Trying a new genre

Let me tell you about two of the books I’ve recently read and enjoyed.

The first is “The Witch’s Heart” by Genevieve Gornichec. This is a reimagining of Angrboða from Norse Mythology. In the past, she is simply known as the mother of monsters, as Loki’s wife. Gornichec gives life to the Norse witch and creates lore that many have not felt was necessary. The book has its exciting moments and plot points, but a huge element is following the everyday life of Angrboða.

The next book is "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt. I was particularly excited about this because one of the perspectives the reader follows is an octopus. The other is a man, Cameron, and an elderly woman named Tova. The book follows Tova and her job at the aquarium, as she searches for answers about her dead son.

Though two drastically different storylines, the aspect of featuring the mundanity of life remains similar. I would have never guessed I would enjoy this type of book before. I was, as maybe you know, always someone who enjoyed fantasy. But recently, I’ve found comfort in slower-paced novels. I think this change is because I’m learning to focus on the present.

Previously, I’ve been obsessed with the future and “growing up.” What will I major in? What will my job be? Should I be doing more? What city will I live in? What if where I want to live doesn’t have a good school district for kids I don’t even have? Genuine questions, but also some that I think I shouldn’t be so adamant on finding the answers for at my age. The thing is, even when I found the answers to some of the questions I had, it was never enough. It just added more to my ever-growing list.

I found myself, once again, escaping the present day, just as I did with my books, and focusing on some fantasy life that I don’t currently have. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious or setting goals, but I think my extensive planning took a lot away from my daily life. I struggled to enjoy the little moments and failed to realize that I like my life right now.

I enjoy slow starts to my mornings: sleeping in, making tea and reading a book. I enjoy my afternoons: playing Worlde with my dad, talking to my mom and walking my dog while I listen to an audiobook. I enjoy my evenings: catching up my friends, trying a new recipe, showering and winding down with a TV show. I enjoy the mundane tasks that I have today. So, I’ve decided that I’m in no rush to change it.

I’m sure I’ll still overthink the future, just as I will continue reading my fantasy novels, but I’ll be sure to slow down and enjoy this genre of life that I have yet to appreciate.

Kelley is a reporter at the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. She can be reached at [email protected].