10 Comments

I can get so much done in a noisy coffee shop! Great piece, thanks.

Expand full comment

Love this. As I shared with you previously, my father was a really big coffee shop reader/writer. He would start conversations with strangers over books. He started writing clubs that never quite took off but gave him bursts of joy and connection. He passed at Christmas last year so I read this with a lot of emotion in my heart. Maybe I'll find him lurking in coffee shops in the years to come. <3

Expand full comment

Awww, Kathryn. So sorry to hear of his passing. He sounds like my type of person. I, too, love talking to strangers in coffeehouses. There is beauty in community, connection, and belonging around great reads.

Expand full comment

You really would have delighted in coming across him at a coffee shop. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQxYGwFDVU1/

Expand full comment

Great picture. Thanks for sharing some thoughts about his life of books. Enjoy your weekend!

Expand full comment

This is great! I have been struggling with going to a coffee house and then spending the whole time surfing my phone. The suggestion to give myself a number of pages to read is so simple and yet so powerful. Will try that next time

Expand full comment

Happy Saturday Noha. Great to hear. Let me know how that goes.

Also, I’m curious as to whether you have any requests in terms of book, author, or reading related themes you would like me to cover in upcoming issues of “Great Books, Great Minds.” Let me know and I’ll try to feature them.

Expand full comment

I’ll keep you posted. My coffee shop time will be a bit more limited as we enter into the school year.

And I’ll think a bit about requests and get back to you. I was on a real book reading kick for a while there but the summer came and I got swept up with everything else and now having a harder time focusing on anything longer than articles. I think there an element of unresolved burnout here...

Expand full comment

Understood. Books are great but there are seasons of our life where other priorities take precedence. There will always be time to return to your reading interests.

Expand full comment

I couldn't agree more with your love for coffeehouses and the unique atmosphere they offer for reading and reflection. It's truly a wonderful experience to lose oneself in a good book amidst the white noise of espresso machines and the soothing aroma of coffee. Your tips for making the most of this experience are spot on. Choosing the right coffeehouse is crucial, as each one has its own vibe, and finding the one that matches your preferences can enhance your reading experience. Love the vibes from this read.

Expand full comment