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Gretchen Anthony News - May 2025
Hey Readers,
A small confession to start: I’m flat out exhausted today. All I can think about is—
I dunno. I’m just so tired.
Yesterday, though, I was grand. I hit the bike before breakfast. I vacuumed between work tasks.
Is this what middle age is, to burn bright as a sparkler for thirty glorious, fleeting seconds?
Hey, I just remembered that sparklers come in boxes by the dozen, so good news. I’ve got more sparkle coming soon. But today, I… don’t remember.
Anyway, keep reading. If you’re up to it. If not, try again tomorrow.
Recommended Reading
The Quiet Librarian by bestselling and fellow Minnesota author Allen Eskens is both crushing and compelling, a book I tore through in two days. It’s the story of a quiet, forty-seven-year-old Minnesota librarian who, during the height of the Bosnian war, became a legendary member of a militia force. Thirty years later, her past and present collide and prove once again what a lethal force love can be. Midlife Heroine Alert!
Also Reading
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen. This novel isn’t the page-turner that Esken is known for writing, but it is deeply researched historical fiction about pre- and post-war China. The story follows one couple across sixty years and several continents as their lives and world events pull them apart and bring them together again.
(Highly) Recommended Audiobook
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Another book that I couldn’t stop reading written by a former Facebook exec. I’m recommending the audiobook, in particular, because the combination of the author’s storytelling ability and her New Zealand accent is a knockout.
From the publisher:
Careless People is a deeply personal account of why and how things have gone so horribly wrong in the past decade—told in a sharp, candid, and utterly disarming voice. A deep, unflinching look at the role that social media has assumed in our lives, Careless People reveals the truth about the leaders of Facebook: how the more power they grasp, the less responsible they become and the consequences this has for all of us.
I’m on summer vacation! It’s been a travelin’ year, and I’ve been everywhere from Palm Springs to Brainerd. I’ve appeared at book festivals, fundraisers, and on the speaking circuit, and it’s reminded me yet again how fortunate I am to live the life I do.
This summer will be quiet by design. Our youngest graduates from high school at the end of the month, and I want to dive into these final months with my boys. August will come in a blink and, with it, an empty nest.
Leaving is what we raise our kids to do. Our son is ready. But am I?
My fall calendar is beginning to fill up. Do you have a book club you’d like me to attend, or a special event that needs a speaker or emcee? Reach out.
This May, the Ladies Have Had Enough
The votes are in, and by special member requests, I am honored to announce our selected title for May 2025: Tired Ladies Take a Stand
Join Us to Meet the Real Tired Ladies LIVE
Did you know this book is based on the life my friends and I lived during the late 90s in San Francisco? It’s true, and the very cool, very real women who inspired the Carolina and Andi characters have agreed to join our live discussion this month.
We’ll answer all your questions, such as…
Did you really play “Buy Me a Drink BINGO”?
What’s it like for your friend to put all the stupid stuff you did in a book and then travel around the country talking about it?”
Have you forgiven Gretchen yet? And if not, what will it take?
Join Andi, Carolina, and me Thursday, May 22 at 7 pm Central. I’ll send the video link to subscribed members a few days before the discussion.
Mark your calendars!
I spoke at the Winthrop City Library earlier this month and made a consequential mistake when leaving our dog, Winnie the Poodle, home without me.
That’s all for this month.
Keep reading and keep your chins up. Until then, drop me a line in the comments, share this post, or just keep being the super cool party people that you are.
Also, take a nap.
