In this month dedicated to love and relationships, there are several items you should check out at Rowan Public Library. Whether you are in love with someone, still looking, or just want to connect better with others, there are many books available that I hope catch your eye.
Life is a constant series of interactions with fellow humans. Even with our close friends, most of us are content with pleasant, shallow relationships. Does the banal phrase “How are you?” roll off your tongue without much thought? For those who want something deeper, tools that can help you build and strengthen bonds with others can be found in Danny Silk’s book, Keep Your Love On! Silk emphasizes the key to solid relationships is control. Not control over others, but yourself. The book is split into three sections: connection, communication, and boundaries. Mastering each will make you a powerful person and the effect on your relationships will be life-changing.
A book that Danny Silk gives a lot of credit to helping relationships is The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. First published in 1995, the book has sold millions and been on the New York Times Best Seller list for almost two decades. The book has launched several spin-off titles for singles, children, and even the workplace. According to Chapman, everyone has a primary and a secondary love language. Love languages are ways to express and experience love. The five are: Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Figuring out which language to speak to your spouse, child, or coworker will transform your relationship with them.
Speaking of working on relationships, a new title just came in and I thought it was very interesting. Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy is a cookbook by Damaris Phillips. Damaris had a big problem. She was a Southern chef who happened to fall in love with a vegetarian. In her traditional recipes, meat was everything from a flavoring, to a side dish, to the main entree. For him, going meatless was an ethical choice. This cookbook is a bridge between their two culinary worlds. Chickpea & Dumpling Stew anyone? How about Scalloped Potatoes & Ham-ish or Gouda & Pistachio Vegetarian Sausage? While the recipes are probably not something I would attempt, I respect how Damaris altered something very important to her, her style of cooking, to accommodate her partner.
Do you want proof that love can flourish in the harshest of circumstances? Look no further than the book by Rod Nordland called, The Lovers: Afghanistan's Romeo and Juliet, the True Story of How They Defied Their Families and Escaped an Honor Killing. This is the story of Zakia and Ali who grew up together but were from different religious sects. Defying religious and social customs, they fell in love and began their harrowing journey not only to stay together but to stay alive.
Stop by Rowan Public Library this month and pick up some items that celebrate the gift of relationships.
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