First Love | Lilly Dancyger

A heart-wrenching book of essays on the true love stories in our lives. Friendship. Specifically Lilly and her relationships with all of the women she has called friends.

The House Across the LakE | Riley Sager

It's a perfect rapid read for vacation. A ‘who dun it’ that turns into something more than that. No need to spoil. If you are looking for a psychological suspense novel - this is it.

Good Inside | Dr.Becky Kennedy

After listening to various podcast episodes by Dr.Becky, I decided to pick up the book. Focusing on the core value that all children and adults are ‘good inside,’ this book helps remind us to take a mindful approach in our parenting to support self-regulation, compassion, confidence and resilience. Highly recommend.

The Soulmate | Sally Hepworth

Another great rapid read: The Soulmate is perfect for summer vacation. It is equally moody, entertaining, and suspenseful.

The Next Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine

This is the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I read it during vacation and deeply enjoyed how all the characters continued the chess game that made the first book fun. I am amazed this hasn’t been made into a film by now. It's a great read all around.

FILMS/TV SERIES OF NOTE
Baby Reindeer - because it’s a true story that will leave you speechless.
Parent Trap ‘97 - because a rainy day on vacation deserves a great classic film to watch.
Argylle - because it’s a fun play on all the spy troupes one can find. Films don’t always have to be serious.
Physical S03 - because it’s a fun summer watch & I think Rose Byrns makes it. (warning: dysregulated eating is an underlying theme)
Inside Out 2 - because the second is as deep as the first.

The Last Breath | Kimberlly Belle

This is a fun, suspenseful read when one is looking for a distraction. The graphic descriptions of small portions seemed unnecessary to me. Readers don’t need as much gore to buy in as one might think.

The Old Moon in Her Arms | Lorri Neilson Glenn

Hearing Lorri read a small portion of this book on the first day of my degree was a moment I will not forget. Her words and presence are as deep as they are witty, and there is a reflectiveness in her writing that I deeply aspire to. Reading this collection of essays has been a refreshment and a beautiful anchor point in why I wanted to do this master's program.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

I re-read the prequel to prepare for the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I love the protagonist's twists and turns, and it says enough that I willingly ‘re-read’ this.

Family Trouble | Joy Castro

This book of essays is from the required reading list in my Master's program. It is a collection of essays from those who have written memoirs and writings that reflect their families.

Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus

I adored this read. Bonnie’s beautiful writing keeps this story alive and the characters even more. Without spoiling, this book follows a female chemist's struggles and life happenings in the 1960’s. It is as charming as it is pointed. It’s very clear to me why it got picked up for a tv series on Apple TV.

The Last Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine

In preparation for the second book, I reread the first. Liv Constantine (team of two writers) did not disappoint in this reread. I found it as riveting as the first time. No spoilers. Just read it for yourself.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

I am Celine - Her voice and interviews filled a lot of important moments for me, and watching this was as impactful as those moments.
Wish - For the art style alone (& if you pay attention - there is a fascinating narrative woven in regarding those in governance and leadership).
Baby Reindeer Season 1 - Because it claims to be a true story and has been talked about for weeks. It’s FASCINATING.

Run Hide Repeat | Pauline Dakin

In preparation for taking a course from Pauline, I had the foolish idea I could finish this sega before her classes. Clearly, I misjudged my calendar and energy during residency, and I found myself in front of Pauline only 35 pages or so into her memoir, yet riveted by her story already.
I resolved to finish it before the end of her course.
And I did. I couldn’t put it down.
For what it’s worth, Pauline makes space for what so many of us have underpinning our upbringings. “It must be real because they say it is and love me.”
What happens when you begin to doubt the history that made you and find that things might not be exactly as they seem?

The Dead Romantics | Ashley Poston

It is a surprisingly fun read after a month of heavy reading to prepare for residency in my master's program. The Dead Romantics is outlandish in its premise (a woman falling in love with a ghost), yet it gives a light-hearted, meaningful read for a tired mind.

Nine Perfect Strangers | Liane Moriarty

Going against all my values, I watched the Nine Perfect Strangers before reading the book. I am righting this wrong by reading the intense sega that was turned into a limited series and finding it just as enjoyable.

The Tea Dragon Festival | K. O’Neill

Due to it lying about our house, I picked up the second one my daughter had out from the library and let myself enjoy the world she was in.
The Tea Dragon series is imaginative, fun and beautiful to look at.

TV/FILMS OF NOTE
Bridgerton S03 - because everyone needs to eat cake sometimes… this was my cake after a long day of work.
Gilmore Girls S04 - because my brain was too tired to watch anything but comforting rewatches of the Gilmore households.
Inside Out - because I knew it would be a perfectly timed watch with our nine-year-old

Monsters, Martyrs, and Marionettes | Adrienne Gruber

This book gutted me in all of the ways impactful words should. Adrienne takes us on a visual journey through essays and short windows into the realities of women and motherhood.

No Place to Go | Lezlie Lowe

Having Lezlie as a mentor for the year made me turn quickly to the words she had written. A friend had No Place to Go sitting in her bathroom and thought I would find it a great first read of Lezlie’s works.
Lezlie opens up the ‘lid’ on how culture and society have failed to meet the necessary needs of all persons.
No Place to Go is as funny as it is real, raw and sharp on matters of equality, equity and common decency.

Madness, Mayhem & Murder | Dean Jobb

As Dean Jobb is my professor for the next two years, I went all out and ordered all of the books I could find in my local library he had published. The first of them is this one. Entertaining tales of long-forgotten crimes that happened right here in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Business of Being a Writer | Jane Friedman

A required book for the master’s program. Although I ‘read’ this book, I quickly skimmed through many sections, knowing that I would come back to it as a reference guide over the next two years.

Story Craft - Second Edition | Jack Hart

I underlined so many sections of this book.
Although not new information to me, Jack breaks down the art and mediums of storytelling in a way that packs a concise and digestible punch. I enjoyed each chapter thoroughly.

Jane Eyre | Charlotte Brontë

I have no recollection of what number of ‘re-reads’ this would make it, but I return to Jane repeatedly. Charlotte Brontë was wickedly good at telling tales. I wish she had more time on this earth to have done more.

The Tea Dragon Society | K. ONeill

Originally ordered from the library for the nine-year-old, I fell down this sweet rabbit hole as a distraction from the more serious reads. The artwork and thought behind this graphic series is so well done.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE
Bridgerton S03 - Because it’s cake. (everyone needs a slice of cake, now and then.)
Traitors Australia S01 - Because when work is busy, a fun murder mystery reality TV show is all one needs to exhale at the end of the day.

Gathering Blue | Lois Lowry

Another banger from Lois. Having only read The Giver, this book gives another shade of things. A must-read for anyone who enjoys thinking deeper than just current reality.

Hidden Potential | Adam Grant

Having loved Adam Grant from his Ted Talks and Podcast Re: Thinking, I was sure I would enjoy Hidden Potential. This book provides tips on unlocking one's hidden potential and the science behind what makes a successful person. *Spoiler alert: It’s not what you think. That first chapter, “Creatures of Discomfort,” gave me a great reality check on my understanding of the brain and what we are all capable of if we are open to it.

Ducks | Kate Beaton

Lent to me by my aunt, it took me forever to read it, but I am so glad I did. Kate Beaton gives us such a raw look at what it is like to be a woman working in the oil sands of Alberta. I loved her visuals, her raw honesty, her sense of humour and her grit. This woman has GRIT.

TV/FILMS OF NOTE

Regime S01 - Because this was just a whirlwind & we are still processing it!
Wednesday S01 - Because this series captured the essence and vibes of Wednesday Adam in every single possible wonderful way. (& who best to do it, than Tim Burton?)

Wabi Sabi | Beth Kempton

A beautiful exploration of the meanings and feelings behind the Japanese concept of wabi-wabi and how we have misunderstood it for years.

A Court of Wings and Ruin | Sarah J. Maas

A continuation of Feyre’s journey. It's not my favourite in the series, but it did its job to move the plot along and bring us to the fourth installment.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE

Moonshine S01 - because it’s homegrown (filmed in Nova Scotia) & the storytelling stands tall.
Emily in Paris S02 - because it’s perfectly cute, witty, charming and paced perfectly.

The Confession | Jessie Burton

Jessie Burton has a way of weaving secrets and intricacies within characters. It is a fingerprint on all of her novels. This is a story of women trying to find themselves within each other.

Conceal, Don’t Feel: A Twisted Tale | Jen Calonita

I enjoy dipping back into Young Adult fiction from time to time. Disney contracts with various writers to create twisted versions of their stories, which are fun, easy to read, and don’t stray too far from the original's beats. With this one, we see what would have happened if Anna and Elsa had grown up without knowing each other.

The Doll Factory | Elizabeth Macneal

This book kept me glued the entire time. It was strange, alluring and twisted all at once. Set in 1850’s London, it has notes of the gritty, unforgiving world that Charles Dickens so often wrote about. This book is exceedingly unique.

FILMS/TV SERIES OF NOTE

Alaska Daily S01 - because despite of it being cancelled after the first season, it captures the plight and work of those searching for answers regarding Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women.
Upload S03 - because it’s intriguing to see where they will evolve this concept of ‘uploads’ season after season.
Silver Linings Playbook - Mental Health and its various nuances were just beginning to be openly discussed during the early 2010s. This film is a favourite of mine as it tenderly showcases the mess and the beauty of what it means to be struggling and find ‘a silver lining’.

Inward | Yung Pueblo

A beautiful collection of poetry from Yung Pueblo.

before i could release
the weight of my sadness
and pain, i first had
to honor it’s existence

- Yung Pueblo

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

A fascinating tale of the creation and process of developing the Oxford dictionary within a whimsical and almost magical telling. Within the pages of this book are threads of humanity and feminism that hit deep and communicate a more prominent theme of why words and their meanings matter.

Throne of Glass | Sarah J. Maas

Another fantasy read from Sarah J. Maas features a heroine who is known as an assassin in her fight for freedom. It's not my favourite of Sarah’s books, but it's a great winter fantasy read.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

Murder on the Orient Express - because Agatha Christie adaptations are always entertaining… and the snow atmosphere in this one.
Back in Time for Winter - because three days with a high fever needed something cozy and vaguely entertaining. This family was perfectly cast for this series.
The Bear S02 - because it’s one of today's best series and deserves all the accolades regarding story and character development.

Closer By Sea | Perry Chafe

It is an East Coast tale of a missing girl, a boy who knew her, and all the shrouded foggy mystery surrounding life's heartbreaking happenings. A bit of fog, thoughtfulness, coastal tall tales and the creatures that make us. It is a good read for anyone who wants to smell The Atlantic Ocean in their mind’s eye.

The Crane Wife | CJ Hauser

Initially taken in by CJ’s essay “The Crane Wife,” which came out in The Paris Review, this memoir of essays adds depth and perspective to the whole of CJ. Her writing style has a curt beauty to it and her delivery often leaves you flipping to the next essay with curiosity.

Tiny Beautiful Things | Cheryl Strayed

The book behind the beautiful heart-aching television series where all the ‘Dear Sugars’ are documented. I truly enjoyed each letter and response.

Not a Happy Family | Shari Lapena

Another ‘who dun it’ mystery shrouded in the resentments of a family, the trauma of individuals and the endless possibilities of just one night. It's a great rapid read for those who like good suspense.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE

Babes in Toyland - Because a nostalgic christmas movie within Disneys first ever live action musical is worth a re-watch.
Darling Lily - because a Julie Andrews film has more vintage sass, humour and quirk than anything that could come out today.
Alaska Daily S01 - because stories featuring the plight of MMIWG have value.

We Happy Few | Aren A. Morris

From the woman who taught me theatre and edited my first plays as an aspiring writer, Aren A. Morris gives us her debut novel featuring a young woman facing what it means to go back into the box of ‘pre-war’ womanhood.
If you enjoy the aesthetic of a gritty port city, historical time settings, and bold young women trying to make their way in the world, then this Halifax-based protagonist gives you all that.

She Said | Jodi Kantor & Megan Twohey

In their own words, Jodi and Megan describe the rising and falling action of how they went against Harvey Weinstein, along with the cultural and societal domino effect that came after.
Worth a read for anyone.

Northern Spy | Flynn Berry

Two Irish sisters are caught up in politics, the IRA and the age-old theme of loyalties.
For me, it started slow but did pick up mid-way. If you like a mystery, this will give you that.

TV / FILMS OF NOTE:

The Fablemans - because it surprised me with its depth, camera work, insight and raw perspective
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms - because it was time to show it to the eight-year-old. Christmas vibes on all levels.
Gilded Age S02 - because I watch it with my best friend, and it’s a grand display of extravagance.

Northern Spy - Flynn Berry, She Said - Jodi Kantor & Megan TwhoHey, We Happy Few - Aren A. Morris

These High, Green Hills | Jan Karon

I enjoy picking away at this wholesome series, which depicts the town of Mitford through the eyes of the Anglican priest who lives and loves there. Think Gilmore Girls meets BBC.

The Mother - In - Law | Sally Hepworth

A tremendous rapid read if you like intrigue, misunderstandings, and ultimately getting to the heart of what makes people.

The Fiancée | Kate White

A fun ‘Who dun it’ if I ever read one! Kate keeps you on your seat guessing the whole book, which for many of us ‘long time’ readers is a challenging task. Hats off, for I was in complete ‘???’ the entire time.

Dear Wife | Kimberly Belle

If you can keep me guessing in a psychological suspense novel, I consider it a winner. Dear Wife is precisely that. Creative in narrative, quick in story progression and delivers a wholesome punch at the end.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE
Hocus Pocus - because it was Halloween night & what else would you watch on Disney+?

No Great Mischief | Alistair MacLeod

For anyone who enjoys personal reflections and recollections of memories alongside the atmosphere of the east coast Alistair MacLeod gives us his own and those within this greater family of Scotland, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and beyond. As a Nova Scotian, I enjoyed the journey. As a reader, I relished the art of language made as rugged as the terrain.

A Thousand Mornings | Mary Oliver

Beautiful.
“Sometimes there are no rules.”

Mary Jane | Jessica Anya Blau

I deeply enjoyed the protagonist within this story. She’s as protected, innocent and curious with awe and wonder at what she doesn’t yet know as I remember my own youth. This novel is a capture of what it means to grow up restricted and struggling with the limitations of your upbringing while also being protective and desiring connection with those who have raised you.

Big Little Lies | Liane Moriarty

Having watched and loved the series but not the novel, I felt it was time to read the source material. Liane writes a riveting tale.

FILM/TV SERIES OF NOTE:

Red Sparrow - Because espionage and survival are themes I enjoy when done well.
Selling the O.C. S02 - Because a reality show with pretty houses and silly drama’s takes the edge off of real life.

Sweetbitter | Stephanie Danler

Being that I enjoyed season one of the television series I assumed I would enjoy the novel. Apparently not as much. Sweetbitter, although a great setting and a relatable lost protagonist was a hard read for me to follow. Great characters and atmosphere… somewhat confusing regarding full plot and pacing.

Happy Place | Emily Henry

A pleasant summer rapid read following a group of adult friends reconnect at their favourite summer cottage. As per any friend group stories, things are not all that they seem. And for the protagonist, we find her dodging as many moments as she can with her still secret ex-fiancé.

Pineapple Street | Jenny Jackson

I have a deep love for books on family dynamics, class and MORE dynamics over a summer. Pineapple Street delivered beautifully in every way. Will be hoping Jenny has more books up her sleeves.

The Moment of Tenderness | Madeleine L’engle

A collection of unpublished short stories from Madeleine. I was not moved by every single one, but enough spoke to me for me to continue flipping pages.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE
The Incredibles II - Because a rainy day at the cottage requires a good summer animation viewing.

It Starts With Us | Colleen Hoover

A sequel to Colleens ‘It Ends With Us’. This addition brings a full circle moment of what it means to grapple with choices and the emotional processing that can occur post an abusive relationship.

The Club | Ellery Lloyd

Being a Reese Witherspoon pick, I assumed I would find this a rapid read, but not so. Be it the wrong timing for me or just simply not enjoying the writing style….
although read it - It was a struggle. I like the idea of a ‘who dun it’ set in a high society club / island retreat, but the execution of this read was hard to follow for me.

To Sir Phillip With Love | Julia Quinn

Another book in the Bridgerton series with perhaps my favourite character in the family. Eloise. Quippy, sassy, independent and gutsy we get to see her fumble her way through a relationship. I loved every page. A great indulgent ‘just for fun’ summer read.

TV / FILMS OF NOTE

Barbie - because not only is it the perfect summer film, but it also flips everything upside down in the most beautiful side wink way.
The Incredibles - because every eight year old needs to see this animation.
Jury Duty S01 - a social experiment done right. Although shocking in it’s premise, it is a heartwarming and beautiful work of art that has an uplifting outcome.

My Body | Emily Ratajkowski

This read hit a thousand nerves. Those I knew about and those I didn’t. I would tingle at the end of each segment, knowing that Emily was laying bare the truths so many of us women walk around with, no matter our physical classification. Her obvious ‘hinting’ at various people makes me slightly unsettled. I would much rather her say their names outright since it was so obvious with her descriptions, but perhaps this was changed in edits for legal reasons.

Illogical | Emmanuel Acho

I have admired Emmanuel and his grace-filled way of addressing life and society's circumstances. This book is the same. He so puts, without elevating himself, how he has been able to push beyond the logical limits of his life. There is no trick, simply a way of thought that has helped propel him forward. I enjoyed the reflections at the end of each chapter to help put his ideas into personal perspective.

Home | Julie Andrews

Julie writes and talks in a way that reminds me of my late paternal grandmother. In that classic British way yet with the colour and grit of someone who is not above a dirty joke or can’t see the humour in tragedy. Reading Julie’s reflections on her life makes me feel slightly connected to that crass classy side of my grandmother and to the beautiful makings of who I would say is one of my childhood and adult icons. I admire that Julie has kept onward and upwards in every aspect of her life.

The Awakened Family | Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D.

I have been picking away at this read for several years now. Mostly with my partner, but recently I decided to pick it back up to finish it. Although I found Dr.Sheflai's “Conscious Parenting” book more enlightening, I found nuggets of reflection in this read. It doesn’t read easily, but it is profound in its content.

FILM/TV SHOWS OF NOTE

Ted Lasso S03 - This show has carried us through the worst of the pandemic world, and hopefully, with its end, we will also see a little more light. The type of light it has given us in every uplifting episode where it subverts what our suspicious minds have so easily misread and misjudged.
The Little Mermaid Live Action - A memorable moment in the cinema with my favourite girls & a great elevation of the Disney classic. Prince Eric is now a three-dimensional character. Bravo Disney.
Julia S01 - Quite literally one of the most beautiful pieces of television I have watched. Based on Julia Child’s rise to become a famous television chef, this series was the warm French meal we didn’t know we needed. I shouldn’t have been surprised that the creator behind it was also on “The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel” team—elegance and depth in storytelling echo throughout these projects.
Encanto - Another deep tale centring around Mariable Madrigal and her big magical family and home. In case you missed it, this animation gives light on generational trauma and how it ripple effects into the next generations. It’s deeply compelling and musically excellent.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton | Julia Quinn

Despite the third season of Bridgerton not coming out until late 2023, I wanted to make sure I had read its ‘inspired by’ corresponding book. Bridgerton seasons are often different from the texts. Still, I enjoy reading how Julia wrote the characters and how Shonda Rhimes works magic to make a Regency-era series reflect a variety of cultures and tones of today. Shonda continues to break the ceilings in television and give us audience cultural nutrients in the guise of a dessert. In the fourth book, which will be the third season of the Netflix series, we get the story of Collin & Pen. I loved every delicious and sweet mishap. Any more, and I’ll spoil it, but let’s say it’s my second favourite book thus far in the series.

Dream More | Dolly Parton

Ms.Dolly constantly throws out truth bombs, and I loved this short, quirky little read.

Apples Never Fall | Liane Moriarty

Despite the somewhat slow start, this read is an excellent example of giving the reader just enough to want to continue reading and finding out ‘more.’ It is safe to say; I did not see the ending coming. Enough said.

TV/FILMS OF NOTE
Selena: My Mind & Me - I love how Selena lays out her mental health journey in a human way. It’s a normal human thing, and I hope our generation and those that follow can do it better. Open up our journeys and humanize them. They are not to be ashamed of. We learn so much from each other when we are honest.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - A sister film to Knives Out featuring the detective from the first film. A classic, quirky and twisty ‘who dun it.’
Succession S04 - If Shakespeare was making television…you would get Succession. Every episode was intense and equally dark in the most thought-provoking ways.
The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel S05 - ripped apart that this was the last season. Saying goodbye to these characters was torture, yet every episode was a joy, intellectually stimulating and earth-shifting in delivery. True art. Amy Sherman Palladino OUTDID herself with these characters.

The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit | Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson is not just an actor, she is also a beautiful story teller. I love her wit, her groundless and especially this special addition to a beloved character. If you come across this sweet children’s book, please give it a read.

The Penderwicks on Graham Street | Jeanne Birdsall

Another children’s book in the form of a group of sisters who are despairing their fathers potential courtships years after their mothers death. Each character gives a sweet image of girlhood, sisterhood and all that makes childhood entertaining, despairing and utterly dramatic.

A Court of Mist and Fury | Sarah J. Maas

The second in A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Being an avid studier in storytelling and all that makes a series work, this second novel didn’t disappoint. I could see the reveals that were coming and yet even still they were expertly places and beautifully executed. It’s no wonder it will be turned into a television series adaptation. And if anyone is wondering, the heroine remains as riveting as ever.

Films / TV Series of Note

CODA - Because he needed to see it, and the second re watch was just as moving. Makes me miss the friendships and connections made through my first career as an American Sign Language Interpreter…. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my partner cry as hard during a film as he did in this one.
Game Night - Anytime I thought the twists were done, there was another. Impressive.
Succession S04 - For the incredible Shakespearian style storytelling paired next to modern day ridiculous behaviour that… unfortunately is more relatable than we’d like to admit.
The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S05 - Drawing out each and EVERY episode.

Flatlay of three books: The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Penderwicks on Graham Street, A Court of Mist and Fury

Virgin River | Robyn Carr

I picked this up on a whim, hoping it was as comforting a read as it appeared. It is precisely that. City Nurse Practitioner / Midwife looking for a new life in a small country town. It’s a story of the ages and delivers with every page.

Fall On Your Knees | Ann Marie MacDonald

I remember feeling jealous of the other High School English classes having this as required reading. My specific class did not. I am finally getting to it, and it did not disappoint. It’s heavy. It’s tragic. It’s complex. It’s deep. It’s real. I sincerely appreciate the work and craft behind this book.
I grew up in a white-washed culture and perspective. No one is to blame for that. It just was. Fall On Your Knees was a deep dive into multiple cultures, women coping with their circumstances and the nuance of immigrant families that have existed for decades in Canada.

Good Girls Lie | J.T.Ellison

A fun, mysterious rapid read ‘who done it’ with enough twists and turns to keep one intrigued and flipping the pages. Great for those who love a good ‘elite private school’ mystery.

TV / FILMS OF NOTE:

Why Women Kill S01 - For the mystery, the surprise and the fun.
Coco - A great cultural look at Mexican culture, family and identity.
Downton Abbey A New Era - The best Downton Film thus far. Fun and profoundly moving in its own right.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: a child reads a book in a chair beside a stack of books. TEXT: February Reads 2023 byamygrace overtop image.

An Offer From a Gentleman | Julia Quinn

Although I know Book #4 will be the focus of the next instalment of Shonda Rhimes Adaptation of the Bridgerton Series, I will not be trying to rush the series. I picked up book #3 for the month and enjoyed its Cinderella influence. This book focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, and it’s a fun dessert of a read. No complaints. Simply sweet.

Hungry Hearts | Jennifer Rudolph Walsh

A collection of essays from Jennifer and multiple writers on courage, desire and belonging. This passage from Jennifer has stuck with me since closing the book.

“We need both sides of storytelling-listening to others’ stories and telling our own - to embrace one another in our full humanity. In bearing witness, we allow ourselves to be witnessed. This is the life-changing power of storytelling - to connect those of us who will never meet or have just met, as well as to deeper our connections to the people we love the most. Listen with an open heart and without judgement to what others have to share, and take courage from these pages as you go out and tell the world your truth.”

The Pull of the Stars | Emma Donoghue

Following a nurse in a maternity ward in 1918 during the height of a pandemic, aka “The Great Flu,” we get a peek into what it was like to be serving the many women who were coming in sick and pregnant. Many are without their husbands and support and are about to die. This read took me longer to get through than I would like, but topically it feels important enough to finish all the way around.

Beautiful Little Fools | Jillian Cantor

Jillian takes the classic The Great Gatsby and gives us the spin we all need. Form the eyes of the women. Daisy, Jordon and Catherine, Myrtle’s sister, all take the leading roles in this perspective shift. From Jordon on the golf course, Daisy on her mission to find a husband, and Catherine finding her own way in New York City, we get a whirlwind tale that, if I am being honest, I prefer significantly to the original.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Four books in a row: Hungry Hearts by Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue, Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor, An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Reading chair with a blanket next to a window of snowy trees outside, book shelf with plants on top and a side table with books, a candle and a glass of tea.

Women Talking | Miriam Towes

Although I watched Sarah Polleys adaptation of this novel in the Autumn of 2022 during a film festival, I wanted to read the source text. I found Miriams words of note before the novel begins both arresting and poignent. Specifically:

“Women Talking is both a reaction through fiction these true-life events, and an act of female imagination.”

Women Talking is a way of giving all women agency and voice in their unique perspectives and journeys. Although many women do not feel safe enough to share their true thoughts in this type of heightened trauma, what if they could ‘talk’?

Our Missing Hearts | Celeste Ng

From the same author of “Little Fires Everywhere” it’s no surprise this book tackles race and class. In a new spin she gives us a post ‘crisis’ era (not unlike the COVID 19 pandemic) . Without giving too much away, Our Missing Hearts touches on what the world would look like if we let ‘fear of the other’ be the ruling force of our choices.
Captivating.

Don’t Overthink It | Anne Bogel

The best part of this book was the prompts at the end of each chapter. Being someone who consumes a lot of Gretchen Rubin and other 'writers’ who encourage intentional living, this book didn’t necessarily teach me anything new, but it did remind me of my values and to take the time to revisit them with fresh eyes.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

Black Swan - For the art of a classic tale made modern. I love how Black Swan leaves you spinning on point as much as those on screen. Darren Aronofsky knows how to pull a viewer in during these edgy and thoughtful tales.
Phantom of the Opera - For the incredible artistry in both music, vocals, dance, sets, costume…all of it.
Severance S01 - For it’s compelling commentary on separating work and personal life and it’s genuine intrigue regarding the world these individuals inhabit.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION : three books in a row: Women Talking by Miriam Towes , Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel