Thanks to reminders from Constance of Staircase Wit and Chris of Calmgrove Books, I'm reviving my Reading the Theatre project for another year - and if anyone else would like to join in, please do! Although not as intensely as in some years, I still find myself drawn to reading books related to theatrical themes … Continue reading Reading the Theatre: Three Performance Memoirs
As I did with nonfiction, I'm listing my favorite novels and short story collections read this year. It's quite an interesting selection! Have you read any of these, or would you like to? What were your books of the year? Little by Edward Carey - Finished February 15. I had no idea of the history … Continue reading My top fiction reads of 2025
I did not manage to keep up with the weekly themes for Nonfiction November this year, but I enjoyed browsing others' posts, and I want to thank all the hosts: Heather – Based on a True StoryFrances – Volatile RuneLiz – Adventures in Reading, Running and Working from HomeRebekah – She Seeks NonfictionDeb – Readerbuzz At the tail end of … Continue reading Nonfiction November: My top ten of 2025
At my Sacred Reading Substack, I’ve just announced plans for a special study to take place during the season of Advent, starting tomorrow. We’ll work with the three stories from the Gospels in which Jesus raises someone from the dead — stories I found extremely transformative in my own life. I want to explore them … Continue reading An Advent Study Series
I keep meaning to read through my Library of America edition of Willa Cather's work, catching up on her novels and stories I've not yet read, because everything I have read has been marvelous -- but somehow, I never get around to it. Therefore I'm very glad the latest "club week" hosted by Simon and … Continue reading #1925Club: The Professor’s House
When I was a child in school, I was never assigned the task of writing to an author -- thank goodness, as such mandated correspondence is the dullest and most pointless kind. However, I did once write to the favorite author of my adolescence, Robin McKinley, and she not only answered with a real letter, … Continue reading Do you ever write to writers?
I aimed to read women in translation this summer (August is earmarked as #WITMonth), and I did read quite a few. I'm happy I got to meet so many new-to-me authors, and revisit a couple of favorites, but regret the lack of diversity in my list. I need to branch out beyond Europe and Japan! … Continue reading Women in translation and ten books of summer
For anyone interested in the sacred dimension of reading, I've created a week of free online meetings to introduce a contemplative way of engaging with texts--not necessarily "religious" in the conventional sense. I'm very excited to share this practice with you all, as it's been transformative in my own life. Each meeting will be independent, … Continue reading A week of sacred reading starts tomorrow
As I recently posted in my blog newsletter and Substack, The Enchanted Circle, I'd like to offer an opportunity for those interested in reading as a sacred practice to gather online. It would be so wonderful to share this practice with others! Going forward, such gatherings might take place once or twice a month. As … Continue reading A week of sacred reading
This year, I've been reading through the novels of Jane Austen in publication order, something I don't think I've ever done before. Thanks to the hosts of the Reading Austen 2025 event for putting me onto this project, and be sure to check out the other posts so far - lots of good stuff there. … Continue reading The Men of Mansfield Park
