Reading does something powerful when your mind feels like it won’t slow down. It interrupts anxious thought loops.
When you’re following a plot, tracking characters, and imagining scenes, your working memory is occupied. Your brain can’t spiral and stay immersed in a story at the same time. Reading creates a mental pause button.
If this season has felt loud, heavy, or overstimulating, even a few quiet minutes with a book can help steady you.
Episode 200 Is Coming 👀 Stay tuned for:
A listener giveaway. A brand new logo. A returning guest. Our spring book club picks. And an incredible lineup of upcoming episodes.
Ashlee Sullivan, founder of woman + warrior®, the first ever brand for the military family. She shares how creativity, discipline, & community have helped her build a mission-driven brand while navigating the ever-moving life of a military spouse.
We explore the history of Sicily and Sicilian Americans, including the often overlooked internment of Italian Americans during World War II in Lindsay's novel, Beneath the Sicilian Stars.
Annie Hartnett shares the inspiration behind The Road to Tender Hearts, her humor-first writing process, and the books that shaped her life as a reader and storyteller.
Narrative Non-Fiction
I hear it all the time. “I don’t read nonfiction.”
And every time, I think the same thing — you just haven’t found the right book yet.
Narrative nonfiction has a way of bridging that gap. These are true stories that unfold like novels, pulling you into a place, a moment, or a life while quietly teaching you something along the way. The kind of books that make you forget you’re reading nonfiction at all.
If you’ve ever wanted to dip a toe into nonfiction, or you’re simply looking for your next great read, this list is a good place to start.
San Diego Book Swap Society
Bring a book (or a few) and go home with up to 4 new-to-you books. It's perfect for meeting fellow readers and giving beloved books a second home.
📅 March 3rd, 2026 | ⏰ 6–8 PM 📍 The Relationship Place, San Diego
A chicken-themed food truck, a cooking competition, and a murder most fowl. We had so much fun with Carmela Dutra back on Ep. 167 that I knew we had to have her back - this time as our BFF Book Club guest! This is the first book in her cozy mystery series, and it’s an absolute cluckin’ good time. Join us in March to meet the twins, follow the breadcrumbs, and try not to ruffle any feathers while solving the mystery. 🐓
February Book Club Hi friends, I’m excited to share our next Bookish Flights Book Club pick: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett An unlikely cast on a cross-country road trip toward second chances. ✨ Annie will be joining us live on Zoom on February 10th for our book club discussion. Come ready to ask questions or just listen in, you choose. This is a free event. You just need to register to receive the Zoom link below. And if you can’t make the live discussion, you’re still welcome...
To DNF or Not DNF? Hi Reader, The summer is quickly coming to a close as my kids are starting school next week already! How about yours? It's crazy to think how fast this summer has gone. My reading habits are altered on summer break, as I spend a lot more time walking in the AM to the tune of an audiobook, than I do curled up in a blanket with my book. I am still an early riser, aiming for 430 am most days. I find that having a quiet cup of coffee or a few moments before my kids get up make...
Summer Reading Club + Episode 150 Celebration + Upcoming Events Hi Reader, I know school is out for many of your kids—unless you're here in San Diego, where we still have two weeks to go! I have such fond memories of summers stretching endlessly ahead, filled with warm weather, pool days, and—of course—books. Books were my escape and constant companion, especially during college and grad school. I was that student—happily picking up a leisure read over the coursework I was supposed to be...
