When I was a little girl, white encyclopedia books filled the space of our brown bookshelf. Sometimes I would pull a random encyclopedia and flip to a page and absorb something that wasn’t a part of my current world. I learned so much within the confines of my room. I believe that’s when I really felt the power of the written word. Books can do more than transport you. They can provide a place of conversation, refuge, and relaxation. I often huddle under the covers with a book. Or I am in my office underlining and bookmarking passages that really speak to me. Right now, this is what I am reading:
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott
The Rules of Inheritance by Claire Smith
What is grazing your bookshelf or nightstand these days? I would love to hear what you are reading.
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Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
You read much of the same book I read. I am currently between books. The question is what to read next!
I adore Anne Lamott’s writing. Just finished rereading Operating Instructions. I had not heard about Some Assembly Required. Thank you for the heads up.
Have you read any Frederick Buechner?
Another amazingly authentic author.
Laureen,
Anne Lamott published this book with her son Sam. It details the story of how she deals with becoming a grandparent after learning that Sam (a teenager) is expecting a baby with his girlfriend.
I haven’t read any Buechner, but will definitely check him out.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland (probably my favorite author…I can never get enough of her), We Are All Weird by Seth Godin (he’s always motivational) and Finding Water – bit by bit.
Barb,
Appreciate the recommendations. Will definitely add it to my growing list. Thanks!
Although I rarely read non-fiction, I just read Quiet by Susan Cain. It is about the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. Besides a compelling read, the book gave me great character insight as a writer. Introverts and extroverts make great teams, according to the research Susan Cain compiled, and I’m already thinking in those terms for my next fiction project. I highly recommend this book 🙂
Hey Windy,
We must be on the same wavelength. Just purchased Quiet yesterday. I am fascinated with the subject and look forward to reading it. Thanks!
Right now I am reading fifty shades of grey. I have a friend that’s reading it as well and she is emberrased to read it in public. I’ll let you know how it comes along but I was curious of all the buzz around the book 🙂 Have a great weekend ! Xo
I am in between books and am taking notes from these comments!
Yes to Anne and Sam! I see Anne fairly often around here north of the GG bridge and I always want to gush about her books but never do.
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland (probably my favorite author…I can never get enough of her), We Are All Weird by Seth Godin (he’s always motivational) and Finding Water – bit by bit.