Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

This is the third Sarah Scribbles comic book by the amazing Sarah Andersen and I can't believe it's taken me this long to talk about it! (Find out about the first one here, and the second one here.)

I love her work. Hands down, she's my favourite, up there with my life long eternal favourite Charles M. Shultz (Peanuts).

I can see myself reflected back at me in her comic strips and I know I'm not the only one. She just gets us.

This one had so many gems and like the other two books she's done, I read it quickly while constantly stopping and forcing my fiancee to read them and feel all the feels with me.

If you need reminding, she's the creator of the comic that has a girl budgeting and saving when shopping until she walks into a book store. Then she is wearing a fur coat, sunglasses, and throwing handfuls of money into the air. You know, how we all do.

She's wonderful and if she keeps putting out books and things, I'll keep buying them because she creates things that are literally me (and I bet they are literally YOU too!)

She's also created two planners. One that ran from September 2017 to December 2018 (which I'm using right now) and one that runs September 2018 to December 2019 (which I already bought!).

Recommendation: Pick this up and flip through it. If you don't laugh, cry a little, and feel so deeply understood when you read this, then you are crazy my friend!

Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge

This is a book about poetry. Like the cover says, it's about freeing your life with words.

This is a bit of a instruction type of book, as it comes with exercises and activities to get you going, but it's filled with nuggets of wisdom, and bits of true life from the authors work teaching how to write poetry and from her own life.

It's a very intense book but its not intimidating in the least. I say it's intense because it makes you feel things. I found myself reading through and having to stop and put the book down to reflect on what I read. In such a good way.

The exercises sometimes feel so simple but still make you feel like you are creating something while you are doing them. Like it's not busy work and it's not quite always just you writing a poem, its about playing with words.

This book gives such a beautiful and whimsical feel to poetry that those who are terrified of poetry will feel very differently after this book.

I'm pretty sure I got through this book a couple years ago when I bought it, but for some reason when I picked it up off my shelf and flipped through it I found myself not remembering a lot of it, like I had  a mental block on it. This of course sounds nuts as I love this book and I am planning on going back and doing all of the exercises very soon.

This is up there in my favourites on writing along with Writing Down the Bones, Stephen King's On Writing, and Bird by Bird. I loved all of those books and I love this one too.

Recommendation: For those interested in poetry, for those who want to write, who do write, who are always wanting to learn about writing. This is a resource and an experience waiting to happen.

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

This is the second Sarah Scribbles book. I've got the first, and you can find my review of that one here.

I LOVED this so much. Just as much as the first book! Honestly her comics are golden and amazing and relatable to so many people. I know I see myself in them and it really makes you feel understood just a little bit more.

Like the first one, this book will brighten your day without fail. I like keeping them close by to pick up and flip open randomly when I am feeling down or just worn out. They bring a smile to my face.

This one was a little more closely related to anxiety and such, but I didn't mind. I enjoyed it all.

This one has the famous comic strip in it about the woman who walks into a bookstore and throws money up in the air like a rockstar in it. I'm sure you know the one.

I really hope she keeps releasing her work in collections like this for a long time to come because I love them so darn much. I noticed on Amazon that she's put out a planner too with her stuff and I am so excited to get my hands on that too! I am a big fan!

Recommendation: Read this. It'll take you all of a hour tops, if that. The joy and the feels that you will get from it will last you a whole hell of a lot longer!

Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

If you haven't seen the little comic strips by Sarah Andersen yet, then you might be living under a rock. I think we've all see the one about the money conscious girl who only goes crazy spending at the bookstore. That little gem was created by this woman.

I adore this book. I was given it for my birthday by my fiancée because when I was looking at it at the bookstore, I kept remarking how every panel was exactly like me. I could relate so hard with so much of what she draws that it kind of surprises me a little.

I've read this through cover to cover probably about 5 times now. Every time I end up running over to my guy and showing him bits and pieces exclaiming how "me" and how "us" it is. 

He got it for me because he thought I could look at it every time I get sad and feel a little less alone and a little bit better about things. (Yes, he's the best. Totally taken though, sorry girls!)

If you're a twenty-something trying to figure out this thing called life then you need to pick this up. It will make you laugh and you will feel better, I assure you!

Oh, and she has another book coming out soon!! Can't wait!

Recommendation: For the ones who need a little uplifting funny to go with life. You won't regret it! 

Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do by Meredith Maran

This was a random library find a couple weeks ago. I wasn't looking for anything like this but I found myself sitting at a table right next to the shelves of books on writing and as soon as I saw the title of this book I grabbed it up.

As someone who is searching for her meaning in life (which I am highly suspecting has to do with writing) this sounded like a perfect informative read for me.

I have this weird habit of forgetting who sings songs. I might remember the words, sometimes the title, but I almost always forget who is the one performing it. I tell you this because I apparently have that issue when it comes to authors too!

Looking at the list of authors who were sharing their experiences in this book didn't overly thrill me. I think out of 20 I knew/could recognize the names of about 6 of them. As I was reading though, it hit me how many I had heard of, how many I did know, and how much I did know about their work!

This was pretty darn interesting. I am back at the library today as I write this and I am going to be going back to that section and I am going to be looking for more books like this. I love reading about people's lives and why they do what they do (especially when it comes to writing).

To say I learned a lot wouldn't really be true. So much of their advice I had heard before (whether or not I want to listen is a whole other story). What I did learn though was how they feel about their work and how they came about their successes. It's almost reassuring to know that it wasn't easy. Misery loves company after all!

This was an easy read, something that might feel repetitive after the first 10 or so, but I'd advise reading them all. Each person's story is different and unique and I think they all have gems of wisdom to impart.

Recommendation: For the readers who love the process and for the writers who are just starting (or have been writing for years) This was a good read for sure!

The Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner

Almost two years ago (I think?) I was working a lot and I felt like I wasn't making enough time for the things I wanted to do. I really wanted to know how some people can just do it all. I came across this book while exploring around Instagram and at the time I thought it was just the thing I was looking for.

I bought it on sale and then it waited on my shelf all this time. Things happened in life around that time that gave me more time then I knew what to do with so this book really wasn't necessary then. I almost gave it away but I kept it and I'm happy that I did.

I read this one recently, and I have to say, it did have some really good points. It definitely caused me to pause and think about the way I was treating myself and my needs. Nothing really earth shattering though, but good.

Now, if you are a wife and mother this book is totally for you, and that it was written with you in mind. Since I am neither of those things, it was harder for me to relate to some of the stories and anecdotes in the book, but I did get a general idea and spirit behind the messages. I did wish that the book could have possibly touched more on the working, late twenties/early thirties, childless women of the world who have hopes and dreams, but that's okay.

The other thing that was a little weird for me was how religious it got in a few places. I'm not really a religious person and some of it was a bit of a waste on me because I really couldn't connect with the material, but it wasn't a really big issue.

Recommendation: This is for the working wife and mother who needs to learn to give herself permission to have some me time. This is a great resource for you. For the rest of us, this isn't a bad piece of advice. You just have to be patient and take the gems of wisdom where they lie.

The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg

This is the second book by Natalie Goldberg that I have had the pleasure of reading. The True Secret of Writing is the follow up type of book to her book Writing Down the Bones (you can read my thoughts on that book here)

This book focuses more on her zen training and the zen style writing boot camps that she holds. She shares all there is to know about her boot camps, even sharing a schedule she's used at one of them so the reader can get a real feel of her zen writing boot camps for themselves. 

As usual, this book is chock full of wisdom and anecdotes all geared to succeeding and inspiring others to write. It's a beautiful guidebook just waiting to kick start anyone's writing. It's hard to explain why I love her writing so much without sitting down and quoting you whole pages of her magical words. They are like pearls of wisdom on the page that just send a tingle down my spine and makes me feel like I can pick up my pen and move mountains. 

It took me quite a long time to read this book mainly because I needed frequent pauses to to savor it and let the knowledge sink in. Since completing it the first time I`ve picked it up again numerous times to flip through when in need of inspiration. 

I loved her tales of her own writing path. She discusses different ways she's written, things she's done to write, and everything in between. I read Writing Down the Bones first, of course, but I did not find even one instance of repetitiveness between the two, even though the subject matter is so very similar. Both are equally important and both are equally great. 

Recommendation: This book is a definite must read for any writer. It's truly a staple on my bookshelf. If something happened to my copy, this is a book I would have to replace. I am so much better for having read this book.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I picked this book up used years ago because everyone was talking about it and I figured some day I would give it a try even though it wasn't really my type of read. I am a mystery lover to the core but I've been branching out a lot lately and I am enjoying myself.

I did not quite know what to expect with this book. I didn't watch the movie at all so all I knew was what was written on the back. Right off the bad, I was surprised but delighted at how the book was set up. I love that it was in sections and it was set up in little stories of her memories.

I liked the way she just told us her story and let it all out there. Of course, she is a great writer and I have been picking up some of her other works when I find them (like Big Magic which everyone needs to read. Read my thoughts about it here) and I think she's such an interesting person.

This book was really great. I loved the rawness about it. It left me wanting more and I found it to be really inspiring in unexpected ways. I didn't want to put it down either. There's so much about the lives of others that really moves us and I really do enjoy true stories like this.

She does touch on her beliefs quite a bit but I even enjoyed that part too. Differences between our lives and the lives of others are just as great as the similarities. I have definitely not experienced the same things that she has, but I could still identify with her story.

This is going to be a book that I will be rereading for sure in the future. I would like to see the movie too at some point.

Recommendation: Give this a try. It's good, it'll make you feel things, and .you'll like it.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

I've owned this book for quite a while and I've always counted it among one of my favorites. It might actually be one of the first books I read about writing.

A funny thing happened when I sat down to write my review of this book. I couldn't remember a thing about it. I drew a huge blank. If you had mentioned the title and shown me the book, I would have told you I loved it and that it was one of my favorites, but the details? I couldn't remember. I had even forgot who wrote it which is amazing to me because Anne Lamott is great.

Anne Lamott is a writer who inspires me. I follow her on twitter, and I see quotes of hers all over the place online. I even copy and write out her words in my journals all the time, making sure I pay attention. Somehow I completely forgot this gem of a book was hers. 

This book is an honest and serious look at writing. Anne Lamott
doesn't sugar coat it, doesn't beat around the bush, just tells you like it is. When it comes to writing, she lays it out in a beautiful way with words that are pure gold. It's anecdotal, full of writing tips and bits of her life. It's beautiful and great in all the ways books like these always are. I loved it.

To me, she's the voice I need inside my head speaking to me day after day, telling me to get my act together and write. No doubt that is the very reason I forgot about this book was because I didn't want to get my act together, it was easier to forget. 

That being said, I need to reread this book again very soon. I should never have ignored or forgot her words in the first place, but my devious lazy mind took over, as it so often does.

Recommendation: Pick this up, all aspiring writers. You are hurting yourself passing this one by.  I really cannot explain why this book is so impressive, you just need to read it for yourself. 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This was my first foray into the writing of Elizabeth Gilbert and I was not disappointed. Of course I am aware of her because of Eat Pray Love, but (even though I own a copy of that book somewhere) I still haven't read it yet.

This book crossed my radar on twitter and after seeing a photo of the cover I had to look into it. It's a book about creativity and living the creative life. Elizabeth Gilbert gives her take on writing and living creatively and she does it in the most refreshingly honest manner. She is just such a down to earth person that tells it like it is and I am so grateful for that. It's part instruction manual, part story time, and part inspirational blanket. It's a book that will spark your creative flame and welcome you into a world of others trying to do what you do.

I loved every bit of this book. Some of her ideas were new and so interesting that I often find myself thinking about them at random times. I don't want to spoil it, but shes got some pretty cool thoughts about where ideas come from, and I think everyone should read it.

 This book is definitely among my most favorite books, and I know that I will be re-reading it in part, or in whole, over and over again for the years to come. Actually, I already have. It's been sitting on my nightstand for about a week now and I keep picking it up to look it over again. I even joined a group on Goodreads just because they were going to read this book this year and I wanted to know what they thought/make myself have an excuse to read it again.

I think I could honestly highlight and quote the whole book if I let myself, there's just so much useful and true wisdom inside. She may give out some tough love with her words, but they are so very necessary. 

Recommendation: This is so very necessary and helpful to anyone looking to live the creative life, especially as a writer. You will not be disappointed in this lovely book. Pick it up and cherish it like I have. 

Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

This is one of those books that has been around quite a long time. If you've watched the movie Sister Act 2 with Whoopie Goldberg and Lauryn Hill then you will know that Whoopie told Lauryn to read the book.

It's a series of letters written by Rainer Maria Rilke who was a poet. The man writing to him was asking Rainer to look at his work and to give him advice on writing. There are no letters from the point of view of the man who wrote to Rainer, only the letters that the man received from Rainer. 

The reference that I have seen often when this book has been mentioned is what Rainer says about writing. I am paraphrasing here, but he says that if you look inside yourself and ask yourself "must I write?" and if the answer is anything but a resounding yes, then you should just walk away. If the answer is yes, then you must write. 

His point of view is very interesting, and the book is full of wonderful quotes about life and writing. He focuses on details of the self and of using whats around us in our work. 

It's not a easy read even though it is very short and comprises 11 letters that Rainer wrote. His thoughts are esoteric and at times a little difficult to follow. 

The beauty of it is, Rainer was being completely candid and open with his thoughts and feelings during this period of time. It was like reading some one's journal. I found it quite interesting. 

Recommendation: Pick this up if you are interested in writing, or even following your dreams. It's so full of wisdom that I think it's worth having around to pick up again and again because I'm sure you'll come across something new each time. 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This book is a must read. Period.

I don't know if I can really do it justice by reviewing it but I will do my best and try.

This book first came on my radar before I made my own bookstagram account on Instagram. It was through random people I follow on my personal Instagram that I heard about it. They all said it was special and important to read. At first, I wasn't really interested because I am a mystery lover at heart and this a true story. For a little while I went through a faze of wanting to read books that are inspirational and life changing so I ended up picking this up.

Right from the start this book had me in tears. There were moments at the beginning I had to put it down and walk away for a while. It wasn't because I didn't like it, but just that it was emotional and made you feel things.

This is the story about a woman who decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. She has nothing to lose and gives up everything, changing her life entirely, to hike more than 1000 miles. She has a lot of personal tragedy in her past and she decides that she needs to do this crazy thing. She sells her stuff, bought supplies, arranged for packages to reach her on the trail, with the goal being to just do it.


I know I'm not summarizing it and doing it any kind of justice, but honestly, you need to read this. It's a story about a journey that leaves the reader changed from its reading.

This book broke me and put my back together again, a little bit better than I had been before. It was moving and inspiring in all the best ways.

I haven't had the pleasure of watching the movie yet, but while reading it I kept picturing Reese Witherspoon anyway. I think doing that gave me even more perspective on the story that I might not have had otherwise.

This book really touched me in ways I didn't think it would. I am so much better for having read this. I hope for the courage to do something daring like this in my life one day.

Recommendation: Read this. You will need some tissues. You will hurt, but you will come out on the other side better, believe me.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

I came across this book in the reference section under writing. Immediately it called out to me. I snapped it up and I am so darn glad I did.

This book is an inspiration to new writers and old writers alike to write. She talks about the how-to's the why and the just do's to get any writers hand moving across that paper (or key board). She writes like she's sitting in a coffee shop across from you tell you stories, but at the same time lifting you up and inspiring you again and again.

I loved this book immensely. It was a great introduction into the writing of this author. She is such a huge inspiration and her words are just so amazing. This book was non stop wisdom. Every page is a new blast of inspiration and advice.

Every writer needs to have this book on their shelves to refer to at any time. There's no question why this book is a best seller.

Her methods are simple but effective. She does go into a little bit of detail with regards to her Zen practices and how they have helped her, along with the lessons they have taught her. I found it really interesting which is why I've also read another one of her books The True Secret of Writing which covers more of that including the writing workshops she's held and the methods she teaches them. Don't worry, the review on that book is coming soon!

I can dive into this book on any page at any time and feel revived and inspired. I am cherishing my copy, that's for sure.

Recommendation: Attention all writers, aspiring writers, and those thinking of writing: You need this book. It's a must. A serious must. Don't question it, just read it!!

On Writing by Stephen King

This book is exactly what the title leads you to believe. It's Stephen Kings thoughts on writing. It's part memoir and part master class on the art of writing. 

I devoured this book in a day and took lots of notes. My love of reading has long since evolved into a love of writing and I tend to snap up really inspiring and helpful books related to the art of writing. I do play about here and their with stories and things, I've even written quite a stack of terrible poetry. Perhaps I will evolve some more into an author myself. Who knows? What I do know is this book will be the first review of possibly many related to books on the art of writing. 

In this book Stephen King talks about his life, his hardships, what it was like starting out writing and going through his life. It was eye opening, personal, and truly inspiring. 

I greatly respect him as both a writer and a person. This book really gives a behind the scenes look at his life and his work. I always feel more connected to an author after learning more about them. Makes them more human and the writing of a book more attainable. 

There is even a whole section where he shares an unedited piece of work and goes over how he would edit it which is super helpful. I am happy to have this book close at hand for future reference. 

Recommendation: For any writer, this book is a must. Even if you don't love his work, you have to acknowledge his mastery when it comes to writing. (Of course this book is even better if you do love his work!)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I can't remember why I hunted this down at the book store. I must have read about it somewhere in passing, but it wasn't until after checking out reviews that found out how popular this book has been.

The edition I have comes with and introduction from the author. That alone gutted me in two. Right from the start it broke me open and started putting me back together. 

This book is so full of wisdom and life lessons that must come right from the universe its self. It speaks to you in subtle and not so subtle metaphors that urge you to live a life with more happiness and purpose. It teaches you the importance of following your dreams.  It's a great experience. 

I really do think that this book, if you're paying attention, can change your life. I think everyone, no matter who you are, should read this book at least once. or twice. or five times. Sometimes I pull my copy out and flip through it.

You need to know that this book isn't like any of those self help, mushy, how to be the best person you can be in 5 steps type of book. This book tells you a story, and if you're listening, it will show you so much more. 

I had not read or even heard about this author before reading this book. I have to say now that I'm hooked. He writes in such a bewitching manner that you just drift away in his stories. I have a couple more books of his in my library already, but I feel like they all need to be covered on their own.

Recommendation: This book is called a fable about following your dreams. We all need that kind of encouragement in our lives. Read this. It will change you. I promise.