She Strengthens

Finding Solace in Shared Stories

As the world outside came to a standstill, my wife and I found comfort in the unlikeliest of places – a local bookstore. It was one of our last outings before the lockdown, and little did we know that it would become a beacon of hope in the dark days that followed. My wife, a history buff with a penchant for colonial reenactments, stumbled upon Karen Abbott’s captivating tale of four female Civil War spies, Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy. As we devoured the book together, night after night, it became a lifeline, a reminder that even in the most trying times, there is always hope.

When Reality Hits

The pandemic brought my freelance writing career to a grinding halt, and my wife transitioned to working from home. Our world shrunk, limited to walks with our dogs and socially distanced hikes. It was then that I realized the true power of stories. The women in Abbott’s book, who risked everything for their cause, put my own fears into perspective. If they could persevere, so could I.

The Intimacy of the Written Word

Reading became an escape, a way to pass the time without breaking the bank. And as the screens glowed bright, a book felt like a warm embrace, a reminder of the beauty of human connection. The gentle rustle of pages, the soft cadence of words, lulled me into a sense of security, a feeling that was hard to come by in those uncertain times.

A Shared Experience

I wasn’t alone in seeking solace in the written word. Journalist Tony Tekaroniake Evans and his wife found comfort in reading poetry aloud, while writer and researcher Imani Francies discovered that reading to her beloved eased her nerves and passed the time. Even those self-isolating alone could join in, thanks to the wonders of technology.

The Power of Reading Aloud

Book blogger Kelly Roberts started an online book club, where members took turns reading aloud to each other. This simple act brought people together, creating a sense of community in a time of isolation. As Roberts noted, reading aloud helped her appreciate the small details she might have otherwise missed. It was a reminder that even in solitude, we can find connection.

Beyond Solitude

Reading is often seen as a solo activity, but in times of crisis, it becomes something more. It becomes a shared experience, a way to escape together, even when we’re apart. As I look back on those long, dark days, I realize that it was the stories we shared, the words we whispered to each other, that kept us going. And in the end, that’s what truly matters – the connections we make, the hope we hold onto, and the stories that bind us together.