i love this!! i'm a big reader as well – at least compared to the "average American" rather than other book people – but i've been in a lull these past few weeks so this newsletter was perfectly timed.
all of this advice is great but i especially agree with the "stop reading a book if you're not enjoying it." i swear by this but most other people i know who read a lot are the type to force themselves to keep going with a book even if they aren't enjoying it. sometimes it works in their benefit because they might end up liking the book in the end, but more often than not it's forcing yourself to chug along on something you're not really enjoying. life's too short!
Hi Jaysen. I know -- as you know, I agree. You have to just move on. It's kind of like meeting people. Sometimes you gel, sometimes you don't -- but you can't force it. :)))) Thanks for reading!
Parallel lives! I always have an audible book going as well as another to hold in my hands. I read Substack throughout the day, always keep The Sun Magazine and a book within reach, and make reading my evening activity when the house finally quiets down. It’s my favorite escape, and a necessary part of a writer’s life.
"a necessary part of a writer's life" -- I really agree with that. Sometimes just reading a well-written book inspires me to work harder on my own writing. xoxo
I love these tips, Brooke! Such good ones here. Your tip to quit Summer TV especially resonated, I'd love to reset my TV habit this summer and trade it in for more book time.
Yes! Right? We have a terrible dinky little TV at our summer cottage and it's so small -- and we're getting old person vision -- that we'd rather half the time. I recommend it. Crummy TV = less of it. hahaha!. Thanks for reading!! Your newsletter looks great!
L0VE this! I have always been a reader of books.. as a younger version of myself, I would even sneak back to my bunk at camp to finish a book claiming I had to go to the bathroom! Reading this just now, I was intrigued by your choice of term "media diet"... I had not thought of my morning ritual in that way. (reading certain blogs 1st before my day begins). Today I facilitate a monthly women's online book club.
For all of the years that I drove my daughter to/from school & activities, I always made sure I carried a book with me. I can’t even calculate the number of pages I read while sitting in carpool line or waiting at a sports practice! Having a book with me at all times keeps me from mindlessly scrolling on my phone and it has sparked many conversations that I otherwise wouldn’t have when someone notices me reading a book (usually with a pretty cover!). So grab a tote bag, leave your tiny handbag at home, and take along a book or 2 at all times!
Hi Jessica -- yes, I forgot this one! Always have a book with you. I never thought about the fact that it facilitates conversation though. That's such great advice. I always talk to people when I see them reading a book I've read or I'm curious about so that really makes sense!!!
Reading is important, but I would say mind at work whether reading, watching, pondering both outer and internal circulation of thoughts and perspectives make a person a better perspective shaper if not a talented writer.
i love this!! i'm a big reader as well – at least compared to the "average American" rather than other book people – but i've been in a lull these past few weeks so this newsletter was perfectly timed.
all of this advice is great but i especially agree with the "stop reading a book if you're not enjoying it." i swear by this but most other people i know who read a lot are the type to force themselves to keep going with a book even if they aren't enjoying it. sometimes it works in their benefit because they might end up liking the book in the end, but more often than not it's forcing yourself to chug along on something you're not really enjoying. life's too short!
Hi Jaysen. I know -- as you know, I agree. You have to just move on. It's kind of like meeting people. Sometimes you gel, sometimes you don't -- but you can't force it. :)))) Thanks for reading!
Parallel lives! I always have an audible book going as well as another to hold in my hands. I read Substack throughout the day, always keep The Sun Magazine and a book within reach, and make reading my evening activity when the house finally quiets down. It’s my favorite escape, and a necessary part of a writer’s life.
"a necessary part of a writer's life" -- I really agree with that. Sometimes just reading a well-written book inspires me to work harder on my own writing. xoxo
I love these tips, Brooke! Such good ones here. Your tip to quit Summer TV especially resonated, I'd love to reset my TV habit this summer and trade it in for more book time.
Yes! Right? We have a terrible dinky little TV at our summer cottage and it's so small -- and we're getting old person vision -- that we'd rather half the time. I recommend it. Crummy TV = less of it. hahaha!. Thanks for reading!! Your newsletter looks great!
L0VE this! I have always been a reader of books.. as a younger version of myself, I would even sneak back to my bunk at camp to finish a book claiming I had to go to the bathroom! Reading this just now, I was intrigued by your choice of term "media diet"... I had not thought of my morning ritual in that way. (reading certain blogs 1st before my day begins). Today I facilitate a monthly women's online book club.
I love that run a women's online book club! Tell us about it!!!
For all of the years that I drove my daughter to/from school & activities, I always made sure I carried a book with me. I can’t even calculate the number of pages I read while sitting in carpool line or waiting at a sports practice! Having a book with me at all times keeps me from mindlessly scrolling on my phone and it has sparked many conversations that I otherwise wouldn’t have when someone notices me reading a book (usually with a pretty cover!). So grab a tote bag, leave your tiny handbag at home, and take along a book or 2 at all times!
Hi Jessica -- yes, I forgot this one! Always have a book with you. I never thought about the fact that it facilitates conversation though. That's such great advice. I always talk to people when I see them reading a book I've read or I'm curious about so that really makes sense!!!
Reading is important, but I would say mind at work whether reading, watching, pondering both outer and internal circulation of thoughts and perspectives make a person a better perspective shaper if not a talented writer.
This is my weekly issue 1 of Kallol Poetry, do check if time permits, https://kallolpoetry.substack.com/p/kallol-poetry-weekly-issue-1-tears