In many ways, the body is implied in everything we do, everything we write and experience - even the headiest of poems can be traced back to a bodily sensation. In the age of constant information and optimisation, however, we've been led to distance ourselves from visceral cues and physical intuition for the sake of survival. This disconnect then produces misalignment, a loss of intuition and, often, a harder-to-access creativity - it's hard for me to picture many of the famous literary minds existing in grind culture and still being so whimsical and prolific.

The following list of books will bring you out of your head and into your body. Sometimes in a lovely way, sometimes in a much more grim one, but almost always, uncomfortably - reminding you of the humanity and tenderness we've been trained to forget. The unsettling remembrance of your mortality will make you feel alive, and maybe even grateful. For your squinted eyes, strong hands and resilient heart, just in time for Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

(Graywolf Press, 2017)

A collection of short stories for the obsessively self-observant skeptic, seamlessly weaving together the sinister mysteries of the female experience. Each story leaves you uneasy and wholly aware of your body. The whole thing feels like a womanhood-specific version of Inception, with your fingers on the page the only thing to pull you from her crawling words.

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Satan Says by Sharon Olds

(University of Pittsburgh Press, 1980)

One of Olds’ many masterpieces, this book is for the thorough double-triple-poem-reader, detailing a journey through the many phases of life and grief after divorce. The way she relates the body to how it is touched by another, and gives identity to each inch of flesh always leaves me with tingles down my spine. Also, it has the coolest cover ever and I may or may not have gotten the little devil tattooed on me in a fit of impulse years ago…

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Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

(Simon& Schuster, 2023)

For those who turn up their nose at euphemisms for sexual woes, to the point communicators:

A frank novel following characters that are slightly unlikeable but brutally relatable. The combination of blunt descriptions of sexual trauma and flowerless romance leaves you unsure of how you should be feeling, but comfortable with your own humanness all the same. Approach this with a reasonable trigger warning for content dealing with sexual trauma.

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Come Together by Emily Nagoski

(Penguin Random House Publishing, 2024)

For the science-motivated sensual inquirer, this is a sequel to her first sexual self-help book. Come Together examines the common misconceptions between two minds and, subsequently, bodies. As an ever curious student of sensuality and the often silenced forces that drive us, I learned things within the first few chapters that have currently altered how I view the world. Through approachable language and her signature sense of humor, Nagoski comes off as your pleasantly know it all big sister. Want to better understand the body and its desires? This book is a great place to start.

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All We Know of Pleasure edited by Peter Washington

(Penguin Random House Publishing, 1994)

A wonderful collection of female written erotic poetry and prose for the curious, short attention spanned erotic generalist, spanning from perspective shifting to downright silly and goosebump pricking. I often find it hard to find poetry collections that represent the breadth of emotions brought forth by sex and sexual ideologies - but this one feels all encompassing. Assembled by a man, no less!

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The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

(Originally published in The New England Magazine, 1892)

For the conspiracy theory loving, cigarette smoking true crime fanatic - this delightfully short story about a woman descending into madness, a process aided by her husband, is creepy and exciting and leaves you feeling simultaneously lonely and like you’re being watched.

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Dead Weight by Emmeline Clein

(Penguin Random House Publishing, 2024)

For the person with problematic but introspective thought loops about food and consumption - the first of its kind, this book combines anecdotal eating disorder moments with statistical information about our mistreatment of the issue. You feel both seen by a sister and implored to take action - the perfect read to feel empowered as well as taken care of. Truly a masterpiece, and hard to put down.

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