#1 What to Read
Coming of age stories, author-illustrator magic, and a brilliant female chemist...
I’ve got books for you. I LOVED this month’s reading.
A coming of age story about a girl figuring out her faith, her body, and middle school, this is a quick and still-delightful read. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret celebrated fifty years in 2020 - that’s longevity. And REALLY cool that author-illustrator
redesigned the new covers. Read about her experience HERE!
Another coming of age story, Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction will kindof break your heart and then put it back together again. Sad, uplifting, with a great story about dealing with hard family relationships, a parent’s addiction, and the courage to pursue your God-given gifts. Yeah, this is a good one. A graphic novel written and illustrated by Jarrett J Krosoczka. Read it. You won’t regret it, no matter your age (A National Book Finalist!)
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. An utter delight. Brilliant, funny - and incredibly infuriating if you’re a woman and most esp if you’re a brilliant female chemist in the 1960s.
Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. “In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is not such thing as an average woman.”
While cooking in front of a studio audience, Elizabeth Zott (who would much rather be in a medical lab, but cooking is, after all, just chemistry), says:
“Chemistry is inseparable from life - by its very definition, chemistry is life. But like your pie, life requires a strong base. In your home, you are that base. It is an enormous responsibility, the most undervalued job in the world that, nonetheless, holds everything together.” Several women in the audience nodded vigorously…because they love Elizabeth Zott. She takes them seriously. “It is my experience that far too many people do not appreciate the work and sacrifice that goes into being a wife, a mother, a woman. Well, I am not one of them. At the end of our thirty minutes together, we WILL have done something worth doing. We will have created something that will not go unnoticed. We will have made supper. And it will matter.”
“Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.” I wanted to jump up and CHEER.
And finally… 16 Words: William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow” by Lisa Rogers. A gorgeous introduction to the power of words and poetry. I read this for a story time read aloud and it was a big hit.
Audiobooks in progress:
Man’s Search for Meaning and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.
Listening on Libby and Hoopla, both FREE (both so good), with thousands of free audios to listen to. Ask your local librarian for assistance!
What are you reading right now?
Event News:
A reminder that The McNifficents releases in 21 days. PLEASE considering ordering!
COME SEE ME:
Tuesday, June 20, MCNIFFICENT BOOK LAUNCH PARTY. Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London NH, 6pm. Preorder NOW and come for snacks, swag, and a special furry friend to take pictures with!
Tuesday, June 27, GIBSON’S BOOKSTORE Join me and picture book author, Kari Allen for a book signing meet and greet. Concord NH, 4:30-6pm.
Saturday, July 1, 2023, 2pm Wellesley Bookstore, Meet & Greet Book Signing, Wellesley MA
Please spread the news!
Thank you, friends. SO MUCH.
Good News and Story Links:
Recorded: 7 Questions With Emmy! Emmy is the cutest 8-year-old interviewer ever (and also Drew Barrymore’s bestie, so….)
On the Roster: If you’re involved with the NH/VT Children’s Literacy Foundation, keep me in mind for a presentation. I want to come to your school!
ICYMI: Did I mention The McNifficents is On Sale now? Get a copy 🤓
Amy ❣️
Book pre-ordered and hopefully there when I come to the launch on the 20th. So Excited!!
I am so glad you finished the Judy Blume book. Timeless for sure!
Thanks for the shoutout, Amy!