A[Very] Unofficial Book Club.
Welcome to the end-of-Summer edition of our VERY unofficial book club. Because, you know what I did this week?? I finished my TWENTY-THIRD book of the year, and already half-way done with #24. Yeah yeah, I know, your friend’s cousin’s neighbor has read 50 this year, good for her, but this is quite an accomplishment for me. How did I get here? Grab a beverage of your choice and read on…
First, have you been in an actual, official book club? I like the social side of it, I mean, aren’t most book clubs just about hanging out and drinking wine (hence the suggestion to grab a beverage of choice above…)? While I’m here for the wine, and I LOVE books, I am not very self-disciplined or regimented and don’t want to read on a deadline. Plus, I read what I’m in the mood for at that given time, so I’m often reading a couple books at a time (well, always listening to one and reading another, but I sometimes also have a third in the mix if one is slower). But before, this was me:
Traveling through Europe in college, I fell in love with the magic and charm of independent and second hand book shops, wondering who else has read these books…did they love it, did they hate it, how did it end up in this bookshop? That being said, I used to also be SO overwhelmed by these shops because of the sheer amount of books and options (not good for my indecisive brain!) each calling out with their own promise of an adventure. I dreamily made lists of books I want to “one day” read, and literally wouldn’t be able to finish a single book.
{bonus points if you know where this dreamy bookstore is…comment below if you’ve been here!}
So… let’s back up, and I want to make it very clear that I definitely did not read so much until just the last three or so years, not until my daughter was about four (and, hello Pandemic from which we all desperately needed an escape…). So if you have a baby or toddler at home, and really wish you were reading more, just know that it’s not an easy feat, but one day can be a reality.
Alright, enough about that. Let’s talk about what I’m reading, and of course some pro (or not) tips to reading more.
Your only competition is YOU!
Those lists I used to make of things I’d like to read? I used to track them in a simple phone Note, adding what I wanted to read that year, choosing from that list depending on my mood, and simply checking them off when completed. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep reading. I once grabbed a book that basically everyone was recommending and I just was NOT into it, but I stuck with it, and you know what someone told me? “Life’s too short to be reading books YOU don’t like. Leave it, and start something else.” I let go of the guilt, and picked up a different one, and devoured it. You know that feeling, when you finish a book and you just can’t stop thinking about it, you miss the characters, you wish there was more…that’s when I pick up my next book. The first year I did this, my goal was 10 books (this is lofty considering I was barely getting through 3 a year before). The second year, it was 15, and for this year, I upped it to 20, but am already at 21 completed and it’s barely August. (Yes, I’m bragging and I’m totally okay with that.)
What to read?
At first I didn’t know where to start (indecisive brain, remember?) so I turned to inspiring avid-reader (and awesome mama and small-biz owner) Liz Denfeld (@lizdenfeld) and I basically went through most of her book recs and loved just about everything she did (thx, Liz!) This year, I’ve started using Good Reads, which gives you recs based on books you’ve already read and I’ve found the reviews to be helpful. And of course back to my favorite independent book stores I go for employee recs…
{another favorite bookshop…can you guess the city?}
Let’s talk real quick about where to get books. If you’re reading a bunch, of course your local library branch is great (nothing like holding an actual book in your hands, amiright?) but you can also use apps like Libby to download books onto your Kindle. Now, here’s my official ode to shopping local: Support small business, y’all. Amazon is quick, and easy, but it is putting small bookstores out.of.business. Local bookshops hand-pick and feature books, and many have their employees’ personal reviews, which is always fun, plus there are humans working there and will help you find just the right book or gift. Whenever I visit a new city, or an old favorite, I always research the local book shop scene and they are always at the top of my list of places to visit. If you really must shop online (no judgement here, promise!) try bookshop.org as they support independent book stores.
Book, Kindle, Audible?
So, I actually do all three, and usually at the same time…meaning I’m always reading a book (either actually turning pages, or on my Kindle), and listening to another book. Do I get the stories mixed up? I make sure that they are very different- like, I’ll read a novel, and listen to a non-fiction or biography, but this way I’m able to complete way more books. When do I listen? Whenever I can! While walking my dogs, cleaning the house/dishes, driving, even while grocery shopping. If it’s a good one, I can’t stop. As for reading, I always read before bed, even if it’s just for a few min, but if it’s an especially enjoyable book, I’ll read any chance I get. If I have 10min to eat solo (luxury, right?), I read a few pages, etc. etc. etc.
What have I read?
I think book recommendations are so personal, and I don’t know what floats your boat, so instead of assuming, I’ll just list some of my favorites over the last couple years which will give you at least a good start. Ready? (In no particular order):
From Scratch (if you love food, travel, and love)
Happy Place (light and lovely)
What I Know For Sure (very soul-filling)
The Great Alone (heavy, but so well-written)
Mad Honey (with surprising twists)
This is How It Always Is (made me think)
The Silent Patient (another surprising twist, and not scary)
Crying in H Mart (such a beautiful and raw memoir, I cried right along with her)
Lessons in Chemistry (not what I thought it would be, but even better)
The Idea of You (spicy, good for a beach vacay)
Normal Family (very different from anything I’ve read)
Small Great Things (page turner)
The Light We Carry (recommend listening on Audible since she reads it and it’s like a chat with a gf)
American Dirt (triggering, but page turner)
The Friend Zone, Happy Ever After Playlist, and Life’s Too Short (3 book series, for when you need something light and fun)
Paradise Series from Elin Hildebrand (another light 3 book series)
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (different perspective)
What’s next on my list?
Atomic Habits
How we Heal
Verity
Between Two Kingdoms
Hello Beautiful
Wish You Were Here
The People We Keep
Diet-Proof Your Daughter
Everything Happens for a Reason: and Other Lies I’ve Loved
Counterfeit
Beautiful World, Where Are You
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and Language of the Human Experience
The Hotel Nantucket
I could go on and on, but and if you’ve made it this far, thanks for hanging and hope you’re inspired to read something new.
What about YOU? Are you a reader? What are you reading now? What’s a book you’d recommend anyone read?
xx, darina