Hey readers!
Wow, it’s been a while since I have written here - and I truly do miss it. I don’t really have a reason why in terms of my absence but let’s just say motivation and creativity have been lacking the last couple of months… and that’s okay!
I want to continue writing my thoughts on my reading life. And in regards to the Read with Sam bookclub, that may go on a short hiatus until I figure out what I want it to look like, and if i’ll ever get the same motivation I used to have back!
I’ve had a couple of months where I didn’t read, and honestly? It was great. I watched a lot of shows and movies, hung out with my friends, saw my family, GOT DOUBLE VACCINATED!!!, and just trying to enjoy my summer. But, June and July have been great months for my reading life!
I did a lot of reflection in regards to my reading life, and how it started to kind of feel like a chore - and that’s not why I read. I read because I love it, because I learn new things, because it’s how I relax! So, I really took a step back from bookstagram, stopped with the “reading wrap ups”, or the “TBRs”, and just focused on my mood and interests - and it has been a total game changer. If you’ve been feeling the same way that I have, I really encourage you to do some reflecting on your reading life and think about what you want out of it!
I’ve also really been into backlist titles lately, and books that aren’t widely talked about on social media. So, I want to share some of these titles with you, in case you’ll want to add them to your TBR, and grab it from your local library. :)
Books on my radar:
Something New Under the Sun by Alexandra Kleeman
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Disoriented by Amin Maalouf
The Fig Tree by Goran Vojnovic
Voices of the Lost by Hoda Barakat
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
The Parisian by Isabella Hammad
Interesting Articles:
What should you read next? Try this!
The Atlantic’s Summer Reading List
So excited for Amazon’s new show, “Pursuit of Love”
Always proud to see Arab writers get international recognition - excited for Leila Slimani’s new book!
Well readers, this was a short and sweet and newsletter, but I promise I’ll be back much sooner! In the mean time, let me know what you are reading, or if any of the books I mentioned spark your interest. :)
Yours bookishly,
Sam
Truly have always wondered how bookstagramers/bloggers/etc don’t get burned out so I love this transparency!
Currently reading “the secret keeper of Jaipur” I loved the first novel in this trilogy (the henna artist) and it’s so nice to be with these characters again.