Hello blog friends! I feel so out of touch, but I’ve been busy with mostly good things. I just got back from an unbelievably amazing two-week trip to Israel. It was my fifth trip to Israel, but quite possibly the most special one. I hope to have a post up about the trip soon. Then when I got back I was sick for a week, and I’m still doing that horrible dry cough that will probably last for a few more weeks. Can you hear it? I wouldn’t be surprised if you can. Next week I’m back at The HerStories Project with another friendship question and answer, but for today I wanted to share some of the stuff I’ve been into lately.
DO
– Watch this clip from Josh Groban’s upcoming PBS special. If you’re a Broadway fanatic like I am, you will LOVE his duet with Kelly Clarkson. They do All I Ask of You from Phantom.
LISTEN
– Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
I finished the audio of this one in three days because I listened on my iPhone in every spare moment. There’s something about Kaling’s take on life that interests me and makes sense to me. She’s unapologetically Hollywood, but also seemingly normal at the same time.
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has a podcast channel and I love it. I could listen to him all day. He’s a genius.
– I’m currently listening to the audiobook of Dietland by Sarai Walker. It’s a really good book and a great narration.
READ
– I really liked Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. Read Jessica Flaxman’s review at Great New Books. I agree with it completely.
– I loved Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Yes, it’s been mentioned on every blog everywhere, but with good reason. It’s excellent.
– My editors at The HerStories Project, Jessica Smock and Stephanie Sprenger, published an anthology about postpartum depression. It’s called Mothering Through the Darkness: Women Open Up About The Postpartum Experience.
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18 Responses
Welcome back, Nina! So happy to see this post on my Facebook feed this morning.
I’ve reserved Fates and Furies at the library; Jessica’s review convinced me, but I’m glad to hear you liked it as well.
A friend just recommended Rabbi Sacks’ book “Not in God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence,” and it looks really interesting. Have you read it? I haven’t read any of his books, but I know how much you love him!
Dana recently posted..Not all time sucks are created equal
I haven’t read that one yet. I have to imagine it’s good!
Welcome back! I can’t wait to learn more about your trip. I will Add Mindy’s book to my list.
Allie recently posted..Not is my Wildest Nineteen Year Old Dreams
It was really such a delightful read. (Well, listen.)
I am looking forward to reading Fates and Furies. So many folks have liked it and it’s one I keep picking up and putting down at the library and bookstore. In other news…I was not as super excited by Big Magic as so many others have been. I think there were definitely good passages and some inspiring things to underline, but I think I’m in the minority about the wow-iness. *ducks from eggs and rotten tomatoes* I will say this though: I do think it’s good for folks who haven’t yet started on that daunting path of creative life. Maybe I would’ve enjoyed it more a few years ago when I was in that place.
Kristen recently posted..My Bookshelf: October 2015
I totally get that about Big Magic! There is a simplicity to it that can feel like old news to people who have been writing for a long time. What I loved was the message that we need not take ourselves so seriously. I liked her attempt to bring joy into the endeavor of creative work. I think you will like the complexity of Fates and Furies. It’s the kind of book that makes you marvel at how another writer’s mind works.
I can’t wait to read Fates & Furies. Always love these posts from you. xox
Congrats on the trip to Israel! That’s awesome!
Two of your books are on my to do list – Mothering Through the Darkness and Big Magic. I simply cannot wait.
Tamara recently posted..Hey Nineteen.
Love these lists. All you reading and listening are on my list. Now which one to read/listen to first? And I can’t wait to read all about your trip. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Stacey recently posted..This Moment: November 6
I am really looking forward to reading more about your trip Nina. I checked out the link to JWRP and it sounds like an extremely unique and special experience. I have never been to Israel though often wonder if I should have taken advantage of a Birthright trip when I met its requirements (about 112 years ago). Good to keep this in mind for the future! Thanks for sharing.
Caryn recently posted..Weekend Reads And Listens
Welcome back! I’m glad that you had a great trip to Israel.
I just finished Big Magic. I’m reading an ARC of Salt to the Sea, and it’s been hard to tear myself away from that novel. Fates and Furies is up next. So much buzz!
Right now I’m listening to Beautiful Ruins. The man reading is terrific and I’m realizing what a talent it is to be able to read with so many inflections and accents.
Jackie Cangro recently posted..The One With the Dancers in Three Acts
Welcome back and so glad to hear you had an amazing time! I can’t wait to read all about it. Thanks for sharing these goodies…Big Magic is definitely on the list! Have you listed to her podcast yet? I started Ep. 1 Friday but got interrupted but really looking forward to it.
Hallie Sawyer recently posted..We’re Never Too Old to Grow Up
Love these lists, Nina! Welcome back – will definitely check out your recommendations.
Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri recently posted..A Few Friday Faves
I need to seriously peruse your reading list. I don’t find a lot of time to read these days, but when I do I want something good! I’ve also been curious about Big Magic and it’s interesting to read your take and Kirsten’s… I agree that sometimes books like that can sort of fall flat for some (I’m like that with the War of Art), but there’s usually at least one or two nuggets in there that are worth digging out!
Dakota Nyght recently posted..Growing Pains
So glad you are back! I love these posts!
Allison recently posted..Beyond the Comfort Zone: A Dance Class
Look forward to the post about your trip to Israel. Welcome back and feel better. I’m beyond thrilled that HerStories published Mothering Through the Darkness. Such a necessary book that will help so many. Will definitely take a look at Fates and Furies. Cheers!
Sarah recently posted..Blogiversaries, Blog Birthdays, & Post Parties
Welcome, back! I’ve been curious about Mindy’s book – I’d really like to read or listen to it. I’m in the middle of Big Magic. At first I thought it was a little elementary, but the more I read, the more I’m underlining. I especially like how she talks about us writing what we need to write, flinging it out into the world, and moving on the next project. We have absolutely no control over who likes what we write so why spend a moment worrying about it? That really resonated with me.
AmyMak recently posted..Just Because We Can Save the Day, Should We?
Can’t wait to hear about your Israel trip!
So glad you got a chance to read Big Magic. It’s true everyone and their dog has blogged about it, but with good reason!
Tara Borin recently posted..Writing, Life