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Heather Koshiol (she/her)'s avatar

Recently I devoured Karen Walrond’s forthcoming book Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell. It’s not supposed to be out until the 17th, but I preordered and received it a couple weeks ago already. I plan to write a bit about it in my next Substack (which will be ...?? this month?). I feel like THIS is the book on aging I have been seeking!

Jessica Herman Goodson's avatar

I devoured and loved Nightbitch recently (so good) and The Starless Sea (so magical). I can’t read into the evening because it also messes with my dreams. For insomnia I like YA and LM Montgomery. It soothes more than stirs up my thinking and dreaming.

Susannah Conway's avatar

Ok, that was the second recommendation for Nightbitch so i've bought it 👍😂

Debs Cooper's avatar

'Tender is the Flesh' was a wild ride, wasn't it?!

Susannah Conway's avatar

Holy crap, yes it was. the ending DID ME IN. I still think about it!

Samantha Chesler's avatar

Love the fox! We can all learn something from a chilled-out fox. I am reading Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman and it is, indeed, giving me hope and encouraging me to read less news.

Elfin Waters's avatar

So lovely to have you back! I've been on a substack break too but for health issues. But seeing you handle your interruptions is very inspiring and teaches me to be gentle on myself. Reads : Circe by Madeline Miller.

Susannah Conway's avatar

truthfully, i LOVED the cover but couldn't get into the book at all. Tried twice 😂

Elfin Waters's avatar

Yes! Have you read the Achilles book? It's amazing too

Caroline Donahue's avatar

Hahahaha the Cannibal Sex books. In fact, it is possible to be friends even if you have VERY different taste in books. I still have the creeps just from the second-hand description of that book you shared in that voice note. Eeek!

Susannah Conway's avatar

That was the best voice note i have ever sent, let's be honest. (I'm still traumatised by the ending!)

Caroline Donahue's avatar

It was very effective. You definitely communicated the vibe of that book boiled down into one little concentrated dose. I'm still trying to get some of those images out of my mind!

Susannah Conway's avatar

#truefriendship 😂

Louise Rigg ✨'s avatar

That picture of the fox needs to be entered into some sort of wildlife photography competition, it’s incredible 😂

I dip into fiction every now and again but I absolutely love memoir or anything spiritual or teaches me about living with the seasons.

I have to be reading about 3-4 books at a time to keep me engaged but I can’t seem to finish books at the moment..and I’m ok with that.

Having the seasonal books to dip into has been amazing to keep me connected to nature, especially on the days I can not venture further than the back garden due to my mental health (most days right now). I’m excited for a book called ‘Slow Seasons’ by Rosie Steer coming out in a the week or so. I try to live a cyclical life (nature, menstrual, lunar) so anything to keep me learning/understanding/re-remembering is such a blessing. I’m also obsessed with learning more about Celtic and Pagan traditions.

Susannah Conway's avatar

I'm the same, need a few books on the go, probably won't finish them, but enjoy dipping in and out. Just had a peek - Slow Seasons sounds delightful 😍

Jillian Hess's avatar

"A love affair with words!" that's the best feeling. Thanks for including my words in such a lovely list!

Susannah Conway's avatar

Thank you for sharing such brilliant posts with us! ❤️

Susan Earlam's avatar

I'd love to know more of the books you've read in the cannibal sex genre.... because I've got something (not even a first full draft yet) that kinda fits that description 😂🤤

Caroline Donahue's avatar

I feel a book club coming on. The Cannibal Sex Book Club has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? Enjoy that one, ladies. I'd never sleep again.

Susan Earlam's avatar

So up for that!

Susannah Conway's avatar

ooh! 😂 have you read A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G Summers?

Susan Earlam's avatar

I have, loved it!!

Cathy OBrien's avatar

So happy to see Papa Fox and read that the family is still doing well - and that all is peaceful with the neighbors. I love that they visit you. So interesting about your reading and it affecting your dreams! That happens to me, too - I have to be very careful what I read or watch before bed. Never knew that was an ADHD thing - so good to know, thanks! ❤️

Susannah Conway's avatar

Yes! This is why i often rewatch old favourites, just to soothe my brain before sleep. If i give it new material it goes wild ;-)

Cathy OBrien's avatar

OMG, me, too! Knowing it’s not just me helps me so much! 😍

Rebecca Tolley's avatar

love that you're enjoying reading again and very much appreciate your sharing your favorites, ty, ty, ty! I read both of Ross Gay's books last month--loved them. And look forward to his new one coming out at months end in the USA.

Susannah Conway's avatar

ooh, i didn't know he had a new one coming out - wonderful! 🙌

Teri Simonds's avatar

I’ve been wondering about the foxes. I’m so glad they’re still around. I was heartbroken when the den in your garden was removed.

There was a German Shorthair Pointer at the coffee shop yesterday. His friend said that he plays with fox kits that visit his yard. I would love to see that!

Susannah Conway's avatar

I occasionally share photos on IG - they are still here ❤️ They made it clear that this is still their garden by digging a new den under the (fake) lawn! Plus they have hidey holes next door. My landlord said there have always been foxes here -- fortunately this year no one's complained about it (to my face at least! ;-)