My Accidental Book Tour
To keep FOMO at bay, I’ve got a little trick—I keep a list of all the fun things I do throughout the year. With summer now officially in the rearview mirror, I took a look to take stock, and I realized something surprising: this summer was like a literary tour I didn’t even plan!
It all kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a family trip to The Brattle Book Shop in downtown Boston to celebrate my daughter Bennie’s 21st birthday. Now, The Brattle isn’t just any bookstore; founded in 1825, it’s one of America’s oldest and largest used bookstores. Yes, that’s right. It’s almost 200 years old!
It also holds special significance for our family. Four generations have roamed those shelves, and I’d bet we’ve left a well-worn path straight to the classics section! We all noodled around the outdoor bookshelves, and I picked up a copy of Band of Sisters by Kristin Holmstedt, a poignant exploration of the lives of women who served in the military during the post-9/11 era. Overall, it was the perfect way to launch the summer—surrounded by books, history, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
A few weeks later, I found myself in West Hartford, Connecticut, for a client meeting. I had no idea that this town was not only the birthplace of Noah Webster, of dictionary fame, but also the home of literary giant Mark Twain, known for his sharp wit and vivid storytelling.
Next up on this unintentional bookish adventure was a visit to The Mount in Lenox, the beautiful estate of Edith Wharton. If you’re unfamiliar, she’s the literary mastermind behind The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. Walking through her home felt like stepping into one of her novels—elegant, a bit dramatic, and fascinating. I half expected to stumble upon a secret manuscript tucked behind one of those grand old bookshelves!
Then, there was Nantucket, where I found myself in the charming hometown of Elin Hilderbrand, the queen of summer beach reads! I lunched at a spot called Or, The Whale—because who can resist a restaurant that tips its hat to Moby Dick? I mean, where else can you enjoy a great meal and a mid-day Bloody Mary while pondering the existential dilemmas of Captain Ahab?
I also enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Mitchell’s Book Corner. I escaped the sweltering, training-for-the-afterlife heat by cozying upstairs with my latest favorite book, The Librarianist by Patrick DeWitt, and writing in my journal.
So there you have it—my accidental literary-themed summer. Who knew I’d be spending my sunny days channeling my inner bookworm?
We are who we are, wherever we are, no matter the season.
P.S. Ready to uncover the story your summer (or any season of life) has been telling? Let’s dig deeper together! If you’re curious about exploring your own themes and turning them into something meaningful, why not consider private 1:1 writing coaching? Reach out, and let’s start crafting your narrative—I’d love to help you bring it to life!