Consolations

Beautiful book. Whyte gave so many of these basic words a deeply human connection, in ways that will change how I perceive them going forward. Whyte is able to articulate our most hidden emotions connected to these words, and provide comfort that we're not alone in dealing with them. The passages are deep, but not difficult to understand. The words are listed alphabetically, no doubt for easy reference when we likely return to them for support.

Exquisite. I cherished this book for a few brief but intense months, opening it on random pages, sometimes reading sequentially but always slowly, always savoring. Whyte makes the quotidian new again, granting fresh perspectives on words and feelings we thought we knew.

I wanted to hold on to it longer; forever, maybe, to continue perusing and learning from. Each moment with it was different. But it was not mine to keep—is anything? It is now in the hands of someone who will, I know, adore it as well and possibly also let it go when appropriate. (I could buy my own copy. I won’t: it somehow feels right to pass it on, even though it hurts too.)

With deep gratitude, on this International Women’s Day, to the remarkable woman who introduced me to this book and allowed me to visit with it.