I originally published this post on August 2, 2022. I am hanging off a cliff by the edge of my fingernails re: this newsletter right now, and the only way I can keep publishing it is to republish my old stuff.
I always tell other moms who want to read more that the only way I get it done is by treating it as my default activity, not as something to do when I have time--which is never haha. So I read while putting the baby down for his nap and while waiting for my daughter to get out of her ballet class and, as I did yesterday, while bouncing my baby on my hip while my big kids got their teeth cleaned. If I don't have a book on me when I'm out in public, I feel completely unprepared.
I'm so glad that you've re-shared this. I know we've talked about how we respond when people ask voracious readers like ourselves how we read so much, and my first answer is always that I don't really clean. I also don't have a house or husband, and that saves me a ton of time. It's also what I "do." Don't get me wrong, I fritter away plenty of time on Instagram, and reading is part of my day, much like coffee, meals, and being in this world.
Thank you for this, Sarah. I'm reading more lately, sometimes a lot of books at once. I feel so much support from this post, both to read more, and to stop reading books that don't click.
I'm so sorry to hear things are tough. I think your work is gold and I hope it works for you to keep doing it. Thank you for letting me play a small part those many years ago. ❤️
Such a thought provoking article - thank you for posting it again since I didn’t read it in 2022. Love how you highlight the education your parents gave you, and how they did that by being well read. Helps me see how important it is as a parent to read more - it’s something I’d never considered before so thank you.
Also, I hope your difficult season passes quickly ❤️
I told my husband last night that I think I want to cut off (or greatly eliminate) household chores after our kid’s in bed to make room for things like reading, writing, or listening to good music uninterrupted. This post feels serendipitous. Thanks, Sarah. And hoping life eases up for you soon!
That line about choosing between “visible accomplishment” and “a teaspoonful of wisdom” felt uncomfortably true in the best way. I see myself in that constant pull toward finishing, producing, proving… and how easily reading gets framed as optional instead of essential.
What I appreciate most here is the reframing of reading not as escape or even self-care, but as a kind of quiet resistance. A choice to value thought, depth, and self-education in a world that rewards output. That feels both grounding and a little convicting.
I’m also struck by the honesty. This isn’t “just read more” advice. It’s about trade-offs. About what we are willing to leave undone. That’s the real question.
I appreciate you republishing this, because I missed it the first time! I’ve never heard of Wise Bauer, but every word of hers you included here deeply resonates. I also like to bring books everywhere I go, and I always hope to set an example for any kids who might see that there are other more interesting ways to spend time than on a phone!
A tremendous post. Loved "reading is self-care," and your reminder that we all need to teach ourselves. Ditto the idea that in a world that favors visible achievement and checked-off to-do lists, that "reading is a small but meaningful dissent." Amen!
Don't like the sound of "I am hanging off a cliff by the edge of my fingernails." Saying a prayer for you, and hoping things have improved since you posted this. 🙏
Every single thing you write in this newsletter, past or present, is gold. I hope you get thrown a rope soon and this phase passes quickly.
🙏❤️ I always appreciate your support, Sri.
Sri,
What a beautiful comment!
"Every single thing you write in this newsletter, past or present, is gold."
Within so few words, you have conveyed so much.
Wow! Kudos on your writing style.
God bless you,
Roy
I always tell other moms who want to read more that the only way I get it done is by treating it as my default activity, not as something to do when I have time--which is never haha. So I read while putting the baby down for his nap and while waiting for my daughter to get out of her ballet class and, as I did yesterday, while bouncing my baby on my hip while my big kids got their teeth cleaned. If I don't have a book on me when I'm out in public, I feel completely unprepared.
Dear Parent,
Greetings.
God bless you and your little ones with all the happiness in this world.
You may like to go through the gentle stories I’ve crafted so lovingly for them. These tales are sure to bring a ray of sunshine to everyone.
With best wishes,
Roy
I'm so glad that you've re-shared this. I know we've talked about how we respond when people ask voracious readers like ourselves how we read so much, and my first answer is always that I don't really clean. I also don't have a house or husband, and that saves me a ton of time. It's also what I "do." Don't get me wrong, I fritter away plenty of time on Instagram, and reading is part of my day, much like coffee, meals, and being in this world.
Thank you for this, Sarah. I'm reading more lately, sometimes a lot of books at once. I feel so much support from this post, both to read more, and to stop reading books that don't click.
I'm so sorry to hear things are tough. I think your work is gold and I hope it works for you to keep doing it. Thank you for letting me play a small part those many years ago. ❤️
Such a thought provoking article - thank you for posting it again since I didn’t read it in 2022. Love how you highlight the education your parents gave you, and how they did that by being well read. Helps me see how important it is as a parent to read more - it’s something I’d never considered before so thank you.
Also, I hope your difficult season passes quickly ❤️
I told my husband last night that I think I want to cut off (or greatly eliminate) household chores after our kid’s in bed to make room for things like reading, writing, or listening to good music uninterrupted. This post feels serendipitous. Thanks, Sarah. And hoping life eases up for you soon!
Dear Parent,
Greetings.
God bless you and your little ones with all the happiness in this world.
You may like to go through the gentle stories I’ve crafted so lovingly for them. These tales are sure to bring a ray of sunshine to everyone.
With best wishes,
Roy
That line about choosing between “visible accomplishment” and “a teaspoonful of wisdom” felt uncomfortably true in the best way. I see myself in that constant pull toward finishing, producing, proving… and how easily reading gets framed as optional instead of essential.
What I appreciate most here is the reframing of reading not as escape or even self-care, but as a kind of quiet resistance. A choice to value thought, depth, and self-education in a world that rewards output. That feels both grounding and a little convicting.
I’m also struck by the honesty. This isn’t “just read more” advice. It’s about trade-offs. About what we are willing to leave undone. That’s the real question.
I absolutely love this republished post. The points about self-education and reading being a revolution are stunning. We love you🧡
Hang in there! We appreciate you. And thanks for that wise post.
I appreciate you republishing this, because I missed it the first time! I’ve never heard of Wise Bauer, but every word of hers you included here deeply resonates. I also like to bring books everywhere I go, and I always hope to set an example for any kids who might see that there are other more interesting ways to spend time than on a phone!
This is excellent! Thank you for the inspiring nuggets you shared here - the reading itch is contagious.
Thank you!
If that was a rerun, keep 'em coming, say I!
A tremendous post. Loved "reading is self-care," and your reminder that we all need to teach ourselves. Ditto the idea that in a world that favors visible achievement and checked-off to-do lists, that "reading is a small but meaningful dissent." Amen!
Don't like the sound of "I am hanging off a cliff by the edge of my fingernails." Saying a prayer for you, and hoping things have improved since you posted this. 🙏