21. The Joy Of Small Things | Hannah Jane Parkinson
A PURE DELIGHT! I loved this book, you can get hold of a copy here.
Friends,
Full disclosure - I bought this book because of the cover, not because of any reviews or recommendations. I have a dachshund called Phoebe who looks exactly like the sassy one on this cover!
Hannah Jane Parkinson is a journalist and columnist who contributes a weekly column to the Guardian but the same name. She breaks down her affection for everyday moments/ objects/ interactions into enjoyable two-page short reads. Her descriptions of mundane things that bring her joy are such a great reminder that happiness can be found in so many everyday moments.
This is a great book for your bedside table to dip into when you need a little moment of joy.
Some of my favourite chapters:
Kissing
“Do you remember the best kiss of your life? I imagine that you do. There aren’t many things better than a great kiss. I am talking about romantic kissing - what we call (and here, a shudder) snogging. Such an ugly word for such a wonderful act.”
A Fit of the Giggles
“We get the giggles. We do not choose the giggles. The giggles choose us. It is entirely the giggles’ decision as to why they will join us, and when they will leave us. It does not matter the place, the time, the inconvenience - we are at their mercy. Our cheeks aching, shoulders shaking, nostrils bubbling.”
Red Lipstick
“You can spot a baller woman by the fact that she wears no makeup, not a slick of it, except for one thing: a bold red lip. A lot of women do this and, as with fashion designers who - maybe unexpectedly - seem to wear only black basics (roll-neck sweaters, trainers), it displays a simple self-assuredness. These are women who Get Things Done.”
Pettiness
“The best acts of pettiness are knowing. That’s what stops them being pathetic. Often there’s no benefit to the architect of the pettiness, other than a small satisfaction. The joy of it is that is speaks to the fact that, deep down, we’re all just toddlers pretending to be adults.
I leave you with the most majestic act of pettiness ever committed. When E.E. Cummings ‘ first poetry collection was rejected by 14 publishers, he self-published it along with an amended title: No Thanks. On the dedication page he wrote a poem ‘No Thanks To’ and listed each of those publishers who had turned him down. The poem was arranged in the shape of an urn. Just gorgeous.”
