This was my favorite kind of week where reading was front and center. I met up with my book club to discuss a book. I bought a new book for my daughter, and her monthly Dolly Parton book arrived. And we picked up new books at the library when we stopped in for playtime.
Our family always just seems happier when reading is the focus. So let’s make you a little happier with some new things to read.
Reading Social Media News
I love the use of pillar pages in content strategy, and it’s honestly a goal of mine to get there, which is why I’m churning content out at this breakneck speed. To learn about this strategy and how to bring it to your own website, check out this article from Moz.
And because I feel strongly that we should always take time to re-learn the basics, I think this basic blogging post from Overit is worth a read. There is a great section on how to come up with blog topics that will likely help a lot of people who struggle with this at times.
Reading Books, Books and More Books
Past
It’s official. I’m calling it. It doesn’t matter if it’s the beginning of February. I think The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff is going to end up being the best book I’ve read this year. I laughed at the dark humor and I enjoyed the realities of female friendship so much. And I even related to always making sure you say motherhood is a blessing as you say just how insane kids are. Just an all around enjoyable ride. Score: A++
How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America by Kiese Laymon was beautifully written and brought so many thought-provoking moments to me. I’m constantly trying to improve my ability to communicate and this is a book that is definitely helping me along my way. It’s hard and you will hit some truths you don’t want to face, but so worthwhile. Score: A+
Present
Columbus is home to the Thurber Center, and I love to take advantage of their writing classes when I can. When this year’s Thurber Prize finalists were announced, there was something about the cover of The Guncle by Steven Rowley that immediately called to me, so I of course reserved it. I’m about 100 pages in and this is feeling enjoyable as well. I’m excited to read more.
Future
Local author Michelle Herman recommended The Hero of This Book by Elizabeth McCracken and sometimes I’m a follower. Well, at least when I really enjoy the writing of the person recommending the book. I can’t wait to start this adventure.
So what are you reading?
4 responses to “What I Am Reading 2/3/23”
I added Bandit Queens to my library reserve list, thank you very much, but am #130-something in line…which is a good sign of it’s growing popularity. I read Guncle last year, and while it was a feel-good book, I think I came into it over-hyped, and then expected more than it gave. But it was fun, none-the-less.
I think that’s exactly what I’m looking for from Guncle: just fun. *Fingers crossed* I CANNOT WAIT for you to read Bandit Queens.
I just finished two great ones: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds.
Currently reading Mad Honey. Jodi Picoult is not usually my jam, so I should’ve known I wouldn’t love it, but was recommended by someone with similar taste, and I’m moving through it quickly.
Up next: I JUST GOT BANDIT QUEENS FROM THE LIBRARY!!! And Ed Yong’s An Immense World for my book club. I also have Rob Delaney’s A Heart That Works sitting on my bedside table, but as the mom of a toddler, I’m not sure I can get through it.
Oh I’ll have to add those two to my list. And YES on Bandit Queens and trying to read too many books. I’m not looking forward to the toddler years when this gets to be a struggle.