365 Day Mood Project

We’ve done a lot of social activities recently, so we’re still slowing things down. Not everything has to be all gas. We can hit the brakes sometimes. I’m spending Day 18 with a book.

I spent the day reading “This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me” by Ilona Andrews, cover to cover. I’m a big fantasy person. If you don’t have a book right now or a good place to read one, here are my suggestions for places to go in Austin (or online):

1. Reading at home? Don’t use Amazon, try bookshop.org.
   
   Bookshop.org has an app for your phone if you prefer a digital book. It’s a certified B Corp, carbon neutral, and the full profit from the books you buy can be distributed to the local independent bookstore of your choice.
   
   
2. Want a coffee too? Try First Light in Hyde Park.
   
   It has a coffee shop inside, a cute outdoor area to read, and PARKING. There’s an additional lot across the street.
   
   
3. Prefer reading with a wine in the evening? Go to Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar on E 11th.
   
   You can buy a book and enjoy a wine flight. The parking does suck, though. You can park in the parking deck across the street if you don’t want to struggle with street parking.
   
   
4. Want a big selection without supporting a big retailer? Go to BookPeople downtown on N Lamar.
   
   Book people is a staple, and they have something for everyone. The staff knows what they’re talking about, too. Additionally, if you’re looking for some friends? BookPeople runs book clubs so you can meet fellow literary minds.
   
   
5. Already have a book, but don’t want to spend money at a cafe or a bar? Go to Auditorium Shores.
   
   There’s free parking in the lot for 2 hours and paid parking at the Palmer Events Center. If you want a nice place to read, bring a blanket and set yourself up. On a sunny day, that area will be full of people with their dogs or other people lying out. Who knows? You might find some people to hang out with there as well.
   
   
6. Like a beach read? Try Emma Long Metropolitan Park or Deep Eddy Pool.
   
   Emma Long has a beach, so take a book! Deep Eddy isn’t an actual beach, but I’ve spent a few Sunday mornings with a book there. There’s plenty of space to lay out, and children aren’t allowed before a certain time if you get there early.
   

Day 18 is done. Keep it pushing and go read a book! Love you, mean it.