I’m taking part in Hope Library, a community writing event about books, stories, and poems that gave us hope. Before I talk about the book that offered me hope at a very important time in my life, I want to talk about books and libraries.
I love the image of the guide ropes and also I can feel with you the "reassurance" of a library card in a new city and country. That would have given me a sense of home, too. What wise parents. :-) The Hope Library is now richer for your homage to *libraries* as well as to Joseph Campbell.
Priya, thank you for sharing these book-related memories. You learned that "books were magical" -- YES. I feel that every time I walk into a library or crack open a new world by reading a page.
Great quote from The Hero with a Thousand Faces. I enjoyed your insight that it gave you hope because it offered a formula. Is this frog/dragon pattern your favorite archetypal pattern right now? Are there any others that you're currently focused on?
Both the frog and dragon symbols in fairy tales may represent the parts of ourselves we have exiled or disowned. I think the disowning is many times (always?) an inevitable part of socialization though the degree and type vary based on our individual personalities and circumstances. I love both of them because they represent such primal, fertile energy. I'm currently focusing on the animus energy that we talked about. Always great talking to you, Anna, and I am looking forward to writing about in the letters!
Priya, I loved reading this. You write so beautifully about your childhood--it was like I was there. I had a similar affection towards books and libraries as a child--I used to fake being sick so I could stay home from school and go to work with my mother and read at the library all day. My mother loved myths from all countries and telling made up stories, my father only told true stories, and my grandfather loved all things made up and true and didn't care which was which. I loved hearing how you felt about Campbell--I have a similar reaction to the individualism in the heroes journey--and you made me want to revisit it. In other words, in your essay, I felt like I had found a friend--the very best kind of essay. Thank you!
"My mother loved myths from all countries and telling made up stories, my father only told true stories, and my grandfather loved all things made up and true and didn't care which was which." Rebecca, what a fantastic sentence! It encompasses every kind of experience. I think the hero's journey is an archetypal pattern. I've definitely seen it in my own life but I don't believe it's the only kind of journey. Would love to hear your thoughts on Maureen Murdock's heroine's journey! And yes to new friends!
Oh my goodness…more treasures …what the heck is going on….Substack is working hard today to renew my faith in the goodness of strangers after a few bad moments on here
recently…then I see this BOOKS AND HOPE…I’m so grateful.
This is such a vivid imagery and an impeccable image of books leading to enlightenment.
"They were guide ropes on a mountain whose top wasn’t visible, because it was so high and shrouded by clouds. "
Yes! That image struck me, too. Beautiful, Priya!
Thank you, Tara! I'm glad I was finally able to take part in one of your community writing events.
That makes two of us. :-)
Amit, thank you, I appreciate your taking the time to share! Books do point the way!
I love the image of the guide ropes and also I can feel with you the "reassurance" of a library card in a new city and country. That would have given me a sense of home, too. What wise parents. :-) The Hope Library is now richer for your homage to *libraries* as well as to Joseph Campbell.
I think readers look for books the way someone might find out where the fires escape exits are in a building! Thank you!
Priya, thank you for sharing these book-related memories. You learned that "books were magical" -- YES. I feel that every time I walk into a library or crack open a new world by reading a page.
Great quote from The Hero with a Thousand Faces. I enjoyed your insight that it gave you hope because it offered a formula. Is this frog/dragon pattern your favorite archetypal pattern right now? Are there any others that you're currently focused on?
Both the frog and dragon symbols in fairy tales may represent the parts of ourselves we have exiled or disowned. I think the disowning is many times (always?) an inevitable part of socialization though the degree and type vary based on our individual personalities and circumstances. I love both of them because they represent such primal, fertile energy. I'm currently focusing on the animus energy that we talked about. Always great talking to you, Anna, and I am looking forward to writing about in the letters!
Priya, I loved reading this. You write so beautifully about your childhood--it was like I was there. I had a similar affection towards books and libraries as a child--I used to fake being sick so I could stay home from school and go to work with my mother and read at the library all day. My mother loved myths from all countries and telling made up stories, my father only told true stories, and my grandfather loved all things made up and true and didn't care which was which. I loved hearing how you felt about Campbell--I have a similar reaction to the individualism in the heroes journey--and you made me want to revisit it. In other words, in your essay, I felt like I had found a friend--the very best kind of essay. Thank you!
"My mother loved myths from all countries and telling made up stories, my father only told true stories, and my grandfather loved all things made up and true and didn't care which was which." Rebecca, what a fantastic sentence! It encompasses every kind of experience. I think the hero's journey is an archetypal pattern. I've definitely seen it in my own life but I don't believe it's the only kind of journey. Would love to hear your thoughts on Maureen Murdock's heroine's journey! And yes to new friends!
I remember that book. It was almost revolutionary, a classic, and still read and referred to. 🥰👏 Wonderful memories. Thx for sharing.
Thank you, Carissa!
Enjoy your writing w/ the Hope library project, Priya!
Thanks, Jeanine!
Oh my goodness…more treasures …what the heck is going on….Substack is working hard today to renew my faith in the goodness of strangers after a few bad moments on here
recently…then I see this BOOKS AND HOPE…I’m so grateful.
Win, thank you!
Love the homage to the library and Campbell's book is a great addition to this list!
Jill, thanks, appreciate it!
A wonderful piece Priya. The power of books and the written word is something that should be celebrated from the roof tops!
Also, I really liked this line:
“They were guide ropes on a mountain whose top wasn’t visible, because it was so high and shrouded by clouds.”
:)