You know those beautiful blank writing journals that people give you and you have absolutely no idea what to do with? My daughter gave me one of those for my birthday a few years ago, and then another for Christmas. After dusting them on my bookshelf for a few months, I began to keep track of the books I read in one of them—just the date, title, author, various thoughts, and words or sentences that I enjoyed. The other (a sparkly pink tome that makes me smile, just to see it on the shelf) I created into my “Joy Journal,” and is filled with the smallest moments of my day that make me happy.
So here’s my blog, which is partially a collection of my favorite books from my journal. There are some I didn’t much enjoy, so I’m skipping over those and only including the books I’d eagerly recommend to a friend. I promise not to give any spoilers, since I’m of the kind to stop reading cover jackets or watching movie trailers, once I know I’m interested (why, oh why do some give it all away?). I’ll also try and give you a heads up if a book might affect you in a certain way. There are certain stories and characters meant for different periods of our lives, so it’s wonderful when we can match a book to a need.
As I transfer my thoughts from the journal my daughter gave me to this blog, I’ll also post about what I’m currently reading. I promise nothing with these posts, however, since I won’t know the spoilers until I finish, nor will I know if I like the book until I finish (I’ve been known to hurl books that end badly, don’t get me started on the Jackson Brody series…) and that is, IF I finish. I’ve recently given myself permission to stop reading a bad book, and it feels delicious. I highly recommend it.
I’m always looking for reading recommendations, so please leave yours in the comments! There are usually at least a half dozen books in my queue, but I start getting twitchy if that number starts to drop.
I hope this blog is helpful to you in some small way. Enjoy.
7 Responses
How much fun!
I love your website! So much to explore!! I didn’t know you’d published so many other writing pieces – I’m interested to read them as well.
Thanks so much! And I’d love to hear what you think of the other pieces as well. I haven’t done much except for The Goose Waltzer lately, but now that it’s done, I’m looking forwarding to another project…I’ve got some ideas for a historical fiction novel and already started the research!
What a fun blog! Thank you for sharing your favorites and talent with us! I can’t wait to peek around at your reviews and find some new books to read. <3
Thanks so much! I hope you’ve found some you like! And don’t forget to share any recommendations you have 🙂
Hi I just subscribed and have read a few reviews on your blog. I was curious if you have read West With Giraffes or Demon Copperhead. When I read your review of The Goldfinch, which is one of my favorite books, your depiction of Boris reminded me of Demon, the main character in Demon Copperhead.
My book club of 14 members, all female, read Demon Copperhead in May. Most of them did not like it because it was depressing. I was one of a few who really liked it for its realism.
We also read Remarkably Bright Creatures and West With Giraffes and liked them both. I especially liked WWG!
Thanks for subscribing, Nancy! Funny you should mention WWG, I’ve been working on that post! Also, Demon Copperhead is on my list, but it keeps getting bumped because it feels like a heavy read. (And sounds like your bookclub agrees, lol) It’s excellent, I’m sure, I’ve just been in a lighter mood these days. I’ll get to it soon, I’m sure. Let me know if you and/or your bookclub have more recommendations 🙂