I head into my Fall semester next week, so I tried to fill this week with as much relaxation as I could. Think reading, school shopping, baking cookies, longer walks and later nights. This week, I have two books to share, a powerful writing prompt, some fun classes you need to know about and links to love, too. 

What I'm Reading:

I read two incredibly satisfying books this month: one middle grade novel that unexpectedly hooked me into the world of entertainment wrestling and one rom-com that had me squealing in delight as I closed the final page. It was a good reading week, especially since I did some sneaky reading for my Get Lit(erate) podcast, too!

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez 

I love reading new middle grade advanced copies of books, but I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d love a book about entertainment wrestling. I did. The book starts off with a bang as 12-year old Adela’s step-father asks for permission to adopt her. This single question sets off an avalanche of new questions and emotions, including the desire to know more about her biological father. Forced to find out for herself, Adela discovers who her father is….and who he isn’t. This book explores the definition of family, the need to know our familial roots and how to make space for new people, traditions and emotions. It was a roller coaster of a ride and I’m shocked at how much I got into the wrestling aspects, too. I may have googled a few things to bring this book to life. =) It’s a must read. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Oh, this book, this book, this book! I squealed when I finished the last page and sent a plea into the air for Emily Henry to write another book. Immediately. Readers were whisked away to Sunshine Falls, the setting of Nora and her sister Libby’s favorite book. Nora’s a literary agent living in NYC and is fiercely connected to her younger sister, especially since their mother passed away. Unexpectedly, Libby asks Nora to vacation together to reconnect and get some much needed rest. What comes next is a whirlwind of sisterly mischief, a bit of family drama and romance, of course. But the best part? The book is set squarely in the book world, from literary agenting, editing and reinventing a local bookstore. Sunshine Falls has my heart. 

What I'm Writing:

Stop what you’re doing right now and open to a fresh page of your notebook. This prompt from The Isolation Journals is exactly what you need, even if you don’t know it yet.

Here it is:

Set your timer for five minutes and do nothing. Stare at the desk or the wall or the dust motes in a slice of sunlight. Then write about the thoughts, the questions, and the answers that came up in that moment of slowness, of stillness.

You might be surprised by what appears on the page.

What I'm Learning:

Remember last week when I talked about the power of joining? The Universe was listening. Uncommon Goods, one of my favorite online shops for interesting and quirky gifts just started offering fun classes, too!

You can sign up for a Scandinavian baking class, coffee tasting session, doggie treat-making class and more.

Let’s all join something!

What I'm Loving:

So, this is fun. The Oakland Library showcases all the things left behind in library books. What have you ever left behind and what would you do if it were showcased on a site like this?!

I have time anxiety. Do you? Listen to this episode with Laura Tremain to find out how to combat it. Repeat after me: I have enough time. I have enough time. I have enough time.

Ever wonder what the difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase is? Here you go.

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?