Hey, readers!
I’m starting to feel a little more like myself this week. Part of that might be that Louise is out of the fourth trimester and starting to have more time most days when she’s calm and content (a huge win!). Another part of that is I’ve finally started to actively make time to do the things that help me feel like me. I can tend to be something of an all or nothing thinker and this has kept me from even attempting to fit in the things I love to do. If I can’t finish a book in a couple days, I might choose to not start one at all. If I can’t commit to regular exercise, I avoid it all together. If I can’t put out a podcast every week, I think the whole endeavor might not be worth it. You get the picture. But I’m coming around to fitting in what I can and enjoying whatever I’m able to do in my free moments whether that’s a little bit of stretching or 12 pages of a book.
I also had a great conversation with my Novel Pairings co-host Chelsey this week about how to get the podcast up and running again in a way that’s sustainable for us as new moms. Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram to get all of our updates. I can’t wait to start using that part of my brain again!
If you too are eager for bookish discussion and intellectual stimulation in the new year, consider joining the FictionMatters Patreon community. I know I’m biased, but I’ve never met a smarter, kinder, more thoughtful group of readers (or people!) in my life. They have enhanced my reading life in every way, and I feel so privileged to facilitate our events and discussions. In January, we’re reading Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower together. We’ll be chatting about the book in our private Discord channel as well as at two live meet-ups on Thursday, January 27th and Sunday, January 30th. We’d love to have you!
This week in books.
This week I read…
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Greene. I loved this collection of essays, and I’m certainly not alone in my fondness for it. In this book, the beloved YA author and YouTuber reviews various aspects of the anthropocene (our current geological age). Some are silly, some are earnest, and they all contain something beautiful about what it means to be human. I think most readers would find something in here to enjoy, and I also think it would be a fantastic book to bring into the classroom. Amazon | Bookshop
Now I’m reading…
The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier. This was a recommendation for a fun read from the FictionMatters Patreon crew. I’m listening on audio and while it’s a little difficult to keep all of the characters straight in that format, I’m really enjoying it. It’s smart, compelling, and highly entertaining. Amazon | Bookshop
*You can get two LIBRO.FM audiobooks for the price of one with my link or by using code FICTIONMATTERS.
Links I love.
I trust the LitHub editors’ taste so I loved browsing their favorite books of the year list.
Vulture’s 49 most anticipated releases of 2022. And then see what else the Vulture staff is looking forward to in the new year.
Maybe you’ve moved on from the National Book Award, but I appreciated this guide to the finalists.
I really enjoyed this episode of What Should I Read Next. It reminded me why I enjoy reaching for backlist books and classic lit.
This is a great introduction to the late bell hooks.
End notes.
Watching: I’m rewatching Bridgerton in small increments and finding it delightful once again.
Listening: I haven’t listened to many book podcasts in the last few months because I can’t even come close to keeping up with all of the books mentioned. While my reading hasn’t picked up yet, I do feel ready to start hearing other people talk about books and I’ve been enjoying catching up on episodes of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live, What Should I Read Next, TBR Etc., and Currently Reading.
Making: Plans with Chelsey to get new episodes of Novel Pairings back into your podcast feeds!
Loving: My new Madewell slippers. These were such a splurge but with how much time I spend shuffling around my house, they have been completely worth the investment.
Readers, I hope you’re finding the time to fit in the things that make you feel like you. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. I love hearing from you!
If you’re looking for more book recommendations and delightful bookish community, consider supporting FictionMatters on Patreon.
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Happy reading!
Sara
I JUST finished The Anomaly and it is just one of my absolute favorites! What a gem!!!
Welcome back!!!
I'm new to your Substack but congratulations on exiting the fourth trimester! During a pandemic! In the winter! Truly that's a milestone worth celebrating!