Gayle King's Book Recommendation for This Week #books #reading #oprahsbookclub

Content warning: Caption and video mention suicide.

This week’s book recommendation from Gayle King is a very personal one. Gayle was shocked—as many of us were—when she received the news that Cheslie Kryst died by suicide two years ago. For Gayle, Cheslie’s posthumously published memoir, “By the Time You Read This,” is one of the most important books anyone who is suffering from a mental illness can read. As Gayle says, “This memoir is a wake up call for all of us that you never know what’s going on in people’s life.” Will you be getting a copy? Let us know in the comments below.

[mikewillis]

This is sad, but true. So many young people now, communicate primarily by texting and posts. My nieces recently told me, that my texts are dry. I responded, that they should be. When I want to check in on you, I call you. I can sense where they truly are in conversation. They tend to curate their texts and posts.

[mikewillis]

A good book to consider is Prudence Codfishe, which deals with childhood penpals, who become best friends, their growing up, traumas, love, travel and becoming. Simply beautiful!

[joyce]

Heart Breaking they can’t express this to someone. 😊

[shay]

Ms. King, unfortunately sometimes as friends, family or acquaintances we never stop and look each other deeply in the eyes and ask how are you doing? Is everything ok? Or even assure each other with, hey if you ever truly need to talk I’m here? I guess what I’m saying is we never really check on each other and we just assume because someone doesn’t particularly express pain that they must not be in any pain. Now, my words in this comment is certainly not intended to place blame or suggest anything towards anyone, but I’ve lived long enough to understand that we may be unknowingly failing those around us by not asking and assuming everyone will tell us when they are suffering in silence. A lot of times they don’t speak out because they don’t want to trouble anyone around them or dampen anyone else’s day or happiness. We all have to do better and commit to caring for one another, and not take for granted that the sun is shining for everyone. Sometimes it just isn’t, and we wouldn’t know unless we stop and ask. We all should make real time for each other and be a safe place for our loved ones to turn to, and that starts with simply just asking someone do they need to talk about anything or is everything ok today… opening our arms and leaning in for a hug, just because (and guess what?), a hug is free and it doesn’t cost a thing. We need to show that we are the sunlight in their storm or darkness, because you just never know how close to the edge one might be. Let’s not just make the month of May Mental Health and Awareness month, let’s keep it going into every month. Peace, Love and Kindness… Always.🌥️⛅️🌤️☀️🌈🤗♥️