Sam W

This is a list of books that I recommend to my readers on my Substack newsletter. These books cover social issues and important topics about human rights. This list contains affiliate links; purchasing anything through these links will grant me a small commission at no added cost to you. All of these links lead to a Canadian bookstore, per the boycott of American companies in Canada. Please help us support our local businesses and keep our liberty as an independent country!

A selection of my favourite books and authors. These are the reads I turn to when I need to immerse myself in another world for a while! These novels are outstanding reads, hidden gems that don't get nearly enough attention. These are not your standard BookTok reads.

When I was growing up, I was obsessed with Harry Potter. I thought that it taught me how to fight back against oppression and take a stand against the people I felt were causing me harm. Now that I'm older, I realize the problems with the series. Putting aside the author's awful transphobia -ugh- the books do not offer a real revolution. The characters do not change the world or make it better; they simply end the new threat and leave all of the old problems in place. Thankfully, there are stories out there that show much more valuable examples of true revolution.

Among my many, many interests is a deep fascination with plants. I adore the little buggers- I have a bushel of Ground Cherries growing in a pot right under my computer desk, because I'm that much of a plant geek. I should have been an ethnobotanist, but instead, I developed a fondness for researching plant-based medicines. These are my favourite books on the subject. My herbal library is huge, so this will be a long and constantly evolving list!Disclaimer: I am not a certified herbalist, nor a doctor, and nothing in these books should be taken as medical advice from me. Always consult a doctor before making any decisions about your healthcare.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have an addiction to caffeine. I used to work as a barista, and I have a not-at-all-hidden adoration for coffee and tea. I'm a pumpkin spice kind of gal, and I'm not at all ashamed!

I'm not much of an alcohol drinker. My partner and I are teetotals for the most part, although we don't abstain completely. We both enjoy the occasional cocktail or glass of wine- especially mead, which we both enjoy. I don't drink very much alcohol, but I do enjoy the process of brewing my own. And of course, if I'm going to drink, I'm going to reach for some familiar favorites!

When I stopped working at the coffee shop, I decided to try and go cold turkey on my coffee consumption to kick my caffeine addiction. Oh boy, was THAT a mistake! The migraine, the nausea, the general feeling of missing my morning cup o' joe…it sucked. Once I got over the withdrawal, introducing decaf into my daily coffee diet really helped me cut back without losing out on the flavor and ritual of making my favorite drink!

The word hygge means coziness. The hygge lifestyle is all about comfort; warm intimate spaces, luxurious soft blankets and the fluffiest socks you can find. Think candles, hot tea, and gentle dim light. Think hot spiced apple cider in a crockpot while a winter storm rages outside. This list is your starter kit for building a hygge sanctuary in your own home.

I'm a voracious reader. I don't know if you can tell by my extensive lists of favorite books and reading materials, but I own far too many books and not nearly enough shelves to hold them all. It's a curse I share with my partner, who literally filled their apartment with tote bags full of spare novels and texts. We dream of getting a house big enough to convert a spare room into a personal library that we can share. I've spent way too much time collecting things to put in said library, so here you go!

It's almost Spooky Season again! While October 31st is often celebrated as Halloween, for many pagans, the holiday is known as Samhain. It's my favourite holiday of the year, marking the end of the wheel of seasons and the turning of the new year. It's a deeply spiritual holiday full of reflection and love and remembrance.

Here is a simple list of the writing platforms and tools that I personally use, and my reasons why. These have allowed me to build a decently successful freelance writing business without breaking the bank. They're cheap, intuitive and allow you to build a fantastic foundation for a thriving blog and newsletter business!

Planning a trip to Canada at some point in the future? If you're going to travel, I beg of you- visit the Maritime provinces of Atlantic Canada. I'm a Maritimer born and raised, and I've spent my life romping these shorelines, mountains and forests like a wild thing. There is nothing like it, and I humbly suggest that you partake of the experience for yourself!

I am a woman of ten thousand hobbies. I can, and will, learn a new craft in a matter of days if I set my mind to it- especially if it has to do with knitting, weaving, spinning, or any other yarn craft out there. I have an obsession with being able to make things for myself, and I collect yarn the way people collect stamps!

Among my thousands of hobbies, embroidery stands out. It's relatively easy to pick up and do, and it allows you to customize bland clothing to suit your own style. Embroidered crafts make amazing gift ideas for any holiday!

Like many, I am an avid and obsessive reader. I love books. A shared love of the literary arts is what drew my partner and I together; our ideal date is sitting quietly in a cafe, reading our favorite novels while we sip a hot drink on a chilly winter day. Christmas is right around the corner, and if you know anyone who is a voracious reader like me, I have some great ideas for what you can get them for a gift! Enjoy!