The Slice: Molly Ella
on nature memoirs, slow living, and touching grass
I’m famously bad at down time. When I first moved to DC, I felt like a loser when my calendar wasn’t chock full. If I didn’t drown in work assignments, I worried I was falling behind.
I’ve gotten a lot better, but even still, that familiar feeling can resurface in quieter moments. I have to actively remind myself it is okay to just BE — even on days that aren’t crammed with socializing/exercising/working/generally “being productive.”
Moving to Berlin has been difficult, but ultimately really healthy in this regard. Since arriving in September, I’ve had to readjust to a different pace of life given the loose nature of my fellowship. For the first time possibly ever, I’ve had ample free time. For most (normal) people, this is a dream and a privilege. But historically, blank stretches of calendar freak me out.
I’ve (sort of) chilled out since then, but when I feel guilty for spending a whole day reading in a café or exploring a museum instead of “optimizing,” I find great comfort in
from Molly Ella.1Molly’s newsletter is dedicated to the art of “slow living” — the pursuit of a creative life that’s more intuitive and less productivity-obsessed. I loved her piece on quitting social media, and even her “About” page feels instructive as someone mired in the professional success hamster wheel.
Since leaving her “dream” job, Molly moved to the Scottish Highlands with her partner and dog and built a Tiny Home. She now works full time as a writer and content creator, sharing her love for all things slow living, with a particular focus on books and nature. I love her recommendations, and I think you will, too!
What are you reading right now and how did you choose it?
I’m currently reading two books, which is quite typical for me, as I like to read fiction alongside nonfiction.
The first is Bookworm – A Memoir of Childhood Reading by Lucy Mangan. I saw this mentioned in one of
’ YouTube videos as part of her “comfort book club” series. I was instantly sold as I’ve been revisiting some children’s classics myself and I’ve been really enjoying memoirs over the last year. Plus, the cover is gorgeous!In terms of fiction, I’m reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley, a mystery/thriller that I picked up in my local second-hand bookshop a few months ago.2 I’d heard good things about this author/book and tend to nab second hand copies when I see them!
What does a typical day of reading look like for you?
I like to start and end my day with reading. I tend to read some of my nonfiction over breakfast and save my fiction for the evenings and just before going to bed. Other than that, I can be found reading intermittently throughout the day e.g., when cooking (not always wise!) and whenever I feel the need for a quick brain reset (often after lunch). If I’m leaving the house, I always bring a book with me as it’s surprising how many reading opportunities arise e.g., whilst waiting at the hairdresser.
Where is your favorite place to snuggle up with a book?
My most common reading spots tend to be in bed or on the sofa with my dog Skye. I also like to read in the garden (when the weather is a little less cold than it is now), and when on the road in my newly converted camper van. Finally, I love reading in cafés as this always feels like a treat!
What book really surprised you?
It’s tricky to pick just one! I have to mention Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, which was one of the top 10 books I read last year.3 I was both surprised by the character of Eleanor, who is such a different voice than what I’ve read before, and by how much I loved it! In terms of surprising twists, I love the one in The Man That Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh, which is another favourite book!
How have you been able to focus more on books since deleting social media and embracing “slower” living?
For me, reading was one of the first hobbies I brought back into my life (after being an avid bookworm as a child) when I first started wanting to adopt a slower lifestyle. I mostly did this by borrowing books from my local library (as I was on a tight budget saving for our Tiny Home build), and this is still something I love to do now.
The number of books I read has significantly increased over the years and quitting social media (which I did in 2022 – apart from Substack and YouTube) has been a big part of that. I replaced the habit of checking my phone with reading a few lines from a book instead, which feels like a much more fulfilling way to spend my time! I’ve also noticed that my focus has improved tremendously since quitting these apps and I can now comfortably read for an hour, whereas before I would struggle to sit for more than 10 minutes at a time.
️🔥️🔥️🔥 Rapid fire! Book for…
Discussing over a steaming mug of tea with friends:
The Binding by Bridget Collins. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t adore it.
Reading on a snowy, winter’s eve:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is one of my all-time favourite books. Or anything with a Gothic vibe really!
Appreciating nature:
The Stubborn Light of Things by Melissa Harrison, purely because this demonstrates that nature can be found anywhere, if you take the time to notice it.
What is the most meaningful book you have read in the last few years?
I have to say The Salt Path by Raynor Winn as this was the book that first got me into reading nature memoirs — now a favourite genre. It’s an incredible story that demonstrates the healing power of nature.
I’ll also mention October, October by Katya Balen, a middle grade book that I read and loved last year, as I felt it really spoke to my wild inner child. It also made me cry!
For Bookpeach readers who can’t live in your cozy, Scottish cottage, do you have any smaller recommendations for incorporating slow living into our lives?
Although there is no official definition for slow living (at least, not one I’m aware of!), for me, this describes an intentional life where we try to notice the simple joys of everyday life. The best way I found to slow down has been to connect with the natural world around me. Even when I didn’t have as much time (i.e., in my previous conservation role), I’d find small pockets to venture outside or just observe from my window with a warm cuppa. It helps me keep perspective and find a sense of calm in this busy, modern world.
Huge thanks to Molly for being so generous with her answers! Be sure to follow her wonderful newsletter
for more ✨Do you have a book lover I should interview? Send me an email and I’ll be in touch! 💌
📚 On my shelf
La la la! Intermezzo continues!
I now really want to read Strangers to Ourselves after being gobsmacked by Rachel Aviv’s New Yorker reporting on Alice Munro.
📚 Links and things
Obsessed with this “Vows” column on two of the kids from School of Rock who grew up and got married! 🫶
Some recent discoveries from r/longreads if you’re in the mood for quality, long-form journalism:
My Family’s Slave (2017, Atlantic)
The Journalist Who the Nazis Couldn’t Silence (2024, Atavist)
A Suspense Novelist’s Trail of Deceptions (2019, New Yorker)
🛍️ Shopping daydreams as of late: the Rhode peptide lip tint, this dress for a Spring wedding, and these chunky Mary Janes from Cos
The winding, strange story of Trader Joe’s beloved babka 🥐
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
If you’re interested in unpacking our collective obsession with optimization, I recommend Jia Tolentino’s excellent essay on the subject in her book Trick Mirror. And
has been writing about this for a long time, too.This is definitely my favorite of Foley’s books! It’s fun and twisty.
I also really loved this book! It has so much heart.
I adore Molly! And I loved Trick Mirror and Braiding Sweetgrass. 💞👏