The Halloween decorations came out this week, along with new pumpkin recipes, a not-so-spooky mystery novel and a fun book exchange. I’ve got two digital books to share, some interesting insights on personality and links sure to spark your Autumn spirit. Here you go!

What I'm Reading:

This week, both of the booksI read were digital texts read on a digital device. As part of my #Last90DaysofReading project, I’m reading in genres I do not normally choose in formats I don’t usually prefer to shake things up a bit. And while I appreciated the portability and convenience of ebooks, I missed physical books. I missed them so much that next week, I promise I’ll ONLY be reading from physical copies. I miss them.

The Swag is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist

First up was an advanced reader copy of The Swag is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist. I fell hard for this book. Baptist tells Xavier’s story, a teenage boy who lives with his great-aunt and sister while his parents are incarcerated. We learn Xavier’s story, his fears and his hopes for the future, especially about joining the legendary Scepter League, an elite after-school club that the men in his family were part of. Faced with a speech challenge and confidence problems, Xavier’s great-uncle starts writing him cryptic letters and sending crazy socks for him to wear. Figuring he’s got nothing to lose, he goes all in and finds out just how much swag a pair of socks can bring and how much potential was inside himself all along. 

The Last Anniversary by Laine Moriarty

Next? The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty. This was a realistic fiction-mild-mystery-self-help kind of book. It was everything wrapped into one. While the book starts off telling Sophie’s story, the reader is soon captivated into the complicated lives of a semi-famous family shrouded in mystery living on Scribbly Gum Island. Weaving between characters, Moriarty invites us into each of their lives so we can learn from each and slowly helps the reader put the pieces together. The book was a dose of bibliotherapy from the very first page and I’ll hold these characters close for a while.

What I'm Writing:

Earlier in the week, Austin Kleon wrote about the power of goosebumps, that tingly feeling that lets you know something big is close by. He quoted Morris Berman in saying: Whenever a project comes to me, one that is right, that is genuine, I feel a kind of ‘shiver’ in my body, and that tells me that it corresponds to something very deep in me, and that I need to pursue it. Wouldn’t that be something if we all lived our lives around what gave us goosebumps?! Think about it. How would your life be different if you did just that? Head to your notebook. =)

What I'm Learning:

This week, I dove deep into the power of personality. I’m hosting a month-long experience on the power of personality in instructional coaching and spent a lot of time digging into what makes us…us. From The Four Tendencies to the Enneagram and the Five Love Languages, I went up close and personal with what makes us tick. And it’s fascinating. Not only does this help me in my daily work, but it’s helping me better understand the relationships I have with family and friends, too. If you’re in need of a bit of self-discovery and insight into those around you, choose one of the frameworks and explore a bit. I’d choose The Four Tendencies to learn about yourself AND others,  I’d choose the Enneagram for greater self-awareness and I’d choose the Five Love Languages for those wanting to boost their relationships. Go on…explore!

What I'm Loving:

Ready for some random wonderfulness? I’ve got Ted Talks, Halloween costumes and sweet potato bites coming your way:

There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?