This Week In My Library 12.20.23

gifting, astrologers and what it is about Tswift

Bookman: 1. a person who has a love of books and especially of reading. 2. a person who is involved in the writing, publishing, or selling of books. Oh, hi that's me!!

2023 Faves: For the final In My Library of 2023, I'm pulling out a few of my absolute favorite books for gifting to someone else.

Orbital by Samantha Harvey. I've already purchased multiple copies to give away to loved ones. Anyone with a love of space and an appreciation for the ethereal will dig it. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is such a special read for anyone in your life. The lessons on love and death will touch their hearts. All About Love by Bell Hooks is another book I've gifted to many people. It's wonderful for someone in search of what love means in their life and relationships. Also, my book You're Not Lost is a wonderful gift for anyone searching for what to do with their life (casual!).

And don't forget, you can review all 45 books I've recommended this year right from my bookshop storefront.

What I'm writing: That Novel update! Feedback is coming at the top of the year. So in the meantime, I've ordered four books about my next heroine to research. Think astrology. Think power. Think NYC in the 20s. It's going to be fun to start thinking about someone totally new to stave off the nerves of getting feedback on the manuscript I've spent almost three years on. .

Women’s Studies

What gets passed down becomes our history. A few for the canon: I don't consider myself a Swiftie, but I appreciate and respect the shit out of Taylor Swift. Although I'm often asking myself, what IS IT exactly that makes her such a phenomenon? Like what is it though?? Well, my absolute favorite profile writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner (I swear, read any piece and you'll become a Taffy stan too) answers the question as to why Taylor. The line in this episode that has shaken me to my core was “She makes her story big enough for everyone.” And I think that'll be my mantra in 2024 as I write for others and about others. How can I make your story big enough for everyone? DM me if you'd like an answer to that.

Pass it on

Stories are heirlooms. Here's one of mine: I can't let the holidays come and go without saying thank you. This is the 11th consecutive year that I've sent out my newsletter to all of you, every week, and it gives me so much purpose, pursuit, and joy. I'll be taking a break over the next month (for the holidays and then some international travel), but in the meantime, I'll be sharing some of my favorite resources for this time of year – my 25 Questions for Reflection and the 2024 Goals Free Guidebook. Please share them with friends when you see them hit your inbox!

I hope this holiday season brings you much love, rest, and joy. #batshitgrateful for you, always.

xx