This was such a lovely read, Don. I had a similar sensation of simple gratitude wash over me last week. There is a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, but the past few days were beautiful - warm and sunny, breezy and dry - an extra special treat for this time of year. I was reveling in the feeling of fresh air pouring in the open windows, the multitude of plants coming to life in the garden, my cat reclining in the sunshine, and my comfortable corner of the sofa where I was curled up with notebook and pen - battling my demons and envisioning a creative future. Later, I took a moment or two to savor a chapter in my latest read, The Liar’s Dictionary. (I’m enjoying it so far, but your mention of The Jellyfish Problem has distracted me …)
All this to say that I appreciate you highlighting that sometimes (most of the time?) happiness comes from simple comforts - someone to love, a good book, community camaraderie, an open window, a contented cat. It’s all a bit of magic. 💜✨
This is so wonderful, Don. Love the Vonnegut quote and I echo your sentiments regarding readers. I know that's why I love it here on Substack, not only do I encounter great writers but the vast majority of the are readers also giving that open, critical view of the world that I so appreciate. You always remind me to be grateful for everything and like you, I am so grateful to love and have someone love me like your Jennifer. Thanks for this Don.
I remember the first library of my childhood like it was my bedroom-I knew where all my favorite stuff was and going there every Saturday afternoon was the highlight of my week. I started reading young and still work my way through two to three books a week. “All the Light We Cannot See” is also my favorite. So well written. Too many children’s faves to name though!
Thank you, Molly. I know what you mean. I can also sum up an easy visual of exactly where the mysteries that I loved were in our town library. The children’s section was in the basement, which was kind of dark and dank, and there was a sign that said “BOMB SHELTER.”
Wonderful to know that the person sharing life with you is also the person you're most aligned with (never mind that preposition at the end of a sentence). Relationships are all different. Well, people are, and one follows the next. I have a close friend who has nearly opposite political views from her husband. They were partnered for 16 years or more before the got married, so it's not as though she didn't know. I give them a lot of credit for navigating around their differences, but that's not what I'd want in a partnership, if I'm being honest. I'm glad you and Jennifer have each other!
I’ve tried to imagine being married to someone with opposite political views and I just don’t know if I could sustain it. I just don’t know. (Also not sure how I could deal with someone extremely religious. Jennifer is more open to non-denominational “spiritualism” than I am (she talks to her dead parents) but when it comes down to it, she knows that she doesn’t really know).
Jennifer and I met in our 40s, so I think maybe you have higher expectations at that age, you know what you want and don’t want in a partner. Politics wasn’t a priority then, but I think other important factors were probably corollaries. Sometimes it still surprises me that Jennifer and all of her family members hold very similar philosophical/political views as I do (tolerant, care about those less fortunate, disgusted and appalled by Trump’s behavior) but so many of my own family don’t (some MAGA but mostly apathetic).
Big shout to your wonderful mom. Going regularly to the library during the school age is very good. That's because during the school age your mind's like a soil that's ready for receiving seeds, and going to the library plants the seeds in your mind's soil.
Although I've read mostly Persian literature, I've come across English literature as well and I'm proud of being the daughter of parents, who instead of teaching us (me and my siblings) how to fill our wardrobes with lots of clothes, or how to ask sb to do sth for you because you don't know how the simplest things work, taught us things like history, geography, literature, a little bit of medical stuff, and so on.
That’s lucky indeed, Negar. Even though my parents weren’t big readers, my mom took us to the library regularly when we were school aged, so I feel lucky as well!
And those built in book shelfs - swoon!!! What I wouldn’t give for that, too. You are talented!
I am the only reader in my home. It sometimes saddens me. The image of you & Jennifer sprawled out parallel reading sounds so nice. Literary intimacy. It’s a pretty good thing 😉
Thank you, Allison. My son and daughter don’t make a habit of reading, either. I once sent my son Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and he actually read it, but I’ve not seen either of my children voluntarily read for pleasure. That disappointed a dream!
But at least your children grew up around you reading; that’s gotta help somehow. (I moved out of my children’s house when they were 6 and 4.)
There is this book that apparently teen girls are loving—at least according to the clerk at Barnes & Noble. It’s called Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld (first in a series). Have you heard of it? I bought a copy for my tenant’s daughter after a conversation in which she revealed her negative body image issues to me. I wonder if you gifted your daughter a copy if she might be inspired to read? It sounds like a page-turner.
Yeah, I haven't given up on the idea of my kids finding the right books at the right time. Sometimes that's all it takes. I hadn't heard of that series, but it sounds like something that would pull Caroline in. Today is day #1 of summer vacation and one of the things we are doing this week is going to our town's library. It was built just this year, and I envision us visiting it many times this summer. I will try to get this book (though it may be on high demand!) Thanks for the rec.
What a perfect way to start the summer. I’ll bet that library is awesome!
Hyannis is getting a new library too, and that means the current one is closed indefinitely during the demolition and rebuild. But that’s OK because Barnstable and Centerville libraries are close by. 😊
I LOVED this post (anything about books always captures my attention). The pictures are fabulous as well—especially the one at the top with Jennifer and the very cute little one being turned into a feline. I’m incredibly fortunate as well to have married a reader. I look at our younger generations and I am worried about their future and the future THEY will be creating for their kids—because, like you say, the reading of books, let alone the love of books, is becoming rare. The ironic thing is, kids love listening to books and stories—so it’s more about the modeling of reading by the adults in their lives who nowadays find it way to easy to put a screen in front of their faces instead of the magical time-traveling machine that is a physical book. But, I’m commenting to the choir; afterall, there’s likely only one here who drives a repurposed school bus turned mobile library to local schools and kid centers! (BTW, Barbara Kingsolver is one of my faves as well! And I almost read “All the Light We Cannot See” in one sitting—so riveting.) Peace my friend. 🙏🏼
Thanks, Kert, and what a coincidence. I read your comment just after I closed my laptop on a piece I am writing about ageism and how I believe the lack of reading contributes to it. And that it is the adult’s responsibility to put books in the young people‘s hands!
The essay is 550 words so I’m not sure if it will be a note or a post but you’ll get to read it within the week. It includes another three or four book recommendations! 😊
Have you read anything great lately, Kert?
Oh, and thank you so much for this comment and for reading, my friend. I send you love and light!
Love this, thank you. Right now, I’m reading a couple of non-fiction books (my preferred genre). One on animism by David Abram and one by Krishnamurti. For 2026, I made a couple of book project/commitments to myself: to read all the Tolkien’s LOLR quartet (that includes The Hobbit—I’m done with the first two! I never read Fantasy but I wanted to see what all the fuss is about, especially after Jackson’s very popular movie adaptations—which I haven’t yet seen either); to read The Odyssey, ahead of the movie coming out this summer (I really enjoyed The Iliad, never got around to reading Homer’s other); and then to read James by Percival Everett (Huck Finn is in my Top 10 of all time books, this novel’s concept is so fascinating to me and I can’t wait to start it). I could talk books all day! And I’m like you in that every book I do read has been “researched.” There is always a reason for my reading. 🙏🏼
I was just dipping into Krishnamurti today! I revisit periodically.
I tried doing exactly what you’re doing once; checking out Tolkien just to see what all the fuss is about. I forget if it was The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but I never finished it. I admit I didn’t try very hard to stay with it.
I usually have one fiction and one non-fiction going. The non-fiction I’m finishing up now is Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, and I just finished Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking.
What strikes me about Vonnegut's instruction is the "exclaim" part.
Not just notice. Exclaim.
There's something in that extra step. The moment becomes more real when you say it out loud, even quietly to yourself.
Buddhist meditation teachers sometimes call this "noting" -- briefly naming what's arising: "contentment," "ease," "peace." Not analyzing, just flagging it for the conscious mind.
The thinking is that we're well-trained to notice what's wrong. The nervous system evolved for threat detection. Good moments slide by unremarked.
Vonnegut figured out the same patch: you have to actively catch the pleasant things, or they don't get registered as pleasant things.
I find myself wondering if the GYO lunch and the Sunday chair feel more like "a pretty good thing" now that you've written about them than they did while they were happening.
I’m lucky to have such a talented writer include me in his essay. He knows how to make me shine. I love you💖
Aw shucks. 🫢💚🩷
This was such a lovely read, Don. I had a similar sensation of simple gratitude wash over me last week. There is a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, but the past few days were beautiful - warm and sunny, breezy and dry - an extra special treat for this time of year. I was reveling in the feeling of fresh air pouring in the open windows, the multitude of plants coming to life in the garden, my cat reclining in the sunshine, and my comfortable corner of the sofa where I was curled up with notebook and pen - battling my demons and envisioning a creative future. Later, I took a moment or two to savor a chapter in my latest read, The Liar’s Dictionary. (I’m enjoying it so far, but your mention of The Jellyfish Problem has distracted me …)
All this to say that I appreciate you highlighting that sometimes (most of the time?) happiness comes from simple comforts - someone to love, a good book, community camaraderie, an open window, a contented cat. It’s all a bit of magic. 💜✨
I think you hit the nail on the head, Jamie; happiness comes from the simple things.
Thank you so much for reading and for being here. I wish you continued warm sunny breezes, and plenty of time with your notebook. Demons, be gone! 🙏💚
Jamie, may I borrow your last paragraph? Rarely have I read anything so perfect.
Of course! What a nice thing to say. Wishing you all the simple comforts that make life to magical.
Cheers to you, and cheers to Jennifer.
It's definitely a good thing :)
Thank you, Jimmy! 🙏💚
This is so wonderful, Don. Love the Vonnegut quote and I echo your sentiments regarding readers. I know that's why I love it here on Substack, not only do I encounter great writers but the vast majority of the are readers also giving that open, critical view of the world that I so appreciate. You always remind me to be grateful for everything and like you, I am so grateful to love and have someone love me like your Jennifer. Thanks for this Don.
Aw, thanks so much, Steve, my friend. I know your sentiments come straight from the heart. 🙏💚
This read like a love letter Don 🌺🥰
Thank you, Sabrina. 🙏💚
I remember the first library of my childhood like it was my bedroom-I knew where all my favorite stuff was and going there every Saturday afternoon was the highlight of my week. I started reading young and still work my way through two to three books a week. “All the Light We Cannot See” is also my favorite. So well written. Too many children’s faves to name though!
Thank you, Molly. I know what you mean. I can also sum up an easy visual of exactly where the mysteries that I loved were in our town library. The children’s section was in the basement, which was kind of dark and dank, and there was a sign that said “BOMB SHELTER.”
I can just imagine the smell of cold basement mixed with the books and a slightly moldy overtone…….I would’ve read there all day long!
Wonderful to know that the person sharing life with you is also the person you're most aligned with (never mind that preposition at the end of a sentence). Relationships are all different. Well, people are, and one follows the next. I have a close friend who has nearly opposite political views from her husband. They were partnered for 16 years or more before the got married, so it's not as though she didn't know. I give them a lot of credit for navigating around their differences, but that's not what I'd want in a partnership, if I'm being honest. I'm glad you and Jennifer have each other!
Oh, and thank you, Elizabeth! 😊💚
I’ve tried to imagine being married to someone with opposite political views and I just don’t know if I could sustain it. I just don’t know. (Also not sure how I could deal with someone extremely religious. Jennifer is more open to non-denominational “spiritualism” than I am (she talks to her dead parents) but when it comes down to it, she knows that she doesn’t really know).
Jennifer and I met in our 40s, so I think maybe you have higher expectations at that age, you know what you want and don’t want in a partner. Politics wasn’t a priority then, but I think other important factors were probably corollaries. Sometimes it still surprises me that Jennifer and all of her family members hold very similar philosophical/political views as I do (tolerant, care about those less fortunate, disgusted and appalled by Trump’s behavior) but so many of my own family don’t (some MAGA but mostly apathetic).
Big shout to your wonderful mom. Going regularly to the library during the school age is very good. That's because during the school age your mind's like a soil that's ready for receiving seeds, and going to the library plants the seeds in your mind's soil.
So true, thanks, Negar. 🙏💚
Gern geschehen, Don (You're welcome, Don).
You’re right, Don. It’s ideal to have a partner who has reading in common, even if you read different books.
Thanks, Jo! 🙏💚
You’re welcome, Don. Happy Friday!
I love this! By chance, do you have a brother? 😉
Haha, I have four brothers and three sisters. But I have always been very very different from my family. They used to call me the milkman’s son! 😅
Good one, Don!
Although I've read mostly Persian literature, I've come across English literature as well and I'm proud of being the daughter of parents, who instead of teaching us (me and my siblings) how to fill our wardrobes with lots of clothes, or how to ask sb to do sth for you because you don't know how the simplest things work, taught us things like history, geography, literature, a little bit of medical stuff, and so on.
That’s lucky indeed, Negar. Even though my parents weren’t big readers, my mom took us to the library regularly when we were school aged, so I feel lucky as well!
This was just such a treat to read, seriously. 💓 You two diving into stories, soaking in life, both in your own way but together is just 👌👌👌
It says so much about how being present with another human, especially one you like 🫴😂, makes even the simplest things so wonderful.
Thank you for inviting us into such a lovely day!
Thank you very much, Rebecca. Sorry for the delayed response! 😊
Please, no apology necessary. No hustle zone 😂 Just thank you letters in the mail 🙌💓
😊🩷
Oh I loved this, Don.
And those built in book shelfs - swoon!!! What I wouldn’t give for that, too. You are talented!
I am the only reader in my home. It sometimes saddens me. The image of you & Jennifer sprawled out parallel reading sounds so nice. Literary intimacy. It’s a pretty good thing 😉
Thank you, Allison. My son and daughter don’t make a habit of reading, either. I once sent my son Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and he actually read it, but I’ve not seen either of my children voluntarily read for pleasure. That disappointed a dream!
But at least your children grew up around you reading; that’s gotta help somehow. (I moved out of my children’s house when they were 6 and 4.)
There is this book that apparently teen girls are loving—at least according to the clerk at Barnes & Noble. It’s called Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld (first in a series). Have you heard of it? I bought a copy for my tenant’s daughter after a conversation in which she revealed her negative body image issues to me. I wonder if you gifted your daughter a copy if she might be inspired to read? It sounds like a page-turner.
Yeah, I haven't given up on the idea of my kids finding the right books at the right time. Sometimes that's all it takes. I hadn't heard of that series, but it sounds like something that would pull Caroline in. Today is day #1 of summer vacation and one of the things we are doing this week is going to our town's library. It was built just this year, and I envision us visiting it many times this summer. I will try to get this book (though it may be on high demand!) Thanks for the rec.
What a perfect way to start the summer. I’ll bet that library is awesome!
Hyannis is getting a new library too, and that means the current one is closed indefinitely during the demolition and rebuild. But that’s OK because Barnstable and Centerville libraries are close by. 😊
I enjoyed this, it was a good read
Thank you, Jo. 😊
I LOVED this post (anything about books always captures my attention). The pictures are fabulous as well—especially the one at the top with Jennifer and the very cute little one being turned into a feline. I’m incredibly fortunate as well to have married a reader. I look at our younger generations and I am worried about their future and the future THEY will be creating for their kids—because, like you say, the reading of books, let alone the love of books, is becoming rare. The ironic thing is, kids love listening to books and stories—so it’s more about the modeling of reading by the adults in their lives who nowadays find it way to easy to put a screen in front of their faces instead of the magical time-traveling machine that is a physical book. But, I’m commenting to the choir; afterall, there’s likely only one here who drives a repurposed school bus turned mobile library to local schools and kid centers! (BTW, Barbara Kingsolver is one of my faves as well! And I almost read “All the Light We Cannot See” in one sitting—so riveting.) Peace my friend. 🙏🏼
Thanks, Kert, and what a coincidence. I read your comment just after I closed my laptop on a piece I am writing about ageism and how I believe the lack of reading contributes to it. And that it is the adult’s responsibility to put books in the young people‘s hands!
The essay is 550 words so I’m not sure if it will be a note or a post but you’ll get to read it within the week. It includes another three or four book recommendations! 😊
Have you read anything great lately, Kert?
Oh, and thank you so much for this comment and for reading, my friend. I send you love and light!
My next novel is going to be either:
Call Me by your Name, by Andre Aciman
or
Wandering Stars, by Tommy Orange
Love this, thank you. Right now, I’m reading a couple of non-fiction books (my preferred genre). One on animism by David Abram and one by Krishnamurti. For 2026, I made a couple of book project/commitments to myself: to read all the Tolkien’s LOLR quartet (that includes The Hobbit—I’m done with the first two! I never read Fantasy but I wanted to see what all the fuss is about, especially after Jackson’s very popular movie adaptations—which I haven’t yet seen either); to read The Odyssey, ahead of the movie coming out this summer (I really enjoyed The Iliad, never got around to reading Homer’s other); and then to read James by Percival Everett (Huck Finn is in my Top 10 of all time books, this novel’s concept is so fascinating to me and I can’t wait to start it). I could talk books all day! And I’m like you in that every book I do read has been “researched.” There is always a reason for my reading. 🙏🏼
I was just dipping into Krishnamurti today! I revisit periodically.
I tried doing exactly what you’re doing once; checking out Tolkien just to see what all the fuss is about. I forget if it was The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, but I never finished it. I admit I didn’t try very hard to stay with it.
I usually have one fiction and one non-fiction going. The non-fiction I’m finishing up now is Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, and I just finished Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking.
What strikes me about Vonnegut's instruction is the "exclaim" part.
Not just notice. Exclaim.
There's something in that extra step. The moment becomes more real when you say it out loud, even quietly to yourself.
Buddhist meditation teachers sometimes call this "noting" -- briefly naming what's arising: "contentment," "ease," "peace." Not analyzing, just flagging it for the conscious mind.
The thinking is that we're well-trained to notice what's wrong. The nervous system evolved for threat detection. Good moments slide by unremarked.
Vonnegut figured out the same patch: you have to actively catch the pleasant things, or they don't get registered as pleasant things.
I find myself wondering if the GYO lunch and the Sunday chair feel more like "a pretty good thing" now that you've written about them than they did while they were happening.