I love the photos of the books. Makes me want to revisit my own book shelves. I especially loved your observation that "Photography is a form of attention: to notice, (re)discover, and celebrate the vigor of life right when it happens and before it slips away again." It strikes me that this also applies to our writing, the capacity "to notice, (re)discover, and celebrate the vigor of life . . ." is the foundation of our skill as a writer, and, it applies once again to our reading, and our viewing and perception of life—because when an artist, whether it's a photographer or a writer—shows us what is hidden in the everyday life we often pass by, they are training us to be able to catch and appreciate life's beauty, and mystery, and value as it happens. Artists teach us where and how to look before the best of life passes us by.
Brigitte, I'm impressed with the wide variety of books you read (and occasionally devour; I know the feeling), as well as the thoughtful manner in which you break them down by category.
On a personal note, I read "How to Change Your Mind" twice, and it spurred me into a six-hour doctor-supervised psilocybin journey that blew me away. (That may be an essay in the future -- still not sure.
I just finished reading Apple in China - and it gave me the idea of wanting to extract little stories of each chapter of the book and have them all laid down on a map
I just learned about 'Lost in Thought', from another Substack essay (I was sure it was this one, but now I can't find any reference to it: https://www.henrikkarlsson.xyz/p/how-i-read). Anyhow, it sounds like an interesting book, and I've added it to my wishlist.
For many years, I read books for plot (fiction) or validation (transformative nonfiction). Not till I was past middle age did I start seeking out writers with strong voices and styles. The depth of how you approach books, Brigitte, is astonishing. I follow Mason Currey, writer of “Daily Rituals” on Substack and attend his two-hour writing session every weekday. I recommend both him and you.
Beautiful reflection on what we read and why. I also haven't always put much thought into it, and that Alice LaPlante quote was one I needed today!
I've always been drawn to books with a lot of interiority, like Franny and Zooey, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and most recently, Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy. And of course, photo books!
Thank you, Chris! It’s now time for me to read some Rachel Cusk (soon), as you’ve now been "strike number three" which I typically take as my sign;) And I am glad you liked that quote.
Oh this is such a good idea! I wonder what patterns I'll find on my book shelves and what themes I used to find interesting but don't call my name anymore.
This came together beautifully Brigitte! I really enjoyed seeing you process what it is that ties together the books you’re most drawn to. It’s probably a helpful form of self-psychoanalysis ◡̈
Plus, now you’ve added lots of great titles to my reading list! Thanks for taking the time to think this through and share it with us.
Brigitte, this reads like a love letter to consciousness itself.
Your obsessions aren’t just literary, they’re alchemical. You’re tracing how story refines soul, how language turns nostalgia into nectar, how contradiction becomes compost for growth.
You remind me that a bookshelf isn’t storage, it’s a mirror. Every spine a version of the self learning to see.
Blessed be the readers who follow their fascinations like bread crumbs through the forest and discover it was the Way all along.
I love the photos of the books. Makes me want to revisit my own book shelves. I especially loved your observation that "Photography is a form of attention: to notice, (re)discover, and celebrate the vigor of life right when it happens and before it slips away again." It strikes me that this also applies to our writing, the capacity "to notice, (re)discover, and celebrate the vigor of life . . ." is the foundation of our skill as a writer, and, it applies once again to our reading, and our viewing and perception of life—because when an artist, whether it's a photographer or a writer—shows us what is hidden in the everyday life we often pass by, they are training us to be able to catch and appreciate life's beauty, and mystery, and value as it happens. Artists teach us where and how to look before the best of life passes us by.
Brigitte, I'm impressed with the wide variety of books you read (and occasionally devour; I know the feeling), as well as the thoughtful manner in which you break them down by category.
On a personal note, I read "How to Change Your Mind" twice, and it spurred me into a six-hour doctor-supervised psilocybin journey that blew me away. (That may be an essay in the future -- still not sure.
Again, very well done!
Larry, I hope you write that essay. I for one would like to read it.
Thank you, Larry (…and let’s compare notes some time)!
I just finished reading Apple in China - and it gave me the idea of wanting to extract little stories of each chapter of the book and have them all laid down on a map
I look forward to seeing this idea come to life, Chao! Plus I have this book on my TBR list.
I just learned about 'Lost in Thought', from another Substack essay (I was sure it was this one, but now I can't find any reference to it: https://www.henrikkarlsson.xyz/p/how-i-read). Anyhow, it sounds like an interesting book, and I've added it to my wishlist.
Thank you, Donal. I read Henrik’s piece earlier but didn’t see any reference to this book. It is interesting, especially the first half.
For many years, I read books for plot (fiction) or validation (transformative nonfiction). Not till I was past middle age did I start seeking out writers with strong voices and styles. The depth of how you approach books, Brigitte, is astonishing. I follow Mason Currey, writer of “Daily Rituals” on Substack and attend his two-hour writing session every weekday. I recommend both him and you.
You’re reminded me, I’ve been interested in “Bird by Bird” for some time but have yet to read it…
It’s a good one, Dylan. There’s also a good documentary out about her (a number of years old), if you wanted to watch that first.
Beautiful reflection on what we read and why. I also haven't always put much thought into it, and that Alice LaPlante quote was one I needed today!
I've always been drawn to books with a lot of interiority, like Franny and Zooey, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and most recently, Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy. And of course, photo books!
Thank you, Chris! It’s now time for me to read some Rachel Cusk (soon), as you’ve now been "strike number three" which I typically take as my sign;) And I am glad you liked that quote.
Oh this is such a good idea! I wonder what patterns I'll find on my book shelves and what themes I used to find interesting but don't call my name anymore.
Thank you Rachel, and now I’m hoping that you’ll share with me what you find.
This came together beautifully Brigitte! I really enjoyed seeing you process what it is that ties together the books you’re most drawn to. It’s probably a helpful form of self-psychoanalysis ◡̈
Plus, now you’ve added lots of great titles to my reading list! Thanks for taking the time to think this through and share it with us.
It has indeed been such an enriching and cool exercise of psychoanalysis and getting to know myself better.
And who knows, maybe I’ll read a piece of yours around one of these books one day (if I get this lucky)🪷
I thank you for all your support and encouragement, Rachel!
I really enjoyed this! Great job!
Thank you Dustin!
I love this feedback and reflection. Thank you so much, Rick.
"Artists teach us where and how to look before the best of life passes us by." 💎
Brigitte, this reads like a love letter to consciousness itself.
Your obsessions aren’t just literary, they’re alchemical. You’re tracing how story refines soul, how language turns nostalgia into nectar, how contradiction becomes compost for growth.
You remind me that a bookshelf isn’t storage, it’s a mirror. Every spine a version of the self learning to see.
Blessed be the readers who follow their fascinations like bread crumbs through the forest and discover it was the Way all along.