I first read My Salinger Year over an entire week while house-sitting for two cats. The house I was staying at had a screen door wall with a gorgeous view of lush greenery that made me feel hidden away, and I read almost the whole time in this perfectly comfortable wingback chair with at least one cat curled up in my lap. On the wall close to the chair, there was a framed poster of The Catcher in the Rye’s original cover, and I’d see it every morning, and gaze at it when I would get up to find something to eat. The person I was house-sitting for also had copies of The Catcher in the Rye and Nine Stories, and then I walked to the Annie Bloom’s Books around the corner and found Franny and Zooey. The whole experience felt completely immersive.
The deep misogyny of the literary world, when I first entered it, cannot be overstated. So much of what I witnessed seems inconceivable now—particularly post metoo—which is, I guess, what I was trying to capture this month!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for taking a moment to say this!! I spend so much time thinking through what I want to say about books and reading, and how much of my life I should discuss, so I really appreciate you using the term “insight” in relation to my words!!!
You are very welcome! The word seems fitting for a rich and wise inner world. That’s the beauty of Substack. So many close readers, wonderful writers and generous wisdom collectors. Enjoy your weekend.
You’re so right! I feel this very strongly as a reader. Substack offers an intimacy previously unimaginable and has enriched my life in profound ways!!
That's wonderful, Jonathan!! Joanna reads so much and has incredible taste. You can't go wrong with her recommendations. And if you haven't yet read My Salinger Year or A Fortunate Age both by Joanna, I'd encourage you to add those to your list! They're so good!
Jonathan, hi, and welcome!! I’m very new to substack—as a writer rather than a reader—so this is so great to hear! I always get nervous when this column goes out that readers will be like, “these books suck and you’re lame.” 😂
I first read My Salinger Year over an entire week while house-sitting for two cats. The house I was staying at had a screen door wall with a gorgeous view of lush greenery that made me feel hidden away, and I read almost the whole time in this perfectly comfortable wingback chair with at least one cat curled up in my lap. On the wall close to the chair, there was a framed poster of The Catcher in the Rye’s original cover, and I’d see it every morning, and gaze at it when I would get up to find something to eat. The person I was house-sitting for also had copies of The Catcher in the Rye and Nine Stories, and then I walked to the Annie Bloom’s Books around the corner and found Franny and Zooey. The whole experience felt completely immersive.
Wow! How wild that must have been! And how perfect!
I can't imagine anyone thinking of Didion as a "lightweight " since 1969...🤯 Currently doing a deep dive into all her essays.
She's so good!
The deep misogyny of the literary world, when I first entered it, cannot be overstated. So much of what I witnessed seems inconceivable now—particularly post metoo—which is, I guess, what I was trying to capture this month!
Thank you for these! Adding to my ever growing tbr pile ♥️♥️♥️
I know! My pile is currently enormous!!
I’m pretty sure that I’ll need to read a book every day until I die in order to get through them all! And that’s if I don’t add any more! 🫠💙
Ugh, my pile is so huge. I sometimes have a mild anxiety attack when I choose my next read! I get it! ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you! Totally trust your recommendations as if a life-long friend insisted with all the reasons they knew would compel me...
Oh, that's lovely! I feel the same!
Okay, this is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me! Thank you for making my day!
Thank you for your thoughtful insights.
I'm glad you enjoyed them! I'm always eager to discover Joanna's insights for the month!
I was an indie bookseller years ago and I understand the wisdom of books and the joy of sharing titles with other readers. Thanks again.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for taking a moment to say this!! I spend so much time thinking through what I want to say about books and reading, and how much of my life I should discuss, so I really appreciate you using the term “insight” in relation to my words!!!
You are very welcome! The word seems fitting for a rich and wise inner world. That’s the beauty of Substack. So many close readers, wonderful writers and generous wisdom collectors. Enjoy your weekend.
You’re so right! I feel this very strongly as a reader. Substack offers an intimacy previously unimaginable and has enriched my life in profound ways!!
Beautifully expressed! Exactly. I sense this too. Such a soft and welcoming space.
Just subscribed recently - loving your take on the books you feature. I'm trying to find more time to read - investing in myself.
That's wonderful, Jonathan!! Joanna reads so much and has incredible taste. You can't go wrong with her recommendations. And if you haven't yet read My Salinger Year or A Fortunate Age both by Joanna, I'd encourage you to add those to your list! They're so good!
Jonathan, hi, and welcome!! I’m very new to substack—as a writer rather than a reader—so this is so great to hear! I always get nervous when this column goes out that readers will be like, “these books suck and you’re lame.” 😂