write stories that inspire more courageous living

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 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
Selling some pretty rad items from our home. DM me for more details. 🏠 Pair of Orange Upholstered Chairs Clairemont Crate + Barrel oval coffee table (as is) Restoration Hardware leather English roll arm sofa White Painted Wood Queen Headboard Natural Jute Rug ✌🏻 #housereno #forsale #furniture #eastnashville #buyselltrade
That studio lighting is the real deal, y’all! Thanks to @thekellysutton and @todayinnashville for having me on to recommend books for summer reading! (Obviously I left my book in Kelly’s hands to take on her vacation!) 🌱 You won’t be disappointed if you pick up any of these @parnassusbooks! . 📘Second Mountain by David Brooks 📘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by @lorigottlieb_author 📘Once More We Saw Stars by @greenejayson 📘Very Nice by @mdermansky (Avail. 7/2!) What are you reading right now? #books #allthembooks #nashvillebookgirl #maybeyoushouldtalktosomeone #verynice #oncemorewesawstars #secondmountain
I walked up to everyone on the beach and asked what they’re reading. ❤️ The first photo is mine and I’m FLYING through it. What a masterful tale @marybethkeane. I care so deeply for Peter and Kate! ❤️ #askagainyes #beachreads #whatareyoureading #booksintheair
I’m taking a little hiatus from smartphones/social media - so I leave this with you as food for thought. ❤️ Spending some time feeding the second wolf. (Also, you can contact me at my website - www.clairegibson.com/contact)
Huge thanks to @momsdonthavetimetoreadbooks and @zibbyowens for hosting such a beautiful and thoughtful conversation today between @gretchenrubin and @aestheticsofjoy ❤️ Left me with so much to think about, and so many new friends to cheer for and celebrate (ie. you @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg!). Raise a glass (or a coffee cup)!! To books!