Down the Rabbit Hole

A Saturday post about books! One definitely leads to another.

Good morning, Loners!

Hope everybody is doing good out there in the world.

I’ve been trying to read more. I have been squeezing in some morning and late afternoon reading. For me, one of the things I love about reading during the day is the way it reminds me of being on tour back in the early part of our career. Reading was how I got through the long days of travel — whether flying or riding in the van. Even back in the Greyhound days, when Sara and I were traversing the country on our own, books were how I got through the long drives, and endless travel.

These days I read for pleasure. And so increasing how much I am reading feels like adding more pleasure to my life. Here are some recent faves:

A Walk in the Park Kevin Fedarko

Part adventure, part misadventure — about two guys attempting to cross the entire Grand Canyon on foot. Funny and harrowing in equal measure.

Heart the Lover Lily King

I absolutely loved this one and cried through the back third. It taps into so many of my favourite things: college stories that pick back up later in life, literature, love …

Here After Amy Lin

I’m deep in a memoir phase right now, and this one was stunning — I read it in a single sitting. Amy Lin’s husband collapses and dies during a half marathon, and what follows is one of the most beautifully written accounts of grief I’ve ever read. Not for the faint of heart, but the writing is extraordinary.

On the Calculation of Volume, Book I Solvej Balle

I had the distinct pleasure of diving into this one after reading about it in the New York Times. It’s the first volume of a seven-part series by Danish author Solvej Balle — haunting, beautifully translated, and completely unlike anything else I’ve read. I can’t wait to get to the second book.

Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children Mac Barnett

Sara leant me this one, and I’m so glad she did. Mac Barnett is the ninth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, appointed by the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader. He’s written dozens of books for children, and this beautiful little gem is his rallying cry for the art of writing for young people. I found it genuinely empowering.

Raising Hare: A Memoir Chloe Dalton

This is the kind of book you immediately buy for someone else the second you finish it. I also text our family group chat and suggested everyone read it, and have now text half a dozen friends to pick it up. I was mesmerized. Completely transfixed. A truly phenomenal book. I went to bed one night at 7:30pm to read the second half after I started it the previous night. Incredible.

It is a gift to be able to commit so much time to reading, and one I don’t take for granted. I’m so grateful for all the hours of travel and waiting and alone time on the road over the years — time that kept my reading habit alive. And I’m glad that now, at home, making a new album and writing and enjoying some time off the road, I’m still able to carve out so much of it.

Thanks for spending some of your Saturday reading this post!

Also! Dream Dump is out Tuesday at 9am ET. This week I talk to Leandra Earl of Canadian band The Beaches. NOT to be missed. Leandra (and The Beaches) are absolute fucking gems. Our conversation is not to be missed.

Me and Leandra at the Junos in 2024. The Beaches KILLED their performance on the broadcast and won best Rock Album and Group.

See you Tuesday!

-Tegan