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Elizabeth Schulenburg's avatar

Hello! New to the neighborhood but it feels quite welcoming. I'm Elizabeth from Iowa, wife to Jeremy, mom to (almost) 11-year-old twins, and Charlie the dog and Jessie the cat. My job currently involves being a COVID vaccinator, so....its been a year.

I know I am new so my record is untested, but I am obsessively recommending A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. It is a novella that you will devour in one sitting. It is, quite honestly, the kindest book I have maybe ever read. It feels like warm hugs. It is truly the delightfulest of delights, and I hope everyone has a chance to find it.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Welcome, welcome! Thank you for the work you're doing to help keep us safe. I cannot imagine the toll it's taking on you, physically and emotionally. And I'm smitten just by the title of that book. Just put it on reserve at the library.

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Yvonne's avatar

I've been listening to Maid. I also have queued up Ready Player Two and Education. I'm clearly behind on my bookshelf lol.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I tried Maid but didn't finish it. It's one of those eye-opening, important books. But it was so reminiscent of the lives of so many people near us, I think my eyes were already open, if that makes sense. I'm glad it's out in the world, though, for sure!

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Yvonne's avatar

I get it. I would've lived the story myself as the child of a waitress except for the fact we lived next door to my grandparents. I was sitting in my car listening to it pounding my steering wheel saying preach it girl on so many occasions. Since I left my comment two new books were checked out to me that had been on my hold list because when it rains it pours lol.

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Kristen Kerwin's avatar

I'm sad too. I'm sitting with you and the peaches...and I'm so so sorry about Claire. Praying over our collective kiddos and teachers and admin and families as we kick off year THREE. The big things feel too big to hold in my heart some days, so I've been quieter than usual. Clint Smith's book just arrived here, but hubby called dibs first. Praying over you and your emerging book, too, my friend! 🧡

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Thank you, pal!! Look forward to hearing what you think of How The Word is Passed.

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Joyanne's avatar

So right about now, I am alternating between weeping for Afghanistan and everything we’ve left unfinished, gritting my teeth fiercely so I can get through the day with some sanity, crying over Haiti and all the heartache there or just shaking my head at how impossible we’ve made the situation with COVID. I am worn, I am weary, I am fatigued, I am spent and I am tired of feeling helpless. Then I take a deep breath or two or three and whisper my thanksgiving to the God who hears, the God who sees, the God who also weeps and try to wait for God’s breath to fill me with His good purposes. In my moments of levity, I laugh with my daughters, hug my friends and hold tight to the blessings I treasure and try to do better for those on my path. It is by no means enough but by God’s grace maybe my offering can be multiplied…thank you for sharing your heart. I see you, I hear you, I appreciate your gift…I thank our God for your presence and inspiration

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm so glad you're here. Deep breaths help more than we sometimes remember!

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Simon Travers's avatar

Those BRB's from Claire are awesome. Love them. Thanks for sharing.

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Chrissy Garwood's avatar

Thanks for trusting us with your heartache and your hope. I've found my thoughts drifting to you and your situation quite often, from my safe island-at-the-bottom-of-the-world sanctuary here in Tasmania, Australia.

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