This is not going to plan: how very on-brand
Hello friends,
I’m gearing up for the book launch of my memoir, The Unlikely Village of Eden, which comes out on May 9th! You might have heard that it was coming out in April, but, just like most of my life, this book launch is not going to plan.
How very on-brand, is what I first thought when I heard the news of the delay (related supply chain/printing delays). I also thought of the Yiddish saying I reference in my memoir, “We plan, God laughs.” However you see (or don’t see) God, I think this nails it. It’s impossible to know what the future will hold.
The launch event at Magers & Quinn bookstore in Minneapolis has been moved to Sunday, May 7th at 5pm. I am sorry to those who were planning on April 28th—we had to cancel that date because we weren’t sure the books could be there in time, and without the books, it’s a very weird launch. I hope you will be able to make it on May 7th; it really matters that you are there. This will now be a sneak peek experience since the book won’t officially be out—however, copies will still be available for purchase during the (free) event. I will post how to register on my website www.emmanadler.com as soon as I have the new link!
I wrote this memoir, in part, because there was nothing like it for me when I needed it most. What I long for now is for this book to get into the hands of readers and spark the feeling that more connection in our lives is possible. It is available now for pre-order wherever you get your books, including https://www.magersandquinn.com/product/The-Unlikely-Village-of-Eden-A-Memoir/24001587
Here are a few things that are lifting me up right now:
Sebane Selassie
https://www.sebeneselassie.com
I became familiar with Sebane’s guided meditations through Ten Percent Happier, which I adore as a mindfulness and podcast resource. It features meditation and related content for anyone, including people who are skeptical of meditation. It was started by reporter Dan Harris following his experiences with anxiety (he is open about the panic attack he had while live on air). Sebane is accessible, reflective, calming and encouraging. Her tagline is “I explore the paradoxes and possibilities of cosmic belonging.” She had me at possibilities.
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
I know this isn’t a new book, but the paperback comes out in May. I’ve loved everything Straub has written, and This Time Tomorrow made my vacation feel even more vacation-y. Her characters are nuanced, interesting and relatable. You might want to be friends with them, and you will also know—maybe even love—their very human complexities and imperfections. The throwback 90’s themes of This Time Tomorrow were spot-on for a Gen Xer like me, and the themes around mortality and paths-not-taken, and felt fresh and light, never heavy handed.
Love Them First- Lessons From Lucy Laney Elementary
https://www.lovethemfirst.com/
A moving film set in North Minneapolis about leadership, about healing, about community investment, and challenging racism. You can find it on Prime video.
Thank you for reading. Please forward this newsletter to someone who might appreciate some hope today!
Warmly,
Emma