Ooh you have given me some new questions to ponder when I do my reading journal. I also always write a poem.
From your list, I have also read "The One and Only Ivan" and "Turtles All the Way Down." And what does it say that the two books on your list I've read are the ones for young people. :)
I love the idea of journaling about what you're reading. I've never done that before, but this past fall I got a composition notebook after listening to the one of the Exhale podcasts. I start my poems in it and jot down stories and thoughts in there and it's been so freeing to not have the screen in those moments of creativity. But now I think I need to add some thoughts in there after I read a book! Also- what Flannery O'Connor book is your fav? I've had it on my goals list to read one of hers for a while and just haven't made that happen, but maybe that can be a new goal for 2025 :)
Yes, I can't focus when I'm writing on the computer. I can only write longhand, and then I can type it up. I love notebooks and pens and pencils, too and that's another reason I use them.
I'd say my favorite Flannery O'Connor story is "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" Every time I read that, my heart breaks for one of those characters. I'm just shattered every time. I also love "Everything That Rises Must Converge."
One thing that helped me this year was alternating reading her essays from Mystery and Manners and her short stories. I found that it helped me understand what and why she was trying to do in her stories. I told Melissa (my Flannery O'Connor partner-in-crime) that reading Flannery O'Connor is like learning another language. Once you have a taste for it though, it's really hard to want to speak any differently.
One book you might want to check out as well is her Prayer Journal. It is so funny and vulnerable and raw. I actually feel pretty OK about myself after reading it because I think, "Well, if Flannery O'Connor had doubts, clearly I can have them, too!" :)
Thank you so much for those thoughts on O'Connor! I'm adding to my reads list now :) A couple other authors I love (Andrew Peterson comes to mind at the moment) mention her often so I've been wanting to pick up one of her books!
Oh wow you're reading journalling is next level! So inspiring! I have a reading journal but it's mainly for writing down quotes and a quick opinion on what I liked and didn't like about the story. I even procrastinate writing bc I'm just hooked on the reading but it is fun to go back and look at what I've read. Love your writing as always Callie!
Thanks so much, Kym. This essay came from six months or so of journaling. I At the end of the year, I go through what I've written and make notes for possible essays. I thought for sure that piece about Hadley and Costco would've been written and developed into something else, but I'd hit a stop and couldn't move forward so I let it rest for a bit. It wasn't until a few months later when I was reading Jack that I'd found a way in.
So I guess this is to say all quotes and quick opinions can add up - but never push past fun and put the book down if you're into the story. I think getting lost (and in effect, found) in a story is one of the best feelings in the world.
I have been afraid to read Jack. I have also been a bit afraid of Flannery O Connor...maybe for similar reasons? Maybe I will try both :)
Have you read Gilead? I'd start with that. And then move one to Home, and then Jack.
I highly recommend reading Flannery with a friend, and alternate between reading her essays (Mystery and Manners is a good collection) and fiction.
Finally, have something a tad light on hand. Maybe one of the Mitford books. Or Twilight.
Such a good idea to use it as fodder for future essays! Thanks for the encouragement. I loooove getting lost in a book ✨
So good, Callie. You are expert at observing and recording.
Thank you, Tresta!
Ooh you have given me some new questions to ponder when I do my reading journal. I also always write a poem.
From your list, I have also read "The One and Only Ivan" and "Turtles All the Way Down." And what does it say that the two books on your list I've read are the ones for young people. :)
I think it says that we are wise beyond our childish years. :)
I love the idea of journaling about what you're reading. I've never done that before, but this past fall I got a composition notebook after listening to the one of the Exhale podcasts. I start my poems in it and jot down stories and thoughts in there and it's been so freeing to not have the screen in those moments of creativity. But now I think I need to add some thoughts in there after I read a book! Also- what Flannery O'Connor book is your fav? I've had it on my goals list to read one of hers for a while and just haven't made that happen, but maybe that can be a new goal for 2025 :)
Thanks, Kim!
Yes, I can't focus when I'm writing on the computer. I can only write longhand, and then I can type it up. I love notebooks and pens and pencils, too and that's another reason I use them.
I'd say my favorite Flannery O'Connor story is "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" Every time I read that, my heart breaks for one of those characters. I'm just shattered every time. I also love "Everything That Rises Must Converge."
One thing that helped me this year was alternating reading her essays from Mystery and Manners and her short stories. I found that it helped me understand what and why she was trying to do in her stories. I told Melissa (my Flannery O'Connor partner-in-crime) that reading Flannery O'Connor is like learning another language. Once you have a taste for it though, it's really hard to want to speak any differently.
One book you might want to check out as well is her Prayer Journal. It is so funny and vulnerable and raw. I actually feel pretty OK about myself after reading it because I think, "Well, if Flannery O'Connor had doubts, clearly I can have them, too!" :)
Thank you so much for those thoughts on O'Connor! I'm adding to my reads list now :) A couple other authors I love (Andrew Peterson comes to mind at the moment) mention her often so I've been wanting to pick up one of her books!
Oh wow you're reading journalling is next level! So inspiring! I have a reading journal but it's mainly for writing down quotes and a quick opinion on what I liked and didn't like about the story. I even procrastinate writing bc I'm just hooked on the reading but it is fun to go back and look at what I've read. Love your writing as always Callie!
Thanks so much, Kym. This essay came from six months or so of journaling. I At the end of the year, I go through what I've written and make notes for possible essays. I thought for sure that piece about Hadley and Costco would've been written and developed into something else, but I'd hit a stop and couldn't move forward so I let it rest for a bit. It wasn't until a few months later when I was reading Jack that I'd found a way in.
So I guess this is to say all quotes and quick opinions can add up - but never push past fun and put the book down if you're into the story. I think getting lost (and in effect, found) in a story is one of the best feelings in the world.