RE:writes
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I've been doing a bit of re:flection ('tis the season for soul searching and spiraling, right?) and thinking about who I really am, and more importantly, who I want to be.
Despite being a writer who writes about themselves, an awful lot of people think they know me. (Hello, I've put it all in print, why are you going off script?) Not only that, they've typecast me as "not a real journalist." I wish I was joking, but it's actually part of the curriculum at my former journalism school. But it's fine. I know who I am, and I know who I'm becoming. Read more about the role I'm casting myself in for 2023.
And if you're craving more of me, the re:al me, I've pulled together the 10 most popular articles from re:books this year. They include an article on my struggle to get my kid to read, and my time as an accidental mistress. What can I say? I'll always be re:al with you.
xoxo,
P.S. Don't miss this week's giveaway! It's an incredible holiday gift set from Crawford Street, a Toronto-based natural skin care collection. Check it out below!
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What I'm RE:ading
My fiction and non-fiction picks of the week.
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In Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro (Knopf Doubleday), time alternates between the present day and 1985 — the year three drunk teenagers got behind the wheel, and everything in their small town changed. Especially the life of Ben Wilf, the young doctor who arrives at the scene. In the present day, Ben is now an old man who befriends his new neighbour's son Waldo, and their growing friendship opens old wounds of that fateful night. Signal Fires is a story of grief, trauma, love, and healing from the unlikeliest sources. Shapiro's novel, her first in 15 years, shines with wisdom and lessons that can be shining stars in our existence.
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The winner of RE: books’ First Annual #WriteAwaySummer contest, The Prison Lady: True Stories and Life Lessons from Both Sides of the Bars (Sutherland House), is finally out! In it, popular motivational speaker Phyllis Taylor shares her fascinating account of working with the incarcerated while intertwining her own life stories. It’s a captivating memoir about the importance of helping the less fortunate and finding our true selves through the process. The incarcerated people’s stories are heartbreaking and jaw-dropping, yet so intriguing you won’t be able to put the book down.
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RE:caRE:s
Jewish authors and characters.
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Imagination is a power that can save our lives. The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner (Flatiron Books) introduces us to mother and daughter Roz and Shira, who hide from the Nazis in a farmhouse during WWII. Roz must find creative ways to keep 5-year-old Shira distracted and silent. An imaginary yellow bird achieves that by diverting Shira’s attention from the atrocities committed behind her back as she faces the wall of the barn. But then, they are separated, and Shira must rely on the yellow bird to survive. This heartwarming and heartbreaking novel shows the bond between mother and daughters, even when they are separated, imagination and the strong will to survive.
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guilty pleasuRE: tRE:asuRE
Easy, fun reads.
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My Life As a Villainess (HarperCollins) is a collection of essays by New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman that every woman should read. Each essay covers an experience in Lippman’s life, from fitting into the idea of what is an attractive body or how you should act as a mother or spouse. Lippman delivers these views with integrity and humour, not always painting herself in the best light. Somewhat hard on herself, she exposes the judgement we flip onto ourselves in funny, sad, and cringe-worthy essays.
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book RE:port
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"Had my first author signing today at a local bookstore. Only 2 people came and I was pretty bummed."
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— Debut fantasy author Chelsea Banning tweeted this after only two people showed up at her book signing. The tweet went viral, sparking big-name authors like Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and even rap icon Flavor Flav to respond with their own stories of empty book signings and messages of encouragement. (It can happen to anyone 🤷🏻♀️) Now, sales have skyrocketed for Banning's book Of Crowns and Legends, and she can now say that she's on Atwood and King's radar. (Which is cooler than a packed book signing in Ohio if you ask me.)
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Need A pRE:sent?
Why not share the gift of a truly remarkable memoir, I Married A Thrill-Seeker by Danielle Kaplan (re:books)? As one reviewer on Amazon wrote:
‘It's hard to believe this is a true story. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. A recounting of love, incredible luck, and unwavering strength and commitment. Not only was this book honest, captivating and a total page-turner, but it is also an incredibly insightful and useful guide for anyone that might need to advocate for a loved one who is unable to advocate for themselves. 5 stars all the way —A brilliant read.”
(Need I say moRE:?)
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tRE:at
No books here, just a giveaway to pamper one lucky winner.
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This week, I'm giving away a holiday gift set from Crawford Street, a Toronto-based natural skin care line. The gift set includes the rose geranium Cleansing Milk and Toner, two Hint of Tint Lip & Cheek Glow balms, and organic cotton washcloths. It's the perfect gift to give, but even better to recieve.
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P.S. The winner of last week's Amazon giveaway is (drum roll please...): Ashleigh Swerdfeger!
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Enco:RE
Missed the last few newsletters? Read them here.
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*tREat contest rules here.
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