The Grimms were quite the collectors!

I'm interested to see which tales they 'germanized' (a big criticism of their collecting/writing/storytelling) but I haven't gotten to that research yet.

I may be lacking a few minor tales. My favourite story (I think) was The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

Though I *really* enjoyed the Grimms' work, reading fairy tales back to back was surprisingly exhausting. Yes, no Disney happily ever afters. Yes, beautifully depressing. But I had to take breaks. If you plan to read all of them, I'd suggest switching between more popular tales and the lesser known ones––it might flow better that way.

I'm looking forward to doing more research on the Grimms family!

Pairings: Andersen, Arabian nights, Aesop, lemony snickett, macdonald.

As an HSP, this book made me feel a lot less alone and a whole lot less crazy!

Aron helps HSPs (and those who love HSPs) identify what happens in our brains, why it's totally rad, and gives tools to use in order to keep from getting (as) overwhelmed and to avoid going into "shut down" mode. It has been helpful for me to help others identify whether they or a loved one are HSP, and how we can all help each other thrive.

I know many HSPs who hate the fact that they are so sensitive, but I love this quality about myself. It's part of who I am, and it's part of what makes me awesome and crazy creative.

If you feel more fragile than most people (or have a loved one or child who seems more fragile - there is also a children's version), or have any interest in sensory needs (touches on sensory issues briefly - we all have them!), this would be a good read for you.

I loved Wilde's phrases throughout the play. His sarcasm brings a smile to my face.

My mother would read this to me and laugh at the end. I didn't understand.

Now I laugh.

I first read this in 8th grade. I didn't know that something so terrifying could be so beautiful.

Jessa Sexton shares a collection of sonnets that explore the "extremes of life" the moments of extreme grief and greatness - and how these two personas walk together in many avenues of life. Each poem is coupled with a reflection, and Jessa gives plenty of other ways to engage with this (mostly) lost (but definitely not dead yet!) art form. If you're looking for an accessible way to enjoy poetry - this is it! For poetry buffs - this book gives me hope that poetry - especially that of more rigid, challenging forms - most certainly, most definitely is. not. dead.

This collection of sonnets absolutely blew me away. As I turned the pages, reading poem after poem, I knew that I was holding something of greatness, something that has potential to last on well after people grieve our own passings. Jessa's writing and style makes poetry accessible, relatable, but still challenging to us artsy, poetry-loving types. Jessa's deep faith and incredible empathy are evident as she reflects and writes in this form - there are things she articulated that made me feel less alone in my own grief and my own struggles in this thing called life. I don't say this lightly: these sonnets are prophetic. These sonnets are worship. "My Exodus" especially will remain etched on my heart probably until I die.

I usually don't rate books where I know the author, but honestly, this edition was so fabulous I couldn't help myself. I'm hoping Jessa continues to wield this clearly God-given ability she's been given.