Bitter & Sweet | Tsh Oxenreider

After enjoying Tsh's book on Advent, I thought it apt to buy her latest release for the duration of Lent. Bitter & Sweet gives a beautiful guide through the liturgical journey of Lent and into Easter.

Finding Meaning | David Kessler

I began to study the process of grief for a personal passion project of mine, and this book was the last read to complete the journey. This book helps tie it all together, and in life, I believe this is a read that we all can benefit from. Holding space for ourselves and those around us in grief is a gift, and I hope that I can always be that person to those around me.

Breaking Bread with the Dead | Alan Jacobs

This came up on my reading TBR list, and at first, I was going to let it go as I couldn't find it at my city's library, but after returning to read the synopsis multiple times, I bought it. It's a very in-depth yet concise read about the idea that reading intentionally and slowly the words of authors of the past helps us have a deeper and better understanding of ourselves and the world we live in today.

I especially appreciated the beginning, in which Alan discussed the nuances of social media and internet culture that have influenced us in ways that make it hard to sit and just be with the words of others.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes | Diana Gabaldon

She did it again. If you know me, you know that the Outlander Series is something that I deeply love. The multiple genres in one Sega and the actual craft of writing that Diana has created book after book. This is the sixth book in the series. It ended with so many plot twists and turns that my head spun.

The Joy Luck Club | Amy Tan

I have been told that I would love this film and I have resisted watching until I have read the book. Finally getting to this novel, and of course, it doesn't disappoint. Amy Tan brings us culture, nuance, and character. And as a white woman married into a part Chinese family, it is even more meaningful and a window into a nuance of thought I did not grow up with.

FILMS & TELEVISION SERIES OF NOTE

Take This Waltz - because this film heals me every time I watch it. & of course the genius writing and directing of Sarah Polley is behind it.
Only Murders in the Building - Martin Short, Steve Martin & Selena Gomez. A trio that doesn't disappoint.

Good Company | Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

I picked up Good Company for the author. The Nest is a book I loved. I sincerely appreciated how Cynthia was able to create a whole family and break them into parts, show us windows of everyone and how they interacted as a whole and as individuals with each other. I wouldn’t say Good Company, a story of a woman reevaluating the state of her marriage, gives me that same experience, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

Crying In H.Mart | Michelle Zauner

A beautiful and heartbreaking exposition on what it means to be mother and daughter immeshed with the nuance and differences of being Korean and Korean-American. This memoir will bring a tear to your eye, but it will also bring a smile. Michelle writes in a way so you can feel, taste and see her memories. Touching, raw and reflective.

Permanent Astonishment | Tomson Highway

A memoir told with Cree culture woven into linguistic prose, this book is a bit like sitting next to a comforting male figure and listening to his cadence as he reflects, chuckles observes and finds revelations within his own story. Tomson writes in a way you feel as if you were sitting next to him, as crisp breeze picking up around you as a listen to the memories, tales and experiences that made him.

It Didn’t Start With You | Mark Wolynn

As I have grown into myself, my understanding of my own backgrounds and the mind, body, soul that carries me, I have become deeply aware of how trauma manifests. It’s individual, and it’s unique. It takes any shape form and can also be rooted in something that goes so deep it’s almost impossible to see.

Yet it is growing, changing shape and finding new ways to show itself in a new generation.

I have just begun this book, but it is already showing itself as an excellent tool for reflection, understanding, and compassion.

Film / TV Series of Note

CODA - A stunning representation of what it looks and feels like to be Deaf and CODA. There are multiple films out there like this. Hallmarks 1987 “Love is Never Silent” comes to mind the most. This new film brings an elevated approach to this type of experience.
Cruella - If you like Disney’s approach to finding new ways to spin a tale based on one of their popular villains, Cruella is no exception. Fun, charming and delivered with a twist.
Upload S02 - Although I enjoyed season one thoroughly, and burned through season 2, with only seven episodes I was left feeling like it could have been simpler and longer. I believe if they focused less on complicating the plot, the reason people love this series would shine through even more.

Women and their words became the threads that made up the blanket of February.

The Measure of My Powers | Jackie Kai Ellis

I read this book a handful of years ago and finally have my own copy to reread. It's not often that a person's life story can be the serving of healing you need, but in this beautiful memoir, I was served again and again a warm, comforting hug in the form of words. Jackie provides her reflections through memories, recipes and vulnerable meditative prose.

Verity | Colleen Hoover

My first time reading a Colleen Hoover novel, I was hooked within the first handful of pages. You believe it will go one way and are given multiple twists to find it going in various other directions. If you want a rapid read with a psychological / mystery bent, this is it!

I added every title from this author to Goodreads, if that's a hint at how much I loved it.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

The prequel to The Last Mrs.Parish, this small but mighty novella by the sisters that make the name Liv Constantine is everything I hoped for. They made it on my list of favourite authors out of the gate; here is another example of why.

Home Body | Rupi Kaur

Rupi and her thoughtful poems are more than excellent for the mind, body and soul. Take them in. Let them sit beside you and swirl into the air as you breathe.

Films/TV Series of Note

Being the Ricardos | Interesting. I did not love its entirety, but I found its mid-point and onwards very interesting.
The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S04 | Because Midge has words for what needs to be said and finds the guts to say it.
The Gilded Age S01 | Albeit a tad repetitive in characters mirroring Downton Abby, still very much enjoyable.

This year I am going to be picking reads that best suit where I am personally, and the month I am in.

I will also be picking books to read over each season for professional development, parenting insight, and book clubs.
Less of a haphazard stack and more of an intentional haul and study.
*Do not be surprised to see an Outlander read or re-read in the pile at any given moment.

For January this meant:

The Wisdom of Your Body | Hillary L. McBride PhD

This book was given to me for Christmas by a bestie who knows I love to deep dive into what happens with both the mind and body. How they work and how they affect each other. This is a fantastic read for that and so much more.

Grit | Angela Duckworth

I have heard Angela interviewed on podcasts various different times and each time I have thought I should pick up her book.
I confess, there were some sections I found myself skimming, but on the whole, I found it insightful and another reminder, that so much of ‘doing’ is about what is the true and raw why of what drives you ‘to do’.

Bright Young Dead (A Mitford Murder Mystery Series: Book 2) | Jessica Fellowes

Bright Young Dead did not disappoint. The era of the young in the 1920s is a fantastic landscape to produce a fun, thrilling and captivating murder mystery. Highly recommend. (I read book 1 last year).

TV Series / Films of Note

Good Girls S04 - For the fun, surprises, and comedic timing all in one series.
On the Basis of Sex - For the back story on our dear late RBG.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A winter love story that hits in the raw places with a bit of fantastical whimsy.

Radicalized: Four Tales of Our Present Moment | Cory Doctorow

Lent to me from my aunt, this read is arresting, to say the least. My most favourite of the short stories being the first. Using elements of todays digital and progressive world we are given insight in a ‘Black Mirror’ type way to what future thinking may bring us. If you watched Black Mirror and found it thought provoking, than this is for you.

That Scatterbrain Booky | Bernice Thurman Hunter

I remember watching the television movies with fondness and thought to revisit this book seeing as my own daughter is becoming a reader. Although this is too mature for her age of six, I can see that as she grows as a reader I may want to show her this series. Booky is a precocious ten year old living in Ontario during the Depression. Booky is a wonderful three dimensional character.

Into the Woods | John Yorke

After almost a month studying under John Yorke through zoom classroom in various weeks during 2020 it was a no brainer to purchase his book to continue soaking in his perspective and methods in story structure.

Johns passion is what ultimately sold this to me. Listening to this man teach for weeks taught me the difference between someone who writes vs someone who fully writes.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

The Peanuts - for it’s absolute charm.

Catherine House | Elisabeth Thomas

This book fed my need for a ‘ boarding school’ themed read. A fascination I have had since childhood. Catherine House poses mysteries, darkness, and implies a lot with not all of it being made clear. For me, the enjoyment in this read was in the atmosphere, theme and descriptions.

The Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles

I was not as impressed with this book, but I do not think that is a true reflection on how good it may or may not be. I think I have had my fill of World War I & II themes. Following a woman who is passionate about books, the library she works at, and protecting the patrons that borrows them we get a unique birds eye view of what staying in France during the war may have been like.

Winnie the Pooh | A.A. Milne

Read aloud to our daughter over the past few months we laughed and laughed over each chapter. As a writer I have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful character and world building in this sweet little novel. If you have not read A.A Milne, I urge you, the experience will not disappoint.
I may have cried while reading the last few pages.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

The Good Place S01 - Rewatched because the plot twists and true depths are solid gold.
A Simple Favour - because the film stayed with me longer than the book & it’s the perfect mystery watch featuring fabulous women.
Physical - Apple TV has some home runs. Highlighting a woman struggling with eating disorders and finding something that is more healing than her disorder.
The Great Canadian Baking Show S03 - because watching this as a family brings us so much joy…& hungry bellies.

As evident, I may have gone a bit crazy and ordered too many books from the library.
Although I would argue, one could never order too many books from any library.
That being said, it means that these pictures are done haphazardly as I blazed through these reads in order to get them back to the library in time.

The Glass Hotel | Emily St.John Mandel

A story about a money mogul and a few that surrounded him. The way this was written, I just couldn’t get into it the way I had hoped. Not my writing style. I wanted to like it. I struggled with the delivery.

Of Mess and Moxie | Jen Hatmaker

A comedian of sorts, Jen gives her antidotes about life and faith. Some of it felt unoriginal, yet I kept reading because there were a lot of beautiful gems of thoughts tucked in the typical comedian’s rants. It did pack a punch where it mattered.

Road to Riverdale | Various authors

Always interested in adaptations etc. This was another look at how graphic novels/comics often are all done by various artists and storytellers using the characters and world provided. Enjoyed it.

The Lies that Bind | Emily Giffin

The best part of this novel, for me, was the first chapter. It was riveting. I could picture it completely and wanted it to continue as such. Of course, the story weaves out from there but in my own perfect world, we’d capture whatever that first chapter had and make it into a short film or film.

Dear Edward | Ann Napolitano

A heartbreaking and heart inspiring tale of what it means to be the sole survivor of a mass tragedy and grow into yourself and find meaning to continue living despite the loss. I enjoyed this read. Tears at the end.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Suzanne Collins

This had to be my favourite of this month. I am utterly reticent about prequels. Ballad of Songbirds and Sakes is the prequel to the Hunger Games Series and it blew me away. To take a character like “Snow” and find out what he was like as a child, where he came from and how he rose to power. Incredible. It also gives incredible insight into the society that we are welcomed into for the Hunger Games Series and it also feels a bit of a warning at times for our own present-day world.

May was full of events and other such to-dos… reading was enjoyed as an escape but not as much time for it as I would have liked.

Still, these are hefty books to have finished this month:

The Fiery Cross | Diana Gabaldon

I completed this fifth installment of the Outlander series as the fifth season of Outlander on STARZ finished airing. Diana Gabaldon continues to deliver with every read. At 979 pages, this read was chock-full of the description on history, character development, everyday living and, of course, epic adventures and happenings that could only happen in a book that is all genres in one. The Fiery Cross covers the lead up to the American Revolution, how Jamie and Claire Fraser, along with their extended family, manage while also knowing what is to come. The Outlander Series continues to be an incredible example that it is possible to capture the growth of a relationship over the decades.

The Testaments | Margaret Atwood

Having read The Handmaids Tale, it seemed fitting to see how Margaret continued the story. Jumping ahead of time, we are given multiple characters' perspectives both in and outside of Gilead.

I have always found The Handmaids Tale an intriguing take on the patriarchy, especially after hearing Margaret Atwood explain in an interview that people’s distaste for this world is in, fact, a direct reaction to the true happenings in our world. It’s easy to think this writer fluffed up a story with horrific details against women, but in fact, she researched and has only ever created the world of Gilead based on true experiences women have experienced either in the past or currently in the world. To have to be met with those truths, even in a fictional world, is jarring and helps me remember why I stand up for myself when actions towards me have gotten out of hand. It is not about creating a scene, but about continuing to create a world in which it is safe to speak up, choose and make mistakes as well as successes as women and for the future women.

To summarize, I was expecting more of a diabolical ending to The Testaments, but either way, Margaret Atwood gave us another piece of fiction to ponder over the words and actions of others and even ourselves.

Mary Poppins | P. L. Travers

A read from March I forgot to record. Mary Poppins was a blast to read aloud as a family and was a great lead into watching the Disney classic. As a parent, you start to realize that Mary Poppin’s sensibilities were always slyly put in places the belonged the most. And usually, always about the world needing to shift and shape up and letting the children, be children.

Rhythms of Renewal | Rebekah Lyons

After hearing Rebekah interviewed I quickly ordered her book. I find anyone who wants to study the rhythms of seasons, creativity and spirituality combined is someone I want to hear from. This book has not disappointed. Her approach to her faith and how she lives a more balanced life is refreshing.

Dawn of a Distant Shore | Sara Donati

The second in the Wilderness series. Dawn of a Distant Shore didn’t disappoint, although I found it a bit less engaging as the first. It’s always fun to read when characters come into my dear home and native land as Canada and even reference or come into the Halifax area. That being said, the most interesting character arc in the story for me, was the adolescent daughter. Her perspective on their journeys was always what I wanted to flip to.

Homework | Julie Andrews

Written with a literary and sleight of hand with wit, Julie Andrews, along with her daughter, craft each chapter to give the reader a full perspective of the personal and professional aspect of Julies Hollywood years. I find in her age, Julie reminds me of how my paternal grandmother used to talk. It could be the British and proper influence with stringing sentences together, or it could be the sly snarky two cents that Julie adds for the reader to hear. (Which, my grandmother often didn't leave to question) Whether I found threads of my grandmother in this memoir or just the comforting voice of a woman whom I watched in my childhood, it was a read that was timely during a time that has been full of emotion, loss and unknowns.

Becoming Mrs.Lewis | Patti Callahan

Still working my way through this book, it reveals a fictional but fact-based take on the woman who became C.S.Lewis' wife. Without knowing much about C.S.Lewis' personal life, this is a surprising read.

The Art of Money | Bari Tessler

Always ready to look at our financial wellness in a new way. Bari posses new ways to assess how your finances, be them secure or severe, can become a freeing experience.

Do Less | Kate Northrup

A book packed with ideas on how to look at life differently with different exercises. In retrospect, this read was a significant lead into the COVID-19 season.

Films / TV Series of Note

The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S03 - For the exceptional talent and collaborative mediums in the art of storytelling
Veronica Mars S01 - For the review of an early 2000's TV show that stands the test of time. Although filmed with those kitschy drama methods, the plot and character development stand.
The Farewell - An American raised Chinese granddaughter grapples with her family's choices in dealing with her ailing grandmother.
Mary Poppins - Our March family movie, which seemed perfect for ushering in Spring.

In a month full of family ups and downs, I have been able to fit in these reads….

Winter | Melissa Harrison

An anthology of the winter season. Bits of writings on the atmosphere and feelings of winter. A lovely thing to pick up amidst a winter day.

The Beautiful No | Sheri Salata

I admit, it was the cover that got to me first. Once I realized that Sheri was also the executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show and this was her account, reflections and pushing forward post the Oprah show, I was sold. As a producer of various creative endeavours, hearing what other successful producers have learned in their lives is something I enjoy taking note of. It also doesn’t hurt that ‘The Beautiful No’ is also a great take on what self-reflection and one’s own unique journey can do for moving forward.

The Giver of Stars | Jojo Moyes

I waited months for this book to arrive to me after putting it on hold at my local library. It seemed fitting that it took ages to get to me. This book features a historical nod to a group of women in the 1930’s who maintained a traveling library on horseback to remote homes in their community. Along with the historical feature, it also gives room for the journeys and travails of women of that time frame. Jojo has a way of creating characters that are not only captivating but impossible to forget. This book made a hard week for me, so much easier with such beautiful characters to journey it with.

A Simple Favour | Darcey Bell

A psychological thriller staring a single mom of a young boy who is best friends with another mom who goes missing. What transpires in this book keeps the pages turning quickly and I was trying not to set it down the whole time I was reading it. A perfect summer or plane read. This also happens to be a film which I will be watching soon.

THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU | LIV CONSTANTINE

The 'Liv Constantines' duo second novel and I was less than enthused. It could be that their first collaboration in "The Last Mrs.Parish' blew me out of the water, that their second 'psychological thriller' couldn't match the truly amazing shake-up that their first novel gave.

THE UNFORTUNATE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTY | AMANDA FILIPACCHI

This novel has me baffled. An imaginative take on the topic of inner and outer beauty. I highly recommend this novel and am reticent to share much as I think it's best without much knowledge. I can say that having the main character hide in a fat suit is a fascinating theme and concept to try to uncover.

THE PERFECT GIRLFRIEND | KAREN HAMILTON

This is turning out to be a pleasant chic noir starring a woman who desperately wants to get back with her ex-boyfriend. It's edgy without being outrageous and a page-turner in its delivery. I highly recommend it.

EDUCATED | TARA WESTOVER 

A well-written memoir about what it means to grow up Mormon in a very untraditional upbringing where the children raise themselves.

THE CROWN VOL. 1 | ROBERT LACEY

Slowly watching The Crown season two on Netflix has me thoroughly enjoying going through the first addition novel to give more insight into the first season and the real-life people and historical events that have inspired the show.

THE CARETAKER | HAROLD PINTER

Just cracking open this book from the library to read a play. The Caretaker is one I have not read or seen.

Films / TV Shows of note:

Frozen - Such a fun film to watch and see our little enjoy for the first time

The Good Place - This comedy is coming to an end and we have found it such a thought-provoking series. Will be sad to see it end.

The Light We Lost | Jill Santopolo

A lovely quick read that brings the idea that sometimes we become tethered to someone due to the circumstances that have brought us together. I did think that it was a bit romanticized in presentation. Not touching enough on the realistic damage that is caused by people who don’t let the other go, but it was beautifully written nonetheless.

Yes Please | Amy Poehler

Heartfelt, hilarious and extremely grounded in perspective. I have always found Amy Poehler’s comedic work enjoyable. Hearing about her values as a person and how she has become who she is today outside of her work added a lot of depth to the person you see on screen.

Sharp Objects | Gillian Flynn

This was a quick, rapid and great read for those autumn psychological thriller vibes. I was kept guessing for a long time, and only started putting the pieces together due to the revealing nature of the cover design, which I wish wasn’t there. If I could do it again, I’d read this book without the HBO limited series cover. The accompanying HBO series captured the characters and atmosphere of the book perfectly. as well.

The Sun and Her Flowers | Rupi Kaur

A real and raw poetic take on many aspects of woman hood, as well as Rupi’s personal life. I have enjoyed taking in her work with it’s accompanying and thought provoking illustrations beside it.

Small Fry | Lisa Brennan-Jobs

This has to be one of my favourite books from this year so far. (Outlander series notwithstanding) Lisa proves herself to not just be someone who can tell her life story but also as a writer who can write as a painter paints. I read this book in about four days. I couldn’t put it down. I was less interested in the ‘fame’ of her father, and more in how she reflected, shared and described her life.

Films / Television Series of Note:

Sharp Objects : for the compare / contrast with book
Succession: the complex dark characters, the subtle reveal of toxic ‘rich’ thinking & the suspense
You’ve Got Mail: Those Autumn and old school chick flick vibes

July Reads…

City of Girls | Elizabeth Gilbert

The latest from Elizabeth Gilbert & I am treasuring this read and so glad I could use a birthday gift to purchase it. Thus far City of Girls has proven to be a beautiful, magical and majestic description of what it means to be a woman with eyes wide with wonder and an endless horizon before you. Elizabeth proves each time she writes, that her writing is capable of meeting the story where it is at and I always feel as if I am meeting a new side of her with each new book.

The Summer Wives | Beatriz Williams

To be started when we go on a road trip, The Summer wives is apparently a dishy fiction about a woman who finds herself amount the elite of society in the summer of the 1951. I have a soft spot for reading a bit of frivolous throw backs where you can indulge the romanticism of ‘class’ and society.

Summer | Melissa Harrison

One anthology of a set of 4 (for the four seasons) I am allowing this book to equip me with literary snippets about the season of summer. A bit of poetry, essay and observations mixed into one small but full book.

A Place Called Perfect | Helena Duggan

Always eager to take in a few ‘new to me’ middle grade reads within the year. Part for the interest of knowing what’s out there for my up and coming little reader, and partly because I find comfort in reading books geared to the middle grade. They are neither boring, nor overly complex. They assume the reader desires to be engaged while also not boring you with 'trying to be a literary genius’ on page.

A Place Called Perfect has given a bit of ‘perspective’ on what it means to see past facades and how important it is to ask questions through the story of a girl coming to a new town in which all the residents must wear a specific pair of glasses or they go blind.

The Favourite Sister | Jessica Knoll

Set behind the scenes of a reality tv show this book follows a handful of women in the lead up to ‘the main event’ which the specifics are unknown to the reader. A mystery read, this one didn’t leave me flipping pages in excitement, but it did play out well. A good Summer beach day diversion.

A Well Behaved Woman | Therese Anne Fowler

Still in the thick of these pages. Therese reimagines both fact and fiction from historical women. Based on ‘Alva Belmont / Vanderbilt’ and her essential place in the history of the women’s suffrage movement. I love reading Therese’s sassy take on these pillars of womanhood. (still reading)

The Queen of Hearts | Kimmery Martin

Adoring the best friends that hold this book together. A bit like a book for those who adore “Meredith Grey & Christina Yang” from Greys Anatomy. Step into the world that these doctors hold both professionally and personally. (Still reading)

Duped | Abby Ellin

Abby Takes us behind the scenes of her experiences being engaged to a con man and her never ending research trying to find the why’s and how’s of those who live double lives and have false identities. Another book written wth a journalists hand and she manages to write with intrigue that makes us want to read through her findings and research. Fascinating in every way.

May is equal to or even more busy than December for our family, so the reading had to be a bit more limited this month:

The Library Book | Susan Orlean

This is a must read for anyone who is an avid book lover and grew up with libraries in their life. The Library became a weekly occurrence in my life as a child and as you can see, still is. I tend to borrow my reads from the library unless either given or able to qualify a book purchase as something I will re-read or need to learn / study from.

I wouldn’t say this book was riveting, in fact, I might have enjoyed it more if it was an audio series podcast. It is journalistic in it’s delivery and some sections are very dry with history. That being said, I still am very glad I had read it. If you are an bookish dragon like me but enjoy audio books / podcasts when appropriate, maybe get the audio book version of this out. It has a unique charm that every lover of books & library should experience.

Red Clocks | Leni Zumas

As the front quote from Kelly Link on the cover says “Strange and lovely and luminous.” A perfect description for this book on the female body and autonomy. I am loving it’s strange other worldly but not so unlike our world’s modern day technologies and verbiage towards the female reproductive system. In a world with “The Handmaids Tale” making a striking impact, Red Clocks makes its own unique impact about the female anatomy and the women who inhabit them.

Dragonfly in Amber | Diana Gabaldon

The second book in the Outlander Series, albeit not as riveting as book 1 , but just as engaging and beautifully written as the first.  I think this book serves the necessary purpose of moving the life & plot forward with a touch of French flair. King Louis XIV anyone?

Attachments | Rainbow Rowell

Set in 1999 when office email was in full throttle and being read by someone paid to make sure empoyees were using their time wisely and professionally. I am only in the beginning of this book as I write it, but it’s already giving me nostalgia for that ‘old school’ excitement when you’d get an email from a friend.

Silent Flowers | A Collection of Haiku Poems

Little poems about nature and the varying seasons in a year. This little book re-introduced me to mindfulness and what it means to mull over words.

The Royal Runaway | Lindsay Emory

A light chick novel with a bit of nonsensical diversion. I don’t buy into the story persae but I do love the ease in which I can get into the story and keep flipping pages.

Television Series Currently On the Go of Note:

Outlander S02/S03 : Following along as I read. It is important to be said that in no way can the television series make up for every single scene in these hefty books. One season per 800 some odd page book means they are having to leave a lot on the cutting room floor and add bridges in the plot for the viewers to scale over. If you think they are rushing through the plot at times, it’s because there is SO MUCH of it! It would take years to fully shoot all of these scenes and characters.
Survivor : Edge of Extinction : We are nerds over here. I leave it there.
The Good Doctor : Something in this medical show is palatable and unique. I still can’t put my finger on it.

I am a reader. 

A book dragon, as some might say. 

My biggest accomplishment in Jr.High was graduating one of my jr. high years with a certificate for being the student who read the most books along with a gift certificate from my English teacher to a book store in my city.  

Yeah... Book nerd! 

Looking back, I am proud of that.  I may not have been the popular kid but so much of that silly social school dynamics never truly mattered, even if I thought they did.  I was a reader, and this meant my view of the world was already wider than my peers by just opening myself up to various perspectives.  

As an Adult my reading life looks like this:
I make a point to read from these categories:

- Fiction
- Plays / Scripts
- Non Fiction
- Graphic Novels
- Memoirs / Biographies etc.
- Magazines
- Newspapers

This usually means I have various types of reading on the go.

Currently:

- China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'engle
- A Real Simple Magazine
- Ms.Marvel - Mecca - G.Willow Wilson
- An Illustrated History of Nova Scotia by Harry Bruce & Dan Soucoup

I would like to better document what I am reading in some artistic manner and am still grappling with how...until then, I thought a little post would do. 

Straight from my bookshelf..

I don't own as many books as I read, but I do hold close the ones that I want to reread and enjoy on a seasonal basis.  

The best reads on my bookshelf for Autumn:

The Little Book Of Hygge - Meik Wiking

I had been eyeing this book in bookstores for over a year and decided it was the perfect book to read throughout the colder months of this year.  So far I have been loving the little headings, delightful layout and various descriptions and ways to create a more Hygge lifestyle.  This is a yearly re-read.

A Study In Scarlet - Arthur Conan Doyle

A big fan of all things Sherlock Holmes I bought these books this year for Jeremy and I to read together.  So far I am enjoying how the cadence of the book is so intone with the setting and characters.  It is a delightful mystery read.

The Hound of Baskerville - Arthur Conan Doyle

We have not yet gotten to the second instalment of Sherlock Holmes but I have no doubt that it will be just as enjoyable.

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

You either love or hate this book.  I loved it.  I loved how it challenges readers to think about society and the way we pit groups of people against others just in how we perceive them.  This was a rapid read for me.  

The Giver - Lois Lowry 

Another read that I missed in school and read as an adult with Jeremy.  We thoroughly loved how this dystopian world was crafted and the way it challenges readers to think about how control affects us as a society.  

The Girl On The Train - Paula Hawkins

All thrillers are fun to read this time of year with Halloween and everything getting darker and more mysterious as a season.  I couldn't put this book down and although you either love or hate this book I ADORED it.  I found it's plot twists were great and although I could sense where it was going it kept me guessing if I was right or wrong the whole time.  This novel is as entertaining as it is an open dialogue about the way narcissistic and controlling people try to alter the truth for their own purposes.  

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë

The classic Autumnal read!  Jane Eyre is creepy and enticing as it is sensual, vivid and profound!  Jane as a character is an incredibly strong and capable woman with a belief in her own ability to pursue value in life and is absolutly swept into romance with Mr.Rochester and his mysterious past.  This is a prime example of a woman from the 1800s writing past her time.  Charlotte brings us a woman who has depth, integrity, insight and tenacity along with compassion, history and desires past "whats wrong or right".  This is by far my all time favourite novel.  

From my Bookshelf.

It's no secret that I adore reading and I adore the changing seasons.  

Surrounding my home with little bits of seasonal decor / items keeps me feeling fresh and renewed daily.  It's a trick I play on my anxious spirit and I love how it grounds me.

For the Summer these reads already on my bookshelf are the perfect fit for hot days in a hammock, on a beach or even curled up on the couch while it rains. 

Anne of Green Gables - Lucy Maud Montgomery

Being a Canadian east coaster means this just comes with the territory for summertime.  Not only is summer the time of year we visit the Island but it is also the setting of most of this classic book. 

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

Not only is this a rapid read, but it is deep and comical.  I have a hard time with books about racism, the war etc.  Mainly because I find they leave me greatly affected and sad.  Which, of course is important and something I believe any piece of artistic work should aim to do.  Reveal truths and be raw.   But one isn't always in a place where being deeply saddened by literature is desired.  This book brings such a great literary addition to my library.

The Nest - Cynthia C'Aprix Sweeney

You either love it or hate it, and I LOVED it!  Maybe it's the way this writer makes everything feel classy and absolutely real at the same time, or maybe it was the ending.  Either way, family dramas are always a win for me.  I read this quickly.

Better Than Before - Gretchen Rubin

I read this last summer alongside my Aunt and underlined the heck out of it.  Reading about personality and characteristic tendencies is a great discussion tool and there was nothing like sitting on my Aunt and Uncles porch with white wine while my toddler napped discussing our own traits in the summer heat.  Reading this book and the conversation around it is one of my favorite summer memories.