Let's Try This One More Time

or: I leapt without looking

I jumped into Substack a month ago, but with very little understanding of the forum and format. Coming from the tar pits of blogging I thought it could be an alternative book review platform, but am now realizing it’s a different beast. One that may offer me a chance to be a little less formal and to expand beyond the straightforward rinse-repeat review. To that end, let’s begin again:

My name is Catherine and I’m a chocoholic bookaholic (OK, both). The Nancy Drew series was my gateway to all the magic books hold and I charged through as soon as I could connect words into sentences on the page. Many of you know me as a recurring co-host on the podcast Sarah’s Book Shelves Live, but I’ve also been reviewing books for over a decade on my blog, The Gilmore Guide to Books.

At my age certain realities of life annoy the hell out of me, but there’s still much to enjoy. I’ve had lots of careers but one thing has always been constant—my love of food, reading, fashion, and writing. I'm trying to avoid therapy, armed assault, and a dependence on pharmaceutical products by indulging my love of writing and reading here.

So, why this account now?

Because the voices in my head needed somewhere to go.

That sounded a bit more psychotic than I meant. How about: I’m here to share, recommend, vent, laugh, and let off steam on any number of topics, but mostly books. Hopefully, you’ll find something of interest and will respond with your own recommending, sharing, and venting. Don’t be afraid. This will be fun, really.

Let’s start. Why are you on Substack?