This is the MMD team stepping in for Anne with an update. Anne’s father was critically ill for some time and we are sad to share that he died earlier this week. Book people are the best people, so your impulse might be to reach out to her, but please give Anne space to spend time with her family. We ask that you don’t email or message her.
Because we are often in need of distraction during times of loss, Anne asked that this post run as usual. We hope it will prove to be a good distraction for you as well, wherever this finds you.
Also, don’t forget the Fall Book Preview is happening for our member communities Tuesday September 1. We look forward to seeing you then.
My favorite finds from around the web:
- Dolly Parton Steers Her Empire Through the Pandemic — and Keeps It Growing. You know I love all things Dolly.
- ‘Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices’ aims to spark conversations on and off screen. Parents, this is worth checking out.
- Instead of Asking “How Are You,” I Ask “What’re You Eating?” Great conversation starter.
- Yaa Gyasi on the Mysteries of Faith and Reason. I’ve already read Transcendent Kingdom and it was well worth the wait.
- All Your COVID-19 Questions, Answered. Helpful resource.
- Caitlin Found a House in The Hills for $299K and This is What Happened. This story went in some truly unexpected directions.
- Vivian Stephens Helped Turn Romance Writing Into a Billion-Dollar Industry. Then She Got Pushed Out. She deserves to be recognized for her efforts.
- Readers have many opinions on how to cull your book collection — and also why you never should. It’s so interesting to see the different philosophies.
Don’t miss these posts:
- Restart your life with these 12 nonfiction titles. This is a great time of year to give yourself a fresh start or adopt a new habit or routine.
- My 6 favorite summer-to-fall transition pieces. I’m dreaming about crisp fall sweater weather and these pieces will carry me through this in-between season.
Have a great weekend!
21 comments
The Coronavirus Q&A up above is super – I read every word! Though I have to wonder if the author has ever actually practiced yoga. “But the bottom line is that the safest gym activities are low impact, non-heavy-breathing things like yoga. ” 🧘♀️
I hope it is ok to put this here as a comment but having a bit of a rough day and would appreciate hearing what is currently getting you through right now…I know there has been comments like this in the past but didn’t see anything recent…thanks in advance so so much.
Hi Nancy, I’ve found a couple things that help me during difficult times. Making a point to get some movement in my day as well as connecting with others (through a handwritten note, phone call, etc.) can be extremely helpful. I’m always amazed how little things can make a big impact. Take care.
Thank you
Hey Nancy!
I am sure by the time you read this, your ‘rough day’ must be over. I blame the time difference. Anyways, when I am having a similar kind of rough day, at home, I stop doing all whatever I am doing or needs to be done for the day and sit back with a good book and coffee. So if you are not a coffee person, you can try playing something really nice n slow kinda music in the background. Books are the perfect (& cheapest) way to travel to the alternate reality. Ah! Just typing about it is making me feel good already 😉 ).
Or if you are at work, maybe you can take a timeout and go for a walk in the nearest park, to the nearest coffee shop, or the roof. Just watch the skyline from the roof with deep breaths. It’s magical!!
I hope this helps.
Love,
Rashi.
XO
Thank you
I write snail mail letters to my out of state sisters; and to some cousins who are even older than I. It’s rewarding, and as to the sisterly mail, we are learning new things about each other even though we’ve always been close.
Thanks
Hi Nancy,
A couple of things that help me shift when feeling down or despair.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsf_gTZG4cI
https://thecounselingteacher.com/2020/04/how-to-relieve-anxiety-during-times-of-uncertainty.html
As someone who has struggled with body image issues and anxiety related to food, I find the “what are you eating?” question to be HUGELY problematic. The author’s assertion that the question “has fewer implications” and therefore less anxiety… perhaps it’s a cultural difference? Please think hard before you start walking around asking people this question.
Maybe ‘what are you cooking?’ would be better.
I have never had any sort of body issues, but just the amount of judgment people give for what you are eating (either shading you for eating something “bad” or telling you to loosen up if you are eating something they think is “good”) would make me so anxious to answer what are you eating as just conversation filler. And I would hate to ask this of someone who does have issues with food. Even unintentionally it would be so easy to say something really damaging.
Also – just though of this as a “cultural difference.” Some people love sharing their culture through their food, and likely would bring that up on their own then. And some people (I am speaking as an American) had been ridiculed for their foods being “weird” in the past and may not wish to have to navigate how they “should” answer this – either not wanting to be the one to educate you on another culture’s food or worried that their food will be seen as “odd.”
I know you asked we not email Anne, but I wanted to leave a message here that we are thinking about her and hoping for strength and some pockets of peace for her as she says goodbye to her father. I hope that is okay – if it is not, pleases delete.
I loved Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, and can’t wait for Transcendent Kingdom! The link to American History that we did not learn in school has lots of great recommendations,thanks for the link!
As a longtime reader but infrequent commenter, I wanted to say here that I am so sorry, Anne, for your loss. I am surrounding you and your family with love and light.
Hi Nancy- I love a good comfort show where nothing really bad happens: Cougartown, Younger (bonus, it’s about publishing), American Housewife and of course Great British Baking Show (when times are tough, I imagine myself sipping coffee in that tent). Watch a dumb show, do your wonder woman pose and get some sleep.
Thank you.
I’m sorry to hear of Anne’s loss. Thanks for jumping in, Leigh. You’re a good friend and these links are great.
Anne,
My heart aches for you and your family right now. May this tender time be filled with gentleness and peace.
So sorry for your loss, Anne.