Currently In My Hands

It seems I’m in a phase when I like to read books that stick in my thoughts like tar. The stories are heavy; they hurt a little to read. They’re the sort of novels that refuse to leave, rumbling around in my head for some time after the back cover drops on the conclusion with a soft thump. I find myself thinking of Kya, Tate and Chase while I’m doing the dishes. Or Jude, Willem, Malcom and JB while I’m folding laundry. Especially Jude and all of the heartache.

So it’s no surprise that I went straight for Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys. I had heard of Whitehead’s book The Underground Railroad but have not made it a priority to read. It was when he was featured on Sunday Morning that his work really got my attention.

Check out the segment below.

I feel like it’s important to read the ugly stories because that’s the world we live in. It’s messy and repulsive and mean. I want to know these stories so that I can’t dismiss them as folklore or as something that only happens to certain people or at a certain time. So far, The Nickel Boys has hollowed my gut just as much as I thought it would (and I’m only on p. 70). It’s one of those books that feels like it should be required reading in school. Anyway… what I’m trying to say is put this one on your short list. You won’t be disappointed.

Now, when I stuff so much darkness into my head, I occasionally need to open the drapes and let a little light in, which I do with magazines. Yep. I still love to hold my magazines in my hands! How about you?

My absolute favorite non-fashion magazine is Real Simple. If you follow me on Instagram then you know I’ve been scouring Real Simple’s articles for ways to scour tough-to-clean spots in my house. CJ was traveling for work all last week and weekend, which gave me ample time to really dig into my home’s crevices. And of course Real Simple had all of the directions I needed! Even if you don’t want to subscribe to the magazine, the Real Simple website is an awesome resource for just about anything. They have the best hacks for different tools around the house, recipes appropriate for any season (and diet) and even some classic fashion tips!

What are you reading right now? I’m always in the market for something new to explore!

PS: GREAT choice for Community Choice last week everyone! I loved wearing this one. :)