My puppy, River, chewed the cover of this beautiful book I am now reading. It is a collection of notes written by four friends in the years 1943 - 1945 while attempting to survive the holocaust. Specifically, it is a collection of dialogues between themselves and an angel that would present itself on Friday nights to deliver its teachings. It is an incredible book of wisdom regarding life, death, heaven, earth, and eternal life.

Today is my birthday and two sweet cousins surprised me with this beautiful book. So many of my favorite natives are illustrated - Eastern Columbine, Partridgeberry, Solomon's Seal, Penstemon, Phlox... 🌸🌺🌼

I simply couldn't let go of Maggie O'Farrell. I have basked in her stream-of-consciousness writing tonight. The idiosyncrasies of this family have made them lovable and human, even at just 21% into the read. There are hard moments, as can be expected, but I have found myself smiling at funny, awkward moments too. I sense an Irish humor in this novel that reminds me of Frank McCourt. Wonderful!

5/5 - I started this book blindly, mostly because I needed something fast and it kept popping up on my library app. I had mixed feelings at first, but was soon won over. Doyle's ability to place complex ideas into layman's terms is strong. She expresses wisdom in so many areas, yet focuses on authenticity, self-love, parenting, social justice, and breaking societal barriers. Enlightening, thought-provoking, progressive.

So, I started this tonight and I'm not sure it's right for me. I think it would make a good primer for someone who is new to social constructionism and identity development. I feel that Doyle is trying too hard, however, to be a professor of wisdom? She is the one reading the audiobook and her voice took on a serious Brenee Brown tone when she said she was an expert on shame. I don't know. I am 20% in so I'll listen more before deciding 😬

1. Grey Matter Books in Hadley, MA near Amherst is phenomenal and I hope to return one day! I also hope to revisit Bluestockings Cooperative next time I visit NYC.

2. Never ☺️

Thanks for the tag, @Eggs!

Tagging @marleed @Sparklemn and @GinaKButler 👋

4.9/5 🌟 What an amazing story. Here, Kidd constructs a story that primarily centers upon Sarah Grimke, a true historical figure who left her privileged, slave-owning family to become a Quaker abolitionist in the 1800s. Sarah and her sister, Angelina, are now considered the earliest inspirers of the women's suffrage movement. It also follows the life of Hetty - a slave who was gifted to Sarah when she was a child - and her quest for freedom.

Brainstorming color tonight while listening to this wonderful book. I love how it describes Quaker philosophy and practices. In college, I regularly attended meetings at a liberal Quaker house and found a great deal of solace, connection, and empowerment there. Perhaps I should return 🌟

Working out the dimensions of this native orchid, Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies' Tresses) while continuing this book. The story has been heartbreaking and I can't wait to learn more about Sarah Grimke, a real 19th century abolitionist. I love a strong female historical figure 💃💪

Experimenting with a new brand of paper while starting a new read. This is my first Sue Monk Kidd book, and I look forward to experiencing her writing. So far, this has been a great story... Though, I wish "poor Sarah" didn't find such distaste for painting flowers! I find painting flowers to be very important, educational, and delightful ?

3/5 -- Foley kept me guessing about who the killer was until the end. I liked how everything ultimately unraveled. I enjoyed some of the characters and the audio production was good. I liked that it was set in the Aran Islands. It was slow for me, though. I admire Foley's ability to create anticipation for the reader but it was overdone. I'm a little disappointed!

Morning walk with my book. Chilly and peaceful today. 🍁🍂

I finished this Symphyotrichum walteri (Walter's Aster), a September wildflower of North Carolina, while continuing to listen to The Guest List. This novel has been interesting enough, I guess? It has been a little slow... I still like that it is set in the Aran Islands. I'm going to stick with it and see how I feel in the end...

I started The Guest List.. I wasn't excited about this read at first because it felt like an odd follow after Hamnet, but I was won over upon hearing the descriptions of Inis an Amplora, a fictional location inspired by the Aran Islands. I spent a week in Inishmaan while in college, and the book has very well described the landscape and it's ghostly feel. As included in the book, the boat ride to the islands is *very* choppy. We were all sick!

5/5 - This was a masterpiece. O'Farrell never uses Shakespeare's name, instead calling him "the husband" or "the father" to make him more human. The reader is transported into the minds of his family members - particularly his wife (who I have fallen in love with) - through a number of challenges, including the death of their son, Hamnet. O'Farrell's writing reminded me a little of Virginia Woolf. A beautiful, award-winning novel!

Hamnet made my heart heavy last night. It is written with such skill, with an extraordinary focus on the psycho-emotional, internal experiences of its characters. As a mother, there were many moments that I could relate to --- the constant, repetitive check of where your children are... He is in the living room, he is in the kitchen, he is in the yard... This isn't a review but I believe this is a must read for anyone with children!

I can't believe I am already 40% into this book! I don't want it to end. Also, this is another story featuring a character who loves the natural world as much as myself 🌿 It was such a fun coincidence when I read Mexican Gothic and here I am again 👏 Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend a day with Agnes?

It came in the mail! This beautiful book is highly recommend by the botanical art community, and I imagine anyone interested in art, the natural world, and "sketchbooking" would love it. Over 280 pages full of examples of sketchbooks kept by famous and ordinary people throughout history. It also includes a plethora of info on techniques and the history of sketchbooks at large!

I started Hamnet this afternoon while cleaning the kitchen and I'm already hooked! Going to sit down with this pretty Symphyotrichum walteri (Walter's Aster) once my little guy goes to sleep. Excited for more listening and painting!🎨

4/5
This was a fun read, especially for Halloween. It was engaging for a long time, then very exciting about 3/4 into the story. I would recommend this book. I don't think there was enough development around many of the characters, though. It was a great storyline and fun, but I think the author could have done better in that regard. I don't know. I'm also only just warming up to fantasy, so...? Send rec's if you have them!

The Sandcastle Girls was such a great read that I couldn't stop listening and sketching until it had ended. Set in Syria during the Armenian Genocide, this novel sheds light on love, cultural identity, courage, trauma, and perseverance. The reader is anchored by another character exploring her Armenian heritage in 2012. An important read, as there aren't many books that focus on Armenian culture and history. Beautiful, emotional!

I finally finished my study of Chrysopsis gossypina (Cottonleaf Golden-aster) while diving deeper into The Sandcastle Girls. Feeling all the emotions of this beautiful and difficult story while broadening my awareness of Armenian culture and history.

This book was phenomenal. A Puritan woman in 1662 Boston fights for a divorce from her abusive husband while navigating a world of religiosity, suspicion, and gendered hierarchy. I applaud Bohjalian's construction of this story, which shows the historical roots of sexism in our country. It was also a rollercoaster; I was on the edge of my seat. It was tough to tell how it would end!

This book was incredible! I was disappointed to start a new story last night after finishing this one. A privileged young woman in 1950s Mexico visits her sick cousin, who lives in a dilapidated mansion with her husband's mysterious family. It was a horrific and unique narrative. I generally don't swing toward horror, yet this one has inspired me to read more of this genre!

I have been working on these as a palette cleanser after spending long hours on a final piece. I started them long before I started reading Mexican Gothic, which has a fun fungi theme throughout... What a coincidence, yes?

I hadn't read but a few reviews of this novel before starting it yesterday. It is the perfect October read for me, as it is *very* spooky! I also find it fun that one of the characters, Francis, is interested in botanical illustrations, just like me 🍄🌼 Here is a study I have painted tonight while listening to this tale, part of a larger work in progress!

I was floored by the power and heartbreak of this beautiful novel last night. It is primarily a story of Roya, a girl from Tehran, and her lost love. However, it is also about so much more. It depicts Iranian culture, especially via food and traditions, and how it differs from American culture; women's rights in the US during the 50s and 60s; child loss and mental health; the flow of life transitions, decisions, and outcomes. I was in tears!

@GinaKButler --- I am beyond grateful to you for recommending this read. It is one of the better novels I have read in a long time!

Also, just an image of what I have been staring at for hours tonight as I process all the emotions and wisdom of this book. I hope it ends with just as much triumph as this silly goldenaster, throwing her stems to the sun!

Thank you, @marleed for recommending this book! It was a quick, entertaining read. I briefly worried it would become a Snake Pit (1948 film) type story... I don't want to give anything away, but I thought Fiona Davis did an excellent job tilting my perspective and trust in the characters. An interesting historical context, as well!

I started The Address while finishing up this bit of advocacy for switch cane. I am already hooked on the story and *love* that one of the narrators is Saskia Maarleveld!

I just finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and officially need help finding a new title! Any historical fiction recommendations that have strong female characters and not set during WWII? (I have just read a lot of WWII novels this summer and want a change of pace.) Photo of my messy workspace. To make art and audiobook = heaven!

I have not dappled in fantasy in quite some time, and I can't say I have liked the genre in years. Yet, I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't overwhelmed with so much fantasy that I felt removed from the story. I can see how it was used to fuel communication around complex, existential emotions. There were a few elements that I found too anxty but overall it was pretty good. It was worth the read and a great escape. 👻👹♥️

Wingate powerfully depicts the trauma experienced by children who were stolen from their families and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society, an adoption agency headed by the child trafficker, Georgia Tann, from the 1920s-1950s. I admit I had to shut off the narrative and play meditation music a few times just to get through. How is it that I had never heard of this horror? Right here, in America, not that long ago 😭

This was a great read! Very entertaining with a wonderful description of female bonds, love, survival, and finding hope through empowerment and perseverance.

This was an extraordinary read with an incredible, powerful ending. Now I know what everyone has been raving about! Kristin Hannah is officially on my favorite list 🌞

This was an extraordinary read and I am so excited for the movie! Another historical fiction novel set in WWII France; Two sisters go down differing paths in response to the crisis of war. True to Hannah's style, the reader is pulled into the depths of a terrifying environment and witnesses the empowerment and strength of her female characters. I was in tears!

I am already so impressed with Hannah's ability to capture complex experiences. This book speaks to me because I, too, am living on my husband's family's farm with our son and five other family members. Every day has meant waking up early, working hard, staying in tune with the heat and seasons. I have grown to love this land and this family in ways I find difficult to describe -- Hannah very well articulates it in this novel. Wonderful!

Starting another Kristin Hannah! I have heard great things!

5/5
Wow. I am so glad I took the time to finish this book!
This novel is inspired by the true story of Louise de Bettignies (Lili), a French spy during WWI. Lili is an important character in the novel, though the main protagonist is Evelyn Gardiner, who joins Lili's spy network. Chapters cover Eve as a young woman and 30 years later with new friend Charlie. I love the focus on heroism and female friendship in this piece!

Our last day at the beach. This morning, I made my sister promise not to remind me that our time here is ending.

I made a dribble castle with the kids and helped them decorate it with seaweed. They used a shell for a flag.

Still, very little time for books! I'll make up for it on the ride home.

Also, I'm liking this read but it feels a little slow at times... I'm still trying to pinpoint what's missing. Does anyone else feel this?

"We had sand in the eyes and the ears and the nose,
And sand in the hair, and sand-between-the-toes."

Another gorgeous day. I can hardly move, I'm so tired. Julian has started talking to the characters in his books, which I think is a skill we can all learn from. I am about to dive into my book before sleep... Unless it keeps me up!

Another day enjoying the Gulf. This is usually a time for reading, but I made little progress on my book today. My little one and I woke up before the rest of the family and visited the beach for a few minutes to ourselves. We admired an osprey diving into the ocean for her breakfast.

My baby was a surprise too, Charlie, and something that I once thought to be "my little problem," but now he is my everything. I wonder how her story unfolds!

These poems are fabulous! They are very entertaining for both kids and adults. We had such fun listening to them in the car!

"If you were a bird, and lived on high,
You'd lean on the wind when the wind came by,
You'd say to the wind when it took you away:
"That's where I wanted to go today!" #3

I am *loving* this book of poetry!

Today was full of travel and nature. We went hiking at our favorite state park, enjoyed the lodge, thought about alligators, manatees, strange birds, and Spanish moss. We then drove to the ocean and jumped in fully clothed!

The little guy and I have been traveling south these past few days, stopping to visit family along the way. We'll finally make it to the beach this afternoon, but first we'll swing over for a riverboat ride at our favorite nature spot.

I have started listening to this exciting book while Julian sleeps in the car. Already, I am captivated by this story! Going to give it another listen before the kiddo wakes up. 🌞

5/5

A remarkable story of a military family after a mother is deployed to Iraq. Hannah put a "mammoth" of research into this novel so she could accurately portray the emotions and experiences of her characters. I am left feeling such admiration and empathy for our warriors and their families!

"I love you to the moon and back."

I might have to steal this saying for my little one.

We read his new highlights magazine before bed. I love our snuggle sessions. It didn't take long for him to doze off this time.

Now, I'm off to bed and reaching for my earbuds. The last Hannah novel I read, The Great Alone, had me quite the same!

How are y'all tonight?

I've enjoyed my audiobooks so much recently that Julian has started showing interest in listening to his own. Good thing, too, since we'll be traveling in a few days! The little guy was receptive to hearing the poetry and we worked together to understand it's witty connections and humorous lines.

Do you guys have any audiobook recommendations for a 3 year old?

This book is teaching me. It's incredible how a person can know without really knowing. I grew up close to a military base, I went to school with kids of military families, I've dated military men, some of my closest girlfriends are military wives. When I was working as a mental health counselor, I had veteran clients suffering from crippling PTSD and TBI's. I have heard their stories, yet nothing has grown my awareness quite like this book. Whew!

I am so sad! The writing is beautiful, the story is fanciful and emotional... There really aren't many reasons for me to bail on this book except that it just isn't quite my cup of tea.