What book(s) are you currently reading?

The last couple of days, I've been rereading The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body, in the Healing of Trauma by Van Der Kolk, M.D.. I'd recommend it to anyone dealing with, and finding it difficult to navigate, past trauma and heartache.

I've also recently begin working through a grief journal - not one specifically geared toward death - but to any event that has left you grieving. It is soothing, and I hope productive, too.

In the real world, I keep the hurt and pain quiet and closed within, so these books are a kindness that I do for myself.

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DrWatson · 70-79, M

Cincinnatus: George Washington and the Enlightenment by Garry Wills

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@DrWatson is it good?

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@LadyBronte Yes, I am enjoying it. It is about how Enlightenment thought affected the kinds of mythologies and images that developed about Washington, and how it influenced Washington himself.

For example, the book makes a convincing case that the story of the cherry tree was written in order to praise Washington's father's liberal parenting style, not George's truthfulness. (In keeping with what philosophers were writing at the time regarding the education of children.) It was not until the story made its way into reading primers in schools in the 1800's that it got transformed into a moral tale about not telling lies.

I've read other books by Willis. He draws on history, literature, art, and culture, to delve into ideas in a multifaceted way. Like his other books, I will finish this one only partially retaining everything he has to say!

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@DrWatson Interesting.