J.Brand Boyfriend jeans, Zara Chambray shirt (old but many similar options under all under $60 here), Oscar de la Renta ‘Shock’ nail lacquer, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, Dana Rebecca ‘Lauren Joy’ necklace

I was never a huge reader growing up. Actually, I wasn’t a reader at all. You can read more about that in one of my old post, Book Worm. For some reason my sister got all the ability of reading – she was fast and she loved it. I however had to read each page slowly and sometimes multiple times. I was so scared of missing a detail that it took me ages to finish one book. I still remember the first real chapter book I ever finished: Frindle. My brother is a bit older than me so when he was in drivers ed to get his license my dad would take me to the public library and we would read. I remember thinking it was such a cool place but I could never find a book I actually wanted to finish. Until I came upon Frindle. I always chose my books by their cover. Seriously against everything they tell you but I was 10 and needed something eye catching.

It wasn’t until years later (almost 15), that I started really enjoying a good book. Isn’t that sad? I used to think so, but now I think it just takes some people longer to enjoy the art. Since I hang on to every word the author writes and become so invested in emotions and characters it is hard for me to jump from one book to the next. I swear I still think about A Girl Named Helen Keller from the 3rd grade. I  really do get that invested in characters!

The past two books I have read have been mysteries – and I think I have found my favorite genre. I absolutely love the thrill of not knowing what is coming next and getting to turn the page, only to be flabbergasted by the turn of events. If you like mysteries I recommend Never Coming Back by Tim Weaver and Gone Girl Gillian Flynn. The latter was a recommendation from my good friend, Molly, who like my sister reads all the time. She also recommended my next read: How Luxury Lost Its Luster – I start it today.

Since I mentioned trying to be inspired by people, places, and things around me, I figured I should start with myself. I am always in awe-of and kind of jealous of those who say, “Oh, have you read the latest from so and so?” or “I can’t wait to start so and so’s new book.” They always seem so intellectual – something I have never prided myself on but have always appreciated in others. I admire my sister, mother-in-law, and friends like Molly who always take the time to read and appreciate the writing or story that is being told.

I wanted to conclude this with one of my favorite quotes from Mr. Holland’s Opus. In the movie, Mr. Holland is fired because the school is cutting the art budget to save time for math and science. The conversation goes something like this –
Vice Principal Wolters: “I care about these kids just as much as you do. And if I’m forced to choose between Mozart and reading and writing and long division, I choose long division.”  
Mr. Holland: “Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want. Sooner or later, these kids aren’t going to have anything to read or write about.”

This has always been one of my favorite quotes because art is what gives life, life. It is what gives us all a reason to have and feel emotion. I always feel like those who appreciate art and reading take the time to do so. They are creatives and can see the small beauty in things. I may be taking it overboard but it is a quality I truly appreciate in all of my friends and family. That is why I am taking a cue from them this year and taking time to slow down to appreciate a beautiful piece of art or a really good book.

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