What is Real?
And is it serving you?
Hello Friends,
As a child, I was obsessed with the Velveteen Rabbit. I had multiple copies and read the story over and over. In college, I used to fall asleep to the audiobook nightly. I think I loved it for its central question: What is Real?
“Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'
'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.
'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'
I learned when I was very young that being real does hurt, but it’s better than not feeling at all.
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Just Finished
H is for Homicide, by Sue Grafton
This one wasn’t my favorite. I thought H is for Homicide would be the easiest letter to adapt for detective fiction. The plot wasn’t as exciting. Maybe the possibilities were too wide open?
Also, I didn't appreciate the stereotype of the "Vatos Locos" gangsters. I guess that's the risk of reading older popular works. Eventually, you run across some problematic themes.
There are so many things I find comforting about working my way through this series. I love the formulaic nature of the plot and of course, I love Kinsey and her no-nonsense feminist personality, but I think what I like most is it’s a total break from technology. They don’t even have cell phones!
The Guncle, by Steven Rowley
I adored this book. I listened to it on Audible and the narration by the author was so well done. The exploration of grief and difficult family dynamics and parenting was stunning. I felt like I was on a grown journey with Patrick. I have been on my own grief journey in the last two years and I am absolutely better for having read this book.
Ten Links to Ponder
“On an afternoon in late October, Londyn Resweber, 14, ran into the twilight of disaster.” Cross-country athlete from Grand Isle La. keeps running after hurricane Ida ravaged her town. (NYT)
The uncomfortable truth about being a democrat. (NYT)
How to write like Cheryl Strayed (Lit Hub)
We are remodeling our house next year. This has me thinking about what it means to fill your home with Joyful Light. (Modern Mrs. Darcy)
It’s not a curve, it’s a flight of stairs. And leaping takes guts. (Seth Godin)
Underdogs Nomore, Deaf Football Team Takes California by Storm (NYT)
You do not need to sell this life “I’m not saying aesthetics aren’t fun. But when they’re a response, in one way or another, to a much larger sadnesses — they simply cannot save us.” (Culture study Newsletter)
Remember, you are annoying too. (Cup of Jo)
Tim Farriss interviews a famous New York chef to talk art foot and nutrition. (Tim Farriss)
What are you reading or listening to this week? Please hit reply or post your response in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @emilykathleenwrites