The Extroverted Reader

Hello hello,

I hope everyone is right where they need to be on this Friday afternoon – mentally and physically. I’m at home, music- capital B – Blasting, piles of books on either side of my computer, and just about ready to open a bottle of ice cold Rose. Heaven. The only thing that could make this any better is if all of my best friends were sitting around this dining room table with me. I’ll go a step further, if anyone – best friend or stranger – was at this table with me. Which leads me to my recent, brilliant business idea…

A few months ago on a Sunday afternoon, I was getting ready to run some errands alone, and my gracious husband told me to take my time (very sexy!) so I threw my book in my purse on my way out the door. After a few stops, I found myself walking around a little neighborhood Main street wishing there was a book store I could pop into and get a glass of wine. And that’s when I started to wonder – why aren’t there bookstore/wine bars on every corner?! It was a perfect combination of all my favorite things in life – humans, books, and wine. So I rushed home to explain this blossoming idea to my husband. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a little indy book store that had a big wine bar in the middle where people came to hang out, read, and sip some wine? This sounded like a million dollar idea! [I already had a store name – The Extroverted Reader!]

So, after I tell my husband that we have to contact Shark Tank, we dive into the details. And I’ll warn you – it’s a little grim. First, brick and mortar stores are objectively on the decline (#borders #babiesrus #circuitcity #allsmalltownmom&popstoresever). Second, many people who like to read generally don’t want to do it in the company of strangers. Third, how exactly does one read a book AND talk to strangers at the same time? Needless to say, we thoroughly explored the idea only to realize what we were describing is a Book Club!!! People have been getting together to drink and talk about books forever. Hello! (Have no fear, I still intend to pursue the Extroverted Reader in some form or another)

My excitement around this whole topic was revitalized this week when I learned that two amazing women I work with are also prolific readers. Is there anything better than connecting with people around a shared interest? IMO, it’s the meaning of life #community. I remember I had a former boss who talked about feeling god/spirituality in nature (I see you camping people), and I personally feel god/spirituality in humanity.

Of course, I have to recommend a podcast before signing off. So speaking of spirituality, check out the We Can Do Hard Things with Cole Arthur Riley here:

Cole Arthur Riley is way wise beyond her years. She has so much to teach all of us.

Talk soon,

Jessica