The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934 by Anaïs Nin
Reviewed by Max Peyro Hernandez
Library Assistant III, Central Library
San Diego Union Tribune, January 25, 2026

In this volume, Anaïs Nin documents the times in her late 20s to early 30s when she meets Henry Miller and his wife June, and the disillusionments of relationships, passion, and sexual identity. Later, her artistic and literary ambition leads her to the realm of psychoanalysis where she meets doctors René Allendy and Otto Rank, a necessary time that reaffirms her interest in the internal world tenfold. Nin describes meeting her estranged father and the shattered expectations of him and the reconstitution of herself because of it. This first published volume is a testament to Nin’s ability to describe her world in vivid-dreamy detail. Her tactful and precise detailing of the woman she became in spite of the men who tried to influence her is evident in her sensitive and introspective writing - offering a window into her emotional realm and thus, reflecting our own potential to tap into ours.

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
Reviewed by Ereka Prevot
Librarian II, Central Library
San Diego Union Tribune, January 11, 2026

Raising Hare is a beautiful account of connecting with nature during a time of isolation. Written by Chloe Dalton, political adviser and foreign policy specialist, the story begins on a cold winter day in the English countryside. Dalton finds a lone newborn hare in a field near her home. She cares for the hare into adulthood, altering her home and habits to ensure that the animal remains wild. Dalton describes the hare in tender detail, down to the subtle colors and seasonal changes of its coat. Her choice of words reflects the care with which she handles the wild guest. I loved this story not only because it focuses on a beloved creature, but for how the author handles difficult moments. Rather than dwelling on loss, she graciously reflects on what the hare contributed to her life.