Creative and pleasurable reading.
Substack edition. Mid Summer 2026
The only thing more eclectic than my taste in reading is my taste in music. When it comes to what I actually take the time to read, I am a mixed bag. However, I will say, it must be the Leo in me, I have to pick the book for myself. I generally don’t like to be told what to read, and it often takes at least three people mentioning a book before I even show interest. But I do love to know what everyone is reading at all times. That said, I recently joined a thriller book club and will read whatever they choose because I am doing it more for the community than for the reading.
When it comes to Substack, I have two accounts. One for writing (here) and one for reading. Since I don’t like a cluttered email inbox, I created a second account for all the newsletters I like to peruse and take my time reading, and I would die if I had to see all those emails piling up. Even though I really dislike how Substack has become another social media company, I have to admit I love the discover section on the app. I have found writers and pleasure for my right brain that I would never have come across without it.
Here are some recent essays I have loved, 18 in total. It’s a scattering of creativity, a little arty, a little whimsical, a little heady. I don’t have any guardrails on the authors' ages; I am a firm believer that we can learn from someone in their 20s as much as from a wise woman in her 90s.
Also, none of the writings below are about or related to sobriety……or fashion, or skincare, or anything else you need to go out and buy immediately. While I have been known to write about all that stuff, this is purely for the brain's pleasure.
Cool Stories About Art [Start Here] What is Cool Stories About Art?
Michaela Trimble You Look Like Sydney Sweeney Without The Tits
NoteswNat | Brain Notes How to Actually Develop an Insane Memory
Mia What is passion?? How does one find a passion?? Is it even real??
chicgirlmoment 30 things you can do to make your month not as boring as the last one
Emilina Lomas, MSc, R.Nutr. 15 Tricks to Never Stop Learning (Without It Feeling Like Work)
I hope this tickles your brain and sensory receptors as much as it did for me. If you like this type of share, let me know. Comment or hit the heart button - this type of engagement lets me know to keep going, and it helps others find this little space of mine.
XX,
Mia