I made a pact with myself that at some point over the summer, I would slip in lighter reads. You’ll see that I was able to utilize my vacation days for just that.

On Our Best Behaviour | Elise Loenen

This book entered my life after I made a list of books for research. After finding this title, it was inevitable that I read it. Elise does a fantastic job of showing how the seven (or eight, depending on your system) have interwoven themselves into our lives and society for no benefit other than to maintain control over women. This read was another permission slip my spirit had been aching for.

How We Learn to Be Brave | Mariann Edgar Budde

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was unknown to me until the moment she addressed the latest American President in a plea for mercy and compassion for minority groups and peoples as he took office. A plea that those in positions of faith and service to their communities can so easily understand. It did not surprise me that the majority of ‘conservative’ voices diminished her words and her bravery through ‘word salad’ commentaries. Some even decided to cloak their dismissiveness of her message with a patriarchal message that overrode her intelligence, compassion and life's work.
We will not remember them.
However, the history books will remember Mariann and her straightforward message, which so many before her have carried. Her book is just as humble, peace-driven, and compassionate as her speech on January 24, 2025. Worth the read - wherever you land on the political and faith spectrum.

The Housemaid | Freida McFadden

I inhaled this over vacation only to be left with an errie feeling I had read this book before. One of my favourite breakout novels, ‘The Last Mrs.Parish’ from years ago, left a mark on my memory I will never forget. It was hard to shake after closing Freida’s book, whether or not this was intentional - there were too many similarities. Will I read more of her work? More than likely. Will I be attentive to her storytelling techniques? Even more so.

I Am, I Am, I Am | Maggie O’Farrell

I was told many times that I should read this memoir. It delivered. I Am, I Am, I Am shows what it looks like to take a theme that a writer cannot shake and provide the reader with an engaging yet nuanced look at all the varied sides of said theme. This memoir will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf.

The Last Garden in England | Julia Kelly

I fell in love with this book. Julia crafts sections and character arcs that span time, allowing one to feel truly immersed. Worth the read if you enjoy stories told in different eras, all having a common thread.

The Bookclub for Troublesome Women | Marie Bostwick

My aunt and I often enjoy reading at least one book a year together. This one was a pick she found, and I happily joined. This novel portrays a diverse range of 1960s women at various stages of life as they navigate the rise of feminism, as well as books such as ‘The Feminine Mystique’. Naturally, reading this book also led me to order Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique for historical context and personal research.

Body Work | Melissa Febos

A recommended read from my master’s program. I left this book feeling clearer on my own memoir trajectory and directive while also being moved and inspired at the same time.

Clemintine | Sarah Pennypacker

Having previously enjoyed Sarah’s longer works, I wondered how Clementine stood up. As the cover suggests, she stands wonderfully upside down. My resident ten-year-old enjoyed her too.

Every Summer After | Carley Fortune

There is a reason Carley became known for her great Canadian beach reads. If you need one, pick one of hers. They are precisely what one needs to enjoy a light but engaging read for a summer weekend.
*may have a renewed love for the Greek name: Persephone.

Little White Lies | Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Reads like Tiny Pretty Things, this book is an excellent choice if you are looking for a fast-paced, engaging read.

This Won’t End Well | Camille Pagan

I found Camille’s protagonist entertaining and enjoyed the ‘mystery’ within the plot. That said, something about the duplicity of both ‘antagonists’ didn’t make a complete landing for me. All in all, still enjoyed the read.

Recovering From Puriety Culture | Camden Morgante

As soon as this hit the market, it was an obvious must-read. I sincerely appreciate how Dr. Morgan uses a matter-of-fact approach to dismantling the impact of purity culture on women. She leaves a lot of room for those who still have faith, but also speaks clinically to those who are wondering why they are still wounded and suffering emotionally from these teachings. Her work online continues to serve those of us who are on a healing mission for ourselves and those women around us.

The Last Breath | Kimberlly Belle

This is a fun, suspenseful read when one is looking for a distraction. The graphic descriptions of small portions seemed unnecessary to me. Readers don’t need as much gore to buy in as one might think.

The Old Moon in Her Arms | Lorri Neilson Glenn

Hearing Lorri read a small portion of this book on the first day of my degree was a moment I will not forget. Her words and presence are as deep as they are witty, and there is a reflectiveness in her writing that I deeply aspire to. Reading this collection of essays has been a refreshment and a beautiful anchor point in why I wanted to do this master's program.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

I re-read the prequel to prepare for the sequel to The Last Mrs.Parish. I love the protagonist's twists and turns, and it says enough that I willingly ‘re-read’ this.

Family Trouble | Joy Castro

This book of essays is from the required reading list in my Master's program. It is a collection of essays from those who have written memoirs and writings that reflect their families.

Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus

I adored this read. Bonnie’s beautiful writing keeps this story alive and the characters even more. Without spoiling, this book follows a female chemist's struggles and life happenings in the 1960’s. It is as charming as it is pointed. It’s very clear to me why it got picked up for a tv series on Apple TV.

The Last Mrs.Parish | Liv Constantine

In preparation for the second book, I reread the first. Liv Constantine (team of two writers) did not disappoint in this reread. I found it as riveting as the first time. No spoilers. Just read it for yourself.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

I am Celine - Her voice and interviews filled a lot of important moments for me, and watching this was as impactful as those moments.
Wish - For the art style alone (& if you pay attention - there is a fascinating narrative woven in regarding those in governance and leadership).
Baby Reindeer Season 1 - Because it claims to be a true story and has been talked about for weeks. It’s FASCINATING.

The Old Moon in Her Arms by Lorri Neilsen Glenn | Kings Co-op Bookstore

During Residency, Lorri Neilsen Glenn read from this book a moment that felt like a personal connection. Her unique way of weaving words, a trait only the best writers possess, left me enraptured and filled with anticipation for the two years ahead. After attending one of her classes, it became even more apparent that she continues to masterfully weave in her words and her craft of creation and life.

These are the women who catch my breath every time. I find their appearance and approach magical, mystical, and otherworldly.
I am honoured that she signed it, and I am so excited to read it officially over the summer.

Stoic Reminders Cards | Intelligent Change

I love quotes and reminders in life, and these packs of historically evergreen quotes alight my desk from week to week, helping me to stay mindful, present and awake in all of life's ups and downs.

Black Backpack | Lo & Sons

A friend asked me if I would get a backpack for my new journey as a master's student, and I laughed at first. Yet, realistically, it was the smartest choice. Over the last decade, I have made do in all my work adventures with three or more bags. I need a bag for my laptop, a bag for my notebooks and books, a bag for my gear, and a purse. Also, a lunch bag if needed. All of these bags have led to a very heavily laden me. Considering this year's life changes and adventures, I felt that purchasing a backpack that could be both work and air-travel-efficient is a great ‘all in one.’ Having it during residency proved to be exactly what I needed. I am so happy with it. It is worth all the shipping and currency costs.

Lindtt Chocolate Bars | Lindtt

During my first residency, I found motivation and energy by having a square of chocolate per session on any given day, which could be four to six sessions of taking in material, feedback, etc. I toted my tin around with broken pieces of this chocolate and shared it with my new residency friends when they, too, needed a ‘pick me up’.
Carrying these squares with me as I proceed to work on my book.

A La Sala by Khruangbin Vinyl | Taz Records

After having May Ninth sent to me by my best friend in amusement over its title being my birthday day and the lyrics having my favourite weather embedded in them, it felt fitting that this record arrived for my birthday after my partner heard the lyrics and agreed with her that it felt very much like a song made just for me.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Vinyl | Second Hand

Not in make anymore, we could find a copy second hand over the various vinyl stores on the internet, and this addition makes rainy spring days feel even more magical. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is one of my favourite musicals of all time. Its bittersweet story speaks of more than sure sugar-sweet. It’s real, it's raw, and it’s ever so rainy. My favourite thing.

University of Kings College Hoodie | Kings Co-op Bookstore

Making sure my first semester of a master’s degree has a hoodie to do during late-night edits and early-morning writing sessions.