I’m not sure what happened to this week, but it sure did fly by quickly. I headed back to campus for the first time in two years and so enjoyed the little things: putting professional clothes on again, walking through campus in the mild weather and seeing people I haven’t seen in person in a long while. I dare say things are returning to normal. This week, I’ve got two books to share, a new kind of journal, podcasting updates and links you’ll love.

What I'm Reading:

I have two VERY DIFFERENT books to share this week. One is a middle grade novel on gender identity I think every reader should read and sit with. The other is an epistolary novel (normally, my favorite!) that surpassed my expectations in format, but fell short on character development. Intrigued? Keep reading!

Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff

Well, this was a VERY unexpected book. Very. I am always seeking out books that can help me with what I do not understand or have not experienced for myself. I learn through story and this book provided a compelling story that will take space in my reading heart for a while. Lukoff introduces us to Annabelle, a sixth grade student in a small town hoping for a bit of excitement in her final year of elementary school. And excitement she gets: a new friend, a family shocker, a new identity for herself and a realization that the world does not work in favor of all who live in it. This book explores gender and gender identity in a way that children (and adults) can understand and embrace. Gone are the linear categories and labels in favor of simply knowing who you are and celebrating that is enough. Ah, this book.

Confessions of a Curious Bookseller by Elizabeth Green

I love books about books. And I love epistolary novels. So when I found this book, I thought I hit the jackpot blending my two bookish loves together. Truly, I did love the format. Told in a mix of email exchanges, social media posts and private journal entries, we enter the life of Fawn Birchell, a middle-aged used bookseller in Philadelphia. Page by page, we uncover more about her life, her work and the kind of person she is. That’s where this book fell short for me. I just couldn’t rally around this character no matter how hard I tried. She‘s struggling to leave a difficult childhood behind and keep her business afloat, things that I could understand. But HOW she does that was foreign to me: lying, stealing and using her words in ways that I could just not fathom, but did find oddly humorous. I’m glad I read it, but also glad to leave Fawn behind, even though she came around in the end. 

What I'm Writing:

Guess what arrived this week? My Start Today Journal! I’ve gotten by using the Start Today method by Rachel Hollis in a plain, ordinary journal for a while now. But, I decided to treat myself and purchase an actual journal designed for this purpose. 

I LOVE IT!

Each morning, I write down 5 things I’m grateful for, ten dreams I made happen (you write them as if they already came through) and the goal I am currently working on. I’m pledging to do this every day for the next 90 days to see how it shifts my mindset and helps me accomplish some big dreams on the horizon. 

Even if you do not purchase a journal, I HIGHLY recommend you listen to this podcast episode and start in a journal you have laying around waiting to be written in. 

What I'm Learning:

I’m contemplating a big shift: from blogging to podcasting. I LOVE writing, but the sheer amount of typing I do each week is taking a toll on my hands. Podcasting might help me blend the best of both worlds. 

So, I spent some time exploring what a shift might look like and how I might create my own. Here are some of the resources I dug into in case you’ve been considering this, too:

I’d still send these weekly emails, but would add an episode a week to the line-up. So, what do you think: Should I contemplate a podcast? What would you want to see included in it? I’m taking notes!

I also learned a new word this week: metanoia. It means a transformative change of heart and I’m so thankful for Jan Burkins and Kari Yates for teaching it to me. I have a feeling this could be one of my monthly one-word themes in the future!

What I'm Loving:

Have you ever looked at the miniature stickers that come on each piece of fruit? I never thought of them as the world’s tiniest graphic canvases, but they really are! I’ll be looking more closely on my next grocery trip!

THIS IS SO COOL. Hack the shopping marketplace to read instead. 

Ok. These bath noodles are hysterical. 

There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?