on all things reading

how to read more and find books you love 📚

At the beginning of 2020, I set a goal for myself:

Read 52 books. Roughly one book a week.

I’ve always loved reading — my mom is a librarian and instilled the joy of reading for pleasure in me and my brother at a young age. But until that point, I was a pretty casual reader mostly reading for 10 minutes in bed before inevitably falling asleep sitting up.

What inspired me to set a reading goal? Realizing that I could finish a book in a week, something I had never thought was possible.

At the end of 2019, I took a book out of the library, Three Women. Because it was a new book at the time it had a really short window of time that I could borrow it. During that week I did everything I could to squeeze in reading time and successfully finished the book before it was due back at the library.

Anyway, that inspired me to set a reading goal for myself in 2020. I was newly out of an 8-year relationship and needed something to fill my time. Little did I or any of us know what 2020 would have in store for me…

During that year, books became my escape when the world sucked. It was something I could do when it felt like everything else was off-limits. I found comfort and community in chatting with people about what I was reading. And yes, I did hit my goal of reading 52 books.

Since then I’ve challenged myself to keep up the “book a week” pace… sometimes successfully, other times not. I’ve also made books my literal career as the social media manager at Bookshop.org.

This long-winded intro is to say that I love books, I love reading, and I love talking about books and reading and today’s newsletter is all about it!

Specifically:

• Reading more!

• Finding books you love

But first, let’s catch up!

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To no one’s surprise, I’m currently reading Iron Flame, the second book in the Empyrean series which started with Fourth Wing. I am not typically a fantasy girlie but was intrigued by the first book when it started going viral on TikTok in the spring. It sucked me in (here’s my review from back then!) and I’ve been very excited for the second book ever since.

The first couple of chapters were a bit rough — I remember some details of the first book and have since watched a few videos to refresh my memory — but now I’m *really* into it and just want to cancel my plans and read.

I went to see Here Lies Love on Broadway. This show has been a favorite of mine since I saw it off-broadway back in 2014. It was SO amazing to finally see it on Broadway. The show follows the true story of Filipino politicians Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos. It’s also an incredible disco-infused dance party.

Since seeing the show again I’ve been listening to the cast recording non-stop. The music is by Fatboy Slim and David Bryne of the Talking Heads and it’s amazing.

FYI Here Lies Love is closing on November 26. Go see it before it closes, you won’t regret it!

A friend and I had a tasty lunch at Cafe Mogador in the East Village. I’ve been to this beloved Moroccan and Middle Eastern restaurant before but it’s been a long long time as it’s usually super crowded on the weekend. We both loved our food — the chicken kebab sandwich was incredible.

I’m still watching The Golden Bachelor [SPOILERS AHEAD]

I’m kind of sad he chose Theresa to stay over Faith. This makes me think he’s ultimately going to choose Leslie… even though I don’t think she’s the best choice for Gerry either.

My friends have been discussing who we want to see as The Golden Bachelorette. What are your thoughts?

I’m also still deeply invested in Drag Race UK Season 5. Cara Mel being eliminated last week shocked me — I thought she was going to go all the way. My hope is for Michael or Ginger to win but I’m worried they’re setting up a Tamara win. Don’t get me wrong I love Tamara, I think she’s great television, but I haven’t been wowed by anything she’d done so far…

With it officially being sweater weather, I’ve been on the hunt for t-shirts and tank tops that are good for layering under sweaters. This t-shirt is my all-time favorite. It looks good on its own when I (inevitably) get overheated and take off my sweater. It’s tight-fitting but without feeling tight. I also love this tank top, it’s super soft and great for layering under lower-cut sweaters.

My friend and I did a spa morning at Great Jones Spa. We both got massages and then hung out in the water lounge which has jacuzzis, a cold plunge, saunas, and steam rooms. It’s the perfect little self-care activity to do solo, with a friend, or with a partner.

Now back to how to read more…