"Surely you don't disbelieve the prophecies, because you had a hand in bringing them about yourself?" - Gandalf to Bilbo

I brought this with my on my recent trip to New Zealand and it was so much fun to read it while traipsing through Peter Jackson's reimagined Middle Earth. ❤️

I enjoyed this more as it went on. Will likely reread at some point, as there are always more things to discover in these epic fantasies. It's even inspired me to attempt Paolini's Fractalverse again, even though I abandoned his sci-fi early on in my first go at it. But I love worlds with dragons and all manner of creatures and "oh my" scenery. Hence a trip to New Zealand very soon as well!

After reading the Inheritance Cycle and The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm (again), I am now starting his newest book. I enjoy this world and re-living this adventure from time to time, I love the scenery he paints and the thought of being in this world of mountains, multiple races of sentient beings, and the escape from my professional life that this brings. Sometimes I don't know if I'd rather live in my world or another.

I've both read the book and climbed Kilimanjaro with the author. It's a very helpful read, and if you only read one book before going to Tanzania with the intent of climbing the mountain or going on a safari, this should be it. Very comprehensive with everything you need to do to prepare and pack. Additionally, it's the only guidebook written to an actual Tanzanian mountain guide rather than a westerner who doesn't even live there...

Although it's past Christmas-time, I have only just finished this book. It was such a lovely read, a fun story with sweet imagery and a very comforting feel. L Frank Baum has a way with prose that speaks to the longing we all have, somewhere, for the magic that is in the world if we can be pure at heart enough to see it.

A vivid portrayal of China from 1976-81:

"...Informative, disturbing, poignant and absorbing...personal encounters with individual Chinese that (were) almost unprecedented for any American journalist (at this time this book was written)." - NYT Book Review

Fascinating. I learned that I know less than I ever could have imagined.

I tried reading this when I was 8 years old. Now as an adult I'm hoping I understand it better. Just two paragraphs in and it already feels so much more relatable!

#adulting #mobydick #oceans #travel #escape #struggle

A fabulous and gripping account of one of the most prominent women cave divers. Her experience details overcoming adversity, pursuing excellence, achieving potentially, and relates to every woman living in a world that does not cater to our progress. I find it incredibly refreshing and relatable to read writings of ♀️pioneers as I strive to live my most authentic and brave life. #adventure #brave #lady

As someone who is just getting into ultrarunning, I felt like this book was very comprehensive and a great educational tool to equip me for my first season of competition. It answered many questions I didn't know I had and was a terrific resource for me. I feel much better informed and prepared to race (at least...mentally) after reading this book. And apparently the second edition is 100+ pages longer. #ultrarunning #marathon

Only a few pages in but very intrigued, excited to go on an adventure, and ready to feel related to and and inspired!

#nature #water #adventure #natgeo

Definitely feeling very inspired to get out and enjoy nature regardless of the weather and climate and circumstances (although I'm more in favor of the cold than the super-hot). I'm excited to do friluftsliv everyday!

#friluftsliv #hygge #outdoors #nature #nordic

I had no idea where to start with educating myself on ultra running but so far this book is very helpful. Hoping I can apply what I'm learning to train smarter and perform more successfully on race days.

#running #wild #trailrunning

I had no idea where to start with educating myself on ultra running but so far this book is very helpful. Hoping I can apply what I'm learning to train smarter and perform more successfully on race days.

#running #wild #trailrunning

Learning how to heal and nurture my true self. Nature is something I have spent way too much time undervaluing and trying to shield myself from. #hygge #friluftsliv

"...essential guidance to anyone dreaming big dreams" sums this book up nicely. I enjoyed this and learned a lot more than I expected to, both about Alexi and about myself. And I feel more inspired to show up and put in the hard and mundane work to chase some of my dreams that I've decided are real.

#bravey #running #marathon #travel #adventure #maybe

Love the library. I'm late to the party but hoping this book lives up to the hype!

#bravey #running #mentalhealth

"Whatchyouwant?" She asked Richard, suspiciously.
"Nothing," said Richard. "I really don't want anything. Nothing at all." And then he realized how true that was; and how dreadful a thing it had become. "Have you ever got everything you ever wanted? And then realized it wasn't what you wanted at all?"

?a dear friend
My door would go here.

This book spoke to something in my heart that has been trying to find its voice as I adjust to life back home after traveling around East Africa for a while...although I don't plan to follow in Richard's footsteps at the end, I miss my friends there dearly and I would definitely like to return...

#travel #fantasy #metaphor #heartsick

Excited for this one. Not even exactly sure what it's about yet but I'm hoping it'll help me to sink into this lovely October! 🎃🖤🐈‍⬛👻

My goodness what a long book! It probably didn't help that I was rushing a bit as I have several other library books I need to finish soon. A complex plot as usual, and I'm becoming more invested in the development of Cormoran and Robin than the cases to be honest! Enjoying the setup of the environment as it makes me feel like I'm traveling in the UK as well.

#harrypotter #mystery #cormoranstrike4

This was my second read of LBS after ~a year, and I'm excited to try and read the full works in plot-chronological order (La Belle Sauvage➡️HDM➡️The Secret Commonwealth - TBD). Hopefully by the time I finish this side quest the third and final BoD installment is out. Really enjoyed this adventure, found more connections, & renewed my desire to explore the far north (seriously, lol) and just be brave in general. Thanks, Phil ✌🏼

I'm back from a reading hiatus due to some rugged travels where I didn't have room for hard copies of books in my luggage. I missed this little community (and reliable Internet)!

I'm struggling through this part of the series. I'm interested to see how things will change when Sanderson takes over the writing. For #10, I'm putting forth my earnest efforts to soak it up, be present in the writing, and enjoy it.

#highfantasy #wheeloftime

FINALLY finished Wheel of Time #8....boy was it a slog. I am borrowing the books from my old uni roommate and she advised me just to push through until Sanderson takes over the writing. I trust her judgment here. Whilst I do feel bad for RJ as his health declined towards the end of his writing, it has really been tough to keep going in the series as of late.

After being completely swept up in a new job assignment my work-life balance went out the window. I have 5 more weeks of work left and I'm going to make more of an effort to start reading again so I can start to feel better. Excited to explore a multitude of genres this spring (and definitely interested in seeing how WoT changes once Sanderson takes over).

I did manage to complete the #valentinesdayreadathon on time thanks to my modest goal of just reading the intro (35 pages and tons of characters). I'm definitely losing steam in the #wheeloftime series but I really want to finish what I started! I wonder if Amazon Prime is going to continue this series or not, I had mixed feelings about season 1. Has anyone else seen it?

For the #valentinesdayreadathon challenge my goal is to make it through the intro of Book 8 in the Wheel of Time series (the intros have been notoriously long in the previous books). It's not specifically romance but let's be real, Jordan loves to create that tension between many of his characters. Thanks @Andrew65 for the idea to set a small goal just to keep reading as a consistent delight even when life is busy. All welcome to participate!

This book effectively emphasizes the importance of all aspects of health and wellness, and provides enough explanation for most people as to why various foods and habits are very good places to start for improving our overall health and well-being. I agree with the premise that prevention is crucial to longevity (and quality of life) and that many things which can help us already exist in nature if we know where to get them. ⬇️⬇️

Inspired by @Bookwomble

It's a lively, short, entertaining read in the vein of Dr. Seuss. Can count my lucky stars....for now!

Available free here https://archive.org/details/DJTWYPGNBook/page/n14/mode/1up

#fabulousfebruary #readathon

I'm about to undergo a big move and have a lot of studying to do, so my goal is to finish the Weil book and make a dent in Cosmos! When I move I'll be leaving Cosmos at my parents' and it will be the thing I return to when I visit - a friendly adventure to take me away and give me an intermittent sense of wonder with time to process the rigorous thinking in between visits.

My bedtime reading. I'm delightfully befuddled.

#science #universe #astronomy #naturalhistory #time #eternity

My bedtime reading. A little tricky to understand post-beer but tonight I am gaining totally new respect for Johannes Kepler!

Have a lovely weekend, fellow readers ☺️✌🏼✨

🖼️: Etsy, MelaniPykeArt

Finally we begin this. After years of wanting to read it, I am committing to making it happen. I'm so excited! I love reading about the universe and being overwhelmed by the majesty of what surrounds us.

I enjoyed it as a story; it made me want to go out for a run although it romanticized some ways of life that I didn't think should be glorified.

That being said, it did also have some interesting points on shoes and nutrition. Without taking it as gospel, I have some ideas I want to experiment with now and I'm excited to see where this will take me in my next phase as someone who loves finding the joy that comes with movement.
#running #marathon

After reading his "Natural Born Heroes" I'll be interested to see the inspiration I'll gather from this book to push my limits. I tend to take his advice with a grain of salt but I also appreciated that he provided his sources at the back of the book for further reading if I was so inclined. Either way, it's an adventure, which I generally enjoy.

#mexico #running

Here's the thing with this book - It's a simplified version of some things we can try to implement to increase our functional potential. It does not address all the obstacles that hinder each individual from achieving their goals with nutrition or fitness. The advice is not for everyone depending on your goals or situation. It's one guy's opinion based on his experience and basic-level research, nothing more. ⬇️ (Cont'd in comments) ⬇️

🖼️: V. Fachini
A beautiful & heart-wrenching conclusion to an epic tale. I first fell in love with the wizarding world because of the ways magic can make life different. Now I also cherish the bonds between characters that are so deftly crafted by pre-twitter Jo. The emotions she enables me to experience towards the end are so helpful to me as I process real life. Life is hard & love can be painful but it is vital & wonderful. Thank you, #always.

The last time I read this I knew nothing about anatomy, kinesiology, or strength&endurance training. Now I have a doctorate in something related to that...looking forward to re-reading (and learning) from a different perspective this time (and I always love a good inspirational book)!

#running #endurance #strength #crete #ww2

I began the series (again) last year. I've read it countless times from childhood 'til now, but as I grow and change my experience with this story evolves as well. I'm very excited to re-discover easter eggs that I've forgotten (as the movies as much more efficient to view), to notice things that I've previously glossed over, and to experience this as a completely different person than before. #always

Image: Rawan Ita-Diaz

I thoroughly enjoyed Pullman's second installment of his Book of Dust trilogy and am really looking forward to its completion. We return to follow the journey of early-20s Lyra Silvertongue and Pan through some intense tribulations and exciting adventures. Makes me want to travel even more, and I've become heavily invested in the characters as well. Excellent way to move into the new year!

#happynewyear everyone! Wishing everyone happiness, health, and the energy to pursue their goals and dreams in #2023

I was delighted to find his newer trilogy in the works and am excited to find out what happens here! I've really enjoyed Pullman's world and the way he writes. It makes me think but it's also easy to digest.

Finally done! The plot and world are interesting but the prose has been a struggle for me to tolerate. Hoping it gets better once Sanderson takes over in a few.

Revisiting a world I've enjoyed before is always fun...it's like getting to know a new friend a bit better 🗻🐉🧝‍♀️🧚🪄

"We start tomorrow at dawn."
"Where to? Mount Everest?"
"Nonsense! That's like Disney World these days -"

Impressive work for a 17-year-old Terry Pratchett. Thankful for his services to literature and for his whimsical stories that can be both lighthearted yet comment so deeply on the human condition. My favorite stories were Dragons at Crumbling Castle, The Abominable Snowman, Father Christmas Goes to Work, and The 59A Bus Goes Back in Time.

A. Ma. Zing.

"...I asked myself what I would do if a Talib came to kill me. Well, I would just take my shoe and hit him. But then I thought: If you hit a Talib with your shoe, there is no difference between him and you...'"

I think about this a lot now.

Excellent - an easy read for adolescents and adults yet full of as many mature or subtle nuances as you are looking for. I couldn't put this down as I followed Malcolm and Alice on their brave adventure. Looking forward to the next!

I really enjoyed His Dark Materials. Excited to see if Pullman's work holds up!

#goldencompass #hisdarkmaterials #phillippullman

I'm back! I was traveling around Europe for 5 weeks and not reading as much as usual. But now I am going home, and I'm actually excited about it :) can anyone tell which airport I'm at right now based on this obscure picture?

#travel #europe #wheeloftime #saturday

Ready to have my mind blown and my spirit inspired.