Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Phosphorescence
Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder and things that sustain you when the world goes dark | Julia Baird
28 posts | 21 read | 38 to read
A beautiful, intimate and inspiring investigation into how we can find and nurture within ourselves that essential quality of internal happiness - the 'light within' that Julia Baird calls 'phosphorescence' - which will sustain us even through the darkest times. Over the last decade, we have become better at knowing what brings us contentment, well-being and joy. We know, for example, that there are a few core truths to science of happiness. We know that being kind and altruistic makes us happy, that turning off devices, talking to people, forging relationships, living with meaning and delving into the concerns of others offer our best chance at achieving happiness. But how do we retain happiness? It often slips out of our hands as quickly as we find it. So, when we are exposed to, or learn, good things, how do we continue to burn with them? And more than that, when our world goes dark, when we're overwhelmed by illness or heartbreak, loss or pain, how do we survive, stay alive or even bloom? In the muck and grit of a daily existence full of disappointments and a disturbing lack of control over many of the things that matter most - finite relationships, fragile health, fraying economies, a planet in peril - how do we find, nurture and carry our own inner, living light - a light to ward off the darkness? Absorbing, achingly beautiful, inspiring and deeply moving, Julia Baird has written exactly the book we need for these times.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Chelsea.Poole
post image
Pickpick

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Baird, which added to her very personal story of perseverance through hardship. Julia has been diagnosed with cancer three times and though that‘s a constant in the book, it‘s not the sole focus of the memoir. She writes about finding comfort in nature when dealing with anxiety and depression. This is something I can relate to. Nothing new, but helpful to hear often. A solid audiobook.

87 likes1 stack add
blurb
Chelsea.Poole
post image

#libraryhaul 📚
Most for #bookspinbingo
The Bandit Queens for #camplitsy23

sarahbarnes I just picked up Bandit Queens from the library too! 2y
Suet624 the only plane in the sky is amazing as an audio book with actual audio from some of the people interviewed and some of the ground crew of the planes. Don't know if you want to listen and read at the same time. 2y
Megabooks Oh wow! Paris, invisible and only plane are all fantastic!! Excited for Camp Litsy! 2y
87 likes3 comments
review
Blackink_WhitePaper
post image
Pickpick

This book started off nicely about how to connect to nature & finding inner strength. But as it progress the focus shifted towards other issues. Overall the writing is good, but the connection from chapter to chapter was lacking. In this digital world this book ask us to slow down & listen to our surrounding for a bird song. It could ve focused on one aspect. 3.5🌟#nonfiction2022 #meditative #naturalitsy ( though less about nature 🤪)

AllDebooks I thought the same, was quite disappointed tbh 2y
Blackink_WhitePaper @AllDebooks yeah . Not what I expected. I started with this month book, it‘s promising so far 😃 2y
AllDebooks @Blackink_WhitePaper that's good to hear, 🤞it lives up to the hype 2y
43 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
AllDebooks
Mehso-so

I was slightly disappointed with this, hovering between a pick and so-so. I was definitely expecting more on nature. Still enjoyed it very much. It does contain a lot of wisdom. As an atheist, I was put off with the religious content, but others may appreciate it more than me.

17 likes1 stack add
blurb
AllDebooks
post image

Ha!!! I learned a new word today and it's a new favourite 😍 I never, ever, bloody ever want to be a grimalkin.

Blackink_WhitePaper Yeah 😍 one more advantage of reading books. Improved vocabulary 😃 2y
19 likes2 comments
blurb
AllDebooks
post image

Such a pretty cover by Yellena James

https://yellena.com/

So happy to be chilling outside reading this delight today. @Blackink_WhitePaper snap x
#natureLitsy

AllDebooks "What sustains us when the world goes dark? All we can really do is keep placing one foot on the earth, then the other, to seek out ancient paths and forests, certain in the knowledge that others have endured before us. We must love. And we must look outward and upwards at all times, caring for others, seeking wonder and stalking awe every day to find the magic that will sustain us and fuel the light within - our own 2y
23 likes1 comment
blurb
AllDebooks
post image

#naturalitsy
I've managed to hoard another lovely selection of beautiful books for this month's #bookspinbingo (my chosen theme of oceans).

#weeklyforecast
I aim to finish Braiding Sweetgrass and Things I have withheld before starting the tagged book. Also need to collect library holds, will choose a fiction read from those.
@TheAromaofBooks @Cinfhen

Cinfhen Oh, I love that you have a monthly theme 💕and oceans sound like a perfect choice for August 🏖 2y
Cinfhen Some of those spines are stunning 🤩 2y
AllDebooks @Cinfhen that's what I thought, holiday mood. They really are beautiful books x 2y
TheAromaofBooks Oooo I love your theme and the way all your spines go together! So pretty!! 2y
AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks oops, misses your comment. I can't stop looking at these books, the cover artwork is stunning! 2y
22 likes5 comments
review
peacegypsy
post image
Pickpick

This book definitely produces light in a darkened world. With its many references to poets, scholars, nature, and other great literature, this memoir will encourage you to keep going and, to not only to that, but also to find a better world in which to proceed. Lots of wisdom and hope here, and a great reliance on the natural world as salvation. It strengthens the heart.

36 likes1 stack add
blurb
peacegypsy
post image

Looking for some brighter days.

50 likes2 stack adds
review
Twocougs
post image
Pickpick

I often find books find me when I need them and this one did. I tried to savor it one chapter a night. I now need to remember these small truths everyday; to pay attention to the little things, to love freely,that the ordinary is extraordinarily and to find the good. A beautiful book to reach my goal of 100 for the year!

kspenmoll I am slowly reading this lovely book. (edited) 3y
Twocougs @kspenmoll There‘s something magical about reading it slowly🌸 3y
31 likes2 stack adds2 comments
quote
kspenmoll
post image

“Phosphorescence. Now there‘s a word to lift your hat to to…To find that phosphorescence, that light within— is the genius behind poetry.”
—Emily Dickinson

booksbrewsandbooze What a beautiful cover 3y
Chelsea.Poole Beautiful! This is on my TBR 📖 3y
62 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Messiejessie
post image
Pickpick

I feel like I read this at the right time for me.
It‘s always good to be reminded about what‘s important in life and making time to notice and seek awe, wonder and joy.
I lost a bit of interest towards the end, but I loved the majority of this book.

18 likes1 stack add
blurb
Curiouser_and_curiouser
post image

Been flat out working over school hols (thank goodness!) & haven't had much time for physical reading, but I've been listening to this fabulous audiobook on my long drives to & from jobs. It's the perfect companion to a lengthy drive & even though I didn't always look forward to listening to it early on, I sure got plenty from it soon after! Infact, I would happily read it again!
So much to think about, so much to learn.
So thought provoking.

MrsMalaprop I liked this one too. 3y
36 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Lyssa131330
post image
Mehso-so

I‘ve been flat out at work but I finally made it to my #lmpbc book for this month! I‘m not the ideal reader for this, I‘ve already learn a lot of this info through work and I think that‘s why I found it repetitive and a smidge preachy. I may have enjoyed it more if I was going into it fresh. The information is good, it‘s well written and that cover 😍😍😍 - it‘s just not the book for me. Still, glad I read it, that‘s the joy of book clubs!
#groupz

17 likes3 stack adds
review
Freespirit
post image
Pickpick

The real joy of holidays is I can read more often! This book is about that joy....about finding what brings “light” into your life.. be it gardening, reading, or drinking tea. It‘s a perfect time to reflect on our world.
Julia Baird is a well known journalist and presenter of a current affairs program here in Australia.... and the sort of person I‘d like to have a cup of tea with on my verandah!! 💕💕🌸

Cathythoughts I love the word phosphorescence & I loved seeing it in the water once or twice when I was swimming ✨✨✨ 4y
Cathythoughts I‘d love to join ye for that cup of tea too 😁 4y
Freespirit @Cathythoughts I think you would like this book..and I would love to have a cuppa with you😘 4y
See All 7 Comments
catebutler Oh! This sounds lovely! Adding this immediately to my wish list. 4y
Freespirit @catebutler Cate let me know if you can‘t get it and I will post it to you xxx 4y
catebutler @Freespirit You are so sweet! I wish Australian authors and books were more readily available here in the States. I know you have a rich literary history!! 4y
Freespirit Hi @catebutler I love sharing our books. I have sent you a message.. 4y
47 likes3 stack adds7 comments
blurb
Freespirit
post image

My reading spot on my verandah😊 Currently I am delving into Thomas Cromwell‘s life again in the second book by Hilary Mantel. It‘s a fascinating time in history.
I am also reading Phosphorescence which explores contentment, joy and awe something that I think about as I get older, especially with the world changing so quickly at the moment. It‘s a great Covid read😷
#historicalfiction #ozfiction
Joyful reading everyone💕💕

wanderinglynn What a lovely spot! 💚 4y
Freespirit Thank you @wanderinglynn it catches the morning sun🌞 4y
rockpools Beautiful. And Phosphorescence sounds like a great read (very surprised to see I already have it stacked!) 4y
See All 11 Comments
JennyM Save me a seat. Would love to have a cuppa and with you and chat books. Ah, we can but hope ☕️ 📚 ☀️ 4y
Freespirit It‘s a reflective book @rockpools which I need sometimes 4y
Freespirit Ooh I could think of nothing I‘d like more Jen @JennyM 🌸 4y
TrishB That looks lovely ❤️ 4y
Chelsea.Poole Perfect reading spot ♥️📖 4y
Freespirit Thanks @TrishB @Chelsea.Poole 😘😘 4y
CarolynM So lovely💕 4y
Freespirit Nice morning reading spot with a cup of tea ☕️ @CarolynM 😊 4y
50 likes11 comments
quote
JeffyRoo
post image

This chapter is called 'Why we need silence'

#LMPBC

review
Joanne1
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve had trouble sleeping this week so this delightful, thoughtful and introspective audiobook has been keeping company. Read by the author, Australian journalist, Julia Baird, it‘s the perfect antidote to these troubling times.

Chelsea.Poole Sounds perfect 💙 and that cover! 🤩 4y
Joanne1 The cover is divine, even better in IRL than on the app @Chelsea.Poole 4y
Crisflitz Beautiful memoir. Extraordinary woman, activist, mother, daughter, friend, humanitarian & journalist. I‘ve never written in any book as I have in this.....references, authors, scientists, authors, music, artists, etc. And her love of words introduced me to so many. Published in the nick of time. 4y
36 likes3 stack adds3 comments
quote
JeffyRoo
post image

A list to remember...

blurb
JeffyRoo
post image

Getting a head start on #LMPBC Round 9 with this one! @suvata @Lyssa131330 @thegreensofa @LapReader

8 likes1 stack add
review
Cathy_J
post image
Pickpick

I listened to the audio book (read by the author) of this much talked about non-fiction book. I am considering getting a paper copy to revisit some chapters. This was a timely read as a very intelligent lady shares her research and thoughts on how to survive when everything goes to poo (and more). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Freespirit I am looking forward to reading this one😊 4y
79 likes4 stack adds1 comment
review
Rissreads
post image
Pickpick

This was a case of the right book at the right time. It reminded me about the beauty in the world and how precious life is, and how lucky I am! 💙

Lindy Looking for beauty every day is helping me to improve my sense of wellbeing. This book sounds great. 😊 4y
Rissreads @lindy yep it helps to open your eyes, it‘s a beautiful book 💙 4y
batsy The cover alone is so pretty 💜 4y
36 likes3 stack adds3 comments
review
Petelord
Bailedbailed

I wanted to love this book because the message is so important. I loved the copy on the inside cover but this book badly needs an edit. Badly. I had to put it down after 50 pages because I simply didn‘t care how much the author liked Central Park.

quote
Petelord

In order to endure, to survive trauma or even just to stay afloat when life threatens to suck us under, we need to know we are not alone.

review
MrsMalaprop
post image
Pickpick

This book is as beautiful as it looks 😍💕🙏.

It‘s fair to say I don‘t generally ‘do‘ self-help books and avoid books that purport to have the formula for happiness.

But this collection of essays, science, interviews and rumination by Australian journalist Julia Baird really worked for me right now.

I loved it & have just ordered a copy to be delivered to a childhood friend who is undergoing cancer treatment. ❤️❤️❤️

erzascarletbookgasm It‘s a beautiful cover👍 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful photo ❤️ 4y
BarbaraBB Gorgeous picture 😍 4y
JaclynW Lovely picture! 4y
Jeg I‘m reading it slowly and savouring it. 4y
41 likes3 stack adds5 comments
blurb
MrsMalaprop
post image

#Upnext Getting stuck into this book that everyone (in Australia) is talking about. “On awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark”? Reckon this might be the book for now. And if it‘s not that good, I‘ll just sit & look at this cover 😍. #currentlyreading

TNbookworm Beautiful cover💙 4y
Jeg I just love holding the book. 😊 4y
CarolynM It's everywhere right now. Just puts me off, I'm afraid. I'll be interested to see what you think. Hope you enjoy it🙂 4y
Rissreads Ooooo, it‘s pretty! I can‘t wait to see what you think! 4y
36 likes2 stack adds4 comments
blurb
Jeg
post image

Have wanted this since I first heard of it. Local book shop had sold out so I ordered it. They were waiting for second printing. Thought I was in for a wait which was ok as I have tons to read. However from somewhere they came up with it and here it is. A lovely physical book.
@MrsMalaprop

Centique So beautiful! How are you doing Joy? 5y
Jeg @Centique thanks for asking. I‘m not the best today. But this too will pass. Hope your day have been one full of chocolates and books. 😍😍 5y
Centique @Jeg much love to you Joy. Australia seems to be doing a good job of fighting this virus. I would like to send you some hope, that strong ANZAC spirit 💕 We‘ve beaten back the enemy before and we‘ll do it again. Kia kaha my friend 💕 5y
11 likes3 comments