Heart Talk by Cleo Wade.

This book is so cute.

I usually hate the word “cute,” because it kind of denotes the subject that it’s often used to describe, but I really can’t think of a better or more respectful word in this scenario. I bought this book because I wanted a light read, and I also wanted to be one of those ambiguous poets at the time (leave me alone). It was at Urban Outfitters in their little cute section of overpriced knickknacks that I get sucked into ev. ree. time. and I stayed on brand during that shopping trip, too, because I bought it. Really, I could have just taken it into the dressing room and finished it within the hour, but morals.

The book is full of cutely written common knowledge. Things like “I had been so focused on winning and losing[,] I did not realize the only battle was the one between me and myself for myself.” and “Your life experiences are only as valuable as your ability to turn them into life lessons.” You know these things, right? But still, the fact that they’re written in a fun font with fun illustrations surrounding them makes you want to commemorate them in the form of a small, overpriced book written by a curly-headed, light-skinned beauty. It’s okay, I didn’t win the battle, either.

Still, the book is useful. I did read it at a time of transition in my life, and although many of its reminders are extremely surface-level, they are timely and helpful if you’re in a place to receive them. And even though this post adopts a tone of cynicism, I am an annoying optimist, and I believe that there is no such thing as too much encouragement / positive affirmations.

Read duration: see second paragraph.

It’s cute, and if you position it the right way on your bookshelf, it’ll start a conversation amongst your friends. It’s on Amazon, sold out at UO, at Anthropologie, and good ol’ B&N.