I’m not sure what inspired me to add Falling Back in Love with Being Human to my library hold list, but I’m very glad that I did. I’m a straight, cis, hetero guy and not only did I love the writing in this book, but I gained perspective and an outlook on the world that is new to me. Kai Cheng Thom has done something beautiful. 

Falling Back in Love with Being Human is a collection of letters to various parties, interspersed with gentle nudges to the reader to be more mindful and empathetic to themself. It’s a short read, but it’s absolutely packed with gorgeous turns of phrase and novel thinking. 

From the introduction:

I wrote my way through the question: What happens when we imagine loving the people— and the parts of ourselves — that we do not believe are worthy of love?

What emerged was a series of love letters to unexpected people and places, to the parts of the world and my own self that I thought were beyond saving.

The writing is beautiful and often breathtaking. Several times I stopped in my tracks and reread sections, and some of the self-care prompts are surprising in their insightfulness and simplicity:

Make a list of five good things that you frequently do for other people. Within a two-week period, do them all, at least once, for yourself.

and

Write a letter of forgiveness to someone. That someone can be yourself.

They seem simple and maybe trite in isolation, but in context with the letters that the author is writing to JK Rowling, ‘the church of social justice’ and Jesus Christ, among others, they’re a beautiful lesson in understanding, compassion and Being Human.

Kai Cheng Thom has such empathy and such a distinct voice. She brings experience as a transgender woman, former sex worker, psychotherapist and social worker to bear here, and she’s an inspiration. This book is unforgettable. I’m going to buy a copy for myself to come back to, and probably a couple as gifts for friends.

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