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Are you in a book rut? Or possibly suffering from a book hangover?
I am in a third, equally stymied position: I find myself with less time than usual to read. Or, rather, I am focusing my sparing free pockets of time on other pursuits — namely, fitness, mixed in with extra doses of childcare (we had a half day Friday, no school and no childcare Monday, and a snow day with no school and childcare Tuesday). I have long believed in “the three slot” philosophy, which is basically: I have enough time and focus to give to only three major categories of activity in my life at any given time. Family and writing are my permanent numbers one and two, and the third rotates between fitness, friendship, involvement in the children’s school, reading, culinary adventures, etc. Of course, I dabble in all of these categories all the time, but in fractions rather than whole numbers. The third slot is a big question mark for me, and it alternates with seasons and my fidgety interests, but I do try to be intentional about it: “OK, Jen, this is the season for fitness.” Or, “and now, we read.” Just naming the third slot erases a lot of the guilt that can occasionally accompany doing things for myself, and can also ease decision paralysis/fatigue. For example, if I know fitness is occupying the third slot, I can more readily put off ordering a new book, or saying “yes” to a social engagement that I’m on the fence about.
Anyhow, this is why I am making chelonian progress through The Fourth Wing, which I know many Magpies (and dear friends) loved — in fact, I’ve had several interesting and compelling conversations about it with my sister and a few girlfriends over text in recent weeks that have been more enjoyable than the book itself. (Don’t hate me for saying it!) In the novel’s demerit column: I cannot stand the protagonist, and this likely also explains the drag in my readership. I was reflecting on why as I made the bed this morning. It’s not so much that I find her poorly written or “cringe” (as I first described her via text to my girlfriends), but — the heavy-handed conceit of her using humor to mask insecurity and gravity rubs me the wrong way. I think I am looking for earnestness where I am finding snark, and it feels misplaced in a novel in which we are reading the protagonist’s (teenage!) innermost thoughts. She is performing caustic commentary for an audience of one? (Later, a dragon is able to read her thoughts, and the “conversationality” of her tone makes more sense there, but still: cloying to the point of hackle-raising.)
Maybe I will pause and turn to something else?
I polled my Magpies on their favorite current/recent reads and thought I’d share in case you also need a change in reading scenery. Sharing only the ones with multiple upvotes. Please add to the list / upvote in the comments:
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Hope by Andrew Ridker
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt*
*I have to give a little plug for the Van Pelt. This was one of the sleeper hits of 2023 for me — I read it, thought it was lovely and unusual, and wrote a warm review of it here. But it’s one of those books whose images, and characters, linger. I find myself thinking about scenes from that novel more frequently than I’d have expected — they’ve permanently lodged as referent points in my imagination. What a gift Van Pelt has!
Two other book-related mentions: first, if you’re looking for something lighter-weight, and you don’t follow Katie at Beach Reads and Bubbly, you’re missing out. She is charming beyond measure (I am immediately drawn to a woman who a) takes her own joy seriously, and b) does not take herself too seriously, and I deeply enjoy her thoughts and reviews on all things books. Second, I find Ova at Excuse My Reading so fun to follow. Her instagram description is “Half Woman, Half Book,” which — aptly describes another type of woman I immediately love. She’s designing her own cottage library, and I find the entire pursuit sweet and in its own way profound? Virginia Woolf would think well of it.
Post-Scripts: A Lil Shopping.
+The heavy-duty tee we all need. She’s perfect for throwing on over leggings.
+So tempted by one of these hats. Keep imagining how perfect one would look with my Nalida topcoat. (On sale, but still a splurge!)
+Cute rainbow clock for your little one’s room.
+Ladylike textured slingback at a ridiculously good price.
+This sweater-material skirt and matching collarless top are SO good. Street style points: 100000. The cut of the top reminds me of my Kilte set!
+Fun patterned leggings for littles — $13 a pop!
+This ribbed, rainbow striped turtleneck is perfect.
+This blazer!!! (And matching pants!)
+Still in my pursuit of perfect sweats: what do we think of these? Keep hearing good things.
+Handy for organizing tiny parts — Barbie accessories, lego people, etc.