pickDo you want to know what madness feels like? Or maybe you already do, but seeing your experience reflected in a modern classic might make you feel less alone or give you a new perspective? The Bell Jar is a complex, vivid, and beautifully, painfully wrought masterpiece, at turns scathingly funny, uncomfortably ugly, blazingly honest, and unbearably real. If you‘ve worked hard, followed the rules, only to realize it‘s all phony, this is for you.
pickI had this sitting on my shelf for years and was happy that the #HashtagBrigade motivated me to finally read it. I suppose I'd put it off because of the heavy themes, including mental illness and suicide. The novel was indeed disturbing and difficult to read, but also engrossing, poignant and even really humorous at times.
pickThis was one of those serendipitous times when I browse the Kindle for a book people have been racing about and it's a wonderful deal!
I loved it so much. It gave me a lot to think about regarding my own depression, suicidal thoughts and divorce. It made me think about my current love and the kind of life I want. I loved all the themes she touched on lightly, like asking for what you want. I can see why everyone loves it so much!
pickThis has been on my tbr forever, and I am so glad the #HashtagBrigade read it, though I‘m pretty late finishing the book for the group.
This is a hard story to rate, as Esther‘s story is parts disturbing and hard to read. Knowing Plath‘s state of mind too adds to backstory of this mental health novel. It‘s not supposed to make one comfortable. Glad I read it! #192025 #1963 #LitsyAToZ #LetterB
so-so#Wardens2025 #Read2025 #Roll100 #hashtagbrigade
Finished last week. Glad to have finally read/removed this classic from my physical shelves. So much happier also to have read it with great friends #hashtagbrigade 🥰💖
Thanks @BarkingMadRead for hosting #hashtagbrigade 💖
Also, this was one of my February #Roll100 picks📚
#MentalHealthMonday check in
1. I‘m tired & disappointed I didn‘t sleep well. But I‘ll be OK. I have to remind myself it‘s not a moral failing to be tired.
2. I used to think feeling sad for ANY reason meant I was mentally unwell. I now know mental health (for me) isn‘t about feeling happy vs. feeling sad. It‘s about emotional regulation. Processing & expressing my feelings in healthy ways rather than ignoring them or trying to erase them. ⬇️
#readingbracket2025 Thank you, @CSeydel 🤗
February: THE BELL JAR
So far: THE CRUELEST MONTH
