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

In this episode, we’re setting the table for a literary feast—one that follows the rhythm of a classic French meal: entrée, plat, and dessert. Each course is represented by a food memoir, offering stories that nourish the soul as much as they celebrate the pleasures of cooking and eating.

We begin with Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant, a tender and often humorous collection of essays about the rituals and revelations of cooking for one. Then we move to The Gastronomy of Marriage, where Michelle Maisto explores how food and love intertwine in the early years of marriage. And finally, for dessert, we savor The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry, Kathleen Flinn’s heartfelt chronicle of her time at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Alongside each book, you’ll find a suggested recipe—simple, soulful dishes to complement the reading and invite you to live the stories off the page.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, stir something on the stove, and let food and literature nourish you in tandem.

A video version of this episode, where you can see the recipes being cooked, is right here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9ZlsL7irw

In this episode, we delve into Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery, a novel that captures the fading memories and final cravings of a legendary food critic. As we unravel the lush descriptions of taste and longing, we take a detour to Île Saint-Louis for a visit to the iconic Berthillon, where a scoop of their exquisite orange sorbet mirrors the novel’s obsession with sensory pleasure.

But no Parisian indulgence is complete without a proper apéritif. We explore the history of the Kir, the beloved French cocktail that blends crème de cassis with crisp white wine. From its origins in Burgundy to its place in today’s café culture, the Kir is a toast to the simple yet refined art of French living.

A novel, a sorbet, and a cocktail—this is an episode steeped in flavor and nostalgia. Join me as we savor the essence of Paris, one taste at a time.

***Drink responsably***

A video version of this podcast is available here : https://youtu.be/nqhvP-kdwCE

Some books ask for more than just a passing glance—they invite commitment, urging us to settle in for the long haul. In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast, we explore the charm of literary sagas and the rewards of long-term reading, with a special focus on my journey through Elizabeth Jane Howard’s Cazalet Chronicles. And since no reading ritual is complete without a little indulgence, we’ll also take a delightful detour into the history of marmalade. So, brew a cup of Earl Grey, get cosy, and let the ritual begin!

In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast, I take you on a literary stroll through my favorite bookshops in Paris. From the historic charm of Delamain to the refined elegance of Galignani and the welcoming warmth of Smith & Son, each of these bookstores has a distinct personality—almost like stepping into different kinds of homes. Join me as I explore the cozy, cottage-like nooks, the grand manor-style spaces, and the inviting salons where stories and atmosphere intertwine. Parisian book lovers, this one's for you!

In this episode of The Ritual of Reading, we explore what it truly means to live a creative life. Creativity isn’t just about painting, writing, or making art—it’s about how we see the world, how we cultivate inspiration, and how we bring beauty into our everyday routines. I’ll share my thoughts on embracing curiosity, finding joy in small creative rituals, and overcoming the fear of imperfection.

We’ll also dive into Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert—a book that offers wisdom on how to invite creativity into our lives without being paralyzed by self-doubt. Gilbert’s insights on courage, enchantment, and persistence are a guiding light for anyone looking to nurture their creative spirit.

And because creativity thrives on experience, I’ll take you along on an artist date in Paris—an intentional, solo adventure designed to spark inspiration. Whether you're an artist, a writer, or simply someone who wants to infuse more imagination into daily life, this episode is a reminder that creativity is a way of being, not just something we do.

My books for perfume lovers : https://theritualofreading.com/thanksgiving-2023-scented-nonfiction-reading-ritual/

This podcast episode is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.