I have been struggling the past few months, and it is not depression so much as it is stagnant, and passive. I am happy, and I have so much joy, but my life is also full of unnecessary things. I am tired of the screens in my life. I know them too well, and they know me better. They grip me in when there are any spare moments in my day, they tell me what to think and they cause me unnecessary stress. My computer at work, my laptop, my phone, my iPad, my television - I want less screens and I want more inspiration. Not to say I do not find inspiration there because I do, but probably like most of you, I often experience numbness. I want to peruse less and do more.
I am taking a series of steps to un-clutter my life. Most are personal, but one I hope - will be the opposite of personal. I hope it becomes a place where I and those around me are vulnerable and open to inspiration and change and discovering more of the human parts of this existence we all share. That is a fancy way of saying, that I am starting a book club.
This book club is not exclusive. I realized a few days ago that I am the most inspired though when I am discussing literature with other people who love literature. Therefore, I am starting a book club for those who love literature too, a lot. I will host it once a month in my tiny apartment, and I hope it will become a place for people like me who feel void after leaving school (or are still in school but just really love books.)
For those who do not live near Orem, Utah, first of all, congratulations for living in a place that is more exciting than this, and second, I will share the recap of the club and host it online too. I don't care how many people want to participate, really I don't. There could be 150 of you or 2 of you and it would all be worth it to me because it would allow this particular screen of mine to do something productive and beautiful.
If you are interested, please let me know - comment, email me, call me, text me, show up on my front door, write me a letter - anything. I hope to start in March and choose the book soon.
"We can only be human together."
- Desmond Tutu
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25 comments:
I really love this idea, and I really wish that I lived closer so I could participate! But will you share the books you choose for your book club on your blog? I'm always looking for new books to read. I'm not the biggest reader, mainly because I don't have much time, but a goal of mine this year really is to read more. Maybe this might help :)
xoxo,
Joelle
I am definitely interested! Please please please!
I am interested, but I live in Nashville, TN. I will definitely read the books and comment or whatever you're doing online, though! xo
Definitely interested. Not sure if I could make it to Orem, as we live in SLC, but I think we will be moving this summer to the Draper area. In any case, I'm in! I love your book reviews and am excited to discover and discuss.
I'm interested in giving it a shot from Texas! Let me know your plan is. ashley.l.hamlin@gmail.com
I am interested in hearing about the books you read. I'm in California, but I want to listen in on your discussions...there's nothing like a good book!
Mandy when I got back from my mission I set some rules for myself about the media. Not that I was worried about being obsessive but it was so nice to not be inundated by that stuff. So for me I only watch 5 hours a week of tv/movies. I try to leave my phone at home sometimes and I put stayfocused on my computer and try to do internet-y things for only an hour a day (and not on Sundays) It's pretty blissful.
Being a book club with you would be like being back in Dr. Matthews class a bit. Don't you miss school sometimes? Anyway this will be perfect for me to get more reviews done at the blue bookcase (http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com) so fun idea especially since my relief society doesn't have one.
You're not going to choose the book every time are you? ;)
I want to join! I live in Orem too. C-C and I will come together.
I am so interested. Although my English major makes it difficult to read anything but what is required, I love ideas for new books. I'd love to join in!
For once I wish I was back in Utah so I could come to this!
Haha "if you don't live near orem, first of all congratulations," haha I love it. Mandy I'm moving up to Salt Lake this summer but I'd love to be a part of your book club until then!
And PS. I admire your honesty in this post and you proactively making steps to change what you want to change. That is admirable.
Obviously, I'm in. I know what you mean--about the screens and the passivity. I was in the midst of it about a year ago, and it's the small, but hard, things that get you out. Reading and discussing great lit is one of the best antidotes for me. Like Kels said, I admire you for making a change.
haha i don't think rexburg is anymore exciting than orem. I need a reason to read.. i just can't do it alone. Id love to join. via the internet of course :)
Mandy, I don't know if you remember me from out in Hawaii, but I kind of creepily stalk your blog. I love this idea, and although I'm not in Utah would love to participate!
mandy, this is such a wonderful idea! i've always wanted to be a part of a book club...count me in! and you know i'll bring delicious treats. email me if you need help putting it together. emmajoy7@gmail.com
i want in! been wanting to be in a book club for a while now. can"t wait to find out what we're reading
Cute idea Mands, you know I'm in. Can't wait to find out what book we're reading!
I love this idea and have been thinking about joining a book club for a while. Count me in!
I was walking through the BYU bookstore yesterday planning to start a book club and now I don't have to. I'd love to come. Let me know what to read.
in all honesty joining a book club is on my bucket list. i have wanted to do it for so long now but every time i get an opportunity i find an excuse to avoid it. while i worry that i wouldn't have a single thing to say in a room full of super intelligent book readers i still want to join & i still want to force myself into something that may end up being the greatest thing ever. so this is me telling you that i'm considering joining your book club. i'll even bring a baked treat to the meetings.
I am interested in reading the books and discussing online. I live a little too far away from Provo to probably come, but I would love to be apart of it somehow!
i would love to participate online. i am in kingsport, tn.
Love it! I live in Provo and am dying for this kind of thing.
I m so much interested...
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