from trevor’s encyclopedia of lost and found things

Some books touch the mind and make us think. They make us smarter.

We’ve all been influenced by the Cartesian idea, “I think, therefore I am.”

Thinking is good, right?

It can even help us win Facebook and Twitter arguments.

Who doesn’t want to wear that medal around their neck, pin that ribbon on their shirt, or put that trophy in their case?

Some books, though, touch the heart and make us feel. They encourage us to act.

Have you heard of Spinoza’s idea, “I feel, therefore I am?”

Let me do you a solid - https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/19/books/i-feel-therefore-i-am.html

I fall squarely into Spinoza’s idea of what it means to be human.

Sure, I want to be smart, knowledgeable, articulate - a scholar.

But more so I want to be empathetic, a hands and feet person, a salt-light-dust person.

I want to hold a hand.

I want to walk beside another person.

I want to be a helper.

I want to say (always), “I’m here. Estoy aquí.”

I want we to be more important than me.

This is why I hope you’ll read Shanthi Sekeran’s novel Lucky Boy.

Please read it.

Why?

Well, in her own words from an article she wrote for REFINERY 29 titled “The Role of the Novelist in Trump’s America”:

“The only answer I can fathom is this: reading is an act of witness. When we read fiction about timely characters—undocumented immigrants, refugees, transgender teenagers—we witness their humanity. When we read fiction about untimely characters—the Bennett sisters, Gregor Samsa, Willy Loman—we witness our own humanity. Both endeavours are worthwhile. Reading won’t solve our dilemmas. Stories won’t write bills and get them passed. Novels won’t de-gerrymander voting districts. Fiction reminds us that this era of American history is its own story, to be outlined and written by those willing to take up a pen. And fiction gives us hope, no small task in a time like this, if only for a few hours, if only for a happy ending.”

Be.

An.

Act.

Of.

Witness.