I am a voracious reader and every week I come across either a book, online piece or website I want to share with others. I’ve decided to curate these gems and highlight them on Friday. I hope you find these faves as insightful as I do.
- I love the advice James Altucher offers in his piece “How to Be Mentally Strong.” It is a great infographic on harnessing mental strength. The advice on relationships and the idea muscle resonated with me.
- Guess what’s back? Serial. I am such a fan of Sarah Koenig’s storytelling and this season’s podcast focuses on U.S. soldier, Bowe Bergdahl. He was a prisoner of the Taliban for nearly five years and eventually returned to the United States. Once at home he was hailed as a hero, but within days the public reaction to his rescue became a source of discontent. Find out the beginnings of this story with Episode 1.
- Do you dislike small talk? The New York Times, “A Neurotic’s Guide to Small Talk” is an amusing and humorous read.
- This heartfelt letter by my friend, Christine, is a beautiful tribute to friendship. I encourage you to read it and tell those special people in your life how much you love them.
What were your favorite reads this week?
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.
I loved “A Neurotic’s Guide to Small Talk”. Boy, did I see myself there! Considering we have the Christmas party for my husband’s new employment it hits home harder. I am so used to the same people at the old job for 30 plus years so this is new territory and new people…what’s a introvert to do?!
As always I love this list. Christine’s piece moved me to tears, and I can’t WAIT to pick up Serial again!
I am so excited about the next Serial. I cannot wait to hear how Sarah narrates this story.
Thank you so much, Rudri!
My pleasure, Christine. xo
I’m not very good at small talk, so the NYT opinion column had me laughing. All the holiday get-togethers overload my very limited ability to make chit-chat. 🙂
I really enjoy your new site design!
Jackie,
I laughed at the NY Times piece as well. Small talk isn’t always my forte and I loved the humorous take on a subject that is a part of all of our lives.
Thanks. I am pleased with the new design. Glad you liked it too!
Wow, it looks different around here! I love the new design. So awesome.
I do struggle with small talk so that’s the first article for me!
And then to read about becoming mentally strong.
I can’t wait to read these Rudri, especially the NYTimes piece! Thanks for sharing these and happy holidays!
Thanks, Christine. The article on small talk is especially funny. Happy Holidays to you and your family!