Books Will Always Save Us
Four great books I read in January
I read a lot in January, more than usual. This makes me happy as I’m always trying to read more. It helped that it’s been absolutely frigid and hard to leave the house (see? I’m trying to be positive about -4 degree temps).
All fantastic reads:
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva. Historical Fiction. 1843 London. Christmas is approaching and Charles Dickens is facing a terrifying writer’s slump. Bills are piling up. The threat of bankruptcy, shame, and “the poor house” is looming. Everyone wants something from him (his sticky-fingered children, wife, relatives, the London public, his publisher)! Meet his demons, some ghosts, his muse, and a small hungry child named Timothy. Can Dickens find his faith and grounding? Something he knows: books have always saved him. Audiobook read by Euan Morton in the most perfect British accent via free libby.app
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Realistic Fiction. 1951-1975 Adirondack summer camp. When teenager Barbara Van Laar goes missing, a panicked thrilling drama unfolds (I loooove a good family drama) because you know who else went missing fourteen years ago? Barbara’s then-eight-year-old brother. I loved the character development and voice and mystery and want to write like Liz Moore.
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon. Non-fiction. So many good stories! I mean, did you know about Inez Milholland? I didn’t! Queen.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Nonfiction. I know I talk a lot about this book, but I love it because it’s been so life-changing - and so fascinating to read! This time I’m listening to it on the free libby.app
“We do not rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.”
Boom! What are you reading?
Amy <3
p.s. I link books to Bookshop.org because they ship from local, independent bookstores. I know Amazon is cheaper. I love Amazon too. I’m trying not to love it so much. But when it comes to books, I just can’t bear to give any more money to Bezos. Here is my Bookshop.org referral link for 20% off!
Poem (
):
Quote:
“We are the windows through which our children first see the world. Let us be conscious of the view.”
-Katrina Kenison Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry
Painted This Week:
My daughter Cope likes to follow me around talking in her BBC news voice. So I filmed her talking last week announcing her “lemon,” totally off the cuff. It was so funny. We are so weird. You can see it on Instagram here.
The Last Part:
Thankful: I received another paid subscriber last week. Thank you so much, you know who you are :) I am soooo appreciative. It really does help me write more!
Feeling: Warm! It’s 20 degrees outside, sooo much warmer than yesterday. Perspective is everything.
Eating: Grilled cheese for lunch. Like every day. Send help. Or join me :)
Reading: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride on Kindle (I got one for Christmas…I’m scared of it. Learning how to use and eventually love?)
Still Taking: Creatine. 5mg a day per. My son says you have to take it EVERY DAY or it doesn’t work. Funky taste, drink with Emergen-C or orange juice.
Moving: Every day. Or the January demons will take me.
The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair is part-mystery, part understanding of the human heart 💖
Ten Thousand Tries is Golden’s quest to save his dad and the soccer team ⚽
The McNifficents is one summer with six rambunctious kids and their miniature-schnauzer nanny 🐕 New Hampshire’s 2024 Great Reads for Kids selection!
Always love your book recs Amy! Thanks!
I loved Atomic Habits, but even more, I love James Clear's 3-2-1 newsletter. I assume you're already a subscriber, but if not, consider this a gentle recommendation—I’m sure you’ll love it