s Blade by Sebastein De Castell and I finally got to the last two books in the His Dark Materials trilogy.

    I need to see if my library has any from your list on e-book or audio book.

  8. “This book is like a friend every writer should have.” Yes! Yes!! Yes!! And I’ve just added Binti to my reading list. I love your description of the book. Thank you for the gift, my friend!

  9. Thanks for sharing this list of books.

    Do your best to enjoy the Spring season.

    All the best Jan

  10. Hey Khaya, yes I know it’s Magaly’s birthday. I said “our” friend. LOL! For me, I enjoy reading my blogs and my friend’s books, like you, Magaly’s, Rommy and I do have a few spiritual books too by Matt Kahn and Kyle Cease. Big Hugs

  11. Gosh, I must admit, I’ve yet to read a book by Terry Pratchett. One in particular has been on my TBR for too long, I guess it’s about time I get to it. Because I suspect there’s a whole lot to enjoy by this writer. 🙂 Your hubby’s recommendation sounds fascinating, I hope I’ll get to read a review of this trilogy.

    And I really hope you find at least, one of my reads from your local library. Happy Reading!

  12. The pleasure is all mine. <3 And I'm happy to see two of them were of more interest. This first book, novella, Binti is an enthralling read. One could literally finish reading it in one sitting. I'm already excited at the prospect of starting the second one, in the series, soon. So, I really hope you fun reading it.

  13. It’s a pleasure, Jan. I am doing my best to enjoy the season, and I wish you the same. The weather is so beautiful at the moment. 🙂

  14. LOL…do forgive me, my friend. The problem is with my eyes. Only now that you mention, I see you had said “our friend” indeed.

    As for reading our blogs and books, I can’t thank you enough for your continued support. It means a lot to me. You are a gift to writers.

    Your reads sound interesting too, especially Cease’s I hope I Screw This Up…I’ll certainly look more into it. Thanks for sharing. Hope your spring is progressing well. Big Hugs! <3

  15. Big Hugs My Friend!!! Kyle and Matt and amazing speakers as well! Kyle just put this video up and it brought me to tears! I hope you can get it with this link. https://youtu.be/Rl9zutY20sQ
    If not, go to youtube, type in Kyle Cease and press the link for “The Abuse Of Comparison”.
    I truly enjoy all of you and you are a gift too!!!

  17. Enjoy your spring too… and enjoy the awaking of new… I feel there’ll soon be new creations stirring in you! Chase the energy… keep having fun… keep poet-ing…
    (Yes, I know… I’ve likely hurt Mother English again… but if a writer can keep writing then surely a poet can keep… )

  19. It is, indeed. A chocolate I’d like to share with world. I’m busy thinking of “fresher” ways to do this.😊

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