I hope you had an exciting Halloween week full of parties, parades, and candy! I’m writing this intro on Thursday evening before we head out for trick-or-treating tonight. My son is Darth Vader this year! It’s also November 1st today and you know I love a clean slate for a new month. This week I’m bringing you a list of my Libby library holds, my current strength training routine (very much for beginners), poetry recommendations, a few gift ideas, and my 2021 reading recap.
• Libby Holds •
If you aren’t using Libby through your local library, you should definitely check it out! You can read e-books and listen to audio books for free. I have the eight books below on hold, including Weyward and The Maid which are on my list for December and January book clubs. Hopefully they are available in time!
• Caliber •
In July, I read about the mind-body connections that are made when lifting weights, so I decided to try it (again). I knew I needed to start really easy and that I only had between 15 and 30 minutes every day. I also didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I ran across a recommendation for the free version of the Caliber app. I’ve been using it almost every day since! I’ve completed over 85 workouts and I’ve graduated from 6 to 15-pound dumbbells. If you are looking to start an easy strength training workout at your own pace, try Caliber. Workouts are auto generated based on equipment I have at home and how much time I want to dedicate. I also like the tracking capabilities and the weekly strength score. (Metrics. I like metrics.)
• Poetry TBR •
I am a big fan of Instagram Poets, especially Josie Balka who does a great voiceover. And if you aren’t following Lindsay Rush (@maryoliversdrunkcousin) you need to do so immediately. A Bit Much is out now and I Hope You Remember will be out next year (May 13, 2025).
• Gift Ideas •
I was browsing the book section on a solo trip to Target, as one does, and ran across these perfect gifts for all your bookish friends. Mugs, puzzles, and a tote bag pictured below. Not pictured are reading lights and bookmarks. They are all reasonably priced, too!
• 2021 Reading Recap •
As we get closer to the end of the year, I’m looking back at my previous reading years (check out 2023 and 2022). In 2021, I read a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Some of my favorite non-fiction titles were The Address Book by Deidre Mask and Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. I’m also a big fan of Hank Green and John Green (the vlogbrothers)!
Until next week, have a great weekend and happy reading!
