In June I made a goal: Read more books. Simple right? Often it didn’t feel like it was. Picking up a book in-between the demanding throws of life felt foreign. I was a habitual start then stop, then start all over again. Once I committed myself to actually reading, all of that changed rather quickly.
I grew up in a place where the local guy on the street would sell you your books, outside, on a table, stacks and stacks. The library if dug-up correctly offered a plethora of reads. And of course, there are the stoop finds, often left in tiny stacks with FREE scribbled in black ink across flimsy cardboard. If you’re lucky, you would find something you like, but most of the luck falls in the children’s department though, if you ask me.
Since June, no matter how I come by them, I notice an overall shift in my energy when I sit down and read. Stepping outside of myself and wrapping my thoughts around someone’s words instead of my own, or those of my children, husband or friends, feels as if i’m giving back to myself. That time is slow and steady, and it happens whenever I can fit it in, and as it turns out, it can happen quite often.
What we’re reading right now
The Year Of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. My best friend recommended this book to me after one of our many conversations. I am a few chapters in and have fell in deep. I highly recommend it if you haven’t already.
Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz. Kate was so kind to send me an advanced copy of her newest book for the kids and I, and I’m excited to attend a private reading of it this October. I gifted Rad American Women a few times for some of River’s friends, and she and I have already enjoyed reading this one.
“Imagine learning history right the first time, without ever having to unlearn all the lies and omissions. RAD WOMEN WORLDWIDE lifts the doom—maybe this is, in fact, a wonderful time to grow up.” – Miranda July
Okay, what about you, what are you reading?
I too have made this goal countless times, and have recently taken action to achieve it again. Usually between loads of laundry and nursing my baby. I can relate to your story, especially your opening. I purchased The Year of Magical Thinking about two years ago and have yet to read it, so I am happy to hear how it has captured you. It is in line with the next reading materials. I am currently reading The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason and #Girlboss, again, because I love the spirit of Sophia Amoruso's story. Can't wait to crack open Joan Didion. Take Care, Shayla LáStar
Hey Shayla!
I'm so happy to hear you already have it on your bookshelf! I have yet to read #Girlboos and The Richest Man in Babylon, but now I'll look into them both. Can you usually read multiple books? i can not at all! With that said, since writing this, I'm almost finished with The Year of Magical Thinking, and think that you will be able to finish it no time. Such a easy, yet powerful read. Thanks for commenting!