Escapism, Great Reads, and the Launch of My Book Club
Doomscrolling? Nope. Escaping? Absolutely. 📚
Dear Reader,
Been a minute, hasn’t it? But if you’re like me, it doesn’t even feel like that because somehow the end of the year is always both the most exhausting AND the most action-packed.
These days I’m doing my bedtime routine as the sun sets (you read that right, I’ve found myself ready for bed before it’s 7 and forced myself to stay out of the bedroom until 8:30) and doing a lot less scrolling on the internet. That may or may not align with the timing of the election results (and my deletion of Twitter/X after 15 years-ish) and what has become an utter numbness at what’s happening worldwide. Awareness is good, but doomscrolling is not.
And so, largely, I’m looking to escape.
By no means does this mean I’m not scrolling on TikTok once I allow myself to crawl into bed but lately I need a bit more than that to distract my mind - and for a bit, the latest Zelda game did just that. As the temperatures drop and the end of the year gets closer (AKA the end of my Goodreads challenge) reading returns to its rightful spot as my number one choice of escapism.
What is Escapism?
You’ve heard the term before and even if you haven’t, I can guarantee you participate without even knowing it.
It’s a psych term that has, like most terms, gained popularity on the internet as of late, and it’s when a person routinely uses an activity or behavior to escape life's realities.
Now this can be several things, and of course can range in different extremes, additions, etc. Since it’s more of an all-encompassing term, you can count social media as a form of escapism, video games, reading, and then also different substances, work, and even gambling, or overeating. And that’s where it gets a lot more layered.
So, while I do dip my toes in many a vice, reading has been my top choice of escapism before I even knew what I was doing.
What I’ve Read Lately
I’ve now surpassedsed 60 books this year, and am inching towards my goal of 75. Goodreads says I’m behind, but I know as soon as I’m back home for the holidays I’ll be whipping through them in my annual quest to forget what day it is.
I’ve read 10 or so since we last chatted and wanted to highlight three that I particularly enjoyed:
The Seven Year Slip:
Sometimes, the worst day of your life happens, and you have to figure out how to live after it.
An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.
Assistant to the Villain
Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.
A Sorceress Comes to Call
A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic
Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend.
After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known.
Which brings me to a project I’d like to finally give some energy to next year…
Brianne’s Bookworms: Bookclub Launching 2025!
I have always wanted to have my own book club and I kind of technically do, as I started one at my 9-5…BUT! And I’m fully aware of hilariously controlling this will sound, I want to have one where I can choose the book and lead how it works.
Well, it’s time and everyone’s invited. Here’s what you need to know:
It’s going to of course take place within the online world, meaning anyone anywhere can join.
I’m going to run it through a free (and extremely cute) app called Fable - and you can join here! Through the newsletter as well, with an email to kick it off, and an email to wrap it up while announcing the next read.
I’ll be hosting giveaways of the book (and bookish things hehe) for my subscribers who are taking part.
It’ll be low effort - reading is my escape, and I’m not looking to give any of us homework.
Book suggestions will always be welcome!
For now, I have one question - and then we will kick it off in January with a book:
Until next chapter,
PS - if you reply to this email (or any) I can email you back! Just in case you want to chat :)
Scrolled to the bottom? Relatable. Here’s some fun stuff for ya:
📚 What I’m reading: I’ve slowed down but in the best way! Meaning I have less books on the go, and am getting through them a lot faster. I am obsessed with these two - to the point that I’ve been avoiding finishing How to End a Love Story.
🎶 What I’m listening to: This should come as no surprise. I’m going to see it for a second time this weekend and I am SO EXCITED.
📆 What’s up next for me: I popped up at a market at my office, but besides that I’m slowing it right down until next year. I can share though, that my book is now available in stores in Toronto and Midland, with more to come!