Sometimes books, podcasts and life seem to braid together, quietly echoing one another behind the scenes. I enjoy podcasts, even when they get in the way of my reading, and occasionally something I hear connects with something I read in a way that feels like more than a coincidence. Sometimes it begins with a simple recommendation. Other times it is something else entirely.
Recently, I was listening to a podcast where a psychic was interviewed. She was interesting, and whether or not I believe her whole story, she gave me a few things to think about. One thing she said with absolute conviction has stayed with me. According to her spiritual guides from the other side, we are all here simply to love and be loved. Everything else is a distraction or a complication. It was the kind of message I could get behind, wherever it comes from.
She also talked a lot about signs. And a couple of hours later, I believe I may have been the recipient of one.
To explain, I first have to go back a couple of weeks, to a message from NSRRU reader Bea Rose.
She wrote in around then, sharing that she was going through a tough time since her beloved service dog passed away. Then in the middle of the night, she saw a book online that felt meant just for her. I had reported this book in our previous edition as The Story of the Beagle Who Changed My Life, but I missed the part that made it feel even more divine. The full title is For Bea: The Story of the Beagle Who Changed My Life.
Bea had also recommended some health-related books and later wished she had encouraged readers to consult their doctor before starting any exercise or nutrition program. It was considerate advice from a reader who clearly cares about the people receiving her recommendations.
She recently finished The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane by Dee MacDonald. She describes it as “Funny, adventurous and a good reminder to trust inner wisdom that comes with age—one deserves to be picky about who they spend time with and to trust that deep inner FEELING of what is right for you.”
Previously, she mentioned appreciating the Reading Farmer’s suggestion of Sipsworth, and it seems the two NSRRU readers have similar tastes. Bea said she also really enjoyed The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnson, writing, “I couldn’t put it down and want to read it again.”
Same, Bea, same. The Reading Farmer introduced me to the book, too, and I keep thinking about how it portrays the power of kindness, forgiveness, and family wherever you find it. I also recommend the audiobook because the narrator has a great Australian accent.
Another book Bea recently read was The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. She reported that the twists, turns, and flashbacks kept her “focused, yet dizzy.” She is not ready to tackle the sequel quite yet.
As generous as Bea is with her recommendations, she was even more generous this week, sending me a care package of the books she has mentioned in this edition and the last, plus some bonus books, plus some other treasures. I feel spoiled rotten. Bea takes good care of her books, mentioning that she always does, believing she is only the temporary owner until the book moves along to the next person who needs it.
I am currently halfway through Prohibited by Matt Goldman, which I mentioned last week, but I have been eyeing that box of books as if they are dipped in chocolate. I ended up dipping in and pulling out a big, beautiful children’s book called Just Shine by Sonia Sotomayor, who is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice.
The book is about Sotomayor’s mother, Celina, who grew up on a sugarcane farm in Puerto Rico and carried a quiet gift for helping others shine. After losing her own mother young, Celina learned to meet hardship with kindness and a steady instinct for lifting people up. As she grew older and eventually moved to the United States, she continued to brighten the lives of those around her.
The book’s message echoed what I had heard in the podcast just hours before. Sotomayor showed examples of ways her mother had shown love to the world, from sharing a blanket to pausing for a neighborly chat to using her skills to help someone who needed a hand.
I think of these types of occurrences as winks. As signs we are on the right path. They are confirming that we are learning what we are meant to learn. They show us we are where we are meant to be.
I will take care of these gifted books and share them when I know who needs them next.
Please share the love by emailing sarahwritesnsj@yahoo.com. Let me know: has a book ever carried a message that felt like more than a coincidence in your life? Or tell me what is stacked on your nightstand this fall, which authors and books you love, and even which ones you did not. All bookish thoughts are welcomed, encouraged, and, yes, loved. NSRRU readers fuel this column. I can’t wait to hear from you.
