I believe that while platforms like Substack allow us to connect through writing, there's something special about face-to-face interactions.

I started this project, "Reading as Resistance," during a challenging time in my life. Back in 2019, when COVID-19 hit, I faced several personal hardships, including the loss of my grandparents.

These experiences led me into a deep clinical depression. It was a difficult period, and I struggled to find a way out.

One day, I picked up a book from my shelf, and it changed everything.

Reading became my lifeline, offering me moments of peace and silence amidst the chaos.

It wasn't about escaping reality but finding a way to breathe and connect with something beyond my struggles.

This realization inspired me to create "Reading as Resistance." It's about the power of stories to heal and connect us.

I want to share this journey with others and explore how reading less can actually help us connect more deeply.

0:01 Introduction and purpose of the session

1:00 Personal background and project beginnings

1:57 Challenges faced during COVID-19

4:18 Coping with depression and finding solace in reading

6:14 The impact of reading on mental health

8:11 Concept of “Reading as Resistance”

12:19 Book of the month discussion

15:00 Goals for the year and community involvement

19:16 Challenges of speaking English and project updates

25:33 Idea of a mail club and unique book experiences

34:23 Interactive book concept

39:40 Personal reflections and future aspirations

Concept of “Reading as Resistance”

Here are the logos I made and would like your opinion on which one to choose for this space.

Book of the month discussion

The Book of the Month is “Never Let Me Go,” and invite you to join our discussion on the 29th.

Here you add it to you schedule :)

Goals for the year and community involvement

I collaborated with and the result was beyond anything I have hoped for.

As I mentioned in the live stream I would like to collaborate with you. If you are interested please write to this email: anapaulavaladez6@gmail.com

Subject: collaboration - reading as resistance

Body: your name + what is your substack about?

Idea of a mail club and unique book experiences

Now, let me tell you about my latest project, my dream has always been to write a book. It did not resonate with me to write and publish so I decided to create an immersive experience.

The concept is to create a book that unfolds through letters through out the year. Imagine receiving a chapter in the mail every month but I wanted to take it a step further what about if you could influence the ending.

So if you buy the story the person next to you will get a different ending. My goal is making reading a personal and engaging adventure. I'm excited to explore this new idea. I would really love to hear what you think about this.

This is the mail club I was talking about in the live stream, she is amazing and I got inspired just by looking at her videos.

Here is the book I was talking about and the community I now form a part of.

Throughout this journey, I want to build a community where we can collaborate and support each other.

Whether it's through reading, writing, or sharing ideas, I believe there's space for everyone to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Your support means the world, and I look forward to sharing more updates and experiences with you in the future.

See you next time,

Love,
Ana