How do we approach wellness with limited funds? How do we build a sustainable community when we've been displaced? During isolation in a pandemic? Hood Wellness by Tamela Gordon explores this through Gordon’s personal stories and those of some amazing humans. I was particularly struck by Holly's story from both Tami's and Holly's perspectives - I work in clinical research and want to do my tiny piece to move the needle on one of the very issues Holly raised.

This book won't give you simple tips on Self-care Sunday (although she does encourage whatever ritual you'd like to pursue) nor does the author plug surface-level quick fixes to make you feel good for a little while. It goes beyond the superficiality that can come with the billion-dollar wellness industry and emphasizes the hard work of healing in all of its forms and with all of its potential ugliness. 

This book made me think about how, at times, I view self-care and wellness through a shallow lens and ways to dive deeper into true wellness and community. This is a wonderful addition to your arsenal of books on true wholeness, communal wellness, and self-care.