Well, it’s April, my family is on Spring break and it SNOWED in New York this week. The whole week was moving at a slower pace, but the snow gave us one more reason to stay in, relax and catch up on needed sleep and rest. A movie or two and some Easter candy topped it all off. I’ve got three amazing books to share, one writing prompt that will have you running for your notebook and some fun links to browse, too. 

What I'm Reading:

Oh, how I love when I read three books in a single week! All three of these books were so un-put-down-able that I HAD to keep reading. That meant getting up earlier and going to bed later, but it was worth it in the end. I’ve got something for everyone: a middle grade verse novel, a young adult page-turner and an adult fiction book that I hugged when I was finished.

The Road to After by Rebekah Lowell

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book and as soon as I can get my hands on a physical copy, I will. I need to read, experience and live with this beautiful book written in verse again. Lowell introduces us to Lacey and her family, a family literally kept hostage in their home by an abusive father for many years. Propelled by a frightening chain of events, Lacey’s mother finds the courage to leave with the help of family and Lacey is suddenly thrust into a new, unrecognizable life. She moves cautiously with her father’s words haunting her mind yet the pull of art and nature invites her forward into new experiences and opportunities. Lowell so beautifully captures this frightening and heartbreaking time with a sense of hope and unquestionable love. It’s heart-breakingly beautiful.

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

I devoured this book. Once I started, I simply could not put it down. I love books that alternate between character perspectives, yet weave them together beautifully throughout the pages. This book did just that. Forman introduces us to Freya, Harun and Nathaniel, three teenagers who converge in an unexpected way under a bride in New York City. Each character has their own story to tell, but they are connected together with a common mindset: they’ve lost their way. Together, they discover who they are and are brave enough to share that truth with others. What results is an unexpected friendship that fuels each of them to love themselves enough to keep going. Together.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

When I hug a book after I’m done reading, it means something. I hugged this book. Pooley gave us a glimpse into the real lives of seemingly unconnected people who dared to tell their truth and change their life because of it. It all starts when Julian, a very lonely elderly man makes a bold decision to tell his story on the page and then leave the notebook in a public place for others to read and share their own. The Authenticity Project notebook finds its way into the lives of Monica, Hazard, Riley, Alice and Lizzie and each add their own truth, linking them together first through the notebook and then, in their real lives. This is a beautiful story of life, loss, loneliness, love, longing and most importantly, the power of writing to change our lives.

What I'm Writing:

This week’s prompt comes from Jessica Slice, courtesy of The Isolation Journals (one of my FAVORITE newsletters). Are you ready to run for your notebook? Here it is: make a list of things that are true about yourself. And then repeat it. Every day.

Some of these truths might be simple:

  • I love coffee.
  • I love dark chocolate.
  • My children are my world. 
  • I need rest. 

Some of these truths might be complex:

  • I love routine to a fault. 
  • I am tied to my to-do list and can’t seem to let it go. 
  • I am full of big emotions. 

Some of these truths might be healing:

  • I hurt. But I’ll still keep going. 
  • I am enough. 
  • I have more to give. 

Ah. These simple lists are actually quite freeing and powerful. THIS is the kind of writing I think we all need. 

What is true about yourself today?

What I'm Learning:

Guess what I did this week? I COOKED DINNER EVERY NIGHT! Now, some of you might be horrified to think I do not do this every week, but hopefully, some of you are not natural chefs either. 

Since it was Spring break, I chose a recipe each day to try. Here was the line-up:

  • Monday: No Stir Pesto and Pea Risotto
  • Tuesday: Summer Chicken and Strawberry Salad
  • Wednesday: Gluten Free Pasta with Peas & Parmesan
  • Thursday: Sweet Potato Tacos

Time for you to share: link me to your favorite (EASY!) recipes in the comments!

What I'm Loving:

I love meeting new bookish friends! I was lucky enough to spend some time with the creator of the Book Club Card. I’ve posted about them before, but this week, I was able to record a podcast episode all about how they work for my Get Lit(erate) community. It was bookish fun and I’ve sent some new Book Club Cards out into the world! 

What if we all wrote one-sentence reviews of all the books we read? Just one. That’s all. What a powerful collection we’d build over a lifetime. 

Did you know about Twitter moments? I love Twitter lists to manage how I spend my time on the site, but moments might be another game-changer. 

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?