Thanks for the shout out Natalie. Hope you feel better soon— when I had COVID it took about 3 weeks after the surface level symptoms cleared to feel like myself again. Hope you heal quickly. I finished Come & Get It while lying low myself this weekend and now I am re-reading The Bell Jar because apparently I have not had my fill of undergraduate angst! These two books make an interesting compare/contrast that I may post about this week if my head cold clears.
Absolutely! If I could, I would start a book subscription box of one new title and one old title but exclusively in paperback (even the new ones). Pipe dream....
I love a good thematic reading weekend! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Come & Get It, I've seen such mixed reviews. The Bell Jar is pinnacle undergraduate angst. And hope you also feel better soon, colds can be just as bad as COVID.
congrats on finishing The Stand and recovering from Covid, Natalie! The only King book I read was The Shining and I had to stop reading it for a few days because, well, I was so scared. haha. The writing was just so vivid. my mind was imagining all sorts of crazy things.
You probably don’t want my answer on how long my COVID brain fog has lasted. My sincere advice to you is take it SUPER easy for several weeks. Do not try to exercise or overdo anything physical. Lots of rest and taking things slow. I wish someone was able to tell me this in 2020, but alas, that year was something out of a Stephen King novel. No one had ever had this illness before so no one could have warned me.
My favorite King novel (I’ve only read a few) is 11/22/63. It’s unlike any of his others, methinks. It’s not horror but it’s suspenseful. My husband, who does not read a lot of fiction, recommended it to me and it was fantastic. A great story.
I have thought about you this whole week and even mentioned The Tonic to a few - I probably have been acting like the first person to ever get brain fog but its my last two weeks at my current job and I feel like I have to apologize for being a terrible employee lol. My empathy for you and other long haulers has skyrocketed though. I felt like a completely different person for a few days, like it changed my brain chemistry. This disease is so frightening. Slowing down has been a wake up call.
I've heard wonderful things about 11/22/63 and it might be the next King I tackle (perhaps next year, its SO long).
I never want anyone to develop empathy for me because they experience these terrible symptoms. COVID legit changes the brain. This sounds obvi, but try like hell to avoid subsequent infections. People are out there getting COVID 3, 4, 5 times a year and our immune systems cannot handle that assault. If you can, load up a bit on Vitamin D and magnesium. They can help with cognitive symptoms. I’m pulling for you here! Any questions, just let me know 🧡
Hard to avoid in an office setting! I wish you a better working brain soon and best wishes on starting your new job 🤗. BTW, head over to my post from yesterday so you can see my little love memes to you 🧡
I'm reading multiple books but the one in enjoying the most is Flesh and Blood- A History of The Cannibal Complex. It sounds intense, and it kind of is, but it's written very tongue in cheek style by Reay Tannahill.
Your post may have summoned up the courage within me to finally tackle The Stand this year. It's been a few years since I've read any King, think I'm long overdue.
Right now I'm reading "I Survived Capitalism & All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt," a sort of financial memoir by a Podcaster I've been following for a while. She grew up poor and has been running a clothing company for 10+ years on a socialist business model (it's collectively run and everyone makes the same wage). It's not the most evocative read in the world or anything, as I expect from celeb memoirs. But I like that I'm getting financial advice from someone who graduated into the '08 recession, understands how bleak everything feels, but still found a way to carve her own path without compromising her ideals.
As someone who also graduated into the 2008 recession, this hits home!! I think we need to talk about our finances collectively more, the transparency will really help rip capitalism apart (in a healthy way, not like a communism way). Very interesting!
I really really have to get to reading The Stand. I have an old copy from my grandfather that’s falling apart at the spine (haha get it) but I keep putting it off.
glad you’re recovered!! when I had covid I didn’t get many nasty symptoms do I was lucky but hopefully the brain fog goes away soon. I’m currently reading I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman and although nothing terribly sad has happened yet I always feel like crying when I read it, but it’s absolutely worth my time it’s very moving and beautifully written.
I'm so sorry you had Covid :( Hopefully your brain fog will pass soon. My bf had it last year and his lasted a couple of weeks. So impressed that you pushed through and wrote a book review. GO NATALIE!!!!
I've never had it (I work from home and I don't really socialize during the cold/covid/flu season).
There are so many to choose from King that I'll pick a few favs from his recent work. I really loved Lisey's Story and Doctor Sleep. I read Holly a couple of months ago. It was okay. Enjoyable in some places, interesting, but the story was predictable.
I just re-started The Soul's Code. In Search of Character and Calling by James Hillman. I started it about 13-14 years ago before I moved to NYC the first time and packed it away then forgot about it. Now I've moved to NYC a second time, unpacked it and thought I should finally finish it.
I most certainly got it from a coworker, I made it four years without it and now I have serious empathy for what many have experienced. Thank you!
Lisey's Story is a polarizing one but I haven't read it yet! Will add that to my King list. :) And The Soul's Code sounds like something that I could benefit from. I am in a time of radical change in my life. Thanks for sharing that one.
Lisey’s Story was def weird but def good (imo). It was creepy and thrilling and just what I like from King.
Radical change is exciting! I know it can feel weird and awkward …and I’m excited for you 🥰 Pluto in Aquarius, girl. (Sorry I’m bringing my woo woo into this). James Hillman gives a lot of examples of famous people in history answering their soul’s calling, like Ella Fitzgerald initially being a dancer but she changed her mind last minute to sing instead of dance whilst she was literally on stage at the Harlem Opera House. Or Collette not wanting to write AT ALL as a child…then went onto become one of the world’s most famous writers. I think you’ll like it.
Congrats on finishing the King! So glad u enjoyed - I’m still a King virgin. I wonder what book of his will change that for me. Any suggestions? Sorry about the covid - I think covid brain mush lasts for around 4 weeks post? At least that’s my experience 🫠 I had it a few weeks ago too. AGAIN?! I thought getting it twice in 2 months was impossible but here I am being a trailblazer 😌
I’m currently reading my first Chinese translated book called Cocoon? So far so good - I’d declare it worth my time 100%. Love the cat love as always x
Twice in 2 months?? Oh my I have so much empathy for you. I could not do this again and still have a job. I am praying the brain fog lets up before my first day at my new position.
The problem with recommending King is that part of the love people have for him is nostalgia based. If you didn't read him in your formative days, you might enjoy him less. With that said, The Shining absolutely holds up and is his best and most approachable novel IMO. Its creepy but psychological and the characters are unforgettable.
Adding to the map with a Chinese translation I love it!!
Twice in 2 months! I could not do it - it made my chronic illness seem not so painful which is saying something! Omg new position?! Congrats! And good luck! When do you start?
Haha okay I hear you about King being King of nostalgia. Will make a note of the shining then! I’ve always been apprehensive because the film is not my jam. But I can totally do scary books over films.
Thanks for the shout out Natalie. Hope you feel better soon— when I had COVID it took about 3 weeks after the surface level symptoms cleared to feel like myself again. Hope you heal quickly. I finished Come & Get It while lying low myself this weekend and now I am re-reading The Bell Jar because apparently I have not had my fill of undergraduate angst! These two books make an interesting compare/contrast that I may post about this week if my head cold clears.
Also— I would love to talk to you sometime about subscription boxes. There has to be a better way!
Absolutely! If I could, I would start a book subscription box of one new title and one old title but exclusively in paperback (even the new ones). Pipe dream....
I love a good thematic reading weekend! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Come & Get It, I've seen such mixed reviews. The Bell Jar is pinnacle undergraduate angst. And hope you also feel better soon, colds can be just as bad as COVID.
congrats on finishing The Stand and recovering from Covid, Natalie! The only King book I read was The Shining and I had to stop reading it for a few days because, well, I was so scared. haha. The writing was just so vivid. my mind was imagining all sorts of crazy things.
Truly King writes the most frightening things!! and thank you :)
You probably don’t want my answer on how long my COVID brain fog has lasted. My sincere advice to you is take it SUPER easy for several weeks. Do not try to exercise or overdo anything physical. Lots of rest and taking things slow. I wish someone was able to tell me this in 2020, but alas, that year was something out of a Stephen King novel. No one had ever had this illness before so no one could have warned me.
My favorite King novel (I’ve only read a few) is 11/22/63. It’s unlike any of his others, methinks. It’s not horror but it’s suspenseful. My husband, who does not read a lot of fiction, recommended it to me and it was fantastic. A great story.
I have thought about you this whole week and even mentioned The Tonic to a few - I probably have been acting like the first person to ever get brain fog but its my last two weeks at my current job and I feel like I have to apologize for being a terrible employee lol. My empathy for you and other long haulers has skyrocketed though. I felt like a completely different person for a few days, like it changed my brain chemistry. This disease is so frightening. Slowing down has been a wake up call.
I've heard wonderful things about 11/22/63 and it might be the next King I tackle (perhaps next year, its SO long).
and thank you for telling peeps about The Tonic!
I never want anyone to develop empathy for me because they experience these terrible symptoms. COVID legit changes the brain. This sounds obvi, but try like hell to avoid subsequent infections. People are out there getting COVID 3, 4, 5 times a year and our immune systems cannot handle that assault. If you can, load up a bit on Vitamin D and magnesium. They can help with cognitive symptoms. I’m pulling for you here! Any questions, just let me know 🧡
I will. It’s the office that did it to me - it’s slowly taking down everyone. Luckily I was already on magnesium and added in vitamin D so I’m on it!!
Hard to avoid in an office setting! I wish you a better working brain soon and best wishes on starting your new job 🤗. BTW, head over to my post from yesterday so you can see my little love memes to you 🧡
I'm reading multiple books but the one in enjoying the most is Flesh and Blood- A History of The Cannibal Complex. It sounds intense, and it kind of is, but it's written very tongue in cheek style by Reay Tannahill.
I'm a fan of King but prefer his short stories.
I have to say that Flesh and Blood sounds absolutely wild!!
I love King's shorter works, the format reigns him in a bit (in a good way).
Totally 💯
Get well soon, Natalie!
Your post may have summoned up the courage within me to finally tackle The Stand this year. It's been a few years since I've read any King, think I'm long overdue.
Right now I'm reading "I Survived Capitalism & All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt," a sort of financial memoir by a Podcaster I've been following for a while. She grew up poor and has been running a clothing company for 10+ years on a socialist business model (it's collectively run and everyone makes the same wage). It's not the most evocative read in the world or anything, as I expect from celeb memoirs. But I like that I'm getting financial advice from someone who graduated into the '08 recession, understands how bleak everything feels, but still found a way to carve her own path without compromising her ideals.
Thank you :)
As someone who also graduated into the 2008 recession, this hits home!! I think we need to talk about our finances collectively more, the transparency will really help rip capitalism apart (in a healthy way, not like a communism way). Very interesting!
I really really have to get to reading The Stand. I have an old copy from my grandfather that’s falling apart at the spine (haha get it) but I keep putting it off.
glad you’re recovered!! when I had covid I didn’t get many nasty symptoms do I was lucky but hopefully the brain fog goes away soon. I’m currently reading I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman and although nothing terribly sad has happened yet I always feel like crying when I read it, but it’s absolutely worth my time it’s very moving and beautifully written.
I'm really ready for the brain fog to dissipate that's for sure!!
If you like King at all, you really have to get to The Stand, its such an adventure. I Who Have Never Known Men sounds heartbreaking and so moving
I'm so sorry you had Covid :( Hopefully your brain fog will pass soon. My bf had it last year and his lasted a couple of weeks. So impressed that you pushed through and wrote a book review. GO NATALIE!!!!
I've never had it (I work from home and I don't really socialize during the cold/covid/flu season).
There are so many to choose from King that I'll pick a few favs from his recent work. I really loved Lisey's Story and Doctor Sleep. I read Holly a couple of months ago. It was okay. Enjoyable in some places, interesting, but the story was predictable.
I just re-started The Soul's Code. In Search of Character and Calling by James Hillman. I started it about 13-14 years ago before I moved to NYC the first time and packed it away then forgot about it. Now I've moved to NYC a second time, unpacked it and thought I should finally finish it.
I hope you are back to your full self soon! ❤️🩹
I most certainly got it from a coworker, I made it four years without it and now I have serious empathy for what many have experienced. Thank you!
Lisey's Story is a polarizing one but I haven't read it yet! Will add that to my King list. :) And The Soul's Code sounds like something that I could benefit from. I am in a time of radical change in my life. Thanks for sharing that one.
🖤
Lisey’s Story was def weird but def good (imo). It was creepy and thrilling and just what I like from King.
Radical change is exciting! I know it can feel weird and awkward …and I’m excited for you 🥰 Pluto in Aquarius, girl. (Sorry I’m bringing my woo woo into this). James Hillman gives a lot of examples of famous people in history answering their soul’s calling, like Ella Fitzgerald initially being a dancer but she changed her mind last minute to sing instead of dance whilst she was literally on stage at the Harlem Opera House. Or Collette not wanting to write AT ALL as a child…then went onto become one of the world’s most famous writers. I think you’ll like it.
I LIVE FOR WOO WOO. Chani is my spirit guide :) I have a lot to think about this weekend I love this
I KNEW I LOVED YOU. I love CHANI too!!! ❤️🔥
Congrats on finishing the King! So glad u enjoyed - I’m still a King virgin. I wonder what book of his will change that for me. Any suggestions? Sorry about the covid - I think covid brain mush lasts for around 4 weeks post? At least that’s my experience 🫠 I had it a few weeks ago too. AGAIN?! I thought getting it twice in 2 months was impossible but here I am being a trailblazer 😌
I’m currently reading my first Chinese translated book called Cocoon? So far so good - I’d declare it worth my time 100%. Love the cat love as always x
Twice in 2 months?? Oh my I have so much empathy for you. I could not do this again and still have a job. I am praying the brain fog lets up before my first day at my new position.
The problem with recommending King is that part of the love people have for him is nostalgia based. If you didn't read him in your formative days, you might enjoy him less. With that said, The Shining absolutely holds up and is his best and most approachable novel IMO. Its creepy but psychological and the characters are unforgettable.
Adding to the map with a Chinese translation I love it!!
Twice in 2 months! I could not do it - it made my chronic illness seem not so painful which is saying something! Omg new position?! Congrats! And good luck! When do you start?
Haha okay I hear you about King being King of nostalgia. Will make a note of the shining then! I’ve always been apprehensive because the film is not my jam. But I can totally do scary books over films.