Two Lauras Talk
About how books mean...
I don’t know which to choose to start the new year. This holiday, I opened the best gifts—books. Now that I’m beginning a new project myself, I’m careful about what I read and steer away from anything remotely near my own subject matter. Beginning any book proposal, you can’t help but ask that worrisome question, does the world need another book? Well, yes is the only answer. While thinking this morning about months of work ahead, the excitement of the new, and about my bountiful stack, I came upon two posts that eloquently describe the importance and joy of reading. One is the substack Ciao Amalfi by Laura Thayer, whose posts are always thoughtful. The other is by historical novelist and art historian, Laura Morelli (lauramorelliphd) on Instagram. Laura in Amalfi shares her intense reading year. You see that she looks at it as a daily practice. I like how each book sends out tentacles to other connections. Novelist Laura writes about her unexpected, serious diagnosis and treatment for cancer and how the recovery weeks gave her new life perspectives on books and art. Both are moving and inspiring.
You two Lauras, thank you. Amalfi must be peaceful this time of year. Check on her at Laura Thayer I’m happy to say that Laura (second post) is recovering strongly and has a good prognosis. I’ll be looking for her next novel. Find her at Laura Morelli
Below, what’s now stacked high on my bedside table:
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Frances, I loved the Tan Twan Eng books. Having spent a little time in Malaysia some years ago, I was delighted to revisit that country from my armchair. My favorite part of my job as a librarian was “to promote the joy of reading.” You are doing a very good job of that yourself!
What a lovely start to this new year! Thank you for sharing my latest newsletter, Frances. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the journey! And I love hearing you have a new book project in the works too. Wishing you a year full of writing and creativity. And fingers crossed this is the year we finally meet ... and Laura too!