On My Bookshelf Vol 1.

Hey guys, Elsa Here. Welcome to On My Bookshelf Vol. 1! I am really excited about this series because it’s a way for me to share all the books I’m reading, read or want to read! On My Bookshelf will be a place where I can share my thoughts and reviews with you guys and start to share this major facet of my life!

What I’m Reading: “A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts” by Therese Anne Fowler. This was published last Fall, and I somehow missed the memo lol. I am obsessed with the Gilded Age, especially in New York. When I was in grad school I did a lot of research on this particular period in time, and it is fascinating. I am only a few chapters in, but so far it tells the story Alva Smith, who comes from a destitute family and marries into the socially elite, yet controversial, Vanderbilt family. It speaks to wealth, poverty, and social politics during the Gilded Age in America. 

What I’ve Read: Speaking of simplifying and being intentional, earlier this year, I read “Grace Not Perfection” by Emily Ley. It is not new to the scene book, but it is a really impactful self-help read that aligns well with a lot of common New Year’s resolutions. I read it during a difficult period in my life and it really shifted my perspective. It teaches you tactical ways to slow down, give yourself grace, and find beauty in all scenarios. The takeaways are strong and it is a quick, easy, and memorable read. 

Projects I’m Working On: I am currently needlepointing a few canvases! I have a beautiful Japanesque Chinoiserie canvas that I got from needlepoint.com a few months back. A lot of you have reached out about more information on how to start to stitch. So I am going to roundup a few basics on how to get going. My friend already wrote a great post on this, so I’ll be sure to link that when I round things up.