Last fall and winter, over the course of writing lists and checking them off, and as the kids left for a visit to their grandparents, I had time to read all the books. Early nights left more oppurtunity for me to make sure the kids were home and ready for bed before 7. Which only meant that I had time to sit and read after they went down. When they were away, there were many nights I took myself out to dinner, and sat with candlelight and pasta, devouring them equally. At times, it seemed like everyone was on a date, kissing and holding hands across the table. And there I was, perfectly content with me and my book.
While I wish I had made more time for it throughout the year, it’s nice having the opportunity to look forward to reading my stack during this particular season. It’s a chance to zoom out from the buzzing and re-center. It’s a chance for a pleasurable solo date. I often highlight words I don’t know or forgot, and use the time to take myself to school again. I realized that when the new year rolls around, I feel inspired to write and give my attention to more long-term projects.
First up on my list is Where The Crawdads Sing, “A painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative and a celebration of nature….Owens here surveys the desolate marshlands of the North Carolina coast through the eyes of an abandoned child. And in her isolation that child makes us open our own eyes to the secret wonders—and dangers—of her private world.” says The New York Times Book Review
With that said, anything on your winter reading list? Or anything you’ve read lately that moved you?
love, love, love this post, especially as a single woman who also feels like everyone is on a date, etc. I just started reading Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief, and have Pleasure Activism, A Return To Love and Where To Begin on my ‘next up’ list.
Hi Maria, That’s such a good list. I’ve had a few friends suggest that Anxiety book! How are you liking it so far?
I just started reading the book last night, and already 60 pages in..I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
Where the Crawdad’s Sing is my favorite book I read this year, by far. Enjoy!
Hi Danielle,
Good to know!
xo
I’ve been reading Sapiens by Yuvan Noah Harari. It’s been an amazing read especially to think about our species and how we’ve shaped/harnessed nature (for good or evil, is up to discussion).
Oh wow, good to know, Annie. Thank you! I’m adding it to my list!
L
I’ve read and loved I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying, PET, and Joyful this season. I’m currently reading Big Magic (super late to the party, I know). And I’m counting down the days for Children of Virtue and Vengeance, I’ve been waiting since March 2018 for it!
I just finished The Yellow House by Sarah M.Broom and it she made mention of James Baldwin several times and how Fire Next Time is where she would find escape. So now I’m carving his words within the pages of that book.
Hi Nadiya,
Thank you for sharing! I feel like everytime winter roles around I’m always craving James Baldwin around fall and winter, too. Happy reading.
I’m in the middle of The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory. It’s funny, I was looking for a horror novel and got sucked in by a romance instead. I’m usually into darker, more serious books, but it feels so comforting to read about two people falling for each other.
Love this, I so enjoy a reading date 🙂 I’m often on a writing date these days but need to factor in more time just to get deep into a book. I recently finished Between the World and Me (amazing) and City of Girls (pure delight). I have The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney, An American Marriage and Circe on my list. Also been dipping into Mary Oliver’s collection of poetry Devotions as I love her writing.
solo reading dates are the best. i read homegoing by yaa gyasi in august and james baldwin vintage and i cannot stop thinking about them – more on homegoing here: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2019/11/0049-august-favorites.html
maybe it was because i was mourning but it was such a human/touching/beautiful read