Distracting, Joyful Glimmers

A monthly roundup of all the good stuff from May (books and more)

May 31, 2024

**If you’re new to Mourning Pages, welcome! I am Penny Zang, an author and English professor. My debut novel, Doll Parts, will be published in 2025. You can add it on Goodreads. Thanks for being here!**

Last time: A Summer Reading Guide for the Burnt Out Reader

“Why can't I try on different lives, like dresses, to see which fits best and is more becoming?” —Sylvia Plath

May has been a restful month and I needed it to be so. Finishing my first round of edits on Doll Parts plus the end of elementary school (!!!) plus a bit of travel plus the start of summer’s swim season for my son…now that I write it, it doesn’t sound so restful after all. But I promise I’ve been letting things marinate. And the result so far has been a lot of pleasant, joyful distractions. Glimmers.

Glimmers, as I saw someone share online recently, are the opposite of triggers. They are the happy things, but also the interesting things. A glimmer for me is something that catches my eye and lingers. Sometimes they are weird and wonderful. Sometimes they are sweet and sudden.

May was full of more glimmers than I can count. Here are a few I’d like to share.

Literary Witches

One of the gifts I gave myself for finishing edits was the amazing Literary Witches Oracle Deck (and related book) by Taisia Kitaiskaia (Author) and Katy Horan (Illustrator).

I’ve wanted this deck for so long and am in love with the artwork. It’s described as a celebration of female writers, trailblazers and feminist icons featuring artists such as Toni Morrison, Shirley Jackson, Joy Harjo, and Angela Carter. I’m a bit obsessed with it. Expect to hear about it again and again.

Note: I am a Bookshop.org affiliate and may eventually, if the rumors are true, earn a small commission if you purchase through my links.

Magnetic Bookmarks

I love all bookmarks, but not equally. These little magnetic cat bookmarks from Target, pictured above, that someone (my husband?) gave me a few years ago have recently reemerged in my life.

I think I’ve misplaced most of them and will need to buy a new pack soon. Magnetic cat bookmarks are at Target, but probably other places online, too.

white and red strawberry cake — Photo by Takuya Nagaoka on Unsplash

The Girl With the Most Cake

As much as I like to celebrate with champagne, I’ve chosen to celebrate all the milestones leading up to the publication of Doll Parts with cake. As in, I turned in my first round of edits, let’s eat more cake.

For anyone who doesn’t catch the significance, it’s time to catch up. Do yourself a favor and listen to “Doll Parts” by Hole. “I want to be the girl with the most cake” is my evergreen mantra.

If you already knew the Hole reference, we are probably already friends.

Mysteries—lots and lots of mysteries

I’m reading again! Mysteries (the darker the better) are my favorite kind of beach read.

A few that I’ve either devoured this month or are currently sitting on my nightstand:

Sunsets in Southwest Florida for the win

Sunsets instead of sunrises

I’ll get back to #5amwritersclub very soon, but after so many early mornings, I needed to sleep in a little this month. Staying up late (late for me) feels just right for the start of summer break. It’s nice to change up my often rigid routines and feel a bit unmoored, a little off schedule.

What are your glimmers past the past month? What are you loving lately? What are the good things that linger?

And if you have any cake, think of me.

Best,

Penny