I spent New Year’s Eve in bed with food poisoning wondering if it was a metaphor for my body’s attempt to purge the hardships of 2024. In any case, I feel better now. And so far 2025 is off to a strong start. As I do every January, I wrote out my goals for the next twelve months. These include completing a draft of my new novel, taking a meditation class, completing an AI workshop, and training for both the London and Chicago marathons. It also involves promoting my new short story, THE SUBLET, which pubs this Spring, with enthusiasm and gusto.
In the meantime:
Book Rec: The Safekeep
Even though this novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, I had not heard of it until my book club selected it. I went into this story knowing nothing and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mysterious obsessive relationship between Isabel and Eva, two women staying in the same house in the Dutch countryside in 1961. Propulsive, surprising and moving, The Safekeep is a powerful exploration of the legacy of WWII.
Movie Rec: Out of My Mind
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Out of My Mind tells the story of Melody Brooks, a non-verbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, played authentically by the incredible Phoebe-Rae Taylor. Jennifer Aniston does the voice-over. Moving, inspiring and suspenseful, it’s no wonder this film has been nominated for 2 Critics Choice awards. Special shoutout to my brother who served as a producer, and has an excellent track record producing important and motivating movies (Spotlight, Wonder, Green Book). Streaming on Disney+ this is safe and wonderful for the entire family.
Podcast Rec: The Mel Robbins Podcast
When I’m looking to be inspired, motivated and empowered I listen to the Mel Robbins podcast. There is something about her folksy tone, relatable stories and science-backed advice that make me feel like I can solve any personal problem. I am considering listening to her new book, The Let Them Theory. Have any of you read it?
Wildcard Rec: puzzleYOU
I recently discovered this company that makes puzzles out of phone photos. I am sure there are a lot of these businesses out there, but I can’t imagine they are much easier to navigate than this one. What’s especially great is that you can pick the piece size of each puzzle, which makes it such a great gift idea for grandparents or children. I recently made a 100-piece puzzle for my elderly mother-in-law of her five grandkids and she loved it.
Signing off for now. In the meantime, let me know what goals you set for the new year - and if you have any great recs for me.
Sincerely,
Greer
