Ok, so I think I should share....I've been drawn to your IG account, over and over, coming back for more. The English major in me colliding with the aesthetic creator in me absolutely revels in the book reviews, literary discussions and carefully crafted images. So when the call came to support this endeavor financially, I jumped on board. Except I didn't even visit the substack. Didn't even read a newsletter. And in the last week or so, when I got charged again, and my finances are more strained than ever, I put on my to-do list "cancel books and bakes." And I meant it. Until this moment, when I finally opened my substack, when I finally perused a newsletter and got inspired for a new book purchase, a new reading routine, a re-commitment to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year--the idea is fermenting, the pages are ready. Yes. ALL of that came from one visit. So, needless to say, I'm completing a firm strikethrough of that to-do item and staying close. THANK YOU. <3
Oh my goodness, I'm blushing! This is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me about the newsletter! I am so, so glad it has brought you so much joy, and I appreciate your words and your support so so much. Truly, it means a lot to me. Thank you for reading! What's the new book purchase?!?
Circe! I had been contemplating something in the mythology realm after reading a piece Sylvia Linsteadt wrote about Python and the oracles of Pytheia. And when you noted that you read it annually, even with all the other reading you do(!), I knew it must be something special.
Apparently I’m just behind on Books & Bakes all around after a hectic summer (yay for real fall as I finally read this) and I can’t believe I missed the Bathe the Cat review! I love that book and have gifted it to many friends and sold so many copies when I was bookseller because I just wouldn’t shut up about it—I love the art, I love the silliness with a side of sweet, I love the family, it’s just such a perfect example of everything I want in a picture book. So glad you found it and loved it too.
What a lovely reading reflection Laura! I’m so pleased August allowed so much space and time to reflect on your relationship with the newsletter in a positive way! I also loved to hear you had such a fulfilling reading month - I was most interested in your Brotherless Night review! I’ve been meaning to read it for a while, this review has just given me a nudge to get it next time! As always, I loved ALL the water pictures
Thank you as always for reading, Martha! I do think you'd really like Brotherless Night. It's chewy and complicated and doesn't rush, but it's also super engaging.
Thanks right back, Laura! Because you are such a swim fanatic you should look up the badis in Switzerland. In particular, along the Limmat River in Zurich. Locals actually commute by river---they jump in with dry bags and swim/float to their destination with the current. (Badi means outdoor swimming pool in Swiss-German.)
Laura, I missed your writing and was so glad to see your newsletter in my inbox. I will add in my R-word, "Rest". Giving myself permission to stare into the nothingness, unhurried, and other relaxation techniques. Also, infinitely jealous of your access to bodies of water- I so love the pictures you share of your time at the water (and the elderberries!).
Ok, so I think I should share....I've been drawn to your IG account, over and over, coming back for more. The English major in me colliding with the aesthetic creator in me absolutely revels in the book reviews, literary discussions and carefully crafted images. So when the call came to support this endeavor financially, I jumped on board. Except I didn't even visit the substack. Didn't even read a newsletter. And in the last week or so, when I got charged again, and my finances are more strained than ever, I put on my to-do list "cancel books and bakes." And I meant it. Until this moment, when I finally opened my substack, when I finally perused a newsletter and got inspired for a new book purchase, a new reading routine, a re-commitment to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year--the idea is fermenting, the pages are ready. Yes. ALL of that came from one visit. So, needless to say, I'm completing a firm strikethrough of that to-do item and staying close. THANK YOU. <3
Oh my goodness, I'm blushing! This is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me about the newsletter! I am so, so glad it has brought you so much joy, and I appreciate your words and your support so so much. Truly, it means a lot to me. Thank you for reading! What's the new book purchase?!?
Circe! I had been contemplating something in the mythology realm after reading a piece Sylvia Linsteadt wrote about Python and the oracles of Pytheia. And when you noted that you read it annually, even with all the other reading you do(!), I knew it must be something special.
Oh, yay! It’s definitely a special book. I hope you love it!
Apparently I’m just behind on Books & Bakes all around after a hectic summer (yay for real fall as I finally read this) and I can’t believe I missed the Bathe the Cat review! I love that book and have gifted it to many friends and sold so many copies when I was bookseller because I just wouldn’t shut up about it—I love the art, I love the silliness with a side of sweet, I love the family, it’s just such a perfect example of everything I want in a picture book. So glad you found it and loved it too.
Yay! IT'S SO GOOD!!!
What a lovely reading reflection Laura! I’m so pleased August allowed so much space and time to reflect on your relationship with the newsletter in a positive way! I also loved to hear you had such a fulfilling reading month - I was most interested in your Brotherless Night review! I’ve been meaning to read it for a while, this review has just given me a nudge to get it next time! As always, I loved ALL the water pictures
Thank you as always for reading, Martha! I do think you'd really like Brotherless Night. It's chewy and complicated and doesn't rush, but it's also super engaging.
I feel a lot smarter and world-wise after reading this post! Sprinkled with cardamom, steeped in tea and river-dunked. Thanks!
Aw, this is so lovely to hear. Thank you for reading!
Thanks right back, Laura! Because you are such a swim fanatic you should look up the badis in Switzerland. In particular, along the Limmat River in Zurich. Locals actually commute by river---they jump in with dry bags and swim/float to their destination with the current. (Badi means outdoor swimming pool in Swiss-German.)
This is absolutely the best thing I’ve heard all day (week)!
Laura, you'll appreciate this post---I've included a few pics from one of the badis and the bridge jumpers along the Limmat. https://julestorti.substack.com/p/48-hours-in-zurich
Laura, I missed your writing and was so glad to see your newsletter in my inbox. I will add in my R-word, "Rest". Giving myself permission to stare into the nothingness, unhurried, and other relaxation techniques. Also, infinitely jealous of your access to bodies of water- I so love the pictures you share of your time at the water (and the elderberries!).
Aw, thank you so much for reading! And I love your addition of rest to my collection of R-things. I love that rest was part of your month!
That was a joy to read. And a delightful surprise as I had no idea when the monthly newsletter was coming.
Yay, I'm glad it was an enjoyable surprise!