Pebbles and Pages: What I'm reading right now

Summer's here, and with it comes a renewed love for stories. Mine, yours, and the ones still waiting to be read.

On a personal note issue #09

There’s always a little extra boost on my reading mood as summer approaches. The days last longer, the temperature is delightful, and there’s generally a good vibe in the air. I just feel like picking up a book more than usual and it enjoy watching others do the same. The change has been noticeable on my morning commute, as I’ve come to discover more and more books popping up on the tube. I do believe summer gives you that little extra push to read and there are more books being carried around than usual.

“One summer morning at sunrise a long time ago
I met a little girl with a book under her arm.
I asked her why she was out so early and
she answered that there were too many books and
far too little time. And there she was absolutely right.”

– Tove Jansson

Pebbles ✨

It’s been a while since I’ve thrown some pebbles, so for this weeks post, I’d like to share a few that have caught my attention:

• The Creative Bucket List Club by

  Emily Charlotte Powell

  I’ve come to use Substack more and more as a place for inspiration and motivationn and Emily’s is newsletter is definitely one of the sources. That’s why she often appears on my pebbles list. I find it refreshing to see others being creative in such diverse ways, not limited to one medium, which is also why I really enjoyed her creative bucket list.

• a guide to journaling that nobody asked for by

  rachel

  I love reading how others journals. If you’re debating whether or not to start journaling, Rachel offers a really nice and personal guide to help you get started.

• Avians by

  Marco.D.Blanco

  I’m always on the lookout for new stories, and Marco has created a little nook where I can read about a boy who befriends a flame living in a lantern. It’s so fun to follow the stories and the lore he creates, especially when paired with his beautiful illustrations.

• why you should read books that are really hard to finish by

  Natalie McGlocklin

  This post made me reflect and see certain books in a new light. It made me question when it’s okay to DNF a book, and when pushing through might lead to a more rewarding experience. Sometimes the struggle is what gives a book a lasting impact.

• The king and the router by

  Medieval Realms

  Ah, my inner nerd was truly satisfied with this one! Such an interesting read, this Substack is perfect for anyone who loves history and especially medieval history.

• Issue123: How poetry is changing the way I read by

  A reading life

  In the spirit of my own renewed connection with poetry, this post came at just the right time. It explores how poetry changes the reading experience and how one comes to expect a different kind of presence in what you read.

• Endurance in Hope by

  Breanne Rodgers

  Tolkien is always present in my life, and Substack is no different. I’ve been following Breanne for a while and have participated in her Lord of the Rings rereads before. I enjoy her deep dives into Tolkien related topics, and this post was no exception and I keep returning to The Lord of the Rings with new perspectives.

• The classics are weird by

  Austin Kleon

  His «10 things worth sharing» posts are always on my radar, but this one especially resonated. After giving up on War and Peace, diving into Brave New World, and discovering new classics, the post fit right into my reading mood.

Enjoying my lazy Sunday mornings

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Current reads

May ended on a high note with a reread of The Fellowship of the Ring and the long-awaited The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Goodreads). June kicked off nicely with Brave New World (Goodreads), which had me questioning humanity and happiness — and it is now officially on my list of books that truly left a mark.

At the moment, my reading mood has led my into two genres besides fantasy.

My main book right now is nonfiction: 38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia by Philippe Sands (Goodreads). This book has been a deep dive into Chilean history and offers a closer look at the country my parents grew up in. Some parts hit very close to home, and I find myself wrestling with strong emotions while reading. At the same time, it’s incredibly engaging, especially in how goes through the stressful times leading up to Pinochet’s arrest in London in 1998.

I’ve also picked up poetry again — this time connected to the nonfiction book. I’m reading Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda (Goodreads), accompanied by the audiobook version for an immersive experience. Poetry is a genre I’ve often struggled with, but this time it resonates more, likely because I’m more personally invested. I have a relationship with Neruda, as I grew up hearing stories about him and I’ve visited his house in Valparaiso, and I feel a strong historical curiosity that makes me want to understand him better.

Fantasy, of course, remains on the menu for this month as well. I’m reading The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (Goodreads), a classic from the late 1960s. It’s praised for its lyrical prose, whimsical humour, and philosophical depth. So far, I’m finding it beautifully written, the prose does remind me of Guy Gavriel Kay, so I am very positively inclined. The Last Unicorn is the fourth book from the fantasy reading project this year — I have to say I am on fire with this project! (Famous last words).

I don’t know, I just have good feeling about June and this summer. I do think it’s going to be filled with great reading experiences, there is just something in the air.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re catching some great reading vibes too.

Until next time,
happy reading! ✨