I have an inordinate love for books. Any genre, any era—so long as the story is well-written I’ll read it. I dug up an old book at a yard sale the other day and believe that it, like other books, fostered the beginning of blogs.
The book is called Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. She completed it in 1955. I have to say it’s up there with my all time favorites: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and I Love You Like A Tomato.
Lindbergh hits the nail on the head about what we all wish to do when she says: “I want to give and take from my family, to share with friends and community, to carry out my obligations to humans and the world as a woman, as an artist, as a citizen…” We may take different paths but the give and take she discusses is so human and so contemporary.
Though she and I are decades apart she speaks to my heart just as she spoke to the hearts of women of her age. She gives me the feminine bond that goes beyond chronological time. She shares the deep female insight. I get to cherish her wisdom and pass it on.
This book took me by surprise. I thought what I was trying to do -- the hi-tech art of personal essay -- was updated and fresh in the new millennium. I was wrong. A book that is nearly 52 years old gives me a new perspective on what it means to be a woman today. Why? I don’t know. I think it’s because women are essentially the same. But then again we have changed—new opportunities, new challenges. The paradox defies definition.
Lindbergh’s book will never make the Oprah book club. A darn shame. She should have a special list for these classics. Women’s literature has numerous hidden gems. It’s not just Austen, Bronte, and Cather. And like shells on the beach, not everyone wants a conch—you might hate this book if you read it. But I’m hooked on this author. I’m sure she’s going to help me reflect on my life. Funny, how I need to go back to the past to refresh my sense of present.
On As We Are we give gifts daily to each other; to you. Know you are not alone. Answers exist for your questions. Solace for your sadness. Womanhood is such a vastly different but common experience, here you can find sisters in cyberspace. |
Bernadette Sukley |
| About the author: |
| Bernadette Sukley has written, edited, fact checked for nearly 20 years. Her topics range from health to sports and lifestyle, from human interest to hard news. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated for Women, and ABROAD magazines. Currently polishing up 3 novels for publication, she welcomes discussions on women and literature.
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