a lifestyle blog for book lovers

My favorite finds from around the web:

Ann Patchett’s Nashville bookstore hits the road, with dogs in tow. Parnassus Books is named for Christopher Morley’s book Parnassus on Wheels, and now Parnassus has its own Parnassus on Wheels. Fantastic. (Psst—It’s a great book and a former Summer Reading Guide pick.)

Tell me what you did today, and I’ll tell you who you are. “If you repeated today every day for the next year, realistically, where would you end up?”

The spiritual discipline of touring your own hometown. “I haven’t always been aware of the types of things I enjoy, even less able to plan my own nights out. Call it a good girl thing, but I spent a good amount of high school and college Maggie Carpenter-ing my way through decisions. Not that I left a lot of men at the altar, just that I wasn’t always aware of what I wanted, what I liked, and who I was.”

Life lessons from the Brontë sisters. “My own obsession with the Brontë legacy was unhealthy enough to inspire me to write a novel on the subject. I hoped, in part, to unlock the secret of the Brontë’s spectacular immortality, even if only to satiate my own curiosity. My research left me with something I was not anticipating: a deep admiration of how well the Brontës and their novels can teach us how to live today.”

Favorite instagram:

Bradford pears in bloom Hycliffe

Nothing brightens up a drizzly, dreary day like a hundred Bradford pears in bloom. (Follow me on instagram @annebogel.)

On the blog: 

One year ago: The fab four habits for a better life. “I understand why these habits form the foundation for a clear head and happy life. But I was flabbergasted by “unclutter.”

Two years ago: Buying a house vs. buying a house AND a life. “When our realtor asked us how much we could spend, I tried to explain the difference between what we wanted to pay (less) and what the mortgage company thought we could afford (more). I rambled on, not sure if she’d get it. She works on commission, you know.”

Three years ago: Sometimes you need to go to counseling; sometimes you just need permission to relax. “I’m a big believer in counseling: a good counselor can change your life. I’m a big believer in books, too, and sometimes a good book can do the same.”

Four years ago: Dear 25, from 33 with love. “I’d tell her it’s okay to want to punch those women who tell her babies grow up too fast. Or at least to stare daggers at them. And I’d tell her she’ll get some sleep, eventually. But for now, I’d tell her it’s okay to be right where she is.”

Have a great weekend!

5 comments

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  1. Susan says:

    Anne, this is a picture of your street?!?!!? GORGEOUS!! We don’t have many flowering trees yet here in Chicago, but at least I know it’s coming!!! 🙂

  2. Andrea says:

    It’s crazy; I swear there have been so many times in the past couple of months where something I read or found on your blog was EXACTLY what I needed to read in the moment. Today it was the link “Tell me what you did today, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Just last night I was pouring out my frustration to my husband about my struggles with managing my time and making room for my priorities. And then I woke up this morning and followed that link. I need to bookmark it, because everything the author said resonated so strongly with me. Thank you so much for always providing such thoughtful and thought-provoking content on your blog (and IG account, too). I just love it!

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