I’m Julie, a writer and reader searching for beauty and meaning inside the pages of life.

I love my family, french fries, and the days books come in the mail.

Books are some of the most common pieces of everyday life. Even if you’re not a reader, you probably have a few lying around--relics from school days, books your kids are chewing, a handful you never read gathering dust on a shelf. But books have been major keys God has used to help me recognize who I am, remember who I want to be, and see the similarities among all of us. 

When I was little, books were like a warm blanket in which I wrapped myself. I read the same ones over and over as the ultimate comfort. I still have books I read this way, but as an adult, I find that my reading is more like a hand extended for me to take: welcome to this world. Get to know it. Then reach out and bring others in.

I read books for entertainment or to learn or for beauty or to get lost in the art of the words. But every time I read, I am looking for connection--to the characters and to the other people who are reading with me. I’d love to talk to you, in comments or through email, about what you’re reading to find meaning and bring up big questions or slices of joy.

On this site, I’ll share ways that who we are and what matters are revealed in books. While everybody’s journey is unique, the truly profound and beautiful things in the world help us all piece together our own answers. Books are  those profound things and act as mirrors for our lives, reflecting back the wonder and truth that we may be missing and helping us live our own best lives. 

Good books start conversations, and once started, who knows where they will end? I’m looking to books to bring out the truth and beauty already in this world, and I’m looking for people who want to come along on the journey. Even if you choose not to join a conversation here, I hope these blogs about books will give you ways to start the conversations with other people, and give you ideas for new books you want to read or old books you want to revisit.

Above all, I hope you’ll keep up your own search for beauty and truth and keep your eyes open for amazement.

Thanks for being here and for being you.