What to Read on Spring Break (Video!)

Four books to stuff in your suitcase before you head to Florida

Mar 04, 2024

No one likes Florida until winter rolls around.

Here in Tennessee, public and private schools schedule “spring” break before the spring equinox, which means you’re left with two options: (1) splurge on an expensive week-long reservation to 30A and cross your fingers the sun comes out or (2) stay home and go to the zoo with everyone else.

This year, we’re zoo people. And to be honest, I’m super excited. We’ve got friends coming in to visit, a trip to Atlanta on the books, a garden to keep building, and a few day hikes sprinkled in. Plus, I have a great new book to read.

As a writer, it’s psychologically helpful if I pretend other people still read books, too. (They don’t, on the whole, at least not according to a poll by the Economist, which reported that a staggering 46 percent of Americans read ZERO books last year.) Still, I’m confident the readers of this newsletter care about books because I normally receive two questions from Substack subscribers: (1) How do I get my book published? and (2) What should I read next?

The truth is, I don’t really know how to answer question number one. (Magic? Luck? Generational wealth? A fantastic opening chapter?) But I can always, always answer number two. And this week, I’m going to do it in video form.

We recently moved into a new neighborhood, and as it so happens, my new neighbor and friend Alex Horton is a marketing whiz. He suggested we start a video series. I followed his lead. So, without further ado — here are my Spring Break 2024 book recommendations. Here’s hoping you stuff one in your suitcase.

Or better yet, under your arm, on the way to the Nashville Zoo.

This is my get up at the beach when it’s freezing. Hat, sweater, towel-as-a-blanket. Follow me for more outfit ideas.

Recent Favorites

Read: How I Get in My Own Way, by Courtney Maum. Last week, this essay about Courtney Maum’s writing process and fatal error came through my inbox and it felt like a total revelation. Writers are often told to start “in media res” which can lead to starting with already jaded/confused main characters. Courtney explains in perfect detail exactly why this is kryptonite. And how to edit your story into a better place. Brilliant.

Recipe: I’ve been making cinnamon rolls like crazy over here, and this recipe is easy, and super delicious. Make a bunch and stick them in your freezer. I promise you won’t regret it.

Listen: Morse Code Podcast with Julian Vaca — This thoughtful, insightful conversation by two Nashville creative gems is worth the listen. Korby and Julian swap techniques for getting the inner critic out of the way, and how to push forward with self promotion, even when it isn’t easy. Great work from two of Nashville’s best writers.

One More Thing…

Alright, so what do we think about the video format, folks? Should we do this more, less? Never, ever again? And where are you going on spring break? What are your aspirations for the spring? Are you starting a garden? Are you writing? Are you avoiding writing? Please send me a note. I’d love to hear from you.