It's That Time Again...
My husband and I celebrated Valentine’s Day by taking a ferry to Seattle to see “Spamelot” at the 5th Avenue Theater (not for the first time). As we waited for the show to start, we chatted with one of the staff about how delightfully silly the show was, and how therapeutic it felt to be able to have the opportunity to laugh alongside other people (perhaps especially in this moment in time – when it can sometimes feel like we are being constantly bombarded with difficult, disappointing, heartbreaking news – too often news that can feel divisive). The show definitely did not disappoint. We heartily laughed with our fellow theater goers for over two hours, as we watched the performers sing ridiculous (and wildly creative) song lyrics, traipse and twirl around the stage, and ultimately deliver (with no shortage of humor) a compelling narrative. We were all rapt.
That, I think, is the super power of great art (whether a book, movie, painting, song, or hilarious theater performance). It brings people together. It unites us in a shared experience.
I share all of this to simply say… I hope we will all seek out more opportunities to experience art in the coming year (whatever that might look like). And I hope at least some of those experiences will be with other people. And I hope those experience will expand our worlds – and by extension our minds and hearts. And I hope we will all LAUGH :)
What I’m Reading
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
I always love spending time in a Helen story. Her writing is beautiful. She offers well rendered characters and immersive setting details, to say nothing of her masterful prose. This novel was no different, and I found myself quickly invested in the sympathetic protagonist, Constance, and her complex predicament. I thought the exploration of class throughout the narrative was intriguing - heartbreaking in parts. I must admit to being a little distracted in sections by the POV shifts. I predict that I would have been able to more fully settle into the story if I had been allowed to view the unfolding events consistently through Constance's eyes (I was not convinced the other POV's added much to the narrative). I was also a bit disappointed in the ending. I felt set-up for something very different, and I left the story agitated that Constance didn't ultimately get what I thought she deserved. Overall, I am certainly glad I spent the time to read this newest novel by Helen, and I will undoubtedly purchase whatever she puts out into the world next.
Final Note: Helen has some other gorgeous books in the world. If you haven’t read “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand,” add that one to your list, too.
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9781984801319
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
T.J. consistently pens novels that offer readers tender lessons in empathy and found family. In this sequel to his novel “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” T.J. continues to charm with his authentic, endearing, yet wonderfully complex characters. His protagonist, Arthur Parnassus, is one of my favorites characters in modern literature. Beyond the wonderful cast of characters, we are invited to spend time in places that are vibrant and immersive. In short, T.J. invites us into a narrative that is beautiful, compelling, heartbreaking, courageous, hopeful, and timely. I needed this one, especially in this moment when I am searching for more brave voices championing equality and compassion.
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9781250881205
What are you reading and loving this month?[Please note: The links for purchasing books are affiliate links and will offer me a small percentage of the purchase price if you choose to grab your copy of recommended books through their site. If you choose to utilize, thanks for the support!]
What I’m Writing
I just completed a short story about a grieving father who must travel back in time to reunite with an unexpected visitor who confronts him with a powerful reminder that will ultimately save him from his worst, grief driven impulses. It is one of those projects that will stick with me for a while – both for the emotionally affecting narrative that emerged, but also for the exploration in blending genres.
What’s Making Me Smile
Amy Poehler now has a podcast, and even though I am not much of a podcast person, I am here for this one! If you’re also an Amy fan, I have included a short clip from her interview with Gwenyth Paltrow (which brought me a knowing giggle). Amy has also hosted Carol Burnett, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Kathryn Hahn, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Jack Black, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, and SO MANY OTHER SNL and Parks and Rec greats!
https://youtube.com/shorts/jfpWZxmOA4Y?si=zrOZY-0cEN1WNUV
A Little Unsolicited Writing Advice
Some time ago, I submitted a short story piece to a contest, and I received a concise (but generous) bit of writing advice from the judge. Every good story (no matter the length) needs three main things:
1. Stakes: We have to clearly know what the protagonist wants/desires.
2. Conflict: We have to know what stands in the way of them getting what they want/desire.
3. Resolution: We have to know whether or not they ultimately get what they want/desire.
And I would add one more:
4. Reversal: We have to know how they’ve been changed along the journey.
Do you have other specific questions you’d like me to tackle in coming newsletters? If yes, just send me a quick message, and I will do my best to choose one or two per month.
BONUS: A Random Fact About Me (For Fun?)
I was part of a co-ed drama/singing team in college. We wore matching sweater vests. Enough said! :)
Oh, and a special "random" gift for those of you who asked for photographic evidence of my hula days (from January’s newsletter)… Enjoy!
Thank you, friends, for joining me on this newest leg of my journey. If you have other bookish friends who might enjoy my newsletter content, please feel free to share.
And don’t forget to hit me up with some of your responses to posed questions. I would love to hear from you!