Rebecca Solnit is one of my favourite writers and her book "The Field Guide to Getting Lost" is a book I return to again and again. For days I have been looking for a quote about places and what they can give us in that book but have been unable to find it. Just this morning, though, I realized that it was actually from "The Faraway Nearby". I'm taking Laura's recommendation as a sign to re-read it.
I think you will be delighted to read both of these wonderful authors... I love knowing a writer's influence when I read them. It's so fun to read them both together and see how the influence infuses into new writing. Can't wait to hear what you think of both, Ramya!
Thank you for this! Apparently, Laura and I not only share a name but also similar struggle with writing. Like Laura, I come from a literature degree background and have been struggling with my writing-always focused on producing work that is 'literary', turning away from memoir and lyrical essays because I think I need(?) to write the great American novel, when really, the posts on my Substack that seem to touch people most deeply are my memoir essays. Maybe it's time to own and appreciate my writing journey, just as it is. Thanks for the book recommendation!
Rebecca Solnit is one of my favourite writers and her book "The Field Guide to Getting Lost" is a book I return to again and again. For days I have been looking for a quote about places and what they can give us in that book but have been unable to find it. Just this morning, though, I realized that it was actually from "The Faraway Nearby". I'm taking Laura's recommendation as a sign to re-read it.
Excellent! I love rereading favorites — it feels like catching up with an old friend. Enjoy! I adored that book as well. Isn’t she incredible?
It really does and you always seem to discover something new on a reread. And yes, she’s so incredible.
Adding her recommendation to the list! (Both Rebecca and Laura)
Vicki
Yay! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts. 💗
Lovely! I can’t wait to read Laura’s work (some pretty gorgeous reviews there!). And I should probably read Rebecca Solnit as well.
I think you will be delighted to read both of these wonderful authors... I love knowing a writer's influence when I read them. It's so fun to read them both together and see how the influence infuses into new writing. Can't wait to hear what you think of both, Ramya!
Thank you for this! Apparently, Laura and I not only share a name but also similar struggle with writing. Like Laura, I come from a literature degree background and have been struggling with my writing-always focused on producing work that is 'literary', turning away from memoir and lyrical essays because I think I need(?) to write the great American novel, when really, the posts on my Substack that seem to touch people most deeply are my memoir essays. Maybe it's time to own and appreciate my writing journey, just as it is. Thanks for the book recommendation!