2020 in Review and Excitement on the Horizon

Will you help The Walking Book Club community select our favorite audiobook of 2020?

I invite you to peruse our group selections from the past year and choose one or two that pique your interest that you may have missed for your December audiobook selection.

Then, cast your votes for Overall Group Favorite and Group Favorite released 2020 in our Discussion Group or reply directly to me via email.

The voting is open from December 6th to 15th and I will announce the winner on December 16th.

Stay with us for 2021! It’s going to be AMAZING!

January is a month-long immersive virtual event for Sadeqa Johnson’s The Yellow Wife.

We’ll start with a mini-history course about the backdrop of the book’s setting along the Saint James River in Richmond, Virginia, culminating with our first Heart and Soul Book Chat of 2021 with Sadeqa!

January’s month-long events and offerings include:

• A “virtual walk” of The Richmond Slave Trail will jump start the round from January 2nd through January 11th. It will include daily posts giving history to the backdrop of The Yellow Wife.
• A virtual Lunch and Learn with historian and expert on Slave Trade, Ana Edwards on January 6th at noon EST. Register here.
• The Yellow Wife prizes (Premium Members automatically enrolled), courtesy of Sadeqa Johnson, including:
  • One grand prize winner: The Yellow Wife novel, Yellow Wife 500 piece puzzle, Yellow Wife Body Oil, and Yellow Wife tea.
  • Three runner ups: 1 copy of Yellow Wife novel.
  • Three 2nd runner ups: Yellow Wife Body Oil.
  • Three 3rd runner ups: Yellow Wife tea
• Guided discussion January 12th – 31st on The Yellow Wife in our Facebook Discussion Group.
• Heart and Soul Book Chat with the author, Sadeqa Johnson, to benefit the Sacred Ground Project Sunday, February 7th at 5:00 pm EST. Register here.

More exciting events on the horizon:

February: We’ll be moving and listening to Kristin Hannah’s latest novel, Four Winds. Complimentary advanced copies previews will be available to Premium Members (limited availability).

March: We’ll offer Audie Nominated audiobooks, (Audie Awards recognize audiobook narration.)

April: The Final Revival of Opal & Nev  “Provocative and chilling, features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which we’ve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction.” ~ Simon and Schuster

If you enjoy The Walking Book Club, please consider supporting the platform by becoming a Premium Member.

You get priority for promotions, giveaways, and advanced copies. You will also receive a monthly packet designed to help you manifest your Healthy-Body Happy-Mind. PLUS one-to-one sessions with me.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk about YOU, your dreams, and your goals.

Healthy-Body Happy-Mind Musing:

Navigating the Holidays 

I am grateful for all that our family has — good health, a roof over our heads, warm meals together, internet access for our young adult children to connect with school and work, and yet there are moments of great stress and melancholy.

Navigating the holidays as the COVID numbers continue to rise presents a new set of stressors. 

In May, I wrote about “Name It, Claim It, Tame It” — the sentiment still resonates. Get clarity on your feelings, then honor your emotions; this is not an easy time. Finally, balance the scale by listing the things you can be grateful for, even if it’s as simple as a hot cup of coffee.

Get clarity on your boundaries. What are you and your family comfortable with this season? Being on the “same page” reduces the stress that can arise when faced with the decisions about gatherings this season.

Open the dialogue with your family about what the holidays will look like this year. In the last Zoom call on holiday stressors, we chatted about how budgets and shopping differ this year. Consider asking family members what they value and what is realistic. Their answers may surprise you.

Once you’re clear on how you would like to approach the holidays, consider the challenges you may face and possible ways to overcome the hurdles. It’s helpful to use the words, “If – then.”

“If ____ happens, then I will ___.”  Giving thought to the responses will help you have thoughtful responses prepared that Filling can help avoid confrontations.

Do something for others. You will likely experience a greater sense of purpose, which helps your mental health. It’s an opportunity to think creatively to find unique ways to reach out to friends, family, and your community.

Regular exercise, fresh air, and sunlight on your face are proven stress reducers, all of which happens with The Walking Book Club. Keep moving and connecting with us!

Finally, it’s ok to ask for help. I hope The Walking Book Club community offers you a healthy diversion from stressful headlines, inspiration to keep your wellness and well-being a priority, and a supportive community to connect virtually with others.

Sending you big virtual hugs of support,

PS – Check out our new Premium program starting in January! We’re starting with BIG DREAMS self-discovery exercises. It’s like personal training for the mind.