Hi Kolina! So thoughtful. I have been tracking my reads in a pocket notebook but I kind of wish I had a graph to reveal patterns.
In the spirit of reading something when you want to read it, I am going to dive into TDOA by Ferrante in July rather than August. When I write about it on the newsletter I will link to your read along. I can't wait to see what you as a Ferrante superfan will say about it.
Also, I’m obsessed with you going with your desires and diving in this month. I’m definitely of the mind of reading whatever you want whenever you want. I can’t remember, is this your first Ferrante? I feel like it’s not but I can’t place what else you’ve read by her.
Do you use your pocket notebook as your sole reading tracker? I kind of love that, though I do enjoy how easy StoryGraph makes things.
I may have to join you for Ferrante. I read Brilliant Friend in 2020 and don’t remember feeling much about it. I want to try again now that I read differently
excited to dive into My Brilliant Friend again. I read the first 3 books, but as a mother, I couldn't bring myself to read the last one (and I only know what happens because of the HBO series, and until now, I am still haunted by Lila's ultimate fate... as well as Enzo's). i have Storygraph. this is what i can say about reading moods. if you read something potentially triggering ex. "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman (dissociation, processed) or "Motherthing" by Ainslie Hogarth (very extreme trauma, I don't recommend this to anyone unless you are a trained clinician or psychologist) there is a Japanese genre of books called "healing fiction". These reads fall under the "hopeful" category of moods. Some reads include "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and "What You Are Looking for Is In The Library" by Michiko Aoyama. I think that Frederick Bachman's books also count as healing fiction.
I've never heard of healing fiction but now that I know about it I can think of others to add to that list. The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai could be included, as well as Kate & Frida and Love & Saffron by Kim Fay. I've never read Fredrik Backman
but I do own a few of his books.
I get what you're saying about My Brilliant Friend. It's tough, but also, as far as Lila's ultimate fate, it's what she wanted! I can't remember what happens to Enzo and now I'm scared. I named my son Enzo :) The good news about not remembering it all is that when I re-read the series, some of it will come as a surprise.
Yes, that’s right! I also count some of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films such as Totoro as healing fiction 😊 (possibly my favorite example).
I love Enzo! He is the perfect partner for Lila, but their relationship is given a backseat to Lila and Lenu’s relationship. Among his best qualities, he is a great father (as opposed to Lenu’s partner, but I won’t spoil), and the end of the series is very tragic for him.
I haven’t seen any of those! I’ll have to check them out.
You’re so right. Everything takes a backseat to their relationship, which is sad for their partners. Or Enzo lol. I’m kind of glad I can’t remember what happens to him!
Have you ever re-read the series? This will be my first re-read and I’m really excited!
I’m going to re-watch too. I never finished the series! I think we cancelled our subscription before I could. But definitely will need to reactivate so I can watch with everyone in August.
I was interested to read your thoughts and feelings. I have to do things my way which is - all mood reading - no goals - no tracking - (i also don't have a fitbit or count steps) an attempt at no guilt or self criticism. I deleted my netgalley and goodreads early this year and have finally realized i must say no to all publisher galleys. I do have a huge TBR, of course. I only want to strive at other things. I have a Story Graph account with a couple books on it. If I feel like it some day I may add just my 20-year+book club's reads.
Your boundaries are incredible. I am so impressed! That's a beautiful commitment to self-preservation. I suppose I could start saying no to galleys. I've loved so many of the books I've been sent though so I'm afraid of doing that. Maybe one day.
I hardly spend any time on StoryGraph, just enter a new book in once I start and then mark it as read when I'm done. It comes in handy when I do reading round-ups or reflections. If you haven't been using it, I'd say you do you and keep not using it!
Wow! Such a gracious note. I don't think of it as boundaries. But I will have to think about that. I'm 62 and at this age I find it easy to jettison what doesn't work. Cheers!
Guilty of a lot of "escape" reading lately. Fun, but not as challenging. Thanks for the recommendation of "A Little Life" - I'm looking forward to that. I have picked up the habit of "journaling" about books that affect me, when I don't own the book. Somewhat more labor intensive, but sometimes that very act brings deeper thought and understanding.
Ok that’s a great idea. I can see myself having the intention of journaling and not ever doing it but I like the idea and might try it out!
A Little Life is so good and also has every trigger warning you could ever imagine. Some people absolutely hate it but I’m in the other camp.
There’s nothing wrong with escape reading! I’d argue it still challenges you in other ways. Last year I did a deep dive reading reflection on a holiday romcom and it showed me that any book can teach you something.
I found that a couple of my escape reads have affected me poorly though so now I’m being more intentional 🤓
StoryGraph sounds cool! Never heard of it. Would you recommend over Goodreads? I’ve been reading more novels than non-fiction, which is a bit unusual for me and I love it. I’m always looking for emotional, because that’s an area of my own writing I’ve been working on for years. I also love to see what novelists do with the form — especially when they break “rules.”
1. Transparent post-it notes, so you can “underline” and go back to fave lines or sections when you’re done. Just remove them on return. (Or see if your friend wants to see what you underlined)
2. A thin pocket notebook that fits inside the book. Write down favorite quotes or scenes or inspiration—with page numbers, if you like.
I should have come straight to you for the answer! I need some transparent post-it notes immediately. Thank you for the reminder, I know I've seen you post about them before but somehow I haven't purchased any.
Also love the pocket notebook idea. Thank you Haley!
Hi Kolina! So thoughtful. I have been tracking my reads in a pocket notebook but I kind of wish I had a graph to reveal patterns.
In the spirit of reading something when you want to read it, I am going to dive into TDOA by Ferrante in July rather than August. When I write about it on the newsletter I will link to your read along. I can't wait to see what you as a Ferrante superfan will say about it.
I cannot wait to read your thoughts on it!
Also, I’m obsessed with you going with your desires and diving in this month. I’m definitely of the mind of reading whatever you want whenever you want. I can’t remember, is this your first Ferrante? I feel like it’s not but I can’t place what else you’ve read by her.
Do you use your pocket notebook as your sole reading tracker? I kind of love that, though I do enjoy how easy StoryGraph makes things.
I may have to join you for Ferrante. I read Brilliant Friend in 2020 and don’t remember feeling much about it. I want to try again now that I read differently
Natalie you have to, sorry!!! I don’t make the rules!
🤣🤣🤣 YES MA’AM
☠️☠️
"Reading is not work. Reading is life." Oh, how I love this.
🥹🥹🥹
excited to dive into My Brilliant Friend again. I read the first 3 books, but as a mother, I couldn't bring myself to read the last one (and I only know what happens because of the HBO series, and until now, I am still haunted by Lila's ultimate fate... as well as Enzo's). i have Storygraph. this is what i can say about reading moods. if you read something potentially triggering ex. "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman (dissociation, processed) or "Motherthing" by Ainslie Hogarth (very extreme trauma, I don't recommend this to anyone unless you are a trained clinician or psychologist) there is a Japanese genre of books called "healing fiction". These reads fall under the "hopeful" category of moods. Some reads include "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and "What You Are Looking for Is In The Library" by Michiko Aoyama. I think that Frederick Bachman's books also count as healing fiction.
I've never heard of healing fiction but now that I know about it I can think of others to add to that list. The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai could be included, as well as Kate & Frida and Love & Saffron by Kim Fay. I've never read Fredrik Backman
but I do own a few of his books.
I get what you're saying about My Brilliant Friend. It's tough, but also, as far as Lila's ultimate fate, it's what she wanted! I can't remember what happens to Enzo and now I'm scared. I named my son Enzo :) The good news about not remembering it all is that when I re-read the series, some of it will come as a surprise.
Will you be re-reading MBF in August with us?!
Yes, that’s right! I also count some of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films such as Totoro as healing fiction 😊 (possibly my favorite example).
I love Enzo! He is the perfect partner for Lila, but their relationship is given a backseat to Lila and Lenu’s relationship. Among his best qualities, he is a great father (as opposed to Lenu’s partner, but I won’t spoil), and the end of the series is very tragic for him.
I haven’t seen any of those! I’ll have to check them out.
You’re so right. Everything takes a backseat to their relationship, which is sad for their partners. Or Enzo lol. I’m kind of glad I can’t remember what happens to him!
Have you ever re-read the series? This will be my first re-read and I’m really excited!
Oh yes! I will reread and follow along in August! And rewatch too. Excited for this! 😊
I’m going to re-watch too. I never finished the series! I think we cancelled our subscription before I could. But definitely will need to reactivate so I can watch with everyone in August.
YES! 🎉🎉🎉
I was interested to read your thoughts and feelings. I have to do things my way which is - all mood reading - no goals - no tracking - (i also don't have a fitbit or count steps) an attempt at no guilt or self criticism. I deleted my netgalley and goodreads early this year and have finally realized i must say no to all publisher galleys. I do have a huge TBR, of course. I only want to strive at other things. I have a Story Graph account with a couple books on it. If I feel like it some day I may add just my 20-year+book club's reads.
Your boundaries are incredible. I am so impressed! That's a beautiful commitment to self-preservation. I suppose I could start saying no to galleys. I've loved so many of the books I've been sent though so I'm afraid of doing that. Maybe one day.
I hardly spend any time on StoryGraph, just enter a new book in once I start and then mark it as read when I'm done. It comes in handy when I do reading round-ups or reflections. If you haven't been using it, I'd say you do you and keep not using it!
You inspire me :)
Wow! Such a gracious note. I don't think of it as boundaries. But I will have to think about that. I'm 62 and at this age I find it easy to jettison what doesn't work. Cheers!
Jettison what doesn't work, AMEN.
Guilty of a lot of "escape" reading lately. Fun, but not as challenging. Thanks for the recommendation of "A Little Life" - I'm looking forward to that. I have picked up the habit of "journaling" about books that affect me, when I don't own the book. Somewhat more labor intensive, but sometimes that very act brings deeper thought and understanding.
Ok that’s a great idea. I can see myself having the intention of journaling and not ever doing it but I like the idea and might try it out!
A Little Life is so good and also has every trigger warning you could ever imagine. Some people absolutely hate it but I’m in the other camp.
There’s nothing wrong with escape reading! I’d argue it still challenges you in other ways. Last year I did a deep dive reading reflection on a holiday romcom and it showed me that any book can teach you something.
I found that a couple of my escape reads have affected me poorly though so now I’m being more intentional 🤓
StoryGraph sounds cool! Never heard of it. Would you recommend over Goodreads? I’ve been reading more novels than non-fiction, which is a bit unusual for me and I love it. I’m always looking for emotional, because that’s an area of my own writing I’ve been working on for years. I also love to see what novelists do with the form — especially when they break “rules.”
I love a broken rule! Smart to read novels to look for emotionality. I think novelists do it the best!
I definitely suggest StoryGraph. It’s free and it’s not owned by Amazon!
For writing in books that aren’t yours:
1. Transparent post-it notes, so you can “underline” and go back to fave lines or sections when you’re done. Just remove them on return. (Or see if your friend wants to see what you underlined)
2. A thin pocket notebook that fits inside the book. Write down favorite quotes or scenes or inspiration—with page numbers, if you like.
I should have come straight to you for the answer! I need some transparent post-it notes immediately. Thank you for the reminder, I know I've seen you post about them before but somehow I haven't purchased any.
Also love the pocket notebook idea. Thank you Haley!