Windy Dorresteyn’s
Must-Reads

James Baldwin is a singular writer, and this is one of his most beautiful and emotionally intense books. Another Country depicts a specific place and time—the village and Harlem in the late 1950s—but the themes and inner lives of the characters are relatable still and in many ways timeless. At its core, this is a novel about a lack of belonging and utter alienation, coupled with the anxiety of everyday life and the joy and madness of passion.

Other novels of Haruki Murakami receive more attention, but for me, this novel, which mixes elements of science fiction and fantasy, is one of his best. It’s a clever and absorbing story in which the narrator is slowly losing his mind and the reader is drawn into his new consciousness. A mind-bending tale, perfect for fans of noir detective fiction, Blade Runner, and Western pop culture.

I treasure this deep collection of poetry, penned by one of the great modernist poets—who endured a professional life in the insurance industry while writing poetry in private. It captures Stevens’ depth and scope, with poetry ranging from lyrically beautiful to whimsically charming. I read one poem before bed each night, and highly recommend this practice.