4.7.22 – Cozy Catch-Up / My Current Book, The Home Edit, and The Importance of Reading

I HAVE A CONFESSION: I CANNOT STOP STARING AT, OR THINKING ABOUT MY CURRENT READ, “THE PAPER PALACE”.

It is, literally, the only thing I want to do right now.

This book, Miranda Cowley Heller’s debut novel, is one of the most riveting literary treats I’ve ever read. Its one of those books that seems to turn its own pages—I can’t get enough. And, while the book has me completely transfixed, the story on how I came upon it had me sold right from the start.

A few weeks ago, Lauren and I hosted a shopping event at our favorite local shop, Vintage Charm. While prepping for the event, I spied the book in the back office on our friend Carol’s desk.  Instantly drawn to it, I asked what she thought of “The Paper Palace”. She jumped up, snatched it off the shelf, thrust it into my hands and told me,  “Take it! It’s SO good!”

The way her face lit up and her interest in sharing this gift with me makes me smile because I think that the act of sharing books with friends is one of my favorite things about reading.  It’s the same smile I have when I get to share these finds with you.

THERE IS A THRILL IN KNOWING AHEAD OF THE TIMETHE EPIC STORY YOUR FRIEND IS ABOUT TO LEARN.

I am captivated by the storytelling and the enthralling nature of the love, hate, incest, and desire that is strewn throughout the story. Read it right now!

As an additional, or alternate, suggestion, if you are looking for a binge-worthy show—check out “The Home Edit” on Netflix.

(Why does it always feel like I am late to the party?)

Dear friend, this is the perfect thing to stream while spring delays on its official return.

If you too are always tardy to the party, then you need to know that “The Home Edit” is what organizing dreams are made of– Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are the masterminds behind their functional organizational system with style.

THESE GALS ARE BRIGHT AND COLORFUL LIGHTS IN A SPACE I SO OFTEN STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN.

Whether you go with the book or the show, or both–get a glass of wine and suck on a Wana Sour THC gummy. #bestnightever

The only people who aren’t fully on board with my “best night ever” vibes are my kids ever since I implemented a new reading initiative around here.

It has often bothered me that my kids don’t read enough. I have tried every which way from Sunday to inspire them, but after listening to a recent Daily Stoic podcast, called “Thomas Chatterton Williams on Reading”, I am officially forcing my kids to read.

This mom has laid down the hammer and gotten a little meaner.

It’s time.

To be fair, the kids took the new initiative better than I thought they would.

I explained to them that they cannot let their phones be the only place they get information and that reading can be enjoyable when its about something you are interested in.  So, in an effort to ignite a love for books and reading, I have offered lenience in what they choose to pick up.  But don’t think I haven’t resorted to using bribery…

Baseball magazine, newspapers and books of any kind are welcome.

Mia has restarted the first book in the Vampire Diary series and has even admitted to not wanting classroom reading sessions to end because she is enjoying it so much.

Will is finally getting to those baseball magazines that have been stacking up in his bedroom and I am amazed by his ability to retain sports stats and facts.

As always, life is always tossing new challenges and obstacles my way.

But, in light of the hard stuff, at least we have books like “The Paper Palace” and shows like “The Home Edit” to binge.

Stay cozy,

Michelle