When Goodreads asked me about my 2017 reading challenge goal last December, I rashly threw down what is, for me, a very big number. 100 books in 2017. I’d never read that many as an adult, at least not since I’ve started tracking. But I thought it was possible to reach a bit higher than […]
books
Which Habit Is More Important: Reading or Sleep?
I’m pretty good at habits. Sometimes, I’m too good. My habits gather strength. Sometimes, one of my habits gets in the way of another habit. I wrote in my “What’s Making Me Happy in July” post that one thing NOT making me happy is my lack of sleep. It’s becoming a huge problem. I spend my […]
Why You Should Get On Goodreads, Now
While talking to a fellow reader today, I mentioned my Goodreads summer reading list. I expected her response to be something like, “Which books are on the list?” Instead, she said, “What IS Goodreads?” I was flabbergasted. To me, that’s like asking, “What is Amazon?” or “What is Twitter?” But it made me realize that some of […]
9 Amazing Books About American History
Happy 4th of July! In honor of this patriotic holiday, I’d like to share 9 books in my favorite category: American history in fiction and narrative nonfiction. All of these books capture the American spirit and prevailing attitudes of their time. They are great reads for people who love history, for those who love studying human […]
How To Avoid Sucking Fun Out Of Your Passion
While signing my high school yearbook, a friend who’d been in the music program with me wrote that she admired me for going to college for music, that she’d considered it herself but didn’t want to ruin her “innocent love” for music. I’d never thought of it that way before, but it struck me as worrisome. If you […]
The Distraction Period
I’m back in limbo phase, craving distraction. Baby Girl Sowul was due yesterday (Monday, 10/17) and I’m still waiting. I know the waiting will likely only last another week at most, because unfortunately (and despite much, much effort over the past 4 weeks) the baby is still in breech position. I’m scheduled for a C-section […]