BEYOND THE POINT

now available from Harper Collins’ William Morrow Books

A Book of the Month Pick for April 2019!

 

but the greatest of these is instagram

I’ll be reading a new chapter from a novel-in progress this week @eastsidestorytn — and I’m just a LITTLE bit terrified. I rarely did open readings with #beyondthepoint so this will be totally new to me. Would love to see some familiar (uncritical??) faces in the crowd. Come join us!! 7 pm @theposteast this Tuesday 8/20.
Well that was fun! Loved recommending some of my latest favorites with @todayinnashville this morning. You have probably already heard me wax poetic about @erinleecarr’s #allyouleavebehind and @etafrum’s #awomanisnoman. Have you bought them yet? What are you waiting for!? If nonfiction research social science stuff is more your speed (like it is mine) then I’d definitely recommend Paul Tough’s upcoming book, #theyearsthatmattermost (releasing 9/10). Its about whether college admission works. (Hint: not so much.) If you’d rather a throwback title, I have to recommend Edna Ferber’s 1924 Pulitzer winner, So Big. @brookewaggoner_ told me about it and it is SO GOOD and inspiring. I was also able to give a shout out to @writerfestnsh which is happening November 22-23 at Lipscomb University. The lineup is going to be stacked with literary, music, and film industry giants. You’ll want to be there. Registration is open now!
I talk a lot with my hands. Love these shots with @thecrazycolonel from the #beyondthepoint launch @politicsprose! These four frames are me in a nutshell. #debutauthor #bookofthemonthclub 📸: @cadetissue
Calling all fans of children’s books! I’m looking to find some new lovely titles to add to our shelves this fall. What are your favorites?
I don’t blog much - but when I do, I try to make it count. A whole rundown of my 40-day smartphone fast. And yes it was as bad as you think. And also so much better. (Link in bio) 💥 A few tidbits: 1. Switching a SIM card is harder than I’d anticipated 2. Loss of contacts= Freedom to be alone with my thoughts 3. Inconvenient texting = most of what I text is unnecessary 4. Loss of Perceived “efficiency” = honesty about compulsive habits 5. No camera = relying on others 6. Limited Social Media = dose of emotional Allegra 7. Taking a break from Instagram = doubled my influence 8. I want Apple to create something I’m calling “iFlip”
SPOILER ALERT TIMES 💯 Let’s talk about #beyondthepoint! Want to know what’s real and what’s fiction? Want to know what was the deal with Dani and Locke? Want to know more about West Point, women in the military, or other books that helped inform the book? Leave me your questions and I’ll respond with my answers below! . #pleasesomeoneparticipate . #bookofthemonthclub #beyondthepoint #womenbeyondthepoint #novel #bookdiscussion #bookclubpick #instagrambookclub #nycbookgirl #nashvillebookgirl
Today, technically, is the last day of my self-induced 40-day “smartphone fast.” I have to be honest, using a flip phone has had a long list of pros and also a substantial list of cons. I’m working on a blog post now to recount the things I’ve learned. But here’s one thing you should know: I haven’t moved my SIM card back into my iphone yet. I’m not sure that I will. 🌱 I’ve enjoyed leaving my smartphone at home when I go on errands or to meet friends at the park or to enjoy dinner with my husband. I’ve enjoyed the freedom. The break. 🌱 I’ve missed: audiobooks, podcasts (I’m looking at you @thepopcast), connecting with readers who are enjoying #beyondthepoint. 🌱 I’ve noticed: how disconnected I feel due to the loss of iMessage. How at peace I feel when I wake up and don’t walk straight to my phone. How enjoyable it is to drive without relying on GPS. How out of control I felt the first time I made a mistake and didn’t have my iPhone to give me a sense of power over my mistake. And more. Still unpacking. 🌱 I’ve read more books. I’ve sent more well-intentioned emails. I’ve cooked meals and stayed focused. I’ve put off things that ARENT urgent. I’ve spent less money.
Let’s talk about this book. Let’s talk about how incredibly brave @etafrum is for lifting the veil on the culture that exists in some Arab communities and the courage it requires to break free. Let’s talk about abuse and kindness and the way Books open our minds to new worlds, new possibilities, and new futures. Let’s talk about the subway station at the end. 🙊 . I loved this book, almost as much as I’ve loved getting to know @etafrum through our little @bookofthemonth family. ❤️ a woman is no man, but thank goodness she’s not.
I’m a survivor, I’m gonna make it, I will survive, keep on survivin. #samsingsdestinyschild 📸: @holly_everett