For Nussaibah Younis, reading was a double-edged sword – it brought solace in times of crisis but also served as a harsh reminder of the struggles she faced. Her own mental illness battle had begun to take shape when she stumbled upon Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar at 16. This book, penned by one of literature's most iconic voices, not only opened her eyes to the realities of mental health in young women but also resonated deeply as she experienced a serious episode herself.
The intensity of Plath's writing had an immediate impact on Younis, helping to process and understand her own emotions. It was almost as if The Bell Jar provided a mirror reflecting back at her the turmoil she felt – and helped her find words for it. This cathartic experience would be a defining moment in shaping her perspective on mental illness.
Younis has since cited several more titles that have had an enduring impact on her life, including Roald Dahl's Matilda and Donna Tartt's The Secret History, both of which introduced her to the power of literature as an escape and inspiration. While reading about fictional worlds like those in these books can be a source of escapism for many, for Younis, they also hold value in understanding and empathizing with others.
One other author who has been particularly significant in shaping Younis's perspective is Joan Didion – whose The Year of Magical Thinking explores the complexities of grief and loss in language that is both poignant and profound. For younis, this book serves as a kind of emotional lifeline during difficult times, offering solace through its honest portrayal of the devastating effects of loss.
In contrast to some authors like Philip Roth, whose work does not align with Younis's personal views or interests, there are others who have left an indelible mark on her perspective. Her experience reading Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique at 19 had a profound impact – shifting the way she viewed expectations placed upon women to prioritize caregiving roles over their own desires and aspirations.
A more recent read for younis has been Paul Beatty's Slumberland, a challenging but also thought-provoking exploration of racism that showcases the author's sharp wit and insightful commentary. As with her other reads, Younis finds value in authors who tackle difficult topics with nuance and wit – as well as those whose works serve as comfort during difficult times.
Lastly, David Sedaris is the go-to read whenever younis needs a pick-me-up – for both his humor and insight into everyday human struggles.
The intensity of Plath's writing had an immediate impact on Younis, helping to process and understand her own emotions. It was almost as if The Bell Jar provided a mirror reflecting back at her the turmoil she felt – and helped her find words for it. This cathartic experience would be a defining moment in shaping her perspective on mental illness.
Younis has since cited several more titles that have had an enduring impact on her life, including Roald Dahl's Matilda and Donna Tartt's The Secret History, both of which introduced her to the power of literature as an escape and inspiration. While reading about fictional worlds like those in these books can be a source of escapism for many, for Younis, they also hold value in understanding and empathizing with others.
One other author who has been particularly significant in shaping Younis's perspective is Joan Didion – whose The Year of Magical Thinking explores the complexities of grief and loss in language that is both poignant and profound. For younis, this book serves as a kind of emotional lifeline during difficult times, offering solace through its honest portrayal of the devastating effects of loss.
In contrast to some authors like Philip Roth, whose work does not align with Younis's personal views or interests, there are others who have left an indelible mark on her perspective. Her experience reading Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique at 19 had a profound impact – shifting the way she viewed expectations placed upon women to prioritize caregiving roles over their own desires and aspirations.
A more recent read for younis has been Paul Beatty's Slumberland, a challenging but also thought-provoking exploration of racism that showcases the author's sharp wit and insightful commentary. As with her other reads, Younis finds value in authors who tackle difficult topics with nuance and wit – as well as those whose works serve as comfort during difficult times.
Lastly, David Sedaris is the go-to read whenever younis needs a pick-me-up – for both his humor and insight into everyday human struggles.
reading can be super depressing lol nussaibah youniss's story is wild she found solace in books but also got triggered by them like if u r goin thru mental health stuff then a book about it might not help much idk 
and now ppl r like "read this book" as a solution to all ur problems and it's like yeah sure if u just read a book u ll magically be fine 
FOR ME, READING IS LIKE A SAFETY NET - IT HELPS ME PROCESS MY EMOTIONS AND MAKE SENSE OF THINGS. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THEY'RE ESCAPISM, BUT FOR ME, THEY'RE ALSO A WAY TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND UNDERSTAND THEIR STRUGGLES BETTER.
IT'S LIKE HE'S TALKED DIRECTLY TO MY SOUL - HIS COMMENTARY ON RACISM IS SO SHARP AND INSIGHTFUL, IT MAKES ME WANT TO LEARN MORE AND UNDERSTAND THE WORLD BETTER.
. Whether it's a laugh-out-loud comedy or a poignant memoir, books have the power to lift us up and put things into perspective.
I feel like we're living in this weird world where mental health is still stigmatized but we also have access to so much amazing literature that can help us process our emotions and understand what others are going through 
I'm not gonna lie, reading about people's struggles can be super hard at times, especially when it feels like your own story isn't being told 
It's still a work in progress, but at least we're having these conversations, right? 
it's like our minds are searching for a lifeline, something to cling onto during turbulent times. for nussaibah younis, reading has been that lifeline - a source of solace and comfort in the midst of chaos 
. i think that's what makes books like 'the bell jar' so powerful - they hold up this mirror to our own experiences, reflecting back at us the emotions we've been trying to hide 
. it's like, we're not alone in our struggles, and that can be such a liberating feeling 
. Her love for Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar is on point! 
It's amazing how literature can provide solace and empathy during tough times. And can we talk about Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking? 
that book gives me all the feels! 
Paul Beatty's Slumberland, though - it's a must-read for anyone looking to tackle racism with nuance and wit 
. But what really resonates with me is how these books have helped Younis find her voice and shape her perspective on life 
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. And I love how authors like Joan Didion and Betty Friedan help her see things from different perspectives - it's all about finding the right balance between escapism and reality 
. I mean, I've always known that books could provide a sense of escape, but this is on a whole different level 
. I mean, can't we just have one book that makes everything better? 
Nah, probably not, but it's cool to see how reading can be such a powerful tool for personal growth and empathy... even if it doesn't always feel like it at the time 
. And can we talk about Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar being like, the ultimate "this feels exactly what I'm going through" book? 
It's amazing how books can be a lifeline during hard times, you know? I've been reading a lot of Paul Beatty lately and I'm totally obsessed with his writing style - so witty & insightful! 
And can we talk about how awesome it is to have authors like David Sedaris who just get us, you know? 
. I think it's so cool that she finds value in authors who tackle tough topics with wit & nuance 
. And, let's be real, sometimes you just need some humor from David Sedaris to brighten up your day 
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they introduced me to the power of fiction as an escape and inspiration 
Paul Beatty's Slumberland r a thought-provoker, but also super challenging to read lol 
David Sedaris is like the ultimate comfort reader when i need a pick-me-up 
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