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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

I am packing for a trip and I've packed 3 books. There is no way I am going to read all 3, but I get anxious about not having enough to read. Anyone else? I am currently reading Three Days in June by Anne Tyler and packed The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner, and The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett.

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Anna Hewitt's avatar

I often pack too many books but what could be worse than having time to read and not enough books?

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

I agree. It induces panic in me.

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Anna Hewitt's avatar

My family goes to a lake house every summer with extended family (they can hang out with my kids, too) and I bring a huge stack of books because reading is a priority during that time. When we’re not swimming or making meals the adults are usually sitting in the beach or a porch reading. I love being able to read a book in big gulps, it is so satisfying. Very grateful to have this reading time!

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

Porch reading is dreamy. Last summer we rented a house on a stream and they had a sunroom, I read so much there. It was wonderful. There is something so special about getting a chunk of time to read in natural setting.

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Chanel Riggle's avatar

This is fun, Kathryn ❤️ I’ve really made it a goal to read more this year and a lot of that has been choosing to read in front of my kid instead of doing something productive while she plays with dad or watches tv.

This also looks like reading at 5 am and taking a book with me everywhere even if reading doesn’t happen.

Currently reading: “The Wishing Game” by Meg Schaffer. It’s definitely a novel for any adult who longs to go to the location of their childhood book series despite the adult turmoil of their lives.

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

Fun is exactly what we are here for. My book travels with me all over the place and yes, often not opened but I know it's there ready if needed. And I am definitely intrigued by The Wishing Game.

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Tiffany Cartwright's avatar

Great ideas! I think figuring out the right book format for your stage of parenting is a good piece of planning, too. When my kids were tiny, I could only read via apps on my phone. Now that they are tween/teens, I am definitely back in the print era of reading!

I recently finished The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher and loved it! Do you have a subscription to Britbox? You should read this book! It's a good one for people who like British detective tv or books.

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

Yes, format is so important! My gateway back to reading in parenthood was podcasts to audiobook to print. I am a huge British detective tv and book fan, so thank you for the rec!

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Jess Mujica's avatar

I used to lug a stack of books on trips that never were opened. Now I bring a journal and audio book.

And my son is 16! Sometimes having 1 kid is harder to get reading in.

Just started reading Heating and Cooling 52 micromemoirs. I am currently in love with micromemoir style. I can read them in small doses at night before bed. They just pack so much to think about in these short rich microbursts.

Inspires me to try my hand at condensed writing.

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

I have never heard the term micromemoir and now I am very curious. I love things I can read in small doses. I will have to look into those more.

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Jess Mujica's avatar

The author is Beth Ann Fennelly.

I came across micro-memoir when searching vignette style writing. Similar concept.

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Mikhal's avatar

Love this so much!

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

Thank you Mikhal!

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