Quote of the week:
“…we read fiction because it suggests that life has a shape, and we feel…consoled…by that notion. Consoled to think that life isn’t just one damned thing after another. That it has sequence and consequence… Fictional narrative [makes] life seem to matter…it [pushes] away the meaninglessness of death.” –Sue Miller
What I’m reading:
Adultery by Paulo Coelho — terrible title for a novel, in my opinion, but I’m liking the story so far
I’m also reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle (I listened to it in 2020 and felt like reading it).
What I’m listening to:
Friends and Strangers — J. Courtney Sullivan
In all honesty, I have had a hell of a time finding a good audio book lately. I have started and stopped FOUR in the past month–yikes. Hoping this one is good.
What I’m watching:
9/11: One Day in America — such an intense docuseries, but so good
Writing news:
Under Cover Book Club is featuring No Hiding in Boise. You can read my little interview with them here, or listen to me read the first chapter of the book here.
What I’m talking about:
- The 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. There are some great documentaries out that I plan to watch
- The abortion ban in Texas. It continues to shock and anger me. Some good news: Lyft will cover the legal fees of any driver who is sued under the law (and they also donated $1M to Planned Parenthood)
- COVID-19 and fears of breakthrough infections. I learned this week that the breakthrough infection risk is 1 in 5,000, so that’s encouraging. I still worry about all the unvaccinated kids getting sick
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“what is lyophilization.” I saw this term in a work project I’m doing and had no idea what it meant. It basically means freeze-drying.
Interesting things I learned this week:
- Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced a weather disaster this summer (read here)
- Vulnerable literally means “able to be wounded”
- Mexico is the first country in North America to ban cosmetic animal testing
- Illinois students will receive five mental health days from school–so cool!
What I’m grateful for:
I’m so grateful for my friends lately. I consider myself a social introvert and I’ve had some great, fulfilling connections with friends lately that make my heart so happy. I’m also grateful for a little weekend away by myself–I leave in a few hours! And I’m grateful for the transition to fall. My morning runs have been so nice lately.
