A Few Good Books
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Unsure where to channel your creativity?
Do you believe in a myth that you have no creativity?
Want to add more spark to your life?
Read on
A Few Good Books
You know a book lover when you see one. It’s often the person leafing through a paperback at the coffeehouse counter. Sometimes, it’s the person eyeing your Kindle a little too closely on an airplane. It’s definitely the person stumbling backward by the weight of their backpack. If you know, you know.
But here’s the real question… do you engage?
Of course, you do. A kindred book lover is a rare jewel, one to treat with respect.
When I find a fellow reader, I offer a favorite read of my own. Depending on their reaction or request for another suggestion, I’ll offer more. Given my aging brain, I now keep a rolling list of what I read.
This time of year, readers feast on book awards. I read the write-ups for books nominated and make wish lists for the holiday season. In this vein, I offer a few of my favorite books I read this year.
They are ranked in no particular order (an impossible task!)…
Fiction/Historical Fiction
JAMES: Percival Everett
THE WOMEN: Kristin Hannah
LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN: Lisa See
LET US DESCEND: Jesmyn Ward
KANTIKA: Elizabeth Graver
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES: Shelby Van Pelt
Memoir
HOW TO SAY BABYLON: Safiya Sinclair
CACTUS COUNTRY: Zoe Bossiere
Mystery/Literary Fiction
I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU: Rebecca Makkai
Thriller
RABBIT HEART: Kristine S. Ervin (this is also a memoir)
THE QUIET TENANT: Clemence Michallon
Non-Fiction
BECOMING SUPERNATURAL: Dr. Joe Espinzoa
SOUTH TO AMERICA: Imani Perry
FREE PLAY: IMPROVISATION IN LIFE AND ART; Stephen Nachmasnovitch
REASONS TO STAY ALIVE: Matt Haig
WHAT IT TAKES TO HEAL: Prentis /Hemphill
Middle-Grade
THE EYES AND THE INVINCIBLE: David Eggers (I highly recommend this for adults
and dog lovers)
THE DUBIOUS PRANKS OF SHAINDY GOODMAN: Mari Lowe
THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE MCGINN: Sally J. Pla
Young Adult
THE ART OF BREAKING THINGS: Laura Sibson
AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW: Katouh Zoulfa
CHECK AND MATE: Ali Hazelwood
What are your favorites?
Remember to support your local library or bookstore.
Curl up with a croissant, a book, and enjoy the holidays! HAPPY READING!
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Quotes for the Soul
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”
“We read to know we’re not alone.”
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Classes are Filling and College Essay Editing is Here!
Check out all the options on my website and contact me if you’d like a private art, writing, or journaling workshop.
What folks say:
“I haven't had this much fun playing with art since kindergarten”
**
“Carrie’s process and philosophy about creativity with both art and words is hands-on, accessible, and welcoming. I’ll take more classes with her!”
Thanks for reading. Creativity is not a command performance, but I hope you’ll stay and become inspired. If you know someone interested in creative endeavors, please forward this on!
Yours in spirited creativity,