Best of Awake in the World: Buddhas On Blades Of Grass

'The Gin Closet' tells the story of Stella, a young woman adrift after college, who seeks out her estranged aunt, Simone, after her mother's death. Simone, a reclusive alcoholic living in a remote area, introduces Stella to a world of excess and unconventional living. As Stella becomes entangled in Simone's chaotic life, she confronts her own family history and grapples with issues of addiction, identity, and belonging. The novel explores the complexities of female relationships and the search for connection in a world marked by isolation. Through vivid prose and compelling characters, Jamison crafts a nuanced portrait of dysfunction and the possibility of redemption.

In 'The Empathy Exams', Leslie Jamison examines the concept of empathy through a series of essays that delve into personal experiences and broader societal issues. The book begins with Jamison's role as a medical actor, where she presents scripted complaints to medical students to test their diagnostic and empathetic skills. The essays interweave her personal history with explorations of pain, connection, and understanding, touching on topics such as poverty tourism, incarceration, and female suffering. Jamison's writing is deeply reflective, using vivid imagery and philosophical examinations to navigate the complex and often fraught terrain of empathy.