Hey reader fam!
First of all, thank you so much for being here, and for being willing to embark on this new journey with me! I’ve never considered myself a writer, and trying new things is really hard for me. As a chronically fearful person when it comes to failure and success, putting myself out there is never easy. Thank you for being willing to adventure along with me as I rumble by and try to navigate this new space.
I’d like for this newsletter to be a space where I have room to share more about my life than what I’m able to share on Instagram, which is more or less just a visual platform. Of course, I will share more in depth and personal details about what I’m reading any given week and give lots of fun book recommendations; but, I will also talk to you about what I’ve been cooking lately, what I’ve been watching, classes I’ve decided to take, how I’m managing parenting in a pandemic, conversations around books that I might not feel as comfortable sharing on my Instagram, and honestly, I’d love to be able to express more of my feelings on things I’m passionate about or have a more journal/blog style section to share anything that might be weighing heavily on my mind during any given life season. Oh! And I’ll probably share some bullet journaling funsies since I’m a n00b at the BuJo, and am very proud of my minimal and not very neat spreads.
Thanks again for coming along for the ride. Now, let’s start with some recent and current reads!
What did I read last week?
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: Sometimes you just need a good comfort read, and this was just the thing I needed to cozy up to during these rainy and cold February mornings. I can’t remember if it’s on the jacket copy, or if I read this somewhere online, but this series has been described as “Twilight meets Outlander,” and I truly could not think of a better description. This delightfully dark paranormal romance has witches, vampires, daemons, and centuries old manuscripts with hidden mysteries just waiting for the reader to uncover. It’s adventurous, and romantic, and I’m so glad I finally decided to give this one a try after having it on my TBR for ages! I listened to this one on audio and loved the narrator. So, if you’re an audiobook listener like myself, you could give this one a go on audio. Purchase on Bookshop.
The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin: Everyone was exactly right with this one! It takes you a while to get into it and in the beginning, absolutely nothing makes sense. But the way Jemisin pulls her fantastical universe together by the end of the story is masterfully and beautifully done. If you enjoy fantasy, and are willing to push through the first 100 pages or so while you wander aimlessly through her complex world, it will be worth the work it takes to finally piece together this narrative. What a brilliant beginning to a fantasy series that I’m excited to continue on with! Purchase on Bookshop.
Kindred by Octavia Butler: This is my second go at reading Octavia Butler’s novels. I attempted to read Fledgling in the fall of 2020, and ended up not finishing it. I did end up finishing Kindred; however, I’m still on the fence as to whether or not Butler’s writing is to my taste. Kindred is fast moving, adventurous, and exciting, no doubt. But had I not read this one on audiobook, I don’t know if I would have finished it. Butler’s writing itself is pretty sparse, and I know that some people really love this about her writing, but I personally prefer more embellished prose and dialogue. If you want something purely exciting and plot driven, I think this is absolutely worth trying! From what I’ve read and researched, this is the first science fiction novel traditionally published by a Black Woman, so it’s worth the read for that alone. Purchase on Bookshop.
I’m currently reading…
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare: A buddy read with one of my dearest friends, Emma (you can find her instagram here!). I started reading this one last night, and immediately got sucked in! I’ve heard endlessly good things about this one, and am looking forward to adding it to my read list. Bookshop.
The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper: I forget where I initially heard about this memoir, but so far it is equally captivating and heart wrenching. This book covers topics of medical racism, sexism in the work place (medical field), brokenness and recovery, and finding peace with our past. Bookshop.
Other bookish merriment!
Why do I listen along while reading physical copies of books?
Lately, I’ve really owned the joy I’ve found in tandem reading and listening. Some people have told me this is excess, but I like to think of it as access. As someone whose vision impacts their ability to enjoy some physical texts, and as someone who struggles with the ability to focus and attend to material for any significant length of time, this has given me tremendous delight. I mostly use my library for these audiobooks if I have already spent money on the physical book, so that I’m not doubling up on my book budget limits. I like to use the Libby app on my phone! It’s super easy to get a library card, and digitally check out ebooks and audiobooks for free. Link to try libby.
I also like to support local indies using Libro.fm, when something isn’t available at my library. Not only does Libro.fm let you support local with your subscription, but they also frequently have audiobooks on sale, and if you’re a member you get an extra 30% off. So, great audiobook titles for $3-7 (normally $20-30)!
Link to see Libro's current sale audiobooks.
Link to sign up for Libro.fm and support local.
(Also none of these are ads, just things I enjoy. But I do share affiliate links, and referral links, so that I can get a kickback for anything you try out per my recommendation)
I made a public reading playlist on Spotify!
I like to listen to instrumental music, and LoFi while I read my kindle or my physical copy, so I thought I might share the link to my public playlist in case you’d like to use it! Link to spotify playlist.
Some other musings, and closing comments
Bible reading and spirituality - I’ve been reading through the book of Exodus recently, and have been enjoying journaling in my bible about the stories within. Coming at these old tales as an adult is so different than from the sheltered eyes of a small child (it’s been a long time since I’ve read through my bible! Yikes). What I have found the most comfort in from my reading has been in the story of Moses. Going through a wilderness season does not mean you are spiritually empty, or that there is no hope for you to find yourself again when the drought is over. I’ve also been loving following Black Liturgies on instagram. Their words and spiritual guidance through social justice have been a staple in my every day walk with my faith.
What I’m watching - My husband and I recently started watching The OA, after having it recommended to us by a family member. We are only 2 episodes in. I’m unsure how on board I am with it yet - it’s WILD - but I’m interested enough to continue on. I finished watching Bridgerton AND all of Outlander (through season 5), which was a feat! I really enjoyed them both, and am eagerly awaiting the next seasons.
What I’m listening to - I recently discovered Alexander 23, through a friend who I often exchange music interest with, and I’m absolutely obsessed. Here is a link to the album I can’t stop listening to.
Thank you again so much for reading and sharing the love of reading with me. I’m so glad you’re here!
Hannah | @booknerdnative