Have I ever told you about the time I won a reading contest in middle school? It happened in 2001. I literally read my library out of books. That was the first time in my life I realized that I do have a competitive side. It was also the only time I got a reward for keeping my head in a book. During that time, I read every Baby Sitter Club and R.L.Stine novel. I discovered this little upcoming author name J.K Rowling and don’t even get me started on my girl Judy Blum! Seventh grade was an exciting time in my life.
Lately, I have been trying to get back to that place. A place where the simple things are where I find my most joy. The time when nothing mattered but those silent moments of getting lost and discovering new worlds. I call them now my daily moments of joy. The joy that has nothing to do with the world or anyone else- just taking time to do the things that make me feel good. I have discovered that books, writing, and food are a big part of that- just like in my childhood.
So I started doing more of those things. Which means I write every day. I cook delicious meals and I read books daily. Recently, I retweeted a post that said: Getting lost in a book is still 10/10, and I couldn’t agree more. Only in the magical world of books can whole movies come to life in your mind- right before your eyes! It's an alchemy that occurs between the author and the reader. It's beautiful, sacred, and a power that I am oh so desperate to harness.
Here are a few worlds I've been teleporting to lately:
While We Were Dating | If You Want to Teleport into A Rom-Com Did you notice I took a break from my fav? Well, this book was too good not to tell you about it! Ben Stephens is a playboy working at an advertising agency. Anna Gardiner is a thick and popping Hollywood actress. When the two of them meet, sparks sizzle and clothes fly. They know that the relationship is on a time limit. But it doesn’t stop them from falling in love. What I love about this book is that it’s honest about how most modern relationships unfold. First comes sex, then comes love, and if you're lucky, marriage and the baby carriage!
I Am Pilgrim | If You Want to Teleport to A Foreign Land I heard about this book on a podcast! The podcast host mentioned this was one of her favorite books of all time. So my heart nearly jumped out of my chest when it ‘just so happened to be in my neighborhood library. This book is not for the faint of heart. On sight alone, it is intimidating and demands a commitment. I Am Pilgrim is a tale about an unnamed intelligence officer trying to save the world. This book is entirely different from my usual reads, but it is oh so good. The pacing in this book is like a movie. I will warn you. There are some slow parts. But don't worry. The plot alone will keep you turning the page.
Nine Perfect Stranger | If You Want to Teleport to A Retreat This is Liane Moriarty's second book that has been adapted into a hit streaming series. Nine Perfect Strangers can be found on Hulu. It stars Nicole Kidman who plays the whacky retreat leader and Regina Hall, who is acting her face (and eye-off). This story is about a group of strangers attending a healing retreat that takes a bizarre turn. This book kicked started my interest in mushrooms and micro-dosing. I since discovered that shrooms aren’t just this tricky-out-of-body experience drug. But when used properly it can be a tool for deep emotional healing. This is a book you can read for research and pleasure!
Listen, this book worked my nerves. I picked it up because it won a ton of awards. But a few chapters in, it took a turn, and I didn't know how I felt about it. Midway through, I was confident that I hated this book and that it was a waste of time. But by the end, I was in tears, thinking it was the best thing since sliced bread. Such A Fun Age is a novel about a babysitter accused of kidnapping a white child one night on her job. This book tackles major topics but does it in a way that is light-hearted and entertaining. That is not just a skill. It's a gift and talent that deserve to be rewarded. This book should be required reading for every young adult leaving college.
Honey Girl | If You Want to Teleport Out of This World When I saw Jasmine Guillory’s name on the book cover, I immediately picked it up and I do not regret it one bit! Honey Girl follows Grace Potter, an army brat- after she randomly marries a woman she barely knows in Las Vegas. This book is technically classified as a romance novel, but it is about so much more. It weaves in stories about the universe, monsters, and the pressure of being a perfectionist. This was one book that I was sad to see end. But it was a beautiful reminder that stories give people courage and hope in the face of darkness. This is a tale that will stand the test of time!
I hope you check out these amazing reads! In the meantime: What are some of your everyday joys?