China - Edward Rutherford ----Notes: Wow. This guy's books are epic. I mean, this one was around 800 pages. I can't imagine the research and mental and creative work that goes into something like this. My biggest takeaway is from bits of history - that there is nothing new under the sun, and that a… Continue reading Books I Read: October 2025
Books I Read: September 2025
The Maid's Secrete - Nita Prose ----Notes: I love the main character and the story. Quirky, original, and really drew me into the world of the story. I Am Not Jessica Chen - Ann Liang ----Notes: I've been leaning into Asian authors lately, maybe because subconsciously I'm looking for a semblance of my story. Or… Continue reading Books I Read: September 2025
Books I Read: August 2025
Original Daughter - Jemima Wei ----Notes: I was really looking forward to this one; the author came up in my IG feed. I'm not sure how I feel about this one. The story was well-written. However, I think I was expecting a lighter story, and it was actually ended up being a rather heavy read… Continue reading Books I Read: August 2025
Books I Read: July 2025
Old School - Gordon Korman ----Notes: This is a YA pick recommended by my librarian friend. I enjoyed it and it was refreshing to read something straight forward, with a good story. Very "clean" writing. Unplugged - Gordon Korman ----Notes: A pleasant surprise; I was engaged and found myself seeing what was going to happen… Continue reading Books I Read: July 2025
Books I Read: June 2025
Sheltering Rain - Jojo Moyes ----Notes: I really like Jojo Moyes books! They are well-written and she is a wonderful storyteller. Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes Imperial Wife - Irina Reyn ----Notes: Art history, life lessons All The Life Can Afford - Emily Everett ----Notes: Really liked this one! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - David… Continue reading Books I Read: June 2025
Random Things
Me making friends as an adult: In my mind - I really enjoy talking to this person! She's funny and genuine and we seem to have stuff in common. I'd love to get to know her better, maybe we can hang out more. What is something thoughtful I can say that may connect us? In… Continue reading Random Things
Public Journal #4: Presence and Healing
I tend to get stuck in my head and not notice what is in front of me; I'm working on being present to the things that ARE right now, instead of relentlessly navigating the things that WERE or COULD BE or COULD HAVE BEEN in my mind. My morning walk yields the things that ARE:… Continue reading Public Journal #4: Presence and Healing
Public Journal #3 – Spring
Robins are a reliable character on the scene of transition from winter to spring. One day, there's one standing on the grass cocking its head at all angles looking around, and then there's another and another. All dark heads and rust-colored bellies, their legs blurring as they skitter across the yard. Up close, they look… Continue reading Public Journal #3 – Spring
Public Journal #2: Walking into 41
This is me going for a walk outside, a practice I’ve prioritized for several months now. More on that at the end. Today is my last day of being 40. If I look back at this year, two themes clearly stand out. The first - Reconciling my current identity. To move through life is to… Continue reading Public Journal #2: Walking into 41
Public Journal #1 – 2024 post-election thoughts
I have stayed largely silent on all things political, quietly watching and processing. I have some thoughts I feel led to share, and hope if you decide to read you will be respectful. Not everyone who voted for Trump is a racist, misogynistic, ignorant, semi-automatic weapon wielding homophobe. Not everyone who voted for Kamala is… Continue reading Public Journal #1 – 2024 post-election thoughts
Sindy Hankins 