Summerstory
Join my summer book club!
Happy summer!
Okay, I know June 1 isn’t the official start date of this sunniest of seasons, but it feels like the beginning to me. As I’ve been contemplating the next few months with so many huge life changes in the Baart household, I’ve found myself longing for something to set this summer apart… and I’ve settled on Summerstory, my take on a seasonal book club. My goal for this summer is to slow down, be intentional, and savor these days (they go so fast!). This little book club is just one way that I hope to keep my promise to myself.
Dear friend, you’re invited.
What exactly is Summerstory?
It’s an online book club with some pretty cool perks that I hope will brighten your days and keep you connected and reading this summer.
Just like the Summer Reading Program at your local library (which I highly suggest you also participate in!), there will be challenges and prizes, as well as opportunities to geek out about books and reading online, via Zoom, and even in person. Here’s what you can expect:
Summerstory Bingo. Download the bingo card below to jumpstart your summer reading. If you get bingo in any direction, email a copy of your completed sheet by Monday, August 31 to nicolebaart@gmail.com to be entered into a drawing for the Summerstory Grand Prize: a three-book package including The Long Way Back, my summery mystery about a missing seventeen-year-old, an August Book-of-the-Month pick (to be determined), and my favorite summer read (plus some bookish goodies).
Summerstory Bucket List. Download the bucket list below to get some summer reading inspiration. With longer days and (hopefully) more relaxed schedules, this is the perfect time to do something different and shake up our routines. If you finish FIVE things off the bucket list, email a copy of your five (or more!) chosen adventures by Monday, August 31 to nicolebaart@gmail.com to be entered into a drawing for an audiobook copy of Where He Left Me, my instant national bestseller about a women who’s stranded alone in the North Cascades when her husband never returns from a work trip.
3. Summerstory Live Book Club. All summer long, I’ll be hosting live meet-ups right here on Substack for anyone and everyone who feels like talking about books. I hope you can join us! I’ve chosen a variety of days and times so hopefully everyone who wants to participate can find a time to do so. Download the schedule below and stay tuned for reminders and links—as well as the announcement of our Summerstory Read! I’ve chosen ONE book for us to read together this summer, and I’m so excited to dive into it with a group as smart and insightful as you. I’m downright giddy about it!
Summerstory Chats. Can’t wait for the next live meet-up to talk about books? My chat will be wide open all summer for all things bookish. Of course, I will continue to write my weekly article about authentic community, honest conversation, and how to live at the intersection of where we are and who we want to be (as well as share stories and inspiration because that’s just what I do). But in the midst of all the bad news and chaos and fatigue, I hope we can take some time this summer to refresh and build bridges in a simple, human way: over good stories. I hope you join us.
Well, I think that’s all you need to know for now! I hope you can “hear” the excitement in my voice and I sincerely hope to see you here in any capacity. Although you are more than welcome to quietly and privately participate in anything I’ve created with Summerstory, my desire is to foster community and connection. Jump in. You are welcome here.
Happy June 1, friends! The world may be dark and filled with terrors, but we bring light wherever we go. Each point of connection, each smile shared, each small delight is more powerful than we realize. I hope we fill this summer with the best stories—on the page and in real life.
Eyes open. Hearts steady. Hands ready.
Thanks for reading. xoxo - Nicole
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This sounds like so much fun!! I am excited!!
Yes...this sounds like so much fun. I'm in!