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Beth Tolson

@bethisoverthinking

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Writer, overthinker, bookworm
Sharing Substack quotes, book thoughts & little joys ✨️
Read my Substack ⬇️

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September started and ended with books I'd eagerly pre-ordered, with some spur-of-the-moment Libby reads in the middle for good measure.

I'll share some more thoughts about Threshing Day soon, but I'm here for any discussions in the meantime 🐲

#readingwrapup #bookworm #bookrecs📚 by @bethisoverthinking

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3 days ago

This month's Substack post just went live and it's a vulnerable one. I reflect on the ways society's messages about how we should look have warped my own body image, and how I'm trying to approach it with compassion rather than self-criticism.

Link in bio 📖

#substackwriters #bodyimage by @bethisoverthinking

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5 days ago

I stepped wayyy out my comfort zone & picked this up purely because it was one of my local book club reads, and honestly… it took great perseverance.

I found it incredibly hard to rate because my feelings sat firmly in the middle.
Did I love it? No.
Did I hate it? No.
Will I continue the series? Also no.

But credit where it’s due: Garber’s writing is beautiful, whimsical, and exactly what a magical fairytale‑style fantasy should be. The world is enchanting, the tone is dreamy, and it absolutely delivers everything fans of the genre adore. It’s well written, imaginative, and full of that glittery, spellbound atmosphere.

The truth is simply that romantasy isn’t me. I’m a thriller girl through and through — give me tension, twists, and adrenaline any day.
But I’m honestly glad I tried this.
It pushed me out of my usual lane, and even though it didn’t convert me, I can appreciate why so many readers adore it.

#bookstagram #bookreview #romantacy #bookclubread #booklover taken in Kent, Kent, United Kingdom by @bethisoverthinking

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9 days ago

As much as I love getting cosy, I'm not someone who looks forward to the colder, darker months. (That said, I'm excited to step on crunchy leaves when they fall.)

So I've been trying to soak up as much of that September sun as possible, and fill my days with calm and contentment.

#littlejoys #selfcareisntselfish by @bethisoverthinking

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15 days ago

Five books I couldn't put down and why 📚

Have you read any of these? And do you have any recommendations? I'd love to know!

#bookworm #bookrecs #fourthwing #acomaf #anneboleyn

I borrowed Fourth Wing from @del.is.reading and didn't expect to pick it up straight away, but then I saw the blurb ("once you enter Basgiath War College, there are only two ways out: graduate or die") and that was that.

I know it's odd to think of a book with plenty of political turmoil as comforting, but Feyre's mental health struggles and her gradual recovery really speak to me.

Every word and punctuation mark has a purpose, and Hilary Mantel's wit is unparalleled. I wouldn't have wanted to live in Tudor times but I sure do love reading about them.

Anne Boleyn has always fascinated me: the slow rise to the top, the swift downfall, the impact she's had despite Henry VIII trying to erase all traces of her. @themosthappy78 also does a great podcast called Talking Tudors.

This book made me want to abandon all technology and run into the woods to start a new life. by @bethisoverthinking

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19 days ago

Even though our situations are very different, Lena Dunham's Famesick still has some of the most accurate descriptions of dealing with chronic illness that I've read.

There's something beautiful about making people feel seen through your writing – thank you, Lena ❤️

#famesick #lenadunham #memoir #bookworm #bookrecs📚 by @bethisoverthinking

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22 days ago

Book recommendation: Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig

One for the Phantom fans (Phans?), Our Strange Duet tells the story of The Phantom of the Opera from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, filling in gaps, fleshing out characters and backstories, and expanding on scenes we already know and love.

I felt like I was right in the thick of rehearsals and performances at The Opera Populaire, and it was a treat every time I recognised lines or lyrics from the show. I've spoken about reading at a slower pace recently, but I devoured this in three days.

P.S. I will always be Team Raoul.

#bookrecs📚 #bookish #ourstrangeduet #thephantomoftheoperaishere by @bethisoverthinking

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a month ago

Some recent highlights, featuring:

🧘‍♀️ A chilled yoga session with @leonalovesyoga

🫁 My first breathwork session with @breath_mind_body

🐕 A cute dog (of course)

🌕 The magic of the full moon

#littlejoys #glimmers #breatheinbreatheout by @bethisoverthinking

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a month ago

A slower reading month, but a good one.

📖 Finally finished Famesick

📖 Cried about an octopus

📖 Got to the top of the Libby waiting list for Yesteryear (after starting at 237 in the queue)

📖 Ticked another great Taylor Jenkins Reid book off my TBR list

What was the best book you read this month?

#bookish #bookwormlife #readingwrapup by @bethisoverthinking

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a month ago

I'm unapologetically childfree by choice, but some people don't like that. I wrote about the most frustating questions I get, and asked my @theothersclub_ friends for their thoughts, then shared them in this month's Substack newsletter.

Bottom line: do what's best for you ❤️

Link in bio.

#childfreebychoice #childfreelife by @bethisoverthinking

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a month ago

I used to devour books.

It didn't matter what was going on, or how I felt – I picked up a book whenever I could.

That changed this year. It takes me longer to finish a novel, and I've definitely read fewer books so far this year than usual.

But instead of panicking that I've lost my stride, I'm embracing the slower pace and trying to savour every word. Things won't fall apart if I need to take a break.

#readingslump #bookwormlife by @bethisoverthinking

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2 months ago

It all comes back to a shared love of stories 😊

Link to the full Substack piece in bio.

#bookclubs #bookwormlife by @bethisoverthinking

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2 months ago