Hello and welcome back! First of all, I want to say thank you for all the love on the first edition of this newsletter. It always feels a little weird to get so vulnerable on the void we call the internet, but your responses have been so kind. I still can’t believe 65 of you have subscribed thus far. Thank you times 65,000!
This week, I wanted to share some books I recently read that might help others who are looking for life guidance.
So how did I find these books?
When this new life chapter started, I was desperately looking for a guide of some kind. Books, movies, anything that would tell me what I was supposed to be doing to get through this. I was constantly Googling things like “books to read when you’re starting over.”
I asked AI. I asked friends. I even asked my cat (Brandon can’t read, so that wasn’t very helpful). I ended up consistently seeing some titles in this hunt for help, so I read three of them. And, dang, I’m so glad I did.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I was already familiar with this book because I read it back in middle school.
The book’s synopsis is straight forward: A boy named Santiago goes on a journey across Spain and northern Africa to find his “Personal Legend” (aka purpose in life).
It’s a short book that you could read in one sitting if you wanted to. It’s one of those books where you could flip to any page and there’s probably an inspirational quote that you can take with you.
The book features quite a few religious references, which might not be for everyone. For me, it helps with visualizing the concepts.
The simplicity to the story ultimately adds to its complexity in that it can be applied to just about everyone.
Like Santiago, I’m on the search for my Personal Legend. I’ll let you know when I find it.
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”—The Alchemist, page 155
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
In this New York Times best-selling memoir, Dolly Alderton explores how her perception of love has changed throughout her life.
Her writing is brilliant! One paragraph you’re laughing at Dolly’s wild stories about nights out in London or living with her best friends. The next, you’re tearing up because she’s dropping incredible advice about loving yourself after a traumatic event.
I think the coolest part about this book is that it focuses on love, but not just the romantic kind. As the cover suggests, it explores partying, dating, friendships, jobs, and life overall. You’ll find love hiding in all of that.
I read the last chapter at least 3 times. It packs quite a punch.
“Be the person you wish you could be, not the person you feel you are doomed to be.”—Everything I know About Love, page 307
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
You might be familiar with Cheryl Strayed for her memoir Wild, which ended up becoming a popular 2014 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
Tiny Beautiful Things reads more like a collection of essays or short stories. It compiles a selection of Cheryl’s responses from her time writing the “Ask Sugar” advice column.
Some of the letters she receives will make you laugh and some are downright heartbreaking. They all have one common thread: vulnerability.
The way that Cheryl Strayed replies and gives every person such grace and thoughtfulness is a treasure. Her advice is specific to the original sender’s situation, but always includes a little something that anyone can relate to.
I caught myself tearing up after reading most of the chapters. The title is also perfect: In the chaos we call life, it’s important to focus on the tiny beautiful things.
“I know it’s a kick in the pants to hear that the problem is you, but it's also f*cking fantastic. You are, after all, the only person you can change.”—Tiny Beautiful Things, Page 195
I hope this list is helpful! If you’ve already read any of these books, they’re all worth a re-read.
What books do you recommend for someone starting a new chapter? Let me know so I can read them and even share them here.
Thanks, as always, for reading this and being here.
Lots of love,
Fletcher
But wait, there’s more…music!
Last week, I ended my newsletter by sharing my *official* Spotify playlist that I’ll be updating on a weekly basis. I’m going to keep the music recs flowing by suggesting you listen to Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Short n’ Sweet!
Produced by Jack Antonoff, this pop record has a very enjoyable country twang to it. My favorite song thus is Slim Pickins because it’s perfectly silly yet sad.
Thank you for the reviews and recommendations Fletcher!
Loved this!! Keep up the good work!!😊😊(Side note: I wish you had an Apple Music playlist bc I don’t use Spotify😩😩)