My TBR has gotten out of control but we really stopped watching TV at night (and I love TV) so have been impressed with how much I have read. We have a rule that our oldest doesn't have a bedtime during the summer if he's reading. So we have started all sitting together and reading. I am confident this will change in the school year but for now it's nice. I also try to read in free moments, book in the car, book at the table (I read a little during lunch).
And I am a big fan of Kristin Neff. She's great, her more recent book on Fierce Self-Compassion has real mama bear energy, it's good.
Yessssss! Fierce Self-Compassion is in my long TBR (eventually) pile. I will move it closer to the top. Also I'm glad you shared this about TV. I love TV too, but lately I've started to face the fact that I should consider doing something else with my precious evenings if I am ever going to make a dent in my pile.
Yes, I told my husband I want do like a kid schedule where we don't watch tv on "school nights" but on the weekend because there are just too many books in the world to read. But I am also not one to say that TV is somehow beneath us because it brings me joy, too. I will note that my kids do watch screens at the end of school days so this model really only applies to the adults.
I read Self-Compassion many years ago, when I was in college, and it changed my life. I still do her three-step self-compassion process allll the time. 11/10 recommend and can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you finish it!
Currently about halfway through Liars by Sarah Manguso, which is excellent but not exactly relaxing! I’m still in the reading while feeding a baby in the middle of the night phase, but I like lighter stuff for that purpose…just finished Dan Kois’ How to Be a Family, which was a quick and pleasant read; I appreciate that it was a travel memoir that didn’t feel particularly aspirational.
Oooooh yes I want to read Liars, but I think I need to brace myself. I love her work so much, but I know she does not pull punches. Laurie Colwin's novels spring to mind as cozy (but still really good) feeding baby in the night reading I have loved. Also props to you for being able to read while feeding baby in the night — often all I could do was scrollllll.
It's so hard to choose, but I think Family Happiness was my favorite. Polly is a character I could return to over and over again. I hope it makes for good company!
For "fun" (?) I picked up Lisa Damour's (her podcast is excellent; my kids are 6 & 10, for context) Untangled about supporting girls through the tween --> teen transition. Hot damn if I didn't learn a few things about the grownups in my life! Ehem - externalizing, anyone? It's totally readable & soothing.
I’m currently reading crazy rich Asians, which is a fun but vaguely stressful read. I squeeze in reading when I’m eating breakfast and lunch and usually before I go to bed. And sometimes, if the book is really good, with a reasonable amount of benign neglect of my children (who are usually watching tv anyway).
Next on my list is either Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer (I love her romcoms) or one of the 3 books I ambitiously checked out of the library.
I devoured the Crazy Rich Asians books! I know what you mean about stressful, but I loved how glittery-fluffy they were without being vapid? Or like vapid but in a really winky delightful way? IDK, I am sure some critic has said it way better than I am saying it. Also +1 for benign neglect
I think some of the characters were more aware of their excesses than others. Peik Lin was probably my favorite character for that reason. But yes, totally feel what you’re saying. Stressful but I also couldn’t stop reading. And definitely want to read the other 2 books!
My TBR has gotten out of control but we really stopped watching TV at night (and I love TV) so have been impressed with how much I have read. We have a rule that our oldest doesn't have a bedtime during the summer if he's reading. So we have started all sitting together and reading. I am confident this will change in the school year but for now it's nice. I also try to read in free moments, book in the car, book at the table (I read a little during lunch).
And I am a big fan of Kristin Neff. She's great, her more recent book on Fierce Self-Compassion has real mama bear energy, it's good.
Yessssss! Fierce Self-Compassion is in my long TBR (eventually) pile. I will move it closer to the top. Also I'm glad you shared this about TV. I love TV too, but lately I've started to face the fact that I should consider doing something else with my precious evenings if I am ever going to make a dent in my pile.
Yes, I told my husband I want do like a kid schedule where we don't watch tv on "school nights" but on the weekend because there are just too many books in the world to read. But I am also not one to say that TV is somehow beneath us because it brings me joy, too. I will note that my kids do watch screens at the end of school days so this model really only applies to the adults.
I read Self-Compassion many years ago, when I was in college, and it changed my life. I still do her three-step self-compassion process allll the time. 11/10 recommend and can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you finish it!
Oooooo, I love hearing this! I guess it's what I'll pick up tonight :)
Currently about halfway through Liars by Sarah Manguso, which is excellent but not exactly relaxing! I’m still in the reading while feeding a baby in the middle of the night phase, but I like lighter stuff for that purpose…just finished Dan Kois’ How to Be a Family, which was a quick and pleasant read; I appreciate that it was a travel memoir that didn’t feel particularly aspirational.
Oooooh yes I want to read Liars, but I think I need to brace myself. I love her work so much, but I know she does not pull punches. Laurie Colwin's novels spring to mind as cozy (but still really good) feeding baby in the night reading I have loved. Also props to you for being able to read while feeding baby in the night — often all I could do was scrollllll.
Ooh thanks for the suggestion! What’s your favorite Colwin?
It's so hard to choose, but I think Family Happiness was my favorite. Polly is a character I could return to over and over again. I hope it makes for good company!
For "fun" (?) I picked up Lisa Damour's (her podcast is excellent; my kids are 6 & 10, for context) Untangled about supporting girls through the tween --> teen transition. Hot damn if I didn't learn a few things about the grownups in my life! Ehem - externalizing, anyone? It's totally readable & soothing.
Ooooh I will add to the teetering pile. I am so curious about the tween / teen time that's still ahead but I know will sneak up fast.
I’m currently reading crazy rich Asians, which is a fun but vaguely stressful read. I squeeze in reading when I’m eating breakfast and lunch and usually before I go to bed. And sometimes, if the book is really good, with a reasonable amount of benign neglect of my children (who are usually watching tv anyway).
Next on my list is either Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer (I love her romcoms) or one of the 3 books I ambitiously checked out of the library.
I devoured the Crazy Rich Asians books! I know what you mean about stressful, but I loved how glittery-fluffy they were without being vapid? Or like vapid but in a really winky delightful way? IDK, I am sure some critic has said it way better than I am saying it. Also +1 for benign neglect
I think some of the characters were more aware of their excesses than others. Peik Lin was probably my favorite character for that reason. But yes, totally feel what you’re saying. Stressful but I also couldn’t stop reading. And definitely want to read the other 2 books!