It’s Tuesday, which means a new episode of What Should I Read Next!
Today I’m talking with Ed Cyzewski, the author of several books including Pray, Write, Grow, Creating Space, Write without Crushing Your Soul, and A Path to Publishing.
Ed and I dive deep into the memoir genre for this episode. We also discuss creativity, artistic talent, and how chronic fatigue from sleepless nights (hello, toddlers) can really put a damper on your reading life.
Books discussed in this episode:
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• The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning
• All Is Grace by Brennan Manning
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
• Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
• When We Were on Fire by Addie Zierman
• The New York Regional Mormom Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
• Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
• Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
• ‘Tis: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
• Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life by Lauren Winner
• Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren Winner
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• 100 Days in the Secret Place by Gene Edwards
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
• The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy, and Women’s Work by Kathleen Norris
• The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
• The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle
• The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
• The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr
Also mentioned in this episode:
• Modern Mrs Darcy’s daily kindle deals
• The Contemplative Writer
19 comments
Really enjoyed this one! (And agreed with his perspective on Angela’s Ashes.)
I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your comment (and the rest of them sooner). I forgot that there could be options on the page with the recording. Whoops!
But thank you for commenting. I was afraid the first comment would be some accusation of being a cultural Philistine or literary hack. 🙂
I like this list, and have read many, and should read more. I would also add ‘Acedia’ , by Kathleen Norris
Oh Gwen… Acedia and Me? I didn’t make it through that one.
Did you experience acedia with it? 😉
Ha, ha! It put a healthy fear of Acedia in me for sure.
I suggest “The Spiral Staircase” by Karen Armstrong.
NOTED! Thanks.
I loved the shout out Ed gave to Addie Zierman! Love both of her memoirs so much.
Yes! I remember reading her book and just marveling at how she wove her story and her personal reflections together.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Ed, thank you. It does mean, however, that my wishlist is longer now! Ah well… ?
Thanks Hazel! I believe you forgot the word “better.” Your wishlist got long AND better. 😉 (But hey, I have OPINIONS. Ha.)
This was a great podcast! My favorite one so far! Thanks for interviewing Ed. I really respect him.
Thanks Dina! I appreciate that. It’s always an honor to be on Anne’s podcast.
Sigh… I love Brennan Manning. It all started with The Ragamuffin Gospel for me. All is Grace just wrecked me, in the best way. This was a great episode.
Yes! All Is Grace was a “wonderful” last book from him. Have you read Furious Longing of God? It’s the perfect peak where his message and craft are refined to their peak, but his mind is still quite strong. All Is Grace doesn’t have the same sharp edge to his writing.
I went back and listened to this after the update podcast. This has been my favorite podcast so far! I also hated Wild and didn’t like Angela’s Ashes (completely agreed with his assessment). I randomly picked up Mary Karr’s memoir book at the library right after it came out in the new reads section, and like you said to Ed, while I didn’t always agree with her, it was an insightful read about memoirs (but it didn’t actually inspire me to read her memoirs). I plan to read your other two suggestions for Ed — thanks!
Wow, thank you Susan. It’s always a blast to talk books with Anne, so I’m glad that you found our conversation helpful. I hope you enjoy my picks!
I loved the power of habit
atomic habit is great too
habit stacking!