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March 22, 2025

Five Things to Tell You Vol. 16

speak up for libraries, new romance releases, spring reads and more!

Well, hello there! So happy to see you today! We are thick in the middle of the boomerang of winter-spring-winter here in Wisconsin ~ 65 and sunny on Tuesday, freezing rain and 8 inches of snow on Wednesday, and this beauty on Thursday morning … and a mix of all of it predicted for this weekend yet again.

a moonlight snowy scene of our farm / fields

The words FIVE THINGS TO TELL YOU in script
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If you weren’t aware, public libraries are facing a major challenge right now.

the show up for libraries graphic from American Library Association

Please take a few minutes to go read the FAQ document on the ALA website and take action using one of these suggested moves from the ALA:

We need every library supporter to show up and make their voices heard. Here are concrete, effective actions you can take now:

  • Send a message to your Senators and Representatives urging them to overturn the executive order and protect IMLS funding.

  • Call your Senators and Representatives urging them to overturn the executive order and protect IMLS funding.

  • Send this action alert to five people in your network.

  • Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper explaining why IMLS is important and the impact of federal dollars on communities.

  • Share your story for ALA’s story collection about the impact of federal funding on your community.

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Spring is my very favorite book release season! All of my favorite romance authors seem to release their new works in the months of March - June and it’s really just an embarrassment of riches. I always try to pace myself, but alas and hooray, last week, I just inhaled three new romance releases I had been eagerly anticipating. While they weren’t all the hits I wanted them to be, just being able to finally sink into these books was a treat!

book cover images of Wild Side by Elsie Silver and Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

Read Wild Side by Elsie Silver if you have already read and loved books one and two in the Rose Hill series and are up for something … a bit different than those. What hooked me here was a return to a familiar setting and friend group, as well as a parenting storyline, and those kept me around to grow into really appreciating an unconventional romance. 

Read Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone if you want to be absolutely blown away with Bastone’s ability to turn a story of unthinkable grief into a deeply earnest and tender slowest-burn romance. I have read everything Bastone has written and she has reached a new level with this one.

Unfortunately, Story of My Life by Lucy Score was not what I wanted it to be, even though it was exactly what it promised to be in the description: A Gilmore Girls meets Schitt’s Creek redemption romcom. In my heart of hearts, I just hoped it would be something like her Knockemout series, and it very much was not. I know others are loving it though, so could just be me!

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As you know, I work in a middle school, and have a middle schooler in my own house - this is an age group I am deeply interested and invested in. That’s why, when the latest email from The Pudding popped into my inbox, I immediately clicked on their new interactive essay about middle school. It’s enlightening. And disheartening. But as always with Pudding’s work, so very innovative and thought-provoking. Please do check it out!

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Speaking of middle schoolers, my 7th grader is a huge fan of Conan Gray’s 80’s vibe album Found Heaven - we listen to it in the car quiet often, and it brings me right back to my days of locking myself in my room as a teenager and wailing along to Chicago and Air Supply.

album cover of Conan Gray's album Found Heaven

If you’re of that era you might find this as fun as nostalgic as I do.  And a short interview if you’re into it.

a graphic showing the word five

The Book Girls’ Guide is one of my (many) favorite online bookish places, and they have yet again come out with a delightful Spring Reading Challenge. I love their whimsical printable challenge coloring pages, and this year’s is my favorite yet.

the spring reading challenge bird coloring page with spring colored markers

If you want a little novelty or direction in your reading life as we head into spring, definitely check this out!

Related: here’s what I read for their spring challenge last year! 

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That’s all for this week ~ thanks for reading! Please feel free to reply to this email or use the link below to leave a comment to chime in about any of these things, or to share one of your own things ♡

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Thanks for stopping by!

Read more:

  • Five Things to Tell You Vol. 15

    Korean food, book shopping, muppets and more!

  • Five Things to Tell You Vol. 14

    Well, hello there! So happy to see you today! Settle in with your favorite snack and let’s dive in … Last weekend I course-corrected my reading after being...

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Join the discussion:
Claire
Mar. 22, 2025, afternoon

I've started Story of My Life by Lucy Score and it's not doing it for me. I wasn't a big fan of the Knockemount series either though. I did enjoy some of her earlier books like the Blue Moon Series and the Bootleg Series.

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The Mindful Librarian
Mar. 22, 2025, evening

IMO, this book was fueled by BookTok and I'm sorry that's where her writing is going - I haven't read the Blue Moon or Bootleg series, so maybe I'll give those a try instead!

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Maria
Mar. 29, 2025, afternoon

I just found you and love "Five Things to Tell You " Please keep it going!

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The Mindful Librarian
Mar. 29, 2025, afternoon

Oh Maria, thank you so much! This made my day! Please do share my subscribe page with everyone you know :-)

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Nina
Mar. 22, 2025, afternoon

I'm sorry about your teaser spring. It's coming!

I LOVE THE Book Girls Guide...I'm taking a closer look today. Lots of good SEASONAL inspiration there.

I have heard great things about the Cara book. On reserve! I'm waiting...

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The Mindful Librarian
Mar. 22, 2025, evening

Yes they sure do excel at seasonal content, Nina! Definitely get on that Spring Reading Challenge :-) I hope you love the Cara Bastone book ~ it definitely stole my heart.

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