I do like listening to audio books in the car but I can see why that would be challenging. I feel like it's because your brain is working to pay attention to the road, avoid other cars, not get in a crash. The moment that I have to adjust to another car, my brain is pulled out of the audio book.
I love your cacti! I'm embarassed that I feel so much more comfortable following book prompts (which has really taught me a lot about the "how" of watercolor) than just being creative and painting whatever I want. But looking forward to busting through that barrier at some point!
My trick for audiobooks is that I pretty much exclusively only listen to memoirs because it feels like you’re in conversation with someone and that helps me engage my brain more. Sometimes I pair an audiobook with a physical copy and read/listen in tandem. Especially for certain fiction titles as I know I am not as engaged when I’m listening, so limiting myself the time I listen helps me
Thanks for your review of A Marriage at Sea. Would you say there was any message or takeaway that the author wanted the reader to have? Or was it mainly telling a dramatic story?
I adore John Proctor is the Villain! It’s a fascinating piece of commentary on truth, girlhood, and power and I couldn’t recommend it enough. An appreciation of the Crucible definitely adds to the experience. If you need any more theater recs while you’re in town, let me know!
John Proctor is the Villain is fantastic - enjoy!! I’ve been twice, the second time with my mom who teaches high school (though not English). I would love to hear your thoughts on it!
I felt the same about A Marriage at Sea! I enjoyed it and recommend it but it felt more suited to a long form Atlantic piece (with photos please!) Have you read Philbrick’s In The Heart of the Sea? It’s not fair to compare them but hard not to— a whaling ship in 1820 that is downed by a sperm whale and a harrowing lengthy survival at sea. That was a book I never would have picked up normally but did and it never let me go, so great!
I’m so so excited for you to read Milkman! I absolutely loved it, still think about it, and I think it’s a very *you* book. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
I had the same experience with art with my kiddos! I made a chalk drawing of the woods at sunset which I am actually super proud of, and my son was really impressed. Granted, he was maybe 7 at the time, but still. (I am also not an artist.) Your mention of the watercolor makes me want to pick up an art project again.
Sara, your review of Marriage at Sea was exactly what I needed. Thank you! I’ve been curious about it, and you answered all my questions. Also, I started learning watercolor last December. It is so meditative and fun to start something at the total beginner stage.
Both books are on my summer tbr so I’m thrilled to see them talked about here! I, too, have been putting off The Antidote even though I bought it immediately when it came out.
I struggle with audiobooks in the car too. I wonder why that is! Thanks for exploring your audio habits here; it helped me think through my own.
I do like listening to audio books in the car but I can see why that would be challenging. I feel like it's because your brain is working to pay attention to the road, avoid other cars, not get in a crash. The moment that I have to adjust to another car, my brain is pulled out of the audio book.
I love your cacti! I'm embarassed that I feel so much more comfortable following book prompts (which has really taught me a lot about the "how" of watercolor) than just being creative and painting whatever I want. But looking forward to busting through that barrier at some point!
My trick for audiobooks is that I pretty much exclusively only listen to memoirs because it feels like you’re in conversation with someone and that helps me engage my brain more. Sometimes I pair an audiobook with a physical copy and read/listen in tandem. Especially for certain fiction titles as I know I am not as engaged when I’m listening, so limiting myself the time I listen helps me
I just finished 'A Marriage at Sea' too, and I completely agree about wanting to know more about the impact on them / their marriage after the fact!
Thanks for your review of A Marriage at Sea. Would you say there was any message or takeaway that the author wanted the reader to have? Or was it mainly telling a dramatic story?
I adore John Proctor is the Villain! It’s a fascinating piece of commentary on truth, girlhood, and power and I couldn’t recommend it enough. An appreciation of the Crucible definitely adds to the experience. If you need any more theater recs while you’re in town, let me know!
Oh I’m so excited you’re seeing John Proctor! I saw it with an English teacher friend and she was particularly moved. Bring tissues!
I love your painting!
John Proctor is the Villain is fantastic - enjoy!! I’ve been twice, the second time with my mom who teaches high school (though not English). I would love to hear your thoughts on it!
I felt the same about A Marriage at Sea! I enjoyed it and recommend it but it felt more suited to a long form Atlantic piece (with photos please!) Have you read Philbrick’s In The Heart of the Sea? It’s not fair to compare them but hard not to— a whaling ship in 1820 that is downed by a sperm whale and a harrowing lengthy survival at sea. That was a book I never would have picked up normally but did and it never let me go, so great!
I’m so so excited for you to read Milkman! I absolutely loved it, still think about it, and I think it’s a very *you* book. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
I had the same experience with art with my kiddos! I made a chalk drawing of the woods at sunset which I am actually super proud of, and my son was really impressed. Granted, he was maybe 7 at the time, but still. (I am also not an artist.) Your mention of the watercolor makes me want to pick up an art project again.
Sara, your review of Marriage at Sea was exactly what I needed. Thank you! I’ve been curious about it, and you answered all my questions. Also, I started learning watercolor last December. It is so meditative and fun to start something at the total beginner stage.
Both books are on my summer tbr so I’m thrilled to see them talked about here! I, too, have been putting off The Antidote even though I bought it immediately when it came out.