19 Comments

Thanks so much for including me in this round-up, Gayla. I’m delighted to be described as your reading twin, and to see so many new-to-me bookstacks on this list!

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You're welcome Rosalynn; I enjoy reading All By Our Shelves. There are so many bookish newsletters on Substack now and more arriving every day. I like to share the ones I enjoy with my readers.

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Delighted to be included here, and even more so to be your book twin! thank you so much Gayla - and hope you’ve had a lovely California trip ☀️

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I read a lot of newsletters, but I don't have a lot of "book twins" so when I find one or a few, I eagerly await each new newsletter. Yes, I had a great time and I came back feeling rested and relaxed. And then work happened. lol

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Thanks for the shout-out. Some ideas are better in my head than in practice. The name is a metaphor for my cynicism and an allusion to an Ambrose Bierce Devil's Dictionary entry.

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Thanks for being here and for the explanation; I've never heard of Ambrose Bierce The Devil's Dictionary, so I'm off to learn more. Although, with the word devil, do I want to know more? I'll have to keep this in mind as I read your newsletters. I have picked up on some cynicism a few times, now I see where it is coming from.

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Oh, that’s where the sudden influx of subscribers comes from! 😁

Thanks for the support!

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Glad to see you got some visitors and subscribers from the shout out. We have such a great community here and I just want everyone to know about all the great newsletters there are.

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Hi Gayla! I'm thrilled to be included in your round-up of bookish newsletters. Thank you so much. It really made my day and put a big smile on my face. I'm looking forward to checking out the other bookish newsletters as well as they look excellent. I would love to have a reading twin.

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When you find a reading twin, it's almost magical. You learn that they like many of the same books you do and you come to trust their recommendations when they indicate that they really enjoyed a book. I hate wasting time on a book if I'm not going to like it, so I feel more confident when someone I know/follow etc. reads a book and gives it a glowing recommendation. It's not 100% foolproof, but for me, it's much better than just a generic review from some unknown reviewer. My reading life is so much better for it. I hope you find a reading twin of your own soon! Take care.

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I know exactly what you mean. I have two sisters who read a lot and often recommend books to me. We have very similar tastes, so I always feel confident about their recs.

On the other hand, another good friend strongly recommended a book and said she couldn’t wait for me to read it so we could discuss it. I’ve read about 50 pages and do not like it one bit! I’ve already started a new book which is fantastic, so I don’t think I’ll be picking it up again. I’ll have to let her down gently.

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I feel for you in that situation.

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Great roundup, Gayla! Have you checked out ‘Noted’ ? I’m loving it :) https://jillianhess.substack.com/

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Yes, I subscribe to it and I enjoy reading it.

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Oh my goodness, I can't follow all seven. I'll reread what you wrote and choose one or two.

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I'll try Greg Zimmerman for starters. Thanks, Gayla!

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I hope you enjoy it. I subscribe to way to many newsletters, but I enjoy all things books and reading.

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I'm just seeing this now, oddly -- but THANK YOU so much for the mention...and for reading!

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My pleasure Greg. I love the bookish community here and I want everyone to enjoy it as much as I do. That's why I share.

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