It’s no secret I am not a fan of camping. I try. I really do. But there’s something about the threat of mosquitoes and never *quite* feeling clean that gets me. Every. Time.
But here we are.
Because I love my husband and camping is so gosh-darn affordable, our family is spending this week camping in Michigan not too far from the beach. And you better believe I am in it for the beach, for pour-over coffee around the fire, and for six days off grid with my family. I’ve never been more excited about no cell service or internet and (dare I say it) even camping.
Plus, I brought this stack of books, so all is well.
We’re going to keep this week’s issue of The Shelf on the lighter side with a few good things I’ve collected PLUS a sneak peek at something new coming in August. And be sure to check out the community question, because I want to hear all about your favorite beach reads.
all grace + peace,
Sarah
PS: If you’re new to The Shelf, hello! Welcome. Here we explore faith and belonging in an effort to be a little more human together and a little more aware of the goodness of God in our midst. Each week, I send a short(ish) letter and a list of good things to pick up as well as an essay to end the month. I’m glad you’re here!
Good Things to Pick Up:
Vacation Edition
A Beach Read
To me, fiction is a must on vacation. I recently read The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes with my sisters and immediately got swept up into the stories of the hill people and the female librarians who brought them books. It was light enough to be entertaining without crossing over into fluffy. (A good mix, in my mind.)
An Indulgent Snack (or Two)
My go-to road trip food is beef jerky (because I’m cool and classy like that). While I’m generally a fan of something teriyaki flavored, I’m trying to be a little kinder to my body these days so I picked up a bag of Chomps, which are surprisingly quite good. We also picked up some Twizzlers, which is a vacation snack habit I inherited from my mother.
An Episode
Last week, I listened to a That Sounds Fun interview Annie F. Downs did with Andy Crouch about his new book The Life We’re Looking For and found myself nodding along by their conversation about how technology has shifted our human relationships (and how we can band together to get them back). The episode was great and definitely made me want to pick up the book.
And a Good Thing to Come…
In August, I’m going to be hosting an Instagram LIVE series of conversations on faith and belonging. Each week, I will invite a guest to join me, and we will ask questions, tell stories, and explore the joys and complexities of finding our place and our people. More to come!
Community Question
Each week in an effort to narrow the space between us, I ask a question for reflection and/or conversation. I’d love for you to join us in the comments (or if you’re more of an email type, feel free to hit reply).
The One Where I Go on Vacation
I really WANT to be a fiction reader, but I just haven't been able to find ones I enjoy for the last several years. If I'm on vacation, I will usually grab a book I already have read and know I love :)
I usually read fiction, mostly of the young adult genre. It's Twilight. I reread the Twilight Saga.