Is The Comfort Of Crows: A Backyard Year Available As A Free Novel?

Seeing the first clips of 'Rivals' made my whole weekend — the film is headlined by Lily Gladstone and Paul Mescal, and their casting absolutely sings. Lily brings that quiet, simmering intensity she showed before, and here she plays a character who’s equal parts restrained and volcanic; it’s the kind of role she can make feel lived-in in a single glance. Paul, on the other hand, gives this restless, magnetic performance that balances charm with a dangerous edge. Their scenes together crackle — you can feel decades of unspoken history and competition in tiny gestures, which is exactly what a story called 'Rivals' should be about. Beyond the two leads, the ensemble lifts the proceedings even higher. There are standout turns from Anya Taylor-Joy in a morally complicated supporting role and John Boyega as a disruptive catalyst who forces secrets into the open. The chemistry is layered, not just romantic rivalry but professional, familial, ideological. The film leans into mood and atmosphere: tight close-ups, slow builds, and dialogue that lands as much through silence as speech. From what I saw, it respects the source material's emotional beats while leaning into more cinematic, almost theatrical confrontations — which will please both readers of the book and film buffs who love slow-burn tension. On a personal note, watching Lily and Paul trade barbs and glances reminded me of those dueling-screen legends where two performers elevate each other with tiny adjustments — the audience becomes party to the game. I left the screening thinking about the subtleties of casting and how a single, perfectly chosen face can shift a whole narrative’s weight. If you’re into character-driven dramas with magnetic pairings, this one’s going to stick with you for days, at least it did with me.

Try treating 'The Daily Laws' like a friend you check in with every morning rather than a checklist you race through. I like to think of a year built around daily entries as a layered habit: daily nourishment, weekly focus, monthly experiments, and quarterly resets. Start simple — commit to reading the day's entry first thing, ideally with a short journaling moment afterward where you write one sentence about how the law fits your life today. That tiny habit of reading-plus-responding anchors the material in your real-world decisions instead of letting it stay abstract on the page. For the day-to-day mechanics, I use a weekly backbone to give the daily laws practical teeth. Pick a theme for each week that ties several entries together: leadership, patience, strategy, creativity, boundaries, etc. Read the daily law and then explicitly apply it to that week's theme—choose one concrete act to try each day (a conversation you’ll steer differently, a boundary you’ll enforce, a small creative risk). I also make two ritual days per week: one 'apply' day where I deliberately practice something hard and one 'observe' day where I step back and note consequences. Those ritual days keep me from just intellectualizing the lessons. Monthly structure is where the magic compounds. At the end of every month I do a 30–45 minute review: which laws actually changed my behavior, which ones felt inspiring but impractical, and where I resisted applying the advice. Then I set a single monthly experiment—something bigger than a daily act, like leading a project with a different style, running a tough conversation, or reframing a long-term goal through a new lens. I keep the experiment small enough to finish in weeks but consequential enough that I get clear feedback. Quarterly, I take a full weekend to synthesize patterns across months, drop what's not working, and choose new themes for the next quarter. That prevents the whole practice from becoming rote and lets seasonal life (busy work cycles, holidays, vacations) shape how you use the laws. Don't forget to build in rest and social layers: once a month, discuss the laws with a friend or in a small group and swap stories of successes and failures. That social pressure makes the practice stick and highlights blind spots you’d miss alone. Also give yourself 'no-law' days—times when you intentionally step out of self-optimization to recharge; the laws are tools, not shackles. Over time I mix in favorite rituals like pairing a particular playlist or a cup of tea with my reading so the habit becomes pleasurable. After a year of this, the entries stop feeling like rules and start feeling like a personalized toolbox I reach for instinctively, which is exactly what I enjoy about the whole process.

instant snacks, bingeable content, and always-on notifications—creates a world where small discomforts that used to teach us adaptability are shaved away. Over time that makes stressors feel louder and failure feel more catastrophic, because our internal tolerance for challenge is dulled. Physiologically it's interesting: moderate, controlled stressors (cold exposure, exercise, hard practice) trigger hormesis—the kind of biological and psychological adaptation that builds resilience. Mentally, facing little hardships teaches you to regulate emotion, tolerate uncertainty, and rehearse problem-solving. I've seen it in my own life when I deliberately lean into mild discomforts: the first week is irritating, the third week I'm quieter under pressure and less prone to panic. Books like 'Man's Search for Meaning' and 'Grit' highlight that hardship, framed with purpose, often becomes a source of growth rather than defeat. If you want practical lift, start small and consistent: unplugged evenings, waking up without a perfect routine, doing physical tasks that tire you without numbing you, or pursuing practice that deliberately breaches your comfort zone. Socially, leaning into honest conversations and small rejections builds a thicker skin for real setbacks. For me, choosing discomfort intentionally has been the most reliable way to feel capable—it's weirdly liberating to be less cushioned and more alive.

The phrase that punches through my brain every time I open 'Year of Yes' is the brutal little reversal Shonda lays out: 'I had said yes to things that made me uncomfortable and no to things that made me come alive.' That line — or the way I picture it — flips the usual script and makes saying yes feel like a muscle you can train. When I read it, I started keeping a tiny list of 'yeses' and 'nos' on my phone, and that habit nudged me into things I’d been avoiding: a poetry night, a trip with a person I admired, asking for feedback instead of waiting for validation. Another passage that really moves me is the one about bravery vs. comfort: 'You can be brave or comfortable; pick one.' It’s blunt and slightly delightful, because it gives permission to choose discomfort as a route to change. I used that line before leaving a long-term routine job that had shrunk me, and it sounds less dramatic typed out than it felt living it — but the quote distilled the choice into something nearly mechanical. It helped me set small, brave experiments (cold emails, a weekend workshop, a speech) so the big leap didn’t seem like free fall. Finally, there’s the quieter, almost tender bit about boundaries: 'Saying yes to yourself means sometimes saying no to others.' That one taught me that positive change isn’t just about adding flashy acts of courage; it’s about protecting time and energy for the things that actually matter. Between those three lines I found an ecosystem of change — courage, selectivity, and practice — and they still feel like a pep talk I can replay when I’m wobbling. I’m still a messy human, but those words light a path back to action for me.

When my niece turned ten last year, I went on a deep dive to find books that would spark her imagination without overwhelming her. 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' was an obvious pick—it’s got that perfect blend of magic and relatable school drama. But I also stumbled upon 'The Tale of Despereaux' by Kate DiCamillo, which surprised me with its lyrical prose and themes of bravery. Another gem? 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief'. It’s action-packed but never loses its humor, making Greek myths feel like a playground adventure. For quieter readers, 'The One and Only Ivan' tugs at heartstrings with its gentle storytelling. What really struck me was how these books don’t talk down to kids—they respect their intelligence while keeping the wonder alive.

As we dive into this year, a bunch of incredible film marauders are making waves! A thrilling standout is 'John Wick: Chapter 4' - if you haven’t seen it yet, buckle up! The action is heart-pounding, and Keanu Reeves truly takes this franchise to new heights, juggling emotional depth with over-the-top action sequences. One of the things I love most about this movie is how it weaves in diverse international settings, showcasing different cultures while delivering those trademark intense moments we love. You are going to want to watch it just to see the breathtaking cinematography alone! Then there's 'The Batman' which reimagines our beloved caped crusader through a gritty lens. Robert Pattinson doesn’t just play a role; he embodies the darkness of Gotham. The tension keeps you on the edge of your seat! What I particularly enjoyed was the film’s focus on detective work, which just feels so much more engaging than the usual “punch-happy” approach we see in superhero flicks. Plus, the noir aesthetic draws you right in, almost like reading a gripping graphic novel. Another mention worthy in this chaotic cinematic landscape is 'Bullet Train'. Brad Pitt alongside an amazing cast takes on a wild, and often humorous ride full of unexpected twists. The film is like a mix of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and an action-packed anime. You’ll catch yourself laughing one moment and gasping the next! It’s fantastic how it plays with its characters’ backstories, which makes each surprise all the more impactful. What a way to enjoy the year’s lineup!

Let me tell you, this year has been a treasure trove for anthologies! One that really stands out is 'The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2023.' Edited by the phenomenal N. K. Jemisin, this collection is bursting with creativity. You’d feel like you’re flung into different worlds with every turn of the page! What grabbed my attention were the fresh voices alongside established authors. It’s not just about stories; it’s a celebration of diverse perspectives, which makes it all the more exciting. The way the anthology is structured draws you in – each story feels like a little adventure, and whether it’s a heartwarming tale or something more intense, you’re bound to find something that resonates. Trust me, once you read it, you’ll want to discuss it with friends for days. There's a certain joy in analyzing the themes and styles; it sparks such invigorating conversations. This anthology will not only enhance your year but broaden your appreciation for the genre as a whole!

It's kind of wild to think about how long Taylor Swift has been in the spotlight! Her first hit, 'Tim McGraw,' came out in 2006, and I can remember listening to it on repeat. At that time, I was still a teen grappling with crushes and heartache, and her lyrics resonated so deeply. The blend of country sounds and relatable storytelling was refreshing. I still recall hanging out with friends, talking about school dramas, and singing along at the top of our lungs to that song. It was like our anthem! What's fascinating about that release is how it signaled a shift in country music's crossover appeal into the pop genre. Swift has managed to touch on so many themes throughout her career, evolving from those sweet, innocent love stories to more complex narratives about personal growth and resilience. 'Tim McGraw' wasn't just a hit; it was the beginning of a phenomenal journey that showcased her talent and versatility, making her a household name. It feels surreal, considering how she has transformed and pushed boundaries since then. For many of us, it’s a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and how music can shape our experiences. Even now, whenever that song comes on, I can’t help but smile and reminisce about those carefree days!