Emerging, Energy, and Three Hopeful Things

Hello friends,

At my house, we are emerging from another flu—a fierce one that left me sick in bed for several days. It’s always eye opening, after a high fever has passed, how good it feels to be well. My thoughts the morning when I woke up finally well-ish: Wow, no body aches? I have energy? This feels amazing.

My daughter Eden, who does not have the fortune of good health, has opened my eyes to how lucky I am to generally feel well. There are so many people who suffer from chronic conditions and therefore experience what just totally kicked my ass on a regular basis. There’s a Jewish prayer called the Shehechiyanu, which we say traditionally whenever we realize the miracle of the present moment. It is about noticing that we are alive, that we were able to reach this season. Many faiths have their own versions of this. And, if you don’t feel connected to a faith, then you get to create whatever feels right to you.

I know there are many things I take for granted—that is part of being human, and I grump around in the morning like the best of them. One thing I am really holding in my mind right now is how grateful I am for your support. The Unlikely Village of Eden officially comes out THIS Tuesday, May 9^th with the launch event on Sunday, May 7^th at 5pm at Magers & Quinn in Uptown Minneapolis with Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, which is nearly (if not already) at capacity. Hot tip: the bookstore will not turn people away; it means it’s standing room only, so unless you have a ticket, you will not be guaranteed a seat.

Here’s my ask: once you read The Unlikely Village of Eden, post a review on Goodreads and Amazon (Goodreads is open now for reviews from those who already have copies, Amazon opens May 9th). This is HUGE. Getting 100 reviews on Amazon really helps boost the book in terms of their algorithm! You don’t have to write anything fancy. In fact, you don’t have to write anything at all. Just throw some stars on there and call it a day. Either way is very helpful.

On to the hot hot hot hope that I have promised! Here are three things that have boosted my hope lately:

Perfectly Queer by Jillian Abby

This memoir about Abby’s experience coming out at age 40 was just released at the end of April. This is an intimately told story of self-discovery, acceptance and most of all, bravery. Plus, there are some laugh out loud moments.

The Generosity of Other Writers

Writers are often portrayed as inward, reclusive, and largely uninterested in others. This has not been my experience! I have been blown away by the kindness and enthusiasm of other authors as I gear up to launch my book. Both non-fiction and fiction writers have given me generous words of encouragement, promoted my book on their socials, and made me feel so welcome in conversations. It feels great to be a part of a circle of artists helping each other.

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

This is not exactly an underground podcast, but it’s new and delightful. You get to listen to witty, nuanced conversations between women who have shaped culture in powerful ways. I think that an engaging conversation—the energized exchange of ideas—is one of the most hopeful things we can do as humans. One of my favorite exchanges so far was in Episode 3: Julia Gets Wise with Fran Lebowitz and Louis-Dreyfus asks, “What do you think the benefits are of complaining?” Lebowitz, without any pause, replies, “It’s honest.” Louis-Dreyfus responds giddily, “I love to complain, and that is why. You get to tell the truth.”

I hope this weekend brings you some moments of peace, rest, or at the very least, a variety of good snacks.

Thank you for being a part of this,

Emma