We don't necessarily write to for the comments but when exploring books conversation gives a book a life of its own. I support this want you have, "I want engagement in the comment sections so that it isn’t just me speaking into a void. "
Also agreed on the engagement. Something I frequently do is write out a comment, then delete it without ever posting it. Not at all here, but on many sites where I feel invited to engage, but likely on sites where the interaction is only people shouting out their virtues without listening or even wanting a reply.
So here's to more and better discussions. I'll start off by saying that I think you were brave to put your reading list out there for us to peruse. I am impressed. We surely must have something to discuss, as we've read nearly 200 books in common over the years.
Absolutely Adrienne! I would love to hear your thoughts on any of our shared reading. Send me a note or email. If there is something you particularly want to get into, maybe I can write an essay on it!
This all sounds great, Matthew. I’ve had such a full on year that I didn’t get to be an active part of the community. But I’m sure next year is going to be calmer and I look forward to reading your insights and chatting about the ways in which stories form, and inform, our world.
Calm is good! I just read the list of books you’ll be reading and they’re great. I’ve read a few already but I’ve always been a big re-reader! Great to see James Baldwin featured so much. I wrote about him earlier this year for my Writers as World Changers series.
Matthew, having also had a career full of rules and regulations, specific timeframes and deadlines, I recognize it as something that can come to feel like second nature and we end up applying those same principles to our post career life. I think you are on the right path here, just do what feels good for you. I know I’ve been kind of quiet here this year, but I am really enjoying everything you write and look forward to engaging more in the coming year.
Dear Matthew, I really appreciate your willingness to show your vulnerability (in not having a perfect plan fully formed) and to lay out your thought process. The nautical metaphor works really really well. I look forward to joining the upcoming deep dive. (Will I need a wetsuit??!!)
Whatever and whenever you publish a piece of work Matthew, whether a personal essay or a deep dive into a book or an interview, it is with enormous pleasure that I read your words. There is always wisdom, empathy and eloquence and I anticipate year three being an even greater and more communal melange for us all. I look forward to being a small part of it.
We don't necessarily write to for the comments but when exploring books conversation gives a book a life of its own. I support this want you have, "I want engagement in the comment sections so that it isn’t just me speaking into a void. "
Just post Matt. Not to tell you what to do, but don't be afraid to stick your neck out. Readers love trouble : )
You are likely right Richard! I should worry less and just write.
Also agreed on the engagement. Something I frequently do is write out a comment, then delete it without ever posting it. Not at all here, but on many sites where I feel invited to engage, but likely on sites where the interaction is only people shouting out their virtues without listening or even wanting a reply.
So here's to more and better discussions. I'll start off by saying that I think you were brave to put your reading list out there for us to peruse. I am impressed. We surely must have something to discuss, as we've read nearly 200 books in common over the years.
Absolutely Adrienne! I would love to hear your thoughts on any of our shared reading. Send me a note or email. If there is something you particularly want to get into, maybe I can write an essay on it!
This all sounds great, Matthew. I’ve had such a full on year that I didn’t get to be an active part of the community. But I’m sure next year is going to be calmer and I look forward to reading your insights and chatting about the ways in which stories form, and inform, our world.
Calm is good! I would love to hear more from you Amanda, especially if any of the books we are reading speak to you.
Calm is good! I just read the list of books you’ll be reading and they’re great. I’ve read a few already but I’ve always been a big re-reader! Great to see James Baldwin featured so much. I wrote about him earlier this year for my Writers as World Changers series.
Matthew, having also had a career full of rules and regulations, specific timeframes and deadlines, I recognize it as something that can come to feel like second nature and we end up applying those same principles to our post career life. I think you are on the right path here, just do what feels good for you. I know I’ve been kind of quiet here this year, but I am really enjoying everything you write and look forward to engaging more in the coming year.
Thanks Noreen. I am trying to be less structured! Maybe I need to just write and not worry about a plan!
That sounds like a great plan…I mean not a plan. 😏
Dear Matthew, I really appreciate your willingness to show your vulnerability (in not having a perfect plan fully formed) and to lay out your thought process. The nautical metaphor works really really well. I look forward to joining the upcoming deep dive. (Will I need a wetsuit??!!)
Matthew, There is freedom in flying free with no structure!
I appreciate you sharing the evolution of a thought, Matthew. And I'm still here, looking forward to joining you in this next leg. Cheers!
Excited to see where this takes you, Matthew!
Whatever and whenever you publish a piece of work Matthew, whether a personal essay or a deep dive into a book or an interview, it is with enormous pleasure that I read your words. There is always wisdom, empathy and eloquence and I anticipate year three being an even greater and more communal melange for us all. I look forward to being a small part of it.
Thank you for all you bring us.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us so openly, Matthew. And I’m excited for Beyond the Bookshelf 2026 ✨✨
Clearly, you’ve put a great deal of thought into the future of your Substack. I’m excited to be on this journey with you!
I'm sure whatever course you set for Beyond the Bookshelf will be good and true. Very much looking forward to "Roots and Wings" in 2026! Thank you.
Happy belated Thanksgiving, Matthew! ("The History of Jazz" is coming your way via bookshop.org!)
Wow, thank you very much. I genuinely appreciate that.