It’s been eleven months of collective shock and grief in the region, wringing our hands up at the sky and wondering how much longer this madness can possibly go on.

We all want the same things in life: safety, harmony, basic human rights. Why are the headlines always so horrible? What kind of world are we living in?

Okay. Let’s take a step back. I started this newsletter as a way to connect with storytellers and dreamers, to build a community of bookish folks, and to spread a little positivity. In a nonsensical world, let this be a moment when we pause together. Take a beat. Breathe.

I will share book reviews that I found grounding, stress management tools and some random silly stuff. And I would love to hear your tips, too.

Let’s seek beauty in this crazy world together.

Read: Books About Lebanon or By Lebanese Authors

I have only visited a handful of times myself (mainly for weddings - man, do Lebanese women know how to dress!), but Beirut is a beautiful, complex place. Here are three great reads that take place in Lebanon, or written by Lebanese authors:

Teta, Mother and Me: Three Generations of Arab Women by Jean Said Makdisi

A moving memoir that spans three generations of Palestinian women who find new lives in Lebanon, battling cultural stereotypes and making their own mark in a newfound home.

Paper Sparrows by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi

In the shadow of the Arab Spring, Layla returns home to Beirut to discover that her brother is missing and the country is on the brink of a new war.

The Occasional Virgin by Hanan Al-Shaykh

Yvonne and Huda both grew up in Lebanon in starkly different environments. Their successful careers take them abroad, with theater director Huda visiting advertising exec Yvonne in her new hometown in London. The second half of the book was eyebrow raising - I’ll leave it at that!

Write: On Difficult Subjects… and Gratitude

How do you write about difficult topics? The devastating, ongoing news made me think about this. How do you put these emotions to words?

In college, I majored in business and nearly got a double major in theater. I didn’t want to be an actress, but I loved studying dialogue and screenplays.

One of my favorite acting exercises was when our instructor would give us a single word (i.e. an emotion like ‘joy’ ‘fury’ or ‘apathy’) and we had to create a small scene around it. Characters, storyline, the works.

I’ve found this type of prompt to be useful in writing as well. So here’s today’s word for you: Grateful.

Inspire: Work It Out

If you’ve been reading these newsletters for a while, you know I’m the biggest fan of meditation. I believe in its power as a daily discipline to calm the mind. Today, however, I wanted to focus on physical stress relief - nothing beats a sweaty gym session when you feel like punching a wall.

I’m not into intense triathlons/ marathons, but I do love a good weight lifting class and a regular dose of pilates. As we get older, weights are more and more important. I’ve also found that, when you’re a high achiever, you need to move your body regularly to keep stress at bay. Who is with me?

Browse: These Links

Random stuff online to bring up in dinner conversation:

• How to bring more joy into your life

• Friends show turns 30!

• Ritz Carlton’s first hotel in the Maldives is now open

• 7 Writing Tips by Hilary Mantel

• Top reviewed ‘Best Chocolate Cake Ever’ recipe

• SNL turns 50

Countdown to My Novel’s Publication Day:

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

With kindness,

Sara