I'm a reader, hobbyist writer, and cat lover living in the Pacific Northwest. The Seventeenth Line, my book blog, is dedicated to connecting with readers around the world.
This year was a really good reading year for me. I read 50 books, which is more than I’m usually able to read in a year, I average around 30 books, and quite a few were surprisingly good. First Book I Read I like to start the new year off with a book that I … More My Favorite Reads of 2025: 10 Surprisingly Good Books
I don’t know about you, but after the holidays winter seems to drag on and on forever. November is quite lovely, with the changing leaves and fall foods (hello pumpkin pie!), and things are festive and fun throughout December. I find this time of year quite delightful, but I really struggle to enjoy the later … More How to Winter: Reading Kari Leibowitz so I can Find Joy in Dark Days
Earlier this year I went to Mexico City for the first time and I was completely charmed, if not somewhat overwhelmed by this magnificent city. I’ve wanted to visit Mexico City for ages. I like art, museums, history and food, all of which Mexico City has in spades. And, of course, Frida Kahlo! Being able … More Discovering Mexico City Through Two Novels
I’ve been in a lull the past few years, living my life in a holding pattern following some significant life events. I haven’t had the energy to devote to personal or professional goals. Instead, I’ve just held steady and kept things in my life as simple as possible. I’ve been calling this my fallow period. … More From Fallow Period to a path forward: Journaling for clarity
It’s Christmas Eve. I’ve wrapped up my work day, (yes, I worked today) and it’s quiet here at home. I’m waiting for my husband to get home (yup, he had to work too) before starting the holiday celebration. Our festivities will be low key, just sharing cookies, wine, and good conversation with a few friends. … More Looking Back on A Year of Reading in 2024
A few years ago I read Andrew McCarthy’s memoir, “Brat: An ‘80’s Story,” and rather enjoyed it. I read it long before I knew McCarthy was working on the documentary Brats, which was released this past summer, June of 2024. Once I learned about the Brats documentary I decided to make a small reading project … More Brat Pack Reading Project: 3 Celebrity Memoirs
I recently shared I’m in a bit of a reading slump. I’m having a hard time focusing and that’s keeping me from getting into a book. This happens from time to time, usually when I’m too busy for my own good (i.e. stressed), or more tired than usual (oh, that sounds like stress too), or … More Reading Other Readers’ Book Blogs
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately. Since my vacation (which was a month ago already!) I haven’t found a book that I’ve enjoyed. I’ve read and listened to a couple of mediocre books, plus I poked around in a few other books but didn’t finish them. I haven’t even updated GoodReads, … More Experiencing a Reading Slump
I love libraries! I have such affection and appreciation for our public libraries. I’ve even created a category here on this blog called Library Love Letters because I want to celebrate libraries in this space. Libraries do so much good in the community, I think of them as a vital public service. We know being able … More Everybody Reads Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
I need a vacation. Ideally, someplace warm and sunny. I’ll plan a trip soon. I’d like to put my toes in the sand! But for now, I’m going to lean into books for some short-term escapism. When I need a “virtual vacation” I read travel writing, stories of other’s adventures to boost my mood. I’ve … More Enjoy Your Stay. 3 Books About Hotels.
Ages ago, back when Twitter was fun, I recall interacting with someone from the blogging community who mentioned keeping a “blogging garden,” a central spot where they kept track of their thoughts and ideas for future blog posts. I loved this approach! I was inspired to immediately set up a Google doc, I even named … More Keeping a Idea Garden: Tending to My Inspiration
It’s still January, which means it’s not too late for me to note my goals for the year. I’m feeling good about the New Year. After all, my horoscope assured that 2023 is a year for being optimistic, exploring creative pursuits, and making new friends. I hope this prediction turns out to be true for … More Intentions for 2023
I discovered this new book, A Waiter in Paris: Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City, published just this month, August 2022, on another book lover’s blog. The book summary reads … “A waiter’s job is to deceive you. They want you to believe in a luxurious calm because on the other side of … More Laboring in the City of Light
I’m interested in people. I love listening to people’s stories. I enjoy hearing folks talk about their life experiences and I’m especially curious about others career paths. It’s no surprise that I enjoy reading memoirs. Unlike autobiographies, which have always seemed a bit dry and too detail-driven to me, memoirs are more personal, more intimate. … More Mixed Feelings on 3 Memoirs I Read This Summer
It’s mid-July, just over halfway through the calendar year, and I’m checking in with myself on my reading goals for the year. I also have an ask of you. I’m looking for reading recommendations related to a reading goal. Read on for details. Why I Set Reading Goals Reading has been my favorite hobby since … More 2022 Reading Goals: Summer Status Check
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