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Hey,
And, just like that, we are somehow more than halfway through October.
I used to (silently🙄) roll my eyes when older people warned me that time speeds up as you get older. Now? I get it.
My kiddo thinks everything takes forever while I’m blinking through entire weeks.
So, here I am, wondering if anyone’s figured out how to slow time (or at least my perception of it) down. If that is you, please reply to this email and share your wisdom (seriously, hit reply).
Even though it feels like I’m living in a time warp it has been a productive month for reading. I’m currently on book #10 for October and if my current workbench is any indication… a lot more to go before their due dates (which… yes, I track like deadlines).
I write about books here because reading is one of the few things I’ve consistently loved💛… and, let’s be honest, it connects to business way more often than you’d think.
I am not trying to sound superior. Something I unpacked in a recent post, which is recapped below.
I hope you enjoy it and the new additions to the ⚒️Workbench!
P.S. If this was forwarded to you, welcome! Click here to subscribe so you don’t miss the next edition.
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🧪Alchemy Notes
I’ve been crushing my reading goal for 2025… which was originally to just read more than I did last year (75+ books).
My current stats are below, thanks to The StoryGraph (truly an excellent app if you’re into tracking your reading without having to use an Amazon owned site).
I recently wrote a post reflecting on why I share my reading habits… and no, it’s not to be obnoxious. I share because I love it, and because I remember what it’s like to want to read more but not have the time, energy, or bandwidth.
The post is included below.
It’s really just a reminder to be kinder to yourself in whatever phase of life you are in , especially if it’s a season when your time and energy are stretched.
Things do shift, especially if you start small and stay curious.
⚒️The Alchemist’s Workbench
Why Workbench instead of TBR?
Because these are the books checked out from the library right now… aka the ones I’ll be reading soon since… you know… deadlines/due dates. I also have a stack of ‘owned but unread’ books, a queue of holds, and an endless ‘for later’ list on my library profile.
But this Workbench is what’s literally on my table, not just on a list.
📖After Happily Ever: An Epic Novel of Midlife Rebellion by Jennifer Safrey (Currently Reading)
I spotted this on the “on order” list from the Seattle Public Library and loved it’s premise of fairy tale princesses navigating mid-life. I just started it but can’t wait to see their evolutions.
📗Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
For those who don’t know, I’m half-Japanese. I’ve spent a good amount of time exploring my racial identity, though I’m not sure I’ll ever write about it. But I do love reading other people’s stories… and this one comes highly recommended.
📗Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
You’ve probably seen this one around. I have too. I haven’t read a ton of Emily Henry, but I’m curious to see if this lives up to the hype.
📗Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
A highly anticipated fantasy release (at least according to the internet), so I’m giving it a try.
📗Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J Tuli
I’ve seen this one all over “bookstagram” so it’s finally made it’s way off my holds list and to the Workbench.
📗The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Saw this recommended… somewhere. I can’t remember where, but the premise intrigued me enough to check it out.
💥Special Feature: The Home Collection
Alongside the Alchemist’s Workbench, I also have what I call The Home Collection…books I own and plan to savor slowly, revisit often, or keep for reference. This feature will only show up when I have purchased or been gifted a new book, so it won’t make an appearance every month (or at least that’s what my family hopes).
New addition to my collection:
📗Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and (Actually) Love What You Have by Amanda Goetz
This one officially drops today (October 21st!🎉). I preordered my copy and it arrived a bit early, but it’s still not read (yet). I’m very excited for this one as I’m a big fan of Amanda’s newsletter and love following her on IG and LinkedIn. High hopes for this one.
📚 P.S. I read a lot… across strategy, memoir, psychology, and the occasional fantasy/romance/thriller/witchy novel. The book recs in this newsletter aren’t filler. They’re part of how I think, lead, and help clients navigate complexity. Want to see what else is on my shelf? Take a peek at my bookstore (affiliate link, updated regularly).
⚗️Potion Shelf Picks
I only recommend things when I think, “Oh, this could actually help someone skip the spiral.” This is the stuff I use, enjoy, and would suggest over coffee if you mentioned the right kind of headache.
Clicking on the ads doesn’t commit you to anything, but does help support this newsletter.
Plus, these are all publications I check out regularly or subscribe to since they help me stay on top of the latest trends in the world and business without overwhelm.
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👋🏻Let’s Not Make It Weird
Hi, I’m Tara, Founder and Chief Alchemist at Alchemy Advising. I help founders and execs untangle their finances, rethink pricing, and build smarter systems so their businesses can scale without burnout. After nearly 20 years in finance and ops (with brands like HOKA and UGG), I now bring that big-brand strategy to growing businesses who need clarity, not just spreadsheets.
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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”