Do Listen Read: Early November

Do Listen Read

DO

– Do remember to visit an independent bookstore if you have one in your city or you’re on vacation where there’s a locally beloved shop. Today I gave myself a half-day “daycation” in Excelsior, a charming town 25 minutes from my house. It’s not far at all, but it feels like a getaway. I stopped at Excelsior Bay Books to buy some gifts, but then I saw Ina Garten’s newest cookbook and decided to purchase a gift for myself, too.

ina garten cooking for jeffrey at excelsior bay books

LISTEN

There are two songs I never get tired of hearing in new versions, and they’re both by Cyndi Lauper–True Colors and Time After Time. Here’s a version of True Colors by Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick from the new movie Trolls.

READ

– I just ordered a new book from writerboxed.com called Author In Progress: A No-Holds-Barred Guide to What It Really Takes to Get Published and cannot wait to use some of the advice in my writing group (The Twin Cities Writing Studio). Writer Unboxed is where I used to write a column for writers about how to use Twitter, and it was the first blog I followed regularly. I’m talking vintage 2009.

– I’m currently reading Ann Patchett’s newest novel Commonwealth. I’m enjoying it so far. It’s book #42 for me this year. I think I will make it to my goal of 50.

– On Facebook I’ve shared tons of good articles by other people since my last “Do Listen Read” post. Let’s connect there!

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Nina Badzin hosts the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. She's been writing about friendship since 2014, co-leads the writing groups at ModernWell in Minneapolis, and reviews 30+ books a year on her website.

17 Responses

  1. I’m a very sporadic user of Instagram, but I have the article you suggested bookmarked for future reference should I ever decide to step up my usage. I’m looking forward to reading Commonwealth and hearing your thoughts about it!
    Caryn recently posted..Back to Napa + Guest PostMy Profile

  2. I also read that article on instagram and thought it had good tips. I’m so much better at doing instagram (or any social media) for actual work and not myself/blog, though. I haven’t yet find the advice that can help me deal with that conundrum, though.

    I’ll be interested to know what you think of Commonwealth! I got the audio version for review from Booklist and it was good, I just think I would have liked it in print better. The structure was interesting, and I found myself appreciating the technical aspects of it more than the story.
    molly | librarian style recently posted..Pumpkin Cupcakes with Honey FrostingMy Profile

    1. I don’t think I could have finished the book in audio. I like the story, but didn’t love it, and the audio wouldn’t have allowed me to skim. (And my desire to skim means I didn’t love it.)

  3. Love this whole thing, thank you! Just back from reading the Instagram post. I am guilty of just doing whatever, which I may continue to do for me, but this is greta food for thought for my agency. Thank you!

  4. I also bought Ina’s new cookbook and I spent the weekend reading it. I just love her! I want to read “Commonwealth” too. And I loved “Author in Progress.” Thanks for all the great recommendations!

  5. I’m with you on the Justin Timberlake / Anna Kendrick version of “True Colors.” I never tire of that song.

    I’ve started enjoying Instagram more. It feels less pressure than other social media outlets like Twitter or FB.

  6. I’ve been lurking on Instagram but I’ve been getting excited about the idea of creating a new handle (eg one that resembles my name/other social media profiles!) and start posting on Instagram for fun/community/connection with a focus on running/fitness. A friend of mine had a good question for me: Do you want to do Instagram or do you feel like you should? I can honestly say the former is true. And on another note… I can’t believe I might tie you for number of books read this year!! I know I’m supposed to be an adult and not make book reading into some kind of competition but I think there is something wrong with my brain. Or maybe it’s the natural result of always losing everything to my highly competitive older brother when we were kids:) I just started Molly Ringwald’s book “Getting the pretty back.” It’s not nearly as good as her novel, which is disappointing.
    Pam recently posted..#We’re With HerMy Profile

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Hi, I'm Nina

HI, I’M NINA BADZIN. I’m a writer fascinated by the dynamics of friendship, and I’ve been answering anonymous advice questions on the topic since 2014. I now also answer them on my podcast, Dear Nina! I’m a creative writing instructor at ModernWell in Minneapolis, a freelance writer and editor, and an avid reader who reviews 50 books a year. Welcome to my site! 

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Hi, I'm Nina

DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship is a podcast and newsletter about the ups and downs of adult friendship. I’m the host, Nina Badzin, a Minneapolis-based writer who accepted a position as a friendship advice columnist in 2014 and never stopped. DEAR NINA, the podcast, started in 2021, and has been referenced in The Wall Street JournalThe Washington PostTime Magazine, The GuardianThe Chicago TribuneThe Minneapolis Star Tribune, and elsewhere

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