First, I want to wish everyone a happy fall!
I’m not sure about you, but as much as I enjoy a handful of wonderful summer days, there truly is nothing like a crisp fall morning or a perfect fall Saturday afternoon. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the arrival of fall weather here in the Northeast.
I wanted to write directly to you, all of whom have chosen to subscribe to this publication, assuming it is because of your appreciation for history. It’s why this publication was started, and it has been a great deal of fun to explore different historical periods, topics, and characters.
With that said, I’m going to be making some changes to the content I’ll be creating on this publication moving forward.
I will no longer be writing narrative history content. If that’s specifically why you chose to subscribe, I would wholly understand if you chose to unsubscribe.
I’ll be shifting my content to focus on my passion for literature, specifically books. There will still be a strong presence of nonfiction and history, as that is the majority of what I read; however, I want to use this publication to create a space where literature of all kinds can be discussed, dissected, and shared.
Simply put, my passion is helping readers of all types enhance their reading experience.
I want more people, specifically young men, to stop being so chronically online and spend more time reading books.
I want folks who typically only read one genre to feel comfortable branching out and trying new genres and books. It’s something I’ve done intentionally this year, and it has enhanced my reading experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined prior.
The Uncommon Reader, as a publication, will focus on exploring literature through the lens of study.
This will be a community-focused publication featuring curated reading lists, personalized curricula, book recommendations, and long-form written pieces on various topics that relate to books, reading, and other related subjects.
I’ve already curated the launch posts for this shift and am excited to share them over the next few days.
First, I will share my October reading list, which highlights seven books. Four works of fiction and three nonfiction books.
My second post will be a French History curriculum that will be reader-friendly, so nothing too dense, that will highlight works of narrative history and nonfiction titled “France In Flames: A Reader’s Journey Through The French Revolution”
This and other curriculum pieces will span 16 weeks each and will be available to all paid subscribers.
Along with French History, I’m currently working on curricula for Russian History, the American Revolution, Translated Literature, and Western fiction, which will be released in the future.
I’ll also begin posting longer-form videos on YouTube, alongside the content that will be available through this publication. I’m working on a few launch concept ideas, and that should be ready to film this weekend, so stay tuned for that!
Lastly, I’ll be launching a podcast that highlights discussions about the books I’m reading, news in the literary space, conversations with Authors, fellow book creators, and more. I’ve already received confirmation from three high-profile guests that I’m excited to work with, and I’m looking forward to launching the show and sharing it with the public.
Before I go, you may be wondering: Why ‘The Uncommon Reader’ as a publication name?
It’s a play on words of Virginia Woolf’s ‘The Common Reader’ literary essays.
Woolf used The Common Reader as a way to celebrate reading and engaging with literature. While it also serves as a work of literary criticism, it celebrates how reading connects us all across time through shared experiences.
I found that to be fascinating and inspiring, as I had been thinking a lot about my direction with this publication. When the idea for the new name dawned on me, it felt like the final sign for me to move forward with the change.
Thank you all so much for your support as subscribers. For reading my work and sharing it with other people who have also read it. I’m grateful for you if you’ve only ever read one post, or if you’ve read them all. I hope you’ll stick around to support the changes I’m making to the publication, and even discover a new book to read that becomes one of your favorites!
If not, no worries! I wish you the best, and hope for just one thing.
Read more books!