50 Books in 2021 - January

A goal I set for this year is to read 50 books again. I accomplished it a few years back and then I did it again, because why not. 

As an English teacher, I often forget to read books that I enjoy just for fun. And I'm always telling students that most of them dislike reading because they're instructed to read books they don't love. So why wouldn't I follow my own advice and read books that I love. 

I have to admit though, even though I have a degree in English and have spent entire semesters annotating Shakespeare and Victorian writers, my favorite books to read, for me, are trashy thrillers. Gimme all the secrets and kidnappings and lies and murders. I love books that I can't put down because I *need* to figure out what happens, and honestly, that's been the theme of the January books so far.

January Books

 1. The Odyssey (Student Level Version)

2. Child, Fiona Barton

3. Emma in the Night, Wendy Walker

4. Stand off, Sandra Brown

5. Wake, Lisa McMann

6. Girl Missing, Tess Gerritsen

7. You Are Not Alone, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

I would 100% recommend all of these books (and will honestly be passing all but the Odyssey onto my sister!) 

***This version of The Odyssey is the best, easiest version I have ever read.  Written in narrative form, rather than poem and it goes in sequential order rather than having a frame narrative. I bought enough copies for my class (thanks to some amazing people ordering for me when I hit the limit!) and will continue using this version in the coming year.  The rest of the books are perfect for a one or two day read that you just can't put down!

What are your recommendations? What should I read this year?

When the Littles Grow Up

 It's crazy to think I've kept this little corner of the internet world going for 10 years. It started as a space to document my pregnancy which then turned into a safe space for me to vent my frustration with unemployment and then became a place where I shared lots of baby gear items and toys.  The kids loved playing with new things that came in the mail, making recipes for content, and just being a part of it all. So much so that my oldest has asked for her own blog multiple times.  While she's not really looking to write blog posts, she's excited to be an influencer and share her voice in the world.

We settled on an instagram page, where she can share photos and videos of what she loves and it really will teach some important social media safety lessons. We discussed the rules-- 

1. mom has it logged in on her phone too

2. we only follow people we know and celebrities we love, not strangers.

3. We're smart about showing our bodies and our spaces - they're private for us.

4. We don't turn on our location unless mom says it's okay.

5. We only use our voice to be kind.

At almost 10 years old, these conversations will mold her digital identity forever. 

I'll still be here, sharing trips and recipes and toys, but there are SO many mom voices on the internet and I think having a safe, kind tween voice might be just the content some other young girls are look for. 

Be sure to check her out -- this.thatetc.