On this bonus episode of Meg's Reading Room, Mommy Meg reads SANTA MOUSE & MORTIMER'S CHRISTMAS MANGER.

Our family wishes yours a very Merry Christmas!

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Mindy is a wife, mother, and grandmother (of 5!) living in New York. Mindy spent more than thirty years teaching writing, literature, and poetry in a college classroom. She is now the debut middle grade author of LIGHT AND AIR.

In our conversation, we discuss her beautiful book -- the inspiration behind it and her process for writing it. Mindy also shares some of the books that have shaped her reading life, why historical fiction is important for young readers, and what her life looks like in this season.

I wish I could pop over to Mindy's house for a cup of honey water. She is so encouraging and inspires me in countless ways. I know you will love our conversation -- especially if you have a dream of writing your own story someday!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Light and Air
• Everything is Tuberculosis
• A Place to Hang the Moon

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Mindy on Instagram @mnwendell

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Jeannie. Jeannie is a wife, a mother, a former educator, a current worship director, and a devoted reader.

In our conversation, we discuss the books Jeannie loves to read and recommend, what she looks for in a good book, her recent reading life epiphany (gotta have the meat and potatoes!), and our shared love for The Bookshelf.

I love following along with Jeannie's reading life. She is so fun and so loving and I am so grateful to call her my friend.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Peace Like a River
• Shark Heart
• Mercury
• Demon Copperhead
• Ferris
• The Hotel Balzaar
• The Watsons Go To Birmingham
• Same As It Ever Was
• All the Colors of the Dark
• The Mythmakers
• 12 Tiny Things
• Middle Grade Matters Podcast / Kate DiCamillo
• Comfort of Crows

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Jeannie on Instagram @reidallday

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is a mother, podcast host (Human Together), and lifelong writer. We discuss Sarah's book, The Way of Belonging and why "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." Sarah also shares some of the books that have shaped her life, the books she's enjoying now, and what her life looks like in this season.

It was such an honor and a joy to spend time with her and I can't wait to share our conversation with you.

You can order her beautiful book here: The Way of Belonging

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarah_westfall

www.sarahewestfall.com

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Amy. Amy is a wife, a mother of two children (and 2 dachshunds), a teacher, and an avid reader living in Virginia. Her bookstagram, @livingwellread, is one of my favorites to follow for so many reasons.

In our conversation, we discuss the beauty of living a well read life. Amy shares some of the books she's enjoying, how audiobooks and films can help with reading classic literature, and also some great advice for living within your bookish season.

I truly adore Amy's heart and reading life and can't wait for you to meet her.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Amy on Instagram @livingwellread

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Kate (@thesaltybookworm). She is the Manager/Events Coordinator and Bookseller at Thunder Road Books (@thunderroadbooks) in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Kate is a mom to her fur babies, a cancer survivor, and an incredible cheerleader for books and authors.

In our conversation, we discuss all things books and what it's really like to run a bookstore. I also ask Kate how she ended up in a James Patterson book! The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

We had so much fun chatting and shared too many titles to list here so please contact Kate at Thunder Road Books to order anything you heard mentioned. Kate can also help you pick just the right book for your own reading taste.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Kate on Instagram @thesaltybookworm

Follow Thunder Road Books on Instagram @thunderroadbooks

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room!

In today's episode, I had the absolute delight of speaking with debut author, Anna Johnston about her wonderful book THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE. We also discussed the importance of positive aging, the power of kindness, and how Anna is making room for herself during this busy and exciting season. It was such an honor to spend time with Anna and I am so excited to share our conversation with you. We need kindness more than ever.

Top 10 Library Reads Pick

Zibby Books Most Anticipated Reads List

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
• Maureen: A Harold Fry Novel
• Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books
• Tilda Is Visible
• Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder
• The Last Love Note
• Pictures of You

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Anna on Instagram @annajohnstonauthor

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Let's take a few moments to quiet the noise, calm our hearts, and breathe together.

The Peace of Wild Things, Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Will on Instagram @willthereader

Welcome to my Reading Room!

In today's episode, I am checking in to share what my life looks like right now, what I've been reading and loving, and what is bringing me joy. Thank you for being here. I am so grateful for your support and encouragement.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Shauna Niequist Substack
• The Golden Bachelorette
• Dancing With The Stars
• The Great British Baking Off
• PBS NewsHour
• Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame
• The Hotel Balzaar
• From Here to the Great Unknown
• A Bit Much
• The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers
• Celebrate Every Day

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.

In today's episode, I am joined by Will (@willthereader). Will is a reader, writer, husband to @annmariereads, and cat dad living in rural Tennessee. He has been serving in full-time ministry for 20 years.

In our conversation, we discuss how living and serving in a small town affects Will’s reading, writing, and ministry. Will also shares why he loves reading quiet stories and why bearing witness to goodness matters. Our conversation helped me take a much-needed deep breath. I hope it brings peace to your day, too.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Gilead
• The Hours
• Wendell Berry
• McKAY's
• Elizabeth Strout
• Fredrik Backman

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Will on Instagram @willthereader

Connect with Ann Marie on Instagram @annmariereads

Subscribe to Will’s Substack

Will Norrid Writes

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier