{"id":40219,"date":"2025-09-24T07:20:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T07:20:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/40219\/"},"modified":"2025-09-24T07:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T07:20:09","slug":"what-were-reading-to-stay-sane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/40219\/","title":{"rendered":"What We\u2019re Reading to Stay Sane"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe this goes against our self interest, but we think you should take a break from reading the news.<\/p>\n

Inside your phone is a global tally of horror and injustice. It\u2019s difficult to think of a recent moment, outside of the pandemic, when the prospects of our republic appeared so grim. And even if President Trump weren\u2019t drooling over adding Portland to his national revenge tour, the Rose City still wouldn\u2019t be having its best year. <\/p>\n

On the one hand, it feels impossible\u2014and perhaps irresponsible\u2014to look away. But the other hand is holding a book. Those pages contain what the latest headlines never will: solace, perspective and even joy. When the going gets tough, the tough go to a library. (By the way, for all the bad press the Central Library has received of late, some 20 branches of the Multnomah County Library<\/a> are in the midst of renovations, replacement or spruce-ups. The two-story, 21,000-square-foot Holgate Library opened just this summer in the Foster-Powell neighborhood\u2014and it looks fantastic!) <\/p>\n

\"\"What We’re Reading to Stay Sane <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not sure what to read, your neighbor probably has a recommendation. It\u2019s in that spirit that we asked a few Portlanders what they\u2019re reading to take their mind off current events. Some were reading to find solutions, others for a few hours of escape. We consider both approaches equally valid, and we\u2019ve cataloged their suggestions in the following pages. (Our own staff is reading, too\u2014you\u2019ll find their contributions on page 11.) What\u2019s on their bedside tables runs from local history to post-apocalyptic sci-fi, but it sure seems like there\u2019s a movers-and-shakers book club dedicated to Ezra Klein\u2019s Abundance. <\/p>\n

Look, you wouldn\u2019t go for an all-day hike without first eating breakfast. The path ahead of us is long, and we have a feeling it will be mostly uphill. Here\u2019s fuel. \u2014Aaron Mesh, editor<\/p>\n

Omar El Akkad<\/p>\n

Author of, most recently, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cLeanne might be my favorite living writer. I first read her latest, Theory of Water, before it was published, and found myself coming back to it again recently. From such a simple-seeming question\u2014how do we exist alongside water?\u2014she forms this beautiful meditation on what it means to care for the world we live in, to care for one another. It\u2019s hard to think of a more instructive, soulful book to read right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shannon Singleton<\/p>\n

Multnomah County commissioner, District 2<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin; The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

On The Stone Sky: \u201cThis book is an escape. I learned about N.K. through a master class where she discussed how to create your own world when writing. As a sci-fi nerd, I immediately bought the books and have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the escape it provides to living under this federal regime.\u201d<\/p>\n

On The Message: \u201cI adore his writing. His words always serve as a powerful motivator for me to keep pushing, keep fighting, to stand against oppression and violence, and to find the courage to speak up and out. This has been even more poignant in my role as a commissioner as well as in the current environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jessica Vega Pederson<\/p>\n

Multnomah County chair<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI split between reading on a tactical level on how to approach all the chaos and absurdity happening in our world and reading for pure escapism. Right now, my tactical reading is Abundance, and I highly recommend it. I also find solace in cozy Regency historical mysteries\u2014curling up with some tea and reading the flirty banter between a duke and an intelligent, feisty lady as they solve a murder is pure enjoyment. And when I really want to escape, I hop onto the Switch and escape to Hyrule for a while to play Tears of the Kingdom. Defeating a Lynel can be highly therapeutic when vanquishing unconstitutional, destructive federal policies is out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bobby Hooper<\/p>\n

Bar owner, Afterlife<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: The Light She Gives by R.M. Drake<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Light She Gives immediately reminds me to reconnect to self. To not just self-reflect but to be gentle with my own heart. In this collection of short poems from R.M. Drake, the emphasis to heal from a relationship gone awry lies all within the self-reflection and ability to reconnect to one\u2019s true self.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Maxine Dexter<\/p>\n

U.S. representative, Oregon\u2019s 3rd Congressional District<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s strange, beautiful, and quietly radical. It is so good I actually left it at my bedside table to keep me from reading instead of working while attending Climate Week in New York City.\u201d <\/p>\n

Kimber Shade<\/p>\n

Drag queen<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What you Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing grounding me right now is the vision of a future where our community can fund and realize our collective dreams. Each chapter of The $100 Startup inspires us to take chances on our ideas, setting the tone for entrepreneurs to create meaningful ventures from minimal resources. In a world that feels like it\u2019s burning, this book is an escape that reminds us that while the flames rage, we can still prepare and build.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angelita Morillo<\/p>\n

Portland city councilor, District 3<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been reading The Tale of Despereaux to my nieces over FaceTime. Best book in the world by the way\u2014as wholesome as it gets!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jane Lubliner<\/p>\n

Registered nurse<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid<\/p>\n

\u201cI was recommended this book by a co-worker after sharing that I loved one of Taylor Jenkins Reid\u2019s other books, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The story line is captivating and easy to get drawn into. The book explores family dynamics with each family member giving their own story line over the span of one night at a party. It is a very fun and light read!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuck Klosterman<\/p>\n

Author of The Nineties and the forthcoming Football<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: The Image by Daniel J. Boorstin<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t anything I\u2019m reading at the moment that accurately applies to this question, since what\u2019s happening in society at large and how I live my own life aren\u2019t particularly connected. However, I did read something about six months ago that I\u2019m still thinking about: The Image by Daniel J. Boorstin. The Image is one of those books written in the past that makes more sense now than when it first came out. Originally published in 1962, the subtitle of Boorstin\u2019s book is \u2018A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America,\u2019 and\u2014at the time\u2014he was mostly talking about television. But what the author accidentally describes more accurately is the machinations of the internet, particularly how it creates the illusion of a reality in constant motion when (in actuality) almost nothing is transpiring at all (and that most of what appears to be \u2018news\u2019 is just the reinterpretation of consciously fabricated pseudo-events). Ideologically, the book is supposed to be unsettling. It suggests that most of what we see in the world is not actually happening. But now, paradoxically, a lot of Boostin\u2019s points feel reassuring. Maybe it\u2019s all fake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Juan Carlos Gonzalez<\/p>\n

Metro councilor, District 4<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hungry for new ideas about how we move forward as a region. Abundance speaks to me about the urgent need to reform and renew government\u2019s ability to meet people\u2019s most pressing needs\u2014housing that families can actually afford, clean energy that fuels our future economy, and a modernized democratic process that truly serves the people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Steve Novick<\/p>\n

Portland city councilor, District 3<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m reading Joe Posnanski\u2019s baseball blog faithfully\u2014read his book Why We Love Baseball a few months ago\u2014and I\u2019m rereading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, which is, of course, terribly sad, so I don\u2019t know if it keeps me sane, but I just thought it was time since I first read it over 50 years ago.\u201d <\/p>\n

Ally J. Ward<\/p>\n

Comedian<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim; Hurts So Good by Leigh Cowart <\/p>\n

\u201cThe constant negative news cycle and state of the world can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing. Taking time to step away from that and engage in something I enjoy helps alleviate some of those symptoms. But also my domme expects me to be reading daily, so making them proud and maintaining a good girl status is a plus for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bri Rossi<\/p>\n

Artist, Little Leaf Ink<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Silo Series by Hugh Howey<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a post-apocalyptic kind of vibe. But there\u2019s a nice piece of humanity, too, which I find comforting. The character development\u2019s really wonderful. I just want to know what happens in their world. I hope it doesn\u2019t happen to our world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong<\/p>\n

Superintendent, Portland Public Schools<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Bren\u00e9 Brown<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a superintendent, Dare to Lead resonates with me because it redefines leadership as courage rooted in vulnerability and trust. Bren\u00e9 Brown offers tools to build authentic relationships, foster collaboration, and lead with empathy. Reading it strengthens my ability to inspire staff, students, and community while modeling resilience and compassionate leadership. The entire leadership team will begin reading it this October.\u201d <\/p>\n

Dr. Catherine McNeur<\/p>\n

Professor of history, Portland State University<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Book of Delights by Ross Gay<\/p>\n

\u201cI reread Ross Gay\u2019s Book of Delights and Book of (More) Delights whenever I find myself veering towards despair. What makes these books such an effective antidote is that Gay doesn\u2019t glibly look for delight by overlooking what is terrible in our world. He addresses the inequities and the ugliness, historical and continuing, and yet still finds ways to unearth beauty in everyday moments, such as exchanging silly looks with a baby at a restaurant, mistaking someone for his uncle, or a brief exchange with a TSA agent: in short, our shared humanity. Gay has written empowering guides that continue to help reset my vision and energy as I find a way to move forward.\u201d <\/p>\n

Dorothy Lane<\/p>\n

Manager, New Renaissance Bookshop<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Gabriel Messages by Shanta Gabriel <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the chapters are maybe two pages long, and they talk about things like in these troubled times, the only place you can find stability is inside your own self. I read it first thing in the morning. I get up and make my chai and read a few pages, and it really helps me get my day started on a positive note. It\u2019s important for all humans to stay connected with the earth because we are so bombarded with images and messages and things from the outside of us that it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed and anxious. Having a strong connection to the earth helps me to be able to keep my head clear of that excess of emotion and energy.\u201d <\/p>\n

Tomboy<\/p>\n

Drag artist<\/p>\n

What they\u2019re reading: Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell<\/p>\n

\u201cI recently found a digital copy of this late \u201970s gay manifesto, and was moved by its optimism and crunchy charm. It\u2019s a series of short stories and illustrations, all a little absurd and fantastical, but I find comfort in the ways our queer elders saw the world more open to change than I currently do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Julia Brim-Edwards<\/p>\n

Multnomah County commissioner, District 3<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Portland\u2019s Audacious Champion, How Bill Naito Overcame Anti-Japanese Hate and Became an Intrepid Civic Leader by Erica Naito-Campbell<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always a stack of books on my nightstand, but I\u2019ve been especially inspired by the reading about the life and legacy of Bill Naito. Reading Portland\u2019s Audacious Champion is a powerful reminder of what makes Portland special.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, his life reflects the promise of the American dream\u2014that through hard work, optimism, and a sense of responsibility to others, you can not only build a future for yourself, but also strengthen the community around you.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, when we\u2019re looking for hope and direction, Bill Naito reminds us that leadership rooted in service, optimism, and resilience can carry us forward. At a time when Portland faced real challenges, Bill Naito saw opportunity. He rolled up his sleeves, took risks, and invested in making this a place where people could thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam Possehl<\/p>\n

Hiring and training coordinator, Powell\u2019s Books<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: Tramps Like Us by Joe Westmoreland<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen faced with troubling events in the present, I often look to the past to find hope and guidance from other generations who lived in difficult times. Earlier this summer, I read Tramps Like Us by Joe Westmoreland. This moving novel follows Joe from his traumatic childhood in Kansas City in the 1970s to his eventual community among other queer outcasts in San Francisco in the 1990s. These characters lived increasingly desperate lives as the AIDS crisis deepened, and despite an uncaring, hostile government, found solace and comfort in their chosen family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ry Bred<\/p>\n

Drag queen<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread and What We Don\u2019t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

On Big Book of Bread: \u201cThis recommendation should be obvious. I love a good loaf of bread, and everyone should be able to bake some goodies at home. King Arthur Baking Co. is the expert on home bread baking. I love being baked and bred.\u201d<\/p>\n

On What We Talk About: \u201cLocal Portland plus-size body advocate and icon Aubrey Gordon details the experiences of being fat in America. She explores modern fatphobic systems with historical contexts and compassionate consideration. Seeing other fat advocates speak up for body positivity, inclusivity and building community has been a driving force for my confidence in my body in and out of drag. I will not feel bad for being fat.\u201d <\/p>\n

Sam Chapman<\/p>\n

Executive director, Center for Psychedelic Policy<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas by Paul Theroux<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an only child from two only children, I grew up with a strong inclination for independence and exploration. I was lucky enough to travel to about a dozen countries as a kid. I was always looking to escape the vicinity of my parents and find my own experiences outside the culture I knew at home. Theroux\u2019s solo travels and his style of observation and comedic interaction with locals remind me of those days, and inspire me to travel more, hopefully slowly and intentionally, by train!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ervanny Astari<\/p>\n

Artist, Astari Designs<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau<\/p>\n

\"\"Ervanny Astari, The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau <\/p>\n

\u201cThis book makes me feel motivated to go do and start stuff. He\u2019s also a Portlander.\u201d <\/p>\n

Dr. Brian Druker<\/p>\n

Scientist, incoming president of Knight Cancer Institute<\/p>\n

What he\u2019s reading: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson<\/p>\n

\u201cJust finished The Second Mountain by David Brooks as a way to inspire me to take on another challenge in my career. Am now reading Abundance to help me understand how best to build the future we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meghan Moyer<\/p>\n

Multnomah County commissioner, District 1<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: King Leopold\u2019s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild; Wolfsong by TJ Klune<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I am quite dyslexic, I listen to audiobooks. I tend to jump back and forth between a nonfiction book sparked by thinking about current events to fantasy to get my mind off reality. I am currently listening to King Leopold\u2019s Ghost about the genocide at the turn of the century in the Congo where 8 million Congolese were killed under colonial rule. The book before that was Wolfsong by TJ Klune. This fantasy book includes queer love and werewolves. I recommend both books.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rachelle Cochran<\/p>\n

Comedian<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin<\/p>\n

\u201cIt reminded me that creativity isn\u2019t something we wait for; it\u2019s everywhere, in every moment, if we\u2019re willing to notice. As a creative, I often get fired up about where ideas come from, and this book gave me both comfort and clarity: Inspiration isn\u2019t rare or fleeting, it\u2019s woven into daily life. Reading it has helped me shift from waiting on creativity to living it, and that perspective has been a huge source of calm and motivation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tiffany Koyama Lane<\/p>\n

Portland city councilor, District 3<\/p>\n

What she\u2019s reading: Funny Story by Emily Henry; Mischievous Creatures by Catherine McNeur<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I need to escape the real world, I reach for a fun Emily Henry rom-com novel. And if I have more brain power, I reach for Mischievous Creatures. McNeur tells the story of two sisters, Margaretta Hare Morris and Elizabeth Carrington, who made BIG contributions to entomology and botany in 19th century America, but their contributions were largely erased from scientific history due to their gender. The way she explores the systemic exclusion of women from science is profound and so important.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Maybe this goes against our self interest, but we think you should take a break from reading the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40220,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[288,93,61,60],"class_list":{"0":"post-40219","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-books","8":"tag-books","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-ie","11":"tag-ireland"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40219"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40219\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}