I have always loved to learn about history and the goings on of the world. Ever since I was a little girl I have been reading about long ago times, far away places and the events that made the world what it is today. I was named Elisabeth, and when I was a little girl my grandfather nicknamed me “Lilabet” like the queen. That’s probably where my anglophilia started along with my love for learning about all things historical. I remember reading every book I possibly could about the Titanic in 2nd grade, I read all the Dear Diary YA novels I could get my hands on and have simply always loved the idea of “this could actually have been me” feeling that came along with them.
Now don’t take this endeavor as anything against and other types of books. I read books of all kind and would never speak against fiction of any kind, but I have noticed a serious gap in the world of book lovers that I’ve never quite figured out. There are hundreds of accounts out there that will give the best recommendations for the most recent fiction releases and write incredible reviews on the latest Reese’s Book Club selection (all of which I, too, devour). But as I searched for the recommendations of the more historical, intellectual, business, self help, etc. type, what I found left much to be desired. It was mostly just finance bros, tbh. Which, has a place! Its just… not on my instagram feed. Ha!
So after years of fruitless searching and the best intentions of a wonderful friend, I’ve decided I am going to make the place I’ve been looking for myself. I do so with very little real plans and to give myself permission to simply have this space be one that fills me. That teaches me. That creates a place for people that love what I love to come together and (if I’m being honest) get the recommendations I’ve been looking for! So what i’m saying is this might be mostly selfish. And I’ve decided to be okay with that because I also think it can be good for others as well?
Long story long, I hope I can help expand other people’s bookshelves along with my own. I hope to encourage people to branch out from the NYT best selling novels and find more in the realm of reality. I hope other stay at home moms are inspired to read in ways that help them feel less isolated, more informed and more relatable at the parties/girls nights out/weekend getaways that are meant to make them feel more human. I know for me that learning daily through reading gives me a small taste of that in the pages or in the solitude of my headphones while my children scream around me.
