Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to come home to yourself. In this episode of The Ritual of Reading, we explore how books can become a sanctuary in the midst of busy, noisy lives. If you’ve ever felt too distracted, overwhelmed, or guilty to sit down with a book, this is your gentle reminder that reading should never feel like a chore. I’m sharing my ten commandments for a relaxing reading experience—a personal guide to reclaiming reading as a source of peace and pleasure. From creating a calming environment to embracing slowness and letting go of expectations, this episode offers a quiet space to reconnect with the joy of reading, just as you are.

In this heartfelt episode of The Ritual of Reading, I’m sharing six books that became anchors for me during some of life’s toughest seasons. From Deepak Chopra’s The Book of Secrets to Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, each of these works offered comfort, courage, and a renewed sense of hope when I needed it most. We’ll explore the wisdom of vulnerability with Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, the gentle encouragement to rest and heal found in Katherine May’s Wintering, the empowering practices of manifesting from Gabrielle Bernstein’s Super Attractor, and the life-changing affirmations of Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life.
Whether you’re in the midst of your own storm or simply gathering tools for the journey ahead, I hope these reflections offer you a moment of calm, connection, and inspiration.

Let's read through the storm—together.

Join me this week as we delve into the fascinating intersection of jewelry, literature, and everyday rituals, all sparked by the captivating "Paris, City of Pearls" exhibition at L'École, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris. This exhibition, celebrating the history and allure of pearls, has inspired a unique exploration into the worlds of three remarkable novels.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• Françoise Sagan's Aimez-vous Brahms...: We'll unpack the sophisticated Parisian atmosphere and complex relationships in Sagan's elegant novel.
• The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard: Journey with me through the sweeping saga of the Cazalet family, where every female character could wear the pearls I saw in the exhibition.
• Barbara Pym's Some Tame Gazelle: Discover the gentle wit and insightful observations of Pym's world, in the majestic dramatization of the BBC audio version.

Beyond the literary connections, I'll also be sharing some thoughts on the comforting rituals of breakfast, inspired by moments within these books. We'll talk about the simple pleasure of homemade marmalade, the personal history embedded in our routines, and the significance of these small, grounding moments.

And finally, in the spirit of Aimez-vous Brahms..., we'll touch upon the evocative power of Brahms's music and how it can complement the themes of the exhibition and these literary works, adding another layer of emotional resonance.

Tune in for a unique blend of literary appreciation, historical context, and the subtle inspiration drawn from the "Paris, City of Pearls" exhibition. Whether you're a book lover, a history enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of pearls, there's something for you in this episode.

You can see the video version of this episode here : https://youtu.be/PdKoOBuFHaM

And you can browse through my photo gallery of the pearl exhibition here : https://theritualofreading.com/paris-city-of-pearls-lecole-school-of-jewelry-arts/

• Keywords: Paris City of Pearls, L'École, School of Jewelry Arts, Book Recommendations, Literary Inspiration, Françoise Sagan, Aimez-vous Brahms, Cazalet Chronicles, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Some Tame Gazelle, Barbara Pym, Breakfast Rituals, Marmalade, History, Brahms, Podcast, Books, Literature, Jewelry, Paris