The Book of (More) Delights: Essays

You do not need to have read poet Ross Gay’s first best-selling collection of delights in order to thoroughly enjoy this new volume. Each week, he writes (in longhand, no less) his observations as brief essays, covering topics ranging from seeing his father in his dreams to spotting an unusual mailbox or gnomes in a tree. Although he says he isn’t being optimistic as much as simply paying attention, these delights will help engender your own sense of optimism and a renewed sense of wonder.

The first book inspired readers to create their own “delight practices” and this one will no doubt do the same. Dip in at any point, whenever you have a few moments to spare, and savor the results: enjoying being uncharacteristically early, the pleasures of hearing someone read aloud, adorable goslings, even the memories of a now shuttered bookshop. Each day might bring a small joy, a simple delight, or a deeper satisfaction.

And happily, Ross Gay anticipates a new collection every five years, so you will have lots of time to savor these additional delights and to create your own.