Every year, November sneaks up on me. And we are already halfway through the month! This week, I’ve got two books to share, a fun look at the new words added to the dictionary, manifesting and some holiday fun (think Hallmark movies and sprinkles!). Let’s dive in. 

What I'm Reading:

This was a busy work week for me filled with grading papers and paperwork. As usual, my reading life was my escape and both books I read this week did not disappoint. One was an incredibly powerful adult book and the other was a fun-filled graphic novel for middle grade readers. Which does your reading life need right now?

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

I’ve been diving into Laine Moriarty’s backlist of books and this week, I read Nine Perfect Strangers. I love when I can dive into a book with the absolute certainty that I will love it given my past experiences with the author. That’s exactly what I did with this book and immediately became connected to Francis, a middle aged writer whose career seemed to be on a downturn. She escapes to a remote health resort for a ten day cleanse along with eight other people, each there to tackle their own personal demons. I became attached to all nine characters in some way or another and was breathless when I reached chapter 30 and the ball dropped. Throughout the rest of the story, we learn how each guest comes to terms with their own inner battles and ultimately transforms their lives in ways we might not expect, just as the motto of the health resort promises. You’ll connect with the characters, feel their struggles and realizations, and examine your own in the process. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll read on the edge of your seat and you’ll turn that last page with the satisfaction of knowing. I loved this book. 

Astro-Nuts Mission One: The Plant Planet by Jon Scieszka

After being so immersed in drama with my first book of the week, I shifted gears and happily read AstroNuts, a graphic novel by Jon Scieszka and Steven Weinberg. This was a sneaky little book. I expected a fun, energetic reading experience and I found it. But what I didn’t expect was the education I received through the pages and the call to action it evoked in me. Scieszka takes us on a literal journey through space and time with the AstroNuts, four superpowered animal astronauts activated to investigate a new planet once the humans have crossed the big red line of carbon dioxide production. We follow their spirited adventures and learn about the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the consequences of imbalance along the way. The fun illustrations blended with artwork from the Dutch national museum create inviting collages to immerse the reader in the whimsical, yet informative, experience. Now, onto the next book in the series: AstroNuts Mission Two: The Water Planet.

What I'm Writing:

I was intrigued by this piece about the 455 new words added to the Merriam Webster dictionary this year. Here are a few of them along with my thoughts, something I brought to my notebook this week: 

  • Air Fryer: I love mine!
  • Breakthrough: This wasn’t already a word?! This word is strictly in a medical sense. 
  • Chicharron: I’ve never had one and I don’t think I’ll try it, either. 
  • Dad Bod: Really?!
  • Doorbell Camera: Two words already in the dictionary, but now paired forever. 
  • Fluffernutter: It took them this long? Yum. 
  • Fourth Trimester: Finally, an official recognition of this unique phase. 
  • Halotherapy: I have never tried a salt room, but think I’d like to. 
  • Vaccine Passport: I’m sorry we need this one. 

Have you ever taken a look at the new words added each year? Once I pondered these, I backtracked to the words added in 2020, 2019, etc. It really is a fun way to see how the world and the word has changed over time and it made a great page in my notebook!

What I'm Learning:

I’ve always been a fan of The Secret: the idea that our thoughts create our reality. But I’ve always been a skeptic, too. This week, I dove deep into a related topic: manifesting. Manifesting is bringing something into your life through your thoughts, beliefs AND actions. And now, I get to explore the concept alongside Susie Moore in her Become a Manifesting Master workshop. And guess what? You can too…for FREE! Just purchase her new book Let It Be Easy (I’ll share my review next week) and you’ll get immediate access for free. Join me there (maybe I’ll manifest your presence =)

What I'm Loving:

Bookstores, a sprinkle store, a Hallmark Christmas movie checklist and date stamps. You need to check out ALL of these: 

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?