curled up (with a good book)

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I would be sharing more about the poets + poetry books that I love and turn to again and again. I am going to turn this into a new series where I share about the books we are all currently reading over here (the "summer of books" is on our in-progress summer manifesto), the books I turn to when I need to listen to the words of someone else, and of course poetry recommendations.

On my nightstand (or rather on my kindle app):

I am devouring The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy like a John Grisham thriller. It is so so good. It is about exactly what the title suggests: The club that current and past presidents make up as they are the only ones who know what the others know and have experienced. The idea that they let go of party lines to get advice from another who has been in their shoes inspires me deeply. BUT then there is Nixon. Well and the feud between Eisenhower and Truman. And then...oh my goodness it's good. I might start devouring presidential memoirs next.

I'm also reading Anna Quindlen's new book Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir. It is beautifull written and funny and full of wisdom. I wish you could come over and we could talk about it over tea + cupcakes.

As I pack up books of poetry for the Your Story Retreat in my vintage suitcases, the three collections that are a must include: To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue, Poetry Speaks Who I Am edited by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah, and What Have You Lost? edited by Naomi Shihab Nye. 

Recent favorite from Jon:

11/23/63 by Stephen King: A little bit of history, a little bit of time travel, a lot of Stephen King. Jon loved it!

Ellie's current favorites:

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: This book is delightful! The story is deeply inspiring, the illustrations are adorable, and the language captivates Ellie's attention. Jon and Ellie read it before bed every night.

And the one she can't get enough of that we read on repeat while in the bathroom throughout the day: Potty by Leslie Patricelli. (It is really good and has gotten her very interested in her potty and how it "works.")

And our houseguest and favorite chickadee Kelly Barton's recommendations:

Current read = The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and so far she really recommends it.

A favorite she turns to again and again: Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons from Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women by Simon Doonan. Kelly says, "It's a book about women who've forged their path on their own terms." Nice.

What's on your nightstand right now?

You can see more of my favorites over in my Amazon shop that includes a "Poetry: Start Here" section.