Recent reads & little things

thoughts on listening to audiobooks, worrying about the future of media, and Great American Novels

Remember when I said I was hopeful for spring energy and rejuvenation? I should know better than to throw such words into the universe. Over spring break, we traveled to Florida to spend time with my husband’s side of the family. Theo had a blast playing with his cousins; we enjoyed the sunshine and a beautiful beach day. We will keep fond memories of the trip, I’m sure, but right now I’m in recovery mode. Halfway through vacation week, I came down with a stomach bug that landed me in the ER, Theo was motion sick on multiple plane rides, and now I’m wrestling a toddler to administer pink eye antibiotics three times a day. Throw in time changes, along with the smaller stresses of travel, and I feel like I could sleep for a week.

Isn’t that how it always goes? You come back from vacation and feel like you need a vacation from the vacation.

Luckily, I came home to a lighter work week than usual, so I can ease back in as slowly as I can manage. On Monday, Theo and I spent the entire day watching movies, and, despite our lack of activity, took a three hour nap together. It seems I’m not the only one in need of a stay-close-to-home week (though we won’t keep watching hours of TV). I’m not fretting over unpacking, or our meal plans, after all, I’m still on the BRAT diet. We’re eating bagels and cream cheese for multiple meals, taking popsicles into the bathtub, and making do with what minimal fruit we have in the refrigerator.

I’m reading, but only on audio. While I languished on my sick bed, I listened to Foster, my first Claire Keegan novella. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables and Zorrie by Laird Hunt—quiet, cozy stories with characters who experience real hardship and loving care in the midst of it. Now, I’m listening to Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard and James by Percival Everett.

Since I’ve been reading fewer books lately, I’ve had more time to take in articles, book reviews, and other interesting pieces on the internet.

• I’m not going down any TikTok rabbit holes about Kate Middleton, but I am still thinking about this piece in the Atlantic as the conspiracies continue swirling. Instead of where Kate is hiding, or who might be impersonating her, I’m most concerned about the state of our global media, the crumbling trust in traditional press, and the rise of deep fakes and AI images as it pertains to creating false realities for the public.

• In other royal-related news, Philippa Gregory is getting what I believe to be much-deserved attention not only for her new book, but also for her immense contributions to historical fiction. I wonder how she might write about the current moment in British royal drama.

• Like every other online book person, I’m obsessed with this list of Great American Novels. It’s one of the best, most up-to-date lists out there, in my opinion, and the fact that it’s sparking so many conversations only proves my point. Don’t miss

  Sara Hildreth
  ’s piece on what makes a Great American Novel or
  Traci Thomas
  ’s brief thoughts in her Grown Up Show and Tell series.

• I somehow got it in my head that I’d love a pair of green sneakers to wear all spring and summer. These Reeboks are sitting in my DSW cart along with a new pair of Teva sandals—but these New Balance Classics are bolder and more fun. Thoughts?

Hoping your slide into spring is much smoother than mine,

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To find out more about my current reads, favorite things, and life updates follow me on Instagram. If you’re interested in reading classic literature with accessible guidance and a cozy community, check out the Novel Pairings podcast and Patreon.