A personal reflection on my week, with recommendations for anthologies sitting on my shelf.

This is a write up of my video. You can find the seven-minute video on YouTube or TikTok.

Mental Health Monday

Monday has arrived, bringing with it a fresh set of challenges. As someone living with anxiety and depression, I find it helps to be transparent about my mental health. Sharing openly might not change my circumstances, but the honesty itself is therapeutic.

This past weekend was what I would consider an average anxiety weekend. I found myself starting tasks without completing them—wandering around my house with intentions to fold laundry, begin writing, or wash dishes—but accomplishing little. The following day brought a much-needed reprieve with a visit to the Denver Botanical Gardens. Peopl forget about the gardens in winter, and they miss out on a quiet oasis where plants are still thriving.

I recently discovered I missed a protest event at the national parks, which was disappointing. To stay informed about future opportunities, I'm now following the Resistance Rangers Instagram account.

Rediscovering My Bookshelf

As a self-described "library lady," I often prioritize borrowed books with their looming due dates, neglecting the volumes on my own shelves—many of which were thoughtful gifts or loans from friends. I'm now making a concerted effort to read these books, starting with my collection of short story anthologies.

Anthology Recommendations

New Suns

I'm currently reading New Suns, a gift from my friend Michael La Ronn, who thoughtfully included a list of his favorite stories that now serves as my bookmark. So far, our tastes align perfectly. The first story offered Fifth Element vibes while cleverly subverting third-world tourism tropes. Another compelling piece explored the power of translations.

What I appreciate most about anthologies is their introduction to previously unknown authors. They're also perfect for overcoming reading anxiety after finishing a lengthy novel or when struggling to commit to a new book. Short stories build their worlds quickly and deliver satisfying conclusions in minimal time.

"New Suns" is edited by fantasy writer Nisi Shawl and features an introduction by LeVar Burton—a winning combination. The collection's manageable length makes it ideal for readers seeking quick literary fulfillment.

Octavia's Brood

Next on my list is Octavia's Brood, a collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories centered on resistance and social justice. Though I haven't started it yet, I'm excited to explore its vision of alternative worlds—societies without war, prisons, or capitalism, all through the lens of speculative fiction.

Unfettered Hexes

Unfettered Hexes holds a special place in my collection. I actually submitted a short story for this queer speculative fiction anthology featuring witches, space adventures, and other fantastical elements. Though my submission was rejected (which happens!), the experience prompted me to write a story that's now available to newsletter subscribers.

Many contributors to this anthology are also associated with FIYAH Magazine, an outstanding publication of Black speculative fiction that releases themed short stories monthly. The anthology itself is a beautiful book, with dark-edged pages, stunning artwork, and comics interspersed throughout the collection. Some stories are even printed on black paper, showcasing the publishers' commitment to creating a visually distinctive experience.

I obtained "Unfettered Hexes" through a Kickstarter campaign and will provide more information about availability after I've read it.

I'll continue this series, reviewing books from my shelves while trying to resist the allure of too many library books. How are you feeling today? What are you currently reading? Let's remember we're not alone—we're all in this together.

/rae/